There are plenty of luxurious Downeast boats on the water, and there are also lots of models catering to the more functionally minded boaters among us. But finding one like the Hylas M47, which boasts both traits, isn’t so common. And upon first glance at the broad cockpit outside and the handcrafted wood finish inside, one could be forgiven for thinking that this is the boat’s most unique trait. A look at the transom, however, will correct this impression. Perched on the integrated swim platform sit a pair of outboards, replacing the usual Downeast inboards. And even more unusual is the fact that these engines are diesel-powered. Unusual? Not only that, the Hylas M47 is the first of its kind.
The M47 gets its unique diesel-Downeast-outboard status thanks to a pair of Cox CXO 300 outboards that boost fuel savings by around 30 percent while reducing emissions by the same number, as compared to gasoline outboards. They also deliver tremendous torque, which means they have no problem handling close to 21,000 pounds of displacement and 47 feet of LOA. Net result? The first true Downeast twin diesel outboard yacht.
With the convenience of outboards and the mega-torque of diesel power the M47 rises quickly up onto plane and delivers a 17-knot cruise while burning just 15 to 16 gph. Drop the throttles back to pre-planing speeds and it becomes a long-distance cruiser with over 1000 miles of range. Or push them down to the dash and you can gallop along at better than 30 knots. Added bonus: the engines are widely spaced, so dockside maneuverability is more inboard-like than outboard-like. Hylas also extends the swim platform between the outboards (as well as out on either side) so you get some extra acreage aft.
Step aboard, and you won’t question the M47’s status as a yacht as opposed to it being a mere boat. The salon has panoramic views and endless elbow room, with a dinette to port across from the helm and an aft settee and galley. The galley’s position allows it to connect with the cockpit when you open up the aft bulkhead door and window, so socializing doesn’t cease when the meals are being prepped. And the extended hard top overhang shades that cockpit while also providing a place to strap down your kayaks or paddleboards up top.
The M47 has a two stateroom, two head layout, which holds with the overall concept of providing large living areas as opposed to trying to shoe-horn in lots of smaller ones. Plenty of yachts this size make hay out of having three staterooms, but the laws of reality dictate that the more you slice and dice that interior volume the more cramped you feel inside any one of the spaces. So, whether you’re walking around the forward pedestal berth, entering the guest stateroom with twin side-by-side and a Pullman-style single berth, or standing in the head with a separate full-size stall shower, you won’t feel packed in like the proverbial sardine in a can. And note that the teak salon dinette table drops to convert into an additional berth, boosting total sleeping capacity to seven for those overnight adventures with an expanded crew.
We checked out the Hylas 47 at the Bay Bridge Boat Show, and while its Downeast lines and sleek house certainly drew the eye, we want to stress that you won’t get the full flavor of this yacht until you step aboard and get a good look at the interior. Fit and finish is exquisite, and everything from the upholstery to the woodwork joinery is utterly topnotch. An unusual package? You bet—in fact, it’s the first of its kind.
By Lenny Rudow
Hylas M47 Specifications:
LOA: 47’0”
Beam: 13’6”
Draft (min.): 3’2”
Displacement (approx.): 20,943 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 475 gal.
Water Capacity: 190 gal.
Max HP: 600
Local Dealer: David Walters Yachts in Annapolis, MD - (443) 438-0108