Good times ahead in the new Palm Beach GT50

Posted on June 3, 2019 by World Sports Boats

Palm Beach started the 2019 season under a wave of new creative enthusiasm for a new line of yachts, branded as the GT series. The first of the new exciting line up is the GT50, later to be joined by a proposed GT60 and GT70. “For me, the GT50 represents a merger of 35 years of boatbuilding passion and design experience to create a very exciting new series, with a clear goal of creating the most efficient powerboat in the world today. Watch this space for more.” – Palm Beach Motor Yachts CEO Mark Richards.

Palm Beach has always had a meticulous focus on designing strong lightweight vessels that enable them to deliver class-leading efficiencies with fuel and cruising speeds. It’s in their superstructure that they excel with infused carbon fibre and bulkheads that are structurally bonded to the hull to increase rigidity and enhance performance in rough conditions.

Marry this to a pair of sophisticated lightweight twin 600 HP Volvo Penta D8 diesels connected to IPS800 pod drives and you quickly understand why efficient high-speed performance is at the heart of the GT50. A 35-knot cruise burns a combined 40 gallons of fuel per hour and if you want greater distances, you can slow to 25 knots and burn just 24 gph, which equates to roughly 1.3 miles per gallon, figures worthy of a round of applause.

The GT50 sports a great wrap around windscreen giving a sense of light and space within the cockpit. The deck of the GT50 sets the scene for comfort and style. Twin settees face each other over an optional table and additional corner seating is in the cockpit on either side of the transom door that leads out to a generously proportioned swim platform.

The helm is a carbon tableau just ahead of the captain’s seat—a bench on the bottom with individual seat backs and headrests. A single multi-function display and a Volvo engine screen are tucked under the rounded hood that cuts down on windshield glare. The wheel is offset to port with the throttles just to the right.

To port is another double companion seat and overhead is the Palm Beach signature sunroof. Combine this with opening aft windows and the Express has all the breezy ambience of the Open but adds a bit of protection from the elements at the same time.

Two staterooms separated by an L-shaped galley share a head with an enclosed shower. The master is forward with a large centerline bed that has drawer storage below and a hatch above for ventilation. The aft cabin has a queen-sized berth down low on the sole and will be perfect for occasional guests or kids.

The galley has ample solid-surface countertops for two people to prepare meals simultaneously while the overhead hatch vents heat and cooking odours. Because the galley is only four steps down from the salon and helm, the chef will never feel isolated as he turns out proper party fare.

Contemporary interior finishes, light surfaces and headliners bring a sense of open and elegant space onboard the GT50. Add tenacious speed that’s simple to control and operate at 40 knots top speed or 35 knots cruising speed and you quickly realise you are powering through the sea in a class-leading GT series yacht from Palm Beach.