Brief Summary
The Navetta 48 is the smallest of Absolute’s Navetta line-up. However, her comfort level, generous beam, and layout belies her size. She feels like a bigger yacht, and with a proven semi-displacement hull and twin Volvo Penta IPS600s, she can cruise at a respectable speed with competent handling characteristics. Accommodations include a unique layout with a forward master suite that allows access to the double berth on both sides and two guest staterooms. The aft deck, forward lounge area and upper deck provide al fresco social space for entertaining family and friends.
Test Results
| RPM |
MPH |
Knots |
GPH |
MPG |
NMPG |
SM |
NM |
dBa |
| 600 |
3.5 |
3 |
0.7 |
5.3 |
4.6 |
2274 |
1977.2 |
58 |
| 1000 |
5.4 |
4.7 |
1.6 |
3.4 |
2.9 |
1446 |
1257.3 |
60 |
| 1250 |
7.1 |
6.1 |
2.3 |
3.1 |
2.7 |
1313 |
1141.9 |
58 |
| 1500 |
8.5 |
7.3 |
5.5 |
1.5 |
1.3 |
658 |
572.3 |
61 |
| 1750 |
9.4 |
8.1 |
7.6 |
1.2 |
1.1 |
527 |
458.3 |
62 |
| 2000 |
10.9 |
9.4 |
10.5 |
1 |
0.9 |
443 |
384.9 |
63 |
| 2200 |
12 |
10.4 |
14.5 |
0.8 |
0.7 |
353 |
307 |
65 |
| 2400 |
13 |
11.3 |
18.5 |
0.7 |
0.6 |
300 |
260.8 |
69 |
| 2600 |
15.4 |
13.4 |
23.5 |
0.7 |
0.6 |
281 |
244.1 |
65 |
| 2800 |
17.9 |
15.5 |
26.5 |
0.7 |
0.6 |
289 |
250.9 |
67 |
| 3000 |
21.6 |
18.7 |
29.5 |
0.7 |
0.6 |
313 |
272.1 |
68 |
| 3200 |
24.2 |
21 |
34.5 |
0.7 |
0.6 |
301 |
261.3 |
71 |
| 3400 |
28.6 |
24.8 |
42 |
0.7 |
0.6 |
291 |
253.2 |
71 |
| 3550 |
30.7 |
26.7 |
44 |
0.7 |
0.6 |
299 |
259.9 |
73 |
Specifications
| Length Overall |
49' 7'' / 15.11 m
|
| Beam |
15' 3''
4.65 m
|
| Dry Weight |
39,304 lbs.
17,828 kg
|
| Tested Weight |
41,785 lbs.
18,953 kg
|
| Draft |
3' 5''
1.04 m
|
| Deadrise/Transom |
N/A
|
| Max Headroom |
6' 9''
2.06 m
|
| Bridge Clearance |
N/A
|
| Person Capacity |
14
|
| Fuel Capacity |
476 gal.
1,802 L
|
| Water Capacity |
140 gal.
530 L
|
| Total Weight |
41,785 lbs.
18,953 kg
|
Acceleration Times & Conditions
| Time to Plane |
N/A
|
| 0 to 30 |
N/A
|
| Ratio |
N/A
|
| Props |
N/A
|
| Load |
4 persons, 1/2 fuel, 3/20 water, 50 lbs. of gear
|
| Climate |
82 deg., 63 humid; wind: 8-15 mph; seas: 2-4
|
Engine Options
| Tested Engine |
2 x 435-hp Volvo Penta IPS600
|
| Std. Power |
2 x 435-hp Volvo Penta D6-IPS600
|
| Opt. Power |
Not Available
|
Contents of Report
The Absolute Navetta 48 is the smallest yacht Absolute manufactures in its factory in Podenzano, Italy.
The Volvo Penta joystick controller on the Absolute Navetta 48 makes close-in maneuvering less stressful.
Mission
The Absolute Navetta 48 is designed, engineered, and manufactured to be a luxurious, spacious, bright, and comfortable cruising platform for her owners to enjoy and for entertaining family and friends on the water. Absolute ensured privacy below with a forward master suite with en-suite head and two guest staterooms that share a single guest head. The semi-displacement hull and twin Volvo Penta IPS600 diesels combine to provide an efficient and solid ride underway.
This overhead view of the extended flybridge shows the wraparound seating on the aft, port, and starboard sides around a wood table. Forward is the upper centerline helm with companion seating on both sides of the helm and a sun pad forward.
