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Fjord 52 Open (2020-)

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Brief Summary

The Fjord 52 Open is a center console on luxury steroids. Technically, it should be considered a dayboat, but it has two double sleeping cabins, an optional tender garage, and twin Volvo Penta IPS700 diesels with a 550 gallon fuel capacity, so it has the ability to move well beyond coastal waters.

Individually hand-built for the client by Hanse Yachts’ boatbuilding craftsmen in Germany, every single Fjord 52 Open is a unique, beautifully customized one-off.

Key Features

  • CE Category B
  • 18 passenger capacity
  • Twin Volvo Penta IPS700 diesels
  • Two-cabin layout sleeps 4
  • Swim platform with hydraulic option

Specifications

Length Overall 52'5"
15.98 m
Beam 15'9"
4.81 m
Dry Weight 39,242 lbs.
17,800 kg
Draft 3' 10"
1.18 m
Fuel Capacity 549 gal.
2,080 L
Water Capacity 103 gal.
390 L

Engine Options

Opt. Power 2 x Volvo Penta IPS 800 diesels
3 x Volvo Penta IPS 650 diesels

Captain's Report

Editor’s Report by Capt. Peter d’Anjou

profile

The Fjord 52 Open is a fiberglass center console powered by twin Volvo Penta IPS700 diesels (550-hp each) with joystick control.

Mission

The Fjord 52 Open is not only Fjord’s flagship but it has also become a world-wide reference for center console 50' luxury day boats. It’s mission is as an elegant dayboat capable of hosting a large party of guests or as a weekend or overnight boat for two couples.

BoatTEST has not tested the Fjord 52 Open at the time of this report.

Distinguishing Features

  • Optional tender garage fits Williams Jet Tender 285

Major Features

  • On-deck galley
  • Master cabin with ensuite and walk-in closet
  • T-top with mechanized shade

Design

standard layouts

The standard layout (top) has a single-level deck, configurable cockpit seating, and three helm chairs. The optional deck layout (below) includes a toy garage below, an aft sun pad that is capable of housing a Williams Jet Tender 285, and a hydraulic swim platform.

Fjord had established a distinct look of sharp edges, plumb bows, and horizontal lines in their six preceding models from 36' (10.97 m) and above and wanted a ‘stretch’ luxury dayboat as their flagship. Patrick Banfield, who originally designed the boat as the 48 Open in 2015, kept the essence of the company’s trademark lines, sprinkled in luxury accommodations and added a swim platform to create the 52 Open.

layouts

Below deck, the standard layout (left) is a single shared head with standup shower stall and a walk-in closet in the master. There is an option for a second head dedicated to the guest twin-bunk cabin in place of the walk-in closet in the master. For those looking for 40-knot speeds, a third engine option is also available.

bow

A raised cabin trunk design from the helm forward provides standing headroom in the master.

Fjord wants each owner to feel unique, so there is a wide variety of finishes and trims to be chosen. Different colored flooring, lacquered walls and doors in contrasting colors, and several choices of wood finish, along with upholstery that can be varied both in the interior and on deck allow the yacht to be customized.

Construction

Hanse, which acquired Fjord back in 2007, builds the boats in Greifswald, Germany.

The GRP hull is vacuum-infused with an isophthalic gelcoat finish. The first layer of resin is vinyl ester.

Specifications

The Fjord 52 Open has an LOA of 52’5” (15.98 m), a beam of 15’9” (4.81 m), and a draft of 3’10” (1.18 m). The boat has a dry weight of 39,242 lbs. (17,800 kg).

The diesel fuel capacity is 549 gallons (2,080 L) and the freshwater capacity is 103 gallons (390 L).

Bow

bow

The step in the bow covers the anchor locker, which is revealed at the touch of a button.

The raised cabin top in front of the windshield serves as a bow sun pad. When the pads are removed, a skylight and opening hatches for the master cabin are revealed. At the forward end of the sunpad is a bench facing the anchor station.

anchor

The anchor roller for the Delta plow anchor is automated and deploys up and over the bow at the touch of another button.

cleats

Eight styled pull-up cleats adorn the gunwale around the boat.

Helm

helm

The raised cabin trunk anchors the windshield in front of the helm. The large mullions used to support the windshield don’t appear to be a problem where sightlines are concerned.

The helm is equipped with three comfortable seats that can be folded upwards allowing the helmsperson to stand when maneuvering.

helm

A tilt wheel and joystick control for the IPS pods provide steering control underway and while maneuvering, respectively.

Master Cabin

deck plan

The standard below-deck layout calls for two cabins and a shared head.

master cabin

The raised cabin trunk provides headroom in the master cabin. It also provides space for six opening portlights and three overhead hatches (2 which open) for light and ventilation.

The master cabin has an island berth located in the bow. Depending on layout, the master features a walk-in wardrobe and shared ensuite – or a second dedicated ensuite for the guest cabin in place of the wardrobe, making the head in the master a private ensuite.

door

The companionway has a short passageway at the bottom of the stairs. The door to the left of the stairs leads to the guest cabin, the one on the right by the TV leads to the master ensuite. The walk-in closet door stands open. Décor is owner-specified.

Ensuite

head

A glass door separates the shower stall from the rest of the head compartment.

shower

The 52 Open’s rainhead shower is complemented by a handheld wand. The shower stall also includes a comfort seat with wood cover.

The ensuite includes a shower stall behind a glass door. There is a single opening port in the head for natural light and ventilation. The electric toilet is connected to a 52 gallon (200 L) holding tank.

Guest Cabin

twin beds

A private ensuite for the guest cabin is an option. Deluxe mattresses are standard.

The guest cabin has twin berths with a nightstand between them, a wardrobe, and storage.

Cockpit

table

This is the standard cockpit layout for the 52 Open.

cockpit

This is the cockpit layout when the tender garage option is chosen.

cockpit seats

The dining tables lower and the cockpit seating converts into a large sun pad.

cockpit seats

The cockpit seats have flip bolsters to accommodate facing forward.

The cockpit has an outdoor galley under the overhang of the T-top that divides the cockpit seating from the helm. The arrangement provides a passageway outboard to either side of the seating for optimal flow and access.

grill

An outdoor galley holds a cooktop or grill, sink, storage, and fridge and freezer. The cabinet can be painted any color chosen by the owner.

t top

The T-top has a mechanized canvas extension that extends over the dining area.

The main deck of the 52 Open is one-level and a variety of flooring options including natural to faux teak are available.

Swim Platform

running

The transom of the 52 Open is the logical place to board the boat.

tender

This optional tender garage is usually ordered with the hydraulic swim platform so the tender is easy to pull out and launch.

sun pad

The tender bay has a sun pad on top, a Williams Jet tender 285 inside, and has a central roller for sliding the tender onto the platform for launching. Note the built-in steps under the transom to assist boarding from the lowered platform.

The swim platform is two steps down from the main deck.

Equipment Discussion

engines

Optional Volvo Penta IPS800 engines provide a speed of 36 knots, according to the builder.

Engine Options

  • 2 x Volvo Penta IPS 800 diesels
  • 3 x Volvo Penta IPS 650 diesels
  • A Fisher Panda 4kW generator is standard equipment.

Price

The base price is in the $1.2 million range.

Optional Equipment to Consider

See dealer.

Observations

sun pad

The 52 Open’s high bulwarks and wide teak-covered side decks provide a measure of safety.

The Fjord 52 Open is a luxurious dayboat with space for friends and family - suitable for a jaunt along the coast or a weekend away.

The 52 Open is wide with nearly a 16' (4.88 m) beam and heavy at 39,242 lbs. (17,800 kg). She looks to ride well from what we’ve seen but we are looking forward to seeing how well in a future full inspection and test. At this size and elegance, this is a unique center console.

led lights

LED underwater lighting is an option.

Fjord boats are distributed by:

FJORD North America

44 Merrimac St.

Newburyport MA. 01950

Tel.: 978-239-6568