This sophisticated new model takes the flybridge cruiser concept to new heights.
By Jeanne Craig
This English builder developed its Phantom line of flybridge cruisers for those experienced boat owners who are ready to move up a notch (or more) in style, quality, performance and, yes, price. Fairline already has a 40- and 50-footer in this series of family cruisers. Its new 48 bridges the gap between those existing models, but that's just part of its mission. With a full-beam master stateroom amidships rather than forward and a galley located down, the 48's floor plan is distinctive from a number of other flybridge designs in this class.
Fairline's 50 has the more modern galley up layout, but the builder went with a galley down on the 48 for the simple reason that there are people who prefer this traditional arrangement. Cooks who want a little privacy will like this area, particularly since it gets plenty of light from the massive windows above and to the sides.
Throughout the interior, the look of the 48 is nothing less than smart and contemporary. As many European builders are now doing, Fairline is perfecting its own linear style in the cabin, with many straight edges and sharp corners. Curves, it seems, are a thing of the past, and that could be for good reason: The tighter lines on the 48 seem to create more usable space, which is an attractive feature in a boat designed to accommodate a family. There are three staterooms and two heads on board.
As on all Fairlines, the details are top-notch, from the excellent joinerwork and flawless white oak cabinetry (cherry is offered as well), to the leather (not to be confused with Ultraleather) settees. There are trick features, too, including the salon table that can be raised to one of three different heights with the flick of a switch. Take it all the way up to bar height when the hook is down and the crew convenes in the salon to enjoy the view aft through the sliding glass doors.
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TRENDSETTER. The very contemporary salon. |
| Fairline 48 |
| Specifications |
| Price (w/test power) |
$1,272,960 |
| LOA |
49'10" |
| Beam |
14'8" |
| Draft |
3'8" |
| Weight(dry) |
30,700 lbs. |
| Transom Deadrise |
18 degrees |
| Fuel |
440 gals. |
| Water |
132 gals. | |
| Performance |
| TEST POWER: (2) 575 hp Volvo Penta D9 EVC diesel engines. Performance data supplied by Fairline. |
| RPM |
KNOTS |
MPH |
GPH |
| 800 |
7.4 |
8.5 |
3.8 |
| 1000 |
8.1 |
9.3 |
6.8 |
| 1200 |
9.3 |
10.6 |
11.6 |
| 1400 |
10.2 |
11.7 |
17.4 |
| 1600 |
11.9 |
13.6 |
23.6 |
| 1800 |
16.4 |
18.8 |
30.0 |
| 2000 |
22.0 |
25.3 |
37.0 |
| 2200 |
25.8 |
29.7 |
43.8 |
| 2400 |
29.0 |
33.3 |
51.6 |
| 2506 |
30.3 |
34.8 |
56.0 |
SURE AND STEADY: We ran the 48 in the Atlantic Ocean off Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Unfortunately, the bottom of our test boat had not been cleaned for a few months, and that affected speeds. We measured just 21 knots at wide-open throttle, but according to Fairline, the boat will hit 30.3 knots (see the company's performance data above). Nevertheless, the 48 handled very nimbly. She turned within about two boat lengths at top end with minimal effort, and when coming out of high-speed turns, she was quick to recover. The modified deep-V hull felt solid at all times.
TOP OF THE WORLD: We ran the boat from the flybridge helm, which is the best seat aboard on a good weather day. It may be a challenge for the driver to see the starboard aft quarter when it's time to dock, but that shouldn't be a problem if you have a crew member stationed aft for support.
Fairline Boats Ltd., www.fairline.com |
Other Sea Trials featured this month:
- More Electronics from past issues.
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