The Palm Beach GT50 Open: Efficiency, performance and style now also in Europe

by Palm Beach Motor Yachts 12 Sep 2019 23:39 AEST

• The yacht is capable of 40-plus knots, with an economic cruise speed of 35 knots
• The specific goal of the GT50 Open is to embrace the sea with simplicity so owners can enjoy more time on the water
• A hyper-focus on lightweight, strong construction helps to ensure the GT series' efficiency
• Contemporary finishes blend into a timeless elegance
• Development is under way for additional models in the GT Series for FY 2019 introduction

Palm Beach Motor Yachts introduced its GT50 Open to Europe at the Cannes Yachting Festival. Following on the heels of her successful world debut at the Miami Yacht Show last February, the GT50 Open has an open main-deck arrangement that deepens the connection with the sea for her owners and guests, and combines it with the well-matched hull and propulsion package that places the GT series of yachts in a performance class all their own.

"The GT50 was conceived as a vessel that would allow Palm Beach Motor Yachts to really push the envelope in terms of our hallmark traits of performance and efficiency," says Mark Richards, Palm Beach Motor Yachts founder and CEO. "She also brings to market a new aesthetic for the brand that is still elegant and timeless, while also showcasing simplicity in design where form and function complement each other, rather than one dictating the other."

The design is hard to miss: Beneath a forward-swept radar arch, an amidships social area has facing settees: An L-shaped settee to port is served by a dining table, while a straight settee to starboard adds to the gathering space. Forward is the command station to starboard, served by helm and companion seats, while a pair of additional forward-facing companion seats are positioned to port at the same elevated height to enjoy excellent lines of sight. A carbon-fiber-framed windscreen wraps around the area, allowing the crew to enjoy the day in comfort even as the boat realizes her exhilarating performance. A removeable sun awning provides shelter when needed but disappears when not in use. On the helm deck, the forward-facing seating for four allows everyone to enjoy the ride.

In keeping with the design philosophy of strong, lightweight hulls with exciting, efficient performance, Palm Beach uses carbon-fiber decks to lower the weight as well as the vertical center of gravity to help improve stability and performance even further.

The GT series comprises elegant cruising yachts that are easy to own and simple to operate, and are also capable of 40-plus knots, with an economic cruise speed of 35 knots.

"Having a 50-foot yacht that uses only 151 liters (40 gallons) between both engines at a 35-knot cruising speed in unheard of in the industry," Richards says. "The power of the GT50 is effortless all the way to her top speed of 40-plus knots."

A hyper-focus on lightweight, strong construction helps to ensure the GT50 Open's efficiency. The hull is a cored e-glass construction that is fully infused with vinylester resin that is complemented by a fully infused, 100-percent carbon fiber deck and superstructure. The bulkheads and deck are bonded to the hull structurally for increased strength and rigidity, forming a semi-monocoque shell that produces a far stronger result.

"The GT50 is designed to be owner-operated, with easy-to-use systems, and minimal maintenance," Richards says. "We want to maximize the owner's time and fun on the water, by minimizing fussing around at the dock. Boats are bought to be enjoyed, so we designed one that is sure to be enjoyed by everyone that steps aboard. Behind the helm of the GT50, you can't help but grin and enjoy yourself, it's guaranteed."

The cockpit features an additional refrigerator and an ice maker to complement the full-service galley below. Side decks are designed to join the cockpit seamlessly to allow for safe and easy access forward.

Below, the attention to detail continues with contemporary finishes blended into a timeless elegance. Designer double-stitched fabrics enrobe a spacious forward master stateroom. There is a huge head with shower, a large galley, and a queen-sized berth aft. Engine access is beneath the helm deck via an electrically actuated sole hatch.

"Everyone's enjoyment is measured differently, whether it is beating everyone else to the destination, cruising past all the others at the fuel dock because your tanks are still full, or whether the journey of boating is the destination and the customer wants to enjoy every inch of their yacht," Richards says. "That also means making the yachts easy to use and simple to maintain. It's reaching for something that is right where you expect it to be, it's appreciating the little things that someone has thought about for you."

Palm Beach is under way on developing additional models for the GT line, including a GT60. Performance projections of the 60 are calling for close to 50 knot top-end, marking the model as a true industry game-changer. A GT70 is also in the design stages and will follow the introduction of the GT60.