The new Hylas M49, a two-cabin, two-head upscale cruising boat, will make its U.S. debut this summer. The M49 basically is a larger version of the popular M44 that was introduced a few years ago. Both boats are designed by Dean Salthouse, whose family has been designing boats in New Zealand for 65 years.
The M49 is powered by twin 370-hp Yanmar diesels, providing a top speed of 31 knots. Hylas Yachts are built at the Queen Long yard in Taiwan, and they have a reputation for their seakeeping ability, offshore performance and versatility.
One fan of the brand is Ken Read, the president of North Sails Group and a world-champion sailor. He and his wife, Melissa, call their M44, named Hayden, a “dreamboat.” He says it’s “perfect for a cruising couple, and maybe a kid or two.” They take the boat on their annual summer cruise.
“We really feel like we can do whatever we want with Hayden,” he said. “Last summer, we towed a 33-foot doublehanded racer, Alchemist, out to Edgartown with the M44, lived on her as the mothership, won the Around Martha’s Vineyard Race, and towed home all on a long weekend.”
The M49 is 4’ 7” longer than the M44, with much of that space given over to the cockpit. It has a pop-up grill, wet bar, fridge and ice maker and room for outdoor dining, fishing or relaxing. There’s also a day head.
The M49 is all one level, from the cockpit to the helm station, so it’s easy to move around the boat. The windows in the salon are large and provide panoramic views from every seat. The galley is aft, to serve the cockpit as well as the salon, and it has a pull-out pantry for extra storage. The helm has a seat for two people, and is next to a door opening to the starboard side deck so the captain can help with line handling or docking.
Below, the master cabin is forward with a centerline double bed. It has his-and-hers hanging lockers and storage drawers under the bed. The guest cabin is aft to port, with a double bed that can be converted to twins, and there’s even an option for a third bunk.
The M49 has a low air draft of 12’11” so it can slide under bridges along the Great Loop or elsewhere.
Specs.: LOA: 48’10”; Beam: 13’6”; Draft: 3’2”; Disp.: 23,000 lbs.; Fuel: 237 gals.; Water: 190 gals.; Power: 2×370-hp Yanmar diesels. Read more:
