It’s made in Turkey, but the new Reliant 40 Commuter, with its gorgeous tumblehome, long sheer, low profile and wide teak decks is just about as Downeast as they come. It also is developed by two of the most respected names in the U.S. marine industry: David MacFarlane, the former president and CEO of Alden and head of Cal, Ranger and Rampage, and Jim Ewing, the former president of Trumpy and executive VP of Alden (and now also an illustrator for Soundings). Together they formed Reliant Yachts, based in Newport, Rhode Island, to develop the new line of semi-custom boats. They both know that things have changed in the boating business over the years, but some remain the same. “What hasn’t changed,” says MacFarlane, “is the public’s passion for a beautiful boat. We know we can deliver that, and also provide value and competitive pricing.”
The Reliant 40 comes with traditional Downeast looks and layout, all augmented by enough teak, varnish and satin-finished mahogany to keep any yachting purist more than happy. The swim platform is teak, as is the cockpit sole. The cockpit is large for entertaining, with an aft settee and inlaid teak table. Two aft-facing seats are against bridge deck bulkhead. The bridge deck itself has separate seating for the captain and mate; just aft are bench seats on either side, facing each other, with padded seats for half a dozen more under the hardtop.
Two steps down, the galley is to port, with a two-burner stove, fridge, microwave and lots of cabinets. The head to starboard is finished with mahogany and has a large, separate stand-up shower with a privacy door. Behind another privacy door, the master stateroom is forward with a queen-sized bed and lots of storage. The craftsmanship is meticulous throughout; the countertops are marble.
The Reliant’s modified deep-V hull has substantial chines for stability at sea. Power comes from twin 320-hp Yanmar diesels driving straight shafts. The Reliant 40 cruises at 24 knots and tops out at 30 knots. It comes with a bow thruster, trim tabs and a 5kW Cummins Onan genset. The boat is made by Su Marine in Istanbul in a modern, 90,000- square -foot facility. Su has been in business for more than 40 years.
Specs:
LOA: 40’4”
Beam: 11’4”
Draft: 3’7”
Disp.: 16,800 lbs.
Fuel: 290 gals.
Water: 80 gals.
Power: 2xYanmar 320-hp diesels.
Reliantyachts.com
