Hylas Yachts just introduced its new M49 cruiser at the Miami show, a debut that had been delayed by the Covid pandemic.
The hull of the 49 was developed from the Hylas 44, which was launched in 2018 and was well received as a rugged blue-water boat with some classic lines and a nod to Down East looks. Both the 44 and the 49 are designed by Dean Salthouse, whose family has been designing boats in New Zealand for 65 years.
Hylas makes its boats at the Queen Long yard in Taiwan, and it planned to have the M49 ready almost two years ago, but the pandemic disrupted that timetable.
The M49 is powered by twin 370-hp Yanmar diesels, producing a top speed of more than 30 knots. Those engines have proven to be both quiet and dependable.
The new Hylas is meant to be a comfortable and safe cruiser, capable of handling a variety of sea conditions. It’s all one level from the cockpit to the helm station, so you can move around the boat easily. The helm has a seat for two people, and a door opening to the starboard side deck, a feature that’s appreciated by experienced owners.
The salon has large windows, providing a view for everyone on board. The galley is aft, with pull-out storage.
The aft deck can be fully protected by an Eisenglass enclosure. It has aft seating, a pop-up grill, wet bar, fridge and ice-maker for entertaining. It also has a day head, an unusual (but welcome) addition.
Below, the new Hylas has two cabins and one head. The master cabin is forward, with a centerline double bed and his-and-hers hanging lockers. A guest cabin is aft, to port, with twin berths.
Specs.: LOA: 49’2”; Beam: 13’6”; Draft: 3’2”; Disp.: 23,000 lbs.; