I
n reviewing terms, I worked
my way through the ranks to
arrive at this Absolute 60 test –
having ‘graduated’ via my past
experiences on the 40 and 50
versions.
If memory serves, those boats drew
nothing but praise, so it was a pleasant
surprise to find this larger boat is the
best so far.
And it’s not even the longest model
in the range, so maybe there are even
more surprises to come?THE BUILDER
Over the years, Absolute has risen to
become a significant player in the
luxury powerboat scene, and in many
ways, its ascension must be galling to
some long-established marques.
Based in Piacenza, south of Milan,
the company was established in 2002
when founders, Marcello Bè and Sergio
Maggi, left renowned builder Gobbi to
strike out on their own.
In just 15 years the pair have grown
Absolute from their Italian base in to
be amongst the largest builders in the
world big boat market.
Along the way, their innovative
designs have picked up international
awards for excellence, confirming the
company’s goal to produce world-class
vessels capable of performing in varied
conditions around the globe.
Although a landlocked town 100km
from the coast might seem a strangeplace for a shipyard, I’m told the secret
is being close to supply chains for a lot
of raw materials – so we can assume
the highway system around Genoa is
better than ours.
Plus, cheap industrial acreage on the
Italian coast is almost non-existent.
Right from the start, Absolute hulls
are designed around Volvo’s IPS drives,
so all models in the range – apart
from the 40 Fly – use this rotating pod
system to achieve economy of fuel and
precise docking.
As much as 30 per cent better
fuel economy is claimed, and that
should make significant savings on
running costs, even when factoring in
extra maintenance the pods seem to
demand.
Absolute’s ‘Integrated Structural
System’ of construction bonds the
internal bulkheads, sandwich walls and
floor of the interior to a hand-laid hull
to form a rigid and robust entity.
Benefits include more living space,
improved sound insulation and
reduced vibration.THE LOOK
From certain angles, a set of large
mirrored windows along the sides of
the salon create the impression of a
lightweight flybridge floating freely
above the deep side of the hull.
Bright white sides are intersected by
large dark windows in the master and
bow cabins, which afford wonderfulMAIN Glass, and the light it lets in, are a major design focus of the 60 Fly making it
stand out among locally made boats.
TOP The bridge helm is kept compact and simple to allow more space up top.
L-R The long bridge offers ample space and includes a small wet-bar while also
providing excellent weather protection for the downstairs cockpit.Absolute 60 Flybridgetradeboats.com.au 41