ABSOLUTE NAVETTA 53 the new layout is even more elegant, with a truly unique style
The navetta is a cruising yacht characterized by a displacement or, increasingly in modern yachts, semi-planing hull. Its design has ancient origins in deep-sea fishing boats. Today, the term navetta has found its rightful connotation with the shipyard Italian ABSOLUTE. Unsurprisingly, all the models in the shipyard’s range, from the NAVETTA 48 to the NAVETTA 75, are best-sellers that continue to enjoy worldwide success.
One of the Navetta 53’s strong points is its habitability: generous spaces and large windows offer an immersive sea view. Thanks to the use of a few steps, high ceilings and sliding doors, the interior space is truly impressive. We reported on this new model in our previous article: “ABSOLUTE 53 exceeds comfort standards“and we couldn’t wait to try her out at sea.
The opportunity presented itself during the last days of July in the splendid Marina di Varazze, where Ligur Nautica, the historic ABSOLUTE dealer, was waiting for us.
As soon as I step aboard this new ABSOLUTE Navetta 53, I realize how space and brightness are the absolute protagonists on board.
The cockpit’s perception of “openness” is amplified by the presence of the rear glass railing and the opening of the side windows. A glass pantograph door and porthole provide convenient access to the trunk or fourth rear cabin. Everything is positioned according to a design typical of the shipyard, which, each time it updates its models or introduces a new one, manages to surprise with solutions that considerably improve the onboard experience. In the new aft cockpit, we find much more space, fitted out with removable sofas where everyone can manage the area as they wish. Thanks to a range of optional furniture, it’s possible to have different layouts to suit different needs. The new, even wider windows give the sensation of experiencing the sea at 360 degrees without obstacles; from every part of the main deck, the panorama is fantastic.
Interiors
The description of the interiors can be summed up in a single word: the materials and their form are impeccable, the attention to detail belongs to another era, when boats were built by talented craftsmen. Entering through the large sliding door, we find the main salon, with its 360-degree panoramic view, enveloping guests in an embrace of light and space. The elegant environment is characterized by meticulous furnishings and a well-equipped galley, harmoniously integrated into the cockpit. The modern, ergonomic helm station offers a high level of technology and the option of a comfortable starboard side door for autonomous navigation maneuvers. Two enormous sofas, one on the right-hand side where the retractable TV is located, and a second in an L-shape, create a space suitable for relaxing or dining with friends, with plenty of room to spare. The central table with flap allows six guests to dine in comfort, while enjoying sea views from either side.
Moving forward, we find the steering console with a single seat, and next to it, the access door to the passavant. Two large GARMIN displays provide all the information needed for navigation, and the large windscreen, combined with the two curved side windows, allows blind-spot-free driving with great visibility. Style and comfort are further enhanced by rounded corners and refined details, such as the leather inserts embellishing the handrails and door handles.
Moving down to the lower deck, we discover the night zone, with a VIP cabin forward featuring a three-quarter bed and en-suite bathroom with shower. A cabin on the starboard side with two single beds and, in the middle of the boat, after descending two more steps, the large, very high owner’s cabin with a double bed of notable dimensions, equipped with a bathroom with separate shower. The two huge windows on the sides illuminate the whole space, making the area very bright.
The exteriors of the ABSOLUTE NAVETTA 53
Moving forward, the gangway is a good size, and you feel protected thanks to the high wall which, combined with the railing, makes it easy to cross from the stern. The large central sundeck is accompanied by a sofa at the front, and between the two is a table that can be used for dining or enjoying an aperitif while taking in the panorama. The whole area can be shaded by a canvas with carbon support poles, with an additional canvas to create shade on the sides too. The area at the extreme bow, dedicated to anchoring and mooring, is very easy to maneuver thanks to the two bollards, very close to each other, which allow the hatches to be moored without dirtying the entire deck.
Returning aft, I climb the stairs to the flybridge of this ABSOLUTE NAVETTA 53, and here too I find space and an unobstructed 360-degree view. The helm station is centrally positioned, and here too we find a single seat. The sundeck and sofas surround the entire front area, while at the rear we find space for sun loungers. Between the two areas, the shipyard has placed a cabinet on the port side equipped with a sink and fold-down faucet, a Corian worktop and a locker with the option of selecting an ice maker with refrigerated cooler, grill and refrigerator. The ABSOLUTE NAVETTA 53 is also available with a fiberglass Hard-Top, with electric Soft-Top and microfiber-covered ceiling, or with a photovoltaic solar panel system.
Sea trial of the ABSOLUTE NAVETTA 53
We leave the moorings, and the maneuver is really simple. The 360° visibility from the helm console makes the sailing experience extremely comfortable, thanks to the large windows on the main deck and the aft cockpit, which presents no obstructions to the view. The two side pillars are rounded to improve visibility to the sides as well, and the ergonomic pilot seat with fold-down backrest offers the option of installing a sliding leather double seat.
This ABSOLUTE NAVETTA 53 is powered by two VOLVO D6 IPS 650 engines (2 x 480 HP). I use the joystick to maneuver and I have to say that, even if the exit channel isn’t very wide, the hull reacts perfectly to my movements. As soon as we leave the Marina di Varazze, I accelerate from 600 rpm to 2500 to get a little further from the shore; the sea is very calm and there’s no wind today.
At 11 knots, the boat glides and accelerates; fuel consumption is 77 l/h and with 30% fuel in the tanks, we have 7.5 hours of range with an engine load of 58%. I switch to cruising speed, which stabilizes at around 18 knots at 3200 rpm; fuel consumption is 133 l/h, with a range of 4.5 hours and an engine load of 78%. Everything is extremely light, the boat sails in optimal conditions, and interior noise is virtually non-existent. I reach top speed, and at 3500 rpm we’re at 24 knots with a fuel consumption of 162 l/h, the engine load is at 90% and at this speed our range is still 3.7 hours.
The ABSOLUTE NAVETTA 53 impresses, because as well as being aesthetically beautiful, it also has an excellent hull offering unique seaworthiness. When I try to turn sharply and reverse course several times, it’s impressive to see how easily the hull adapts to these changes.
I reduce speed to enjoy the sailing and savour the sea air, which is fresh today despite the summer day, by opening the sliding door on the side of the steering console. We make it back to port, and even the mooring maneuver is incredibly easy, thanks to the outdoor station, which gives us even better visibility aft.
Test data
rpm Speed Consumption in l/h Consumption in L/Mgl Operating range Engine load
600 2,7 2.5 l/h 1,08 200
1000 4,8 7,6 1,58 74 30%
1500 7 17,8 2,54 33 34%
2000 9,1 38 4,17 15 40%
2500 11 77 7 7,5 58%
2800 12,7 100 8 6 67%
3000 15 120 8 4,5 72%
3200 18,5 133 7,18 4 78%
3400 20,5 152 7,41 3,8 88%
3500 21,5 162 7,53 3,6 90%
ABSOLUTE NAVETTA 53 – Technical Specifications
Overall length
15,98 m
Width
4,65 m
Freshwater capacity
600 lt
Fuel capacity
2.000 lt
Passenger capacity
14
Category
B
Motors
Volvo Penta 2×D6-IPS650
