70 November 2017
ontest
they are looking at installing a padeye on
the aft deck to help close off the transom.
Again this is something an owner could
specify – the new 66, for example, has aft
guardrails too.
Inviting yet seaworthy
Building in Turkey is realtively inexpensive,
which enables PC Yachts to commission
bespoke fit-outs without it costing too
much extra, says Speirs. In reality, few
owners are likely to want to change the
optimal three-cabin layout, so the
semi-custom decisions boil down to how
clients want the owner’s cabin laid out and
the style of the finish.
The test boat was finished in a bright
New England style that I really liked. The
super-light, beach house feel is refreshing
for hot climates but still retains a
welcoming ambiance. Tongue-and-groove
cladding on the deckheads and bulkheads
complements the teak veneer finish to the
furniture. And the traditional raised
panelling is painted white, which looks
fresh. Owners can, however, choose a
more classic timber finish, or a modern
carbon look.
Styling apart, you soon appreciate that
the PC55 is a well thought-out sailor’s
yacht. Even though it feels light and
airy, there are no open spaces devoid of
handholds. The fiddles on all worktops
and tables are deep and solid.
A particularly smart aspect about the
layout is the centrally located engine,something Hoek insisted on for best
weight management. This also serves
to open up space in the aft cabins.
The engine cover at the foot of the
companionway includes fiddles and
a drawer on the top. The aft section
hinges away like a car bonnet to offer full
accessibility for maintenance.
The choice of Yanmar’s new common
rail diesel is a smart one for its quiet
and efficient performance and I also like
that it can power an emergency bilge
pump. The housing is well insulated. but
the location of the engine could create
noise issues if motoring a lot. The fuel
management system includes a day tank
and three tanks (totalling 500lt) installed
neatly abaft the companionway steps.Filters and fuel
management
system located
under the
companionway
stepsontest: PC55