Introducing the Hylas M49
by Jamie Gilman 1 Dec 2022 12:59 PST
Hylas M49 © Jamie Gilman
What to know about the modern motor yacht influenced by sailors, now docking in the U.S.
This October was particularly exciting for the Hylas Team and the owner of the first-ever Hylas M49 to arrive in the United States. A diehard sailor himself, the new owner was drawn to the appeal of the Hylas M49 by the fact that she is a yacht designed, developed, and built by Hylas Yachts, a brand with a long-standing reputation for creating some of the world's finest sailing vessels. This particular owner is now on his fourth new build Hylas. To say he's a fan of the brand is putting it lightly.
So can this powerboat developed and built by sailors live up the the high expectations of motor yacht enthusiasts? The feedback has been resounding. Yes, it can!
Designed with Your Lifestyle in Mind
Regarding features, Hylas made sure to capture the feedback and requests from its loyal community of boat owners, many of whom are aging sailors with an eye to motor yachts as their next boat. The result is a yacht designed with elegant simplicity, functionality, and ease of use at the forefront. Good looks come naturally; after all, it is a Hylas.
Standout qualities include an unbelievable amount of space provided by the open-concept layout, with 35' of uninterrupted entertaining space. Just flip up the rear window in the galley, serve cocktails from the outside wet bar, complete with an icemaker of course, and invite your guests to mingle from the helm to the swim platform. Throughout the yacht are materials, equipment, and features ordinarily reserved for the build sheet on custom builds. To learn more, check out the specifications page here [LINK TO SPECS PAGE ON WEBSITE].
Cruise in Comfort
The pass-through galley and clever space-saving techniques allow for maximum livability, storage, and all the creature comforts you'd expect aboard a luxury motor yacht. The galley-up configuration keeps the entertainment space up top while the two spacious cabins below offer privacy and comfort for you and your guests. The master stateroom includes a queen-size island-style berth and lots of storage, with a large cedar-lined hanging locker with drawers below and three large drawers beneath the foot of the bed. The guest cabin provides a versatile room for either three adults in separate single berths or combines the two lowers for a large double with the upper berth for storage. Adjacent to both cabins is a large head with an electric freshwater toilet, large vanity and sink, and a massive stall shower.
Once you're settled in aboard, getting under way could not be easier. The yacht comes standard with bow and stern jet thrusters, making maneuvering in tight spaces as easy as possible. Once in open water, the powerful twin Yanmar 370 HP engines open up to bring the yacht on plane at just over 12 knots. Set the throttles to around 2,800 RPM, and the M49 will clip comfortably at about 20 knots or push the throttles up to 3,800 RPM to reach a max speed of 28 knots.
The Hylas M49 is a remarkably efficient yacht for those looking to make miles or conscious of rising fuel prices. Whether you head across the bay or the Gulf Stream, the Hylas M49 will get you there comfortably, efficiently, and safely. Ideally suited for distance cruising, the M49 would make the perfect boat for island hopping in the Bahamas or for an ambitious voyage along the Great Loop. When it comes to cruising, the Hylas M49 owes its independence to the influence of sailors. Features like a propane cooktop, high-capacity water tanks, and intelligent storage space utilization are all hallmarks of voyaging sailboats. As too is the robust construction of the hull and smart access to critical systems and machinery. This is a yacht laid out logically and sensibly.