The high-end Windy SR44 SX sport cruiser, powered by three 425-hp Yamaha outboards, will make its U.S. debut at the Fort Lauderdale show next week.
The new Windy is an acknowledgement of the growing popularity of outboard power here. It has a top speed of just over 50 knots, and provides a fast but solid and comfortable ride throughout the speed range.
With its clean, modern, Scandinavian lines, the new Windy is just as likely to garner head-turning attention in Key West and Block Island as it is in Monaco or Ibiza. The SR44 SX is the successor to an inboard version, the just plain SR44, with power from twin 440-hp Volvo IPS600 pod drives. That boat was nominated for the European Boat of the Year Award two years ago.
You climb on the new Windy either from the bow or from both sides aft, using steps that fold out from the side of the boat. The teak swim platform is wide enough, even with the three outboards, for moving around there too.
A super-sized sun pad is aft in the cockpit, just above the swim platform, and it faces aft. You can move its backrest so it faces forward. It then joins a large L-shaped lounge area surrounding an expandable teak table. If you want more shade there, press a button and an awning overhead will extend out from the hard top that already covers the front half of the aft deck.
A galley is forward, with a grill, sink, ice-maker, fridge and lots of counter space and storage. The helm station is forward of that, with three upholstered helm seats facing two large MFD displays. The new Windy also has a Humphree Interceptor, bow thruster, and joystick control for the outboards.
A sliding door on the port side of the helm opens to the accommodations deck below. The master stateroom is forward with 6’ 6” of headroom, a bed for two, and natural light coming in from side windows. A second cabin is a bit aft, tucked under the helm, with beds for two.
A lower galley is on the port side, while the head, with a separate, walk-in shower, is to starboard.
Specs.: LOA: 47’5”; Beam: 12’11”; Draft: NA: Disp.: 22,266 lbs.; Fuel: 422 gals.; Water: 79 gals.
Read more at http://windyboats.com and see the video below:
