Yes, I know this isn’t the typical cruising boat that we usually cover, but a pretty boat is a pretty boat, and this one has a fairly unusual heritage. The new Wally 48 Wallytender, just announced at the Düsseldorf Boat Show, is the first boat in the new partnership of Wally and the Ferretti Group, along with the news that the Ferretti Group (Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, CRN and Custom Line) is buying Wally. The 48 Wallytender is being built at the Ferretti plant in Forli, Italy, with the first boat scheduled to be launched in June.
The new Wally keeps all of the company’s iconic good looks. “The new 48 Wallytender is proof that our Wally DNA – signature design, proven performance, fun and flexibility – continues under the partnership of the Ferretti Group,” said Wally founder Luca Bassani.
The 48 Wallytender is a multi-purpose boat. It can be a runabout in its own right, a day or overnight cruiser, a tender or yacht support vessel. It has some special features, including aft bulwarks that fold down to greatly increase the size – and sun-lounging capabilities – of the aft deck.
Underway, the aft seating can be configured to face forward. When at anchor, it can be moved to face the dining table aft. You can raise the top section of the aft sunpad for access to a large storage space. There’s more storage under the sunpad forward. And there’s a locker for water toys, such as an inflatable SUP or scuba equipment, behind the helm seats.
The new Wally has a raised freeboard, large interior volume and a true cabin below with a shower cubicle to freshen up. The galley has two burners, a sink and two fridges (one inside and one outside). For more comfort, the cockpit and foredeck can be protected under awnings with carbon-fiber supports.
The 48 Wallytender is powered by twin 510-hp Volvo IPS650 pod drives, with a joystick for easy handling around the docks.
I have to say I have been partial to Walley tenders ever since I took one with Bassani from the Monaco Yacht Show across the harbor to the Yacht Club de Monaco for lunch about ten years ago. As we tied up, heads turned everywhere. I think it’s safe to say that heads will turn anywhere the new 48 Wallytender shows up also.
Specs.: LOA: 47’5”; Beam: 14’4”; Draft: 3’5”; Disp.: 24,802 lbs.; Fuel: 317 gals. Water: 63 gals.; Power: 2×510-hp Volvo Penta IPS650 pod drives.