The aft deck transitions into the galley via a fully opening glass partition. The galley is positioned between the aft deck and the salon/dinette. Convenient for serving both inside and outside.
The accommodations are on the lower deck. All have 6’4” (1.93 m) of headroom. The master stateroom is forward with a private en-suite head. Note the position of the master berth allowing access on both sides. The guest staterooms share a single head. The crew’s quarters are accessed through the transom.
Major Features
Extended Flybridge. The flybridge deck extends over the aft deck and is designed for entertaining with a solid wood table, wraparound seating, a grill, a full-sized sink, refrigerator, and icemaker below.
• Upper Helm. The centerline upper helm gives 360-degrees of visibility.
• Aft Deck to Galley Doors. The transition from the aft deck to the galley is facilitated by a wide opening glass partition.
• Covered Aft Deck. The aft seating with storage below and solid wood table are somewhat protected under the extended flybridge.
• Wide Side Decks. Side decks run on both sides from the aft deck to the forward sun pad with molded-in toe rail and safety rails that run to the bow.
• Stateroom Headroom. There is 6’4” (1.93 m) of headroom throughout the interior staterooms. There is no stooping necessary when entering a stateroom or getting dressed.
• Forward Lounge Area. The forward sun pad converts to lounges with cup holders.
• Private Forward Master Stateroom. The master stateroom has an unusual layout with the master berth angled to allow access to both sides of the bed without steps.
• Large Well-Placed Windows. Large windows wrap around the galley and salon and large hull-side windows bring light into the staterooms and heads.
• Volvo Penta IPS Joystick Control. The twin Volvo Penta IPS600 diesels have pod drives and joystick controls for close-in maneuvering.
Features Inspection
Most people will board the Absolute Navetta 48 by stepping onto the swim/boarding platform.
The teak inlay makes boarding more secure and it looks classy, thus setting the tone for the whole vessel.
Three port and starboard stairs lead up to the aft deck, with the starboard ones for guest boarding at 24” (0.61 m) wide, and the port ones just 13” (0.33 m) wide for crew movement when docking.
Hardware throughout is heavy-duty. Note the handrail. Along the port-side transom stairs is a freshwater shower wand.
On the starboard side, we have the receptacles for the retractable shore-power cables with the controls just above.
Other than the traditional cleats on the aft bulwarks, Absolute has equipped the Navetta 48 with heavy-duty, double horned bollards, which are unusual for a boat this size. A clear signal that Absolute has serious work in mind for the Navetta 48.
Aft Deck
A necessary feature that boats in the Absolute Navetta 48’s class is an aft deck with a highly social atmosphere for people to gather and enjoy. The Absolute Navetta 48’s aft deck fulfills this requirement. With the extended flybridge, the aft deck is under a hardtop that extends to the transom and out to the gunwales.
On the aft deck, there is transom seating behind a solid wood table on a large diameter stainless steel single support.
Under the bench seating is storage for a life raft which is mandatory in CE countries.
There is additional storage under the flybridge stairs for gear.
The overhead lights, system switches, and a stereo remote are located on the starboard side bulkhead.
The cockpit is protected by a hardtop that is 6’9” (2.06 m) above the deck and extends to the transom as well as to the side gunwales.
Absolute has designed a power sun and privacy shade that lowers vertically from the hardtop to the transom bench seating.
Three Season Capable. Because the hardtop covers the entire aft deck, it is an ideal candidate for being enclosed in isinglass for three-season cruising or entertaining when the evening turns cool.
The deck is teak, and all clearances have been carefully calculated to allow three folding chairs to face the table, thus serving six guests for al fresco dining.
There is also just enough clearance between the table and the stairs to the flying bridge.
Side-Decks/Bow
For safety moving about, Absolute designed wide side-decks that have hardtop above from the extended flybridge overhang. Molded in toe rails and relatively high stainless-steel safety rails provide additional protection.
The 17” (0.43 m) wide side-decks are deep and have hardtop protection overhead. The hand-rails are 34” (0.86 m) above the deck.
The teak hatch in the deck of the Absolute Navetta 48 side-decks covers the fuel filler port.
At midships, Absolute has placed double horn bollards in lieu of cleats.
The side-decks lead forward to three steps with the first having a 9” (22.86 cm) riser and the next two are 7” (17.78 cm) risers. We’d like to see teak treads on these steps.
The side-deck stairs lead to a large sun pad and lounge area complete with a stereo remote (yellow arrow) and drink holders (red arrow).
