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Here the teak-clad deck is shaded by the
flybridge extension and a bench lies across the
transom. Sliding doors lead into the saloon,
which is a light-filled area thanks to vertical
bulkheads that contain large windows, with
dinette at the rear.
The galley is to port and features a front
bulkhead that doubles as the base for the helm
seat, beside which you'll find stairs down to
the accommodation.
The vertical outside bulkheads pay off in the
saloon by maximising the volume and usable
space so there are lots of cupboards around the
galley and elsewhere. A bench seat to starboard
adjoins the rectangular wooden dinette table that
dominates the floor space; there's an option for a
second bench to port as well. Cleverly, one bench
houses a sofa bed. The cockpit and saloon flow
seamlessly at the same level, before a step elevates
the steering position.
In the galley, cooking takes place on a three
burner gas hob (or an electric option) with oven,
and there's space for a microwave (run off the
optional 7.5kVA generator which can also power
the air conditioning). The L-shaped Corian
worktops create ample working room, including
space for a double sink and fiddles to stop the
cups from rolling off.
Another good feature for tropical cruisers is the
perishables storage, made up of four refrigerated
drawers on the review boat. Other options
include a small dishwasher and cupboard spaceat the bottom of the accommodation stairs for a
washing machine; ideal for long-term living.
Up front the main steering console is raised
and has a double bench seat with starboard-
side door for easy deck access and another door
through the waist high bulwark for boarding –
another practical addition. Cleverly, the double
seat pivots forward to create more bench space in
the galley below.
The instrument layout on our review boat had
twin Raymarine plotter screens and autopilot.
Beside the throttles were two joysticks for the
fore and aft thrusters; a useful option given
the windage created by the tall superstructure
and the limited manoeuvrability of shaft
drive engines. On one screen was Beneteau's