For safety, Absolute designed a toe-rail and a stainless-steel hand-rail that surrounds the foredeck.
The foredeck also has heavy-duty, double horn bollards and a stainless-steel delta-style anchor mounted on a stainless-steel bow-roller. On the stem is one of the longest scuff plates we have ever seen, with a chin and anchor washdown sprayer.
The vertical windlass feeds the chain rode in and out of the chain-locker where the windlass remote is mounted along with the backup manual winch handle.
Flybridge and Upper Deck
Absolute extended the upper deck to make a large social area. The helm is on the centerline, giving the operator a 360-degree view. Companion seating is on both sides of the helm and a sun pad is directly in front of the helm. A summer kitchen and al fresco dining area make the upper deck a place to entertain a crowd.
There are eight stairs with teak treads from the aft deck up to the flying bridge which is an impressive achievement in a 48’ (15 m) boat.
Flying Bridge Stairway Handrails. The testing captain would like to see Absolute depart from its vertical support symmetry to bend the left-hand hold from vertical to diagonal at mid-point and add a handrail to the starboard side in the outboard stairwell.
The upper deck of the Navetta 48 is designed to entertain with a solid wood table with wraparound seating.
The electric grill and full-sized sink on the Absolute Navetta 48’s flybridge deck make entertaining easy.
Directly below the sink and electric grill is a refrigerator and icemaker.
The flybridge table has the same subtle inlay as the aft deck table running perpendicular to the grain.
A cantilevered hardtop provides protection from the sun and weather. With swept-back supports connecting the aft end and small diameter stainless steel supports forward, the view is not disrupted.
Upper Helm
The upper helm is mounted on the centerline. The panoramic view is impressive. The operator’s chair is centered and there is companion seating on both the port and starboard sides. All controls and switches are easily at hand and the wheel is positioned correctly on a tilt base.
As shown, the upper helm is quite a bit further aft than the lower helm.
In front of the helm console is an acrylic wind deflector, which would be more effective if it was higher.
The upper helm is complete with port and starboard multifunction displays.
To the right are the control binnacle and joystick which are to the right of the steering wheel.
Shown on the left side of the steering wheel is the engine diagnostics on the Garmin multifunction display. There is also the dedicated Volvo Penta, trim tabs, VHF remote, and the stereo controller.
The helm chair is on a single pedestal mounted to the deck and it has flip-up armrests. Companion seating is port and starboard facing inboard.
Main Deck
Moving inside from the cockpit through the two-part sliding door that has an opening of 6’5” (1.96 m) high and 5’ (1.54 m) wide when fully opened, make the aft deck and the galley one large space.
Entering from the cockpit, the first impression is the effects of the all-around large windows. They provide outstanding visibility that gives the Navetta 48’s main-deck interior an open and airy feel.
Galley
Strategically placed between the aft deck and salon/dinette areas, the galley can service both areas easily. Entering the galley, there is an ample 6’8” (2.03 m) of headroom.
The galley features a solid surface countertop and a full-size dishwasher under the counter to port.
There is a covered trash bin located next to the electric two-burner cooktop with sea rails.
The deep stainless-steel sink has a contemporary faucet that pulls out to use as a wand.
The microwave oven is positioned under the dedicated silverware drawer directly below the cooktop.
Above the large galley window are four cabinets.
On the starboard side is an additional countertop with a wine cooler below, and a latched 58-gallon (220 L) refrigerator with a small freezer above. Above that is storage space.
Separating the galley and the salon is a frosted privacy glass partition that opens and closes with a switch in the galley.
This is a clever feature that will contain heat as well hide the galley from people sitting at the dinette.
Moving from the galley to the main salon, there are two 6” (15.24 cm) steps.
The 6’8” (2.03 m) headroom found in the galley continues into the salon.
Salon/Dinette
To save space, Absolute combined the salon and dinette into the space forward of the galley, allowing Navetta 48 owners the ability to entertain guests inside or serve meals.
The salon doubles as a dinette with J-shaped bench seating surrounding a table-mounted on a high-low pedestal, that opens up to form a dining table.
Above, on both sides, are stylish openings in the valence which quietly wafts out air conditioning, eliminating the unattractive traditional vents.
The wraparound windshield and large side windows give those in the salon a panoramic perspective from practically anywhere in the salon, and the port side salon window opens electrically for fresh air.
Note that the windows extend below the backs of the seats.
Under the starboard side sofa is dedicated storage for dinnerware and glasses.
Flooring. Note that the decking – on the main deck here and below – is Duramast oak with a saw-cut effect. Most major builders these days are going to synthetic interior decking for durability and easy repair.
Behind the sofa is a 40” (55.88 cm) flatscreen TV that raises and lowers automatically.
Lower Helm
The lower helm provides an enclosed space for operating the Absolute Navetta 48. The helm is positioned on the port side with a double helm seat and a pantograph-style door that allows the operator to acquire a view behind and easy access to the midship spring line.
Visibility is the most important thing any helm should have, and the Absolute 48’s helm is surrounded in glass.
The windshield measures 9’ (2.74 m) wide and 2’2” (0.66 m) top to bottom and because it is at just the right height there is a remarkable view standing or sitting.
Another important feature on a long-range cruiser is the helm seat. Shown is the double-wide seat that has a single bolster for leaning.
The helm seat is adjustable fore and aft with a level catch (red arrow).
The instrument panel is uncluttered and there is enough real estate for two 15” multifunction displays on the carbon fiber dash. Port and starboard are air conditioner vents (yellow arrows) with accessory switches between.
To the left of the stainless-steel and leather steering wheel is a Quick windlass remote control, Bennett trim tabs with indicators, the engine ignition and the windshield wiper control.
To the right of the steering wheel are the Volvo Penta engine control binnacle and IPS joystick. Forward of the joystick is the digital Volvo Penta engine display.
Above the engine display are the SeaKeeper system controller and the spotlight controls.
Across the aisle to port under an acrylic cover is the power panel mounted horizontally with a transparent cover.
Power Panel. The transparent cover allows the operator to see what systems are on or off at a glance. This location is practical and more effective than a panel that is too low or out of the way.
A pantograph-style door is adjacent to the helm. It allows the captain to step out on the deck when backing in and to quickly tie up a spring line amidship.
On the port side of the helm area is an electrically actuated opening window. With the helm door open, this enables cross ventilation and it makes it easier to hear docking instructions.
The view looking aft from the helm with the glass partition out of the way gives sightlines to the stern and sides. However, both quarters are obscured which is not unusual.
Lower Deck
The sleeping accommodations are located on the lower deck. The three staterooms sleep up to six. For privacy, the master stateroom has an en-suite head. The VIP and guest staterooms share a single head.
Shown is the functional layout of the Absolute Navetta 48. The master stateroom is forward, (red arrow) with its head to starboard, (blue arrow) the VIP stateroom is to port (yellow arrow), and the guest stateroom is to starboard (green arrow). The VIP and guest staterooms share a head (purple arrow).
Heading below the atrium above allows light to brighten the foyer during the day.
VIP Stateroom
The port side VIP stateroom is the larger of the two guest staterooms and features a double berth.
From the foyer, down two steps is the VIP stateroom with headroom ranging from 6’4” (1.93) to 6’9” (2.06 m).
The berth has access on both sides and measures 79” (2.00 m) long by 56” (1.42 m) wide.
Light pours in through the large hull-side window and an opening portlight.
Forward is a cabinet that could use a higher fiddle on top and has an opening cabinet with shelves.
Mounted above the cabinet is a 42” (1.07 m) TV.
Note that there are two steps down from the outboard side to the vanity inboard.
Rich-looking dark wood frames two full-length mirrors that contrast with the light-colored wood vanity.
Decor. The theme of dark wood framing and light tones is continued throughout the cabin and the accommodations deck.
Shown is the walk-in closet which is an uncommon feature in a guest stateroom on a boat of this size and class.
The walk-in closet is complete with drawers and cabinets, in addition to hanging rods.
There are nightstands on both sides of the bed with a headboard and sconce lighting.
The courtesy lighting under the bed and hardwood steps help define the ups and downs of this cabin.
Second Guest Stateroom
The Absolute Navetta 48 features a second guest stateroom with twin single berths. This is a luxury feature usually assigned to children or accidental guests.
Entering the guest stateroom to starboard there are steps that feature courtesy lighting.
Shown are the twin beds with gooseneck reading lights and a small night table between. Mirrors mounted above the headboard and on the hanging locker at left help make the cabin bright.
The large hull-side window along with an opening portlight pour daylight into the space.
Single Guest Head
The two guest staterooms share a common head compartment with 6’4” (1.93 m) headroom.
Entering from the companionway, the decor carries forward the light and dark material contrasts.
The separate shower enclosure is marble-lined and has an adjustable shower wand.
Master Stateroom
The master stateroom of the Absolute Navetta 48 is in the bow, which is typical on this size boat. What is not typical is the layout, which is truly one of the most functional and unusual we have ever seen on virtually any size boat under 100’ (30 m).
The bed in the master stateroom is mounted at an angle with the head on the port side under the large hull-side window.
Master Stateroom Layout. By not designing the bed as a centerline bed jammed into the forepeak – which is typical of forward cabins – Absolute allowed level access to the bed on both sides, without having to go up two or three steps that become ever narrower as the hull sides close in. Making both sides hard to get into the bed and difficult to make up. Rather, the head of the bed is on the port side below the large side window, and the bed extends diagonally into the cabin. The remarkably large hull-side windows themselves are another aspect of this stateroom that is so unusual. Traditionally, boat builders worry about leaks in bow windows and their strength. Evidently Absolute has broken the code because the Absolute Navetta 48 has a CE B classification.
The berth measures 79” (2.0 m) long by 64” (1.52 m) wide. The headroom in the master stateroom is 6’4” (1.93 m).
On both sides of the master, stateroom is large hull-side windows and opening portlights.
On both sides of the berth are valance reading-lights and end tables.
With access to both sides of the bed, Absolute placed drawer storage on both sides of the base.
On the port side is a vanity with a built-in mirror, compartmentalized storage, and a stool.
Next to the vanity is a walk-in closet with a full-length mirror mounted inside the door, storage drawers, shelves, and a dedicated place for the emergency exit ladder, something that many boats don’t have.
Master Head Compartment
On the starboard side is the master head compartment. A pocket door entrance saves space, and it is one of four on the boat.
In the master head, Absolute made extensive use of white marble for the counter, walk-in shower bulkheads, and on the deck.
Multiple angled mirrors are mounted above the contemporary porcelain sink.
Crew’s Quarters
It is very unusual to have a separate crew cabin in a boat of the Absolute Navetta 48’s size and class. This is an ideal space for a young mate or nanny, and of course, kids will love it.
Egress to the self-contained contained crew cabin is through a hatch in the transom.
The single berth is located on the forward bulkhead.
At the foot of the berth are a combination washer and dryer with storage above.
In the same space is the crew’s wet head with toilet, shower, and sink. There is a mirror mounted above the toilet.
The crew cabin space is kept light and airy with large windows built into the transom.
Machinery Space
Access to the well-balanced machinery space is through a hatch in the aft deck. The engine room is compact with everything within close proximity.
The hatch is solid wood, unlike most manufacturers who use molded fiberglass hatches with laminated materials. A ladder leads below.
At the bottom of the ladder is the 21.5 kW generator which is on the centerline between the widely spaced diesel engines.
The main engines are a pair of 435-horsepower Volvo Penta IPS600 diesels.
As shown here, the raw water strainer for the Genset is easily reached.
The Volvo Penta raw water strainer, the oil dipstick, and the oil and fuel filters are all within easy reach.
Forward of the engines is the two fuel tanks which total 475.5 gallons (1,800 L).
The two fuel tanks are connected with piping (red arrows) running behind the Seakeeper gyro stabilizer so they only need one sight gauge (yellow arrow).
Diesel start batteries are outboard.
Aft on the starboard side, there are two Glendinning Cable Master feeds from the tubs.
The IPS pod drives are connected directly to the Volvo Penta diesel engines.
Their exhaust is piped into the IPS pod and exits underwater behind the forward-facing prop.
The Absolute Navetta 48 has an LOA of 49’7’’ (15.11 m), a beam of 15’3” (4.65 m), and a draft of 3’5” (1.04 m). With an empty weight of 39,304 lbs. (17,828 kg), 50% fuel, and four people on board, we had an estimated test weight of 41,785 lbs. (18,952 kg). Powered by twin 435-hp Volvo Penta IPS600s, we reached a top speed of 26.7 knots at 3550 rpm. At that speed, we were burning 44 gph for a range of 259.9 nautical miles.
The best cruise was 18.7 knots at 3000 rpm. At that speed, the fuel burn was reduced to 29.5 gph while still holding back a 10% reserve.
Price
Absolute does not list price.
Observations
Absolute has been designing, engineering, and building luxury yachts since 2002 and has quickly gained a reputation for excellence. The builder makes Flybridge yachts, Sport Yachts, and their Navetta line of long-range cruisers. The Navetta 48 is the smallest of the line. However, Absolute has created a 49’ (15 m) cruiser that has most of the comfort and features of a much larger yacht.
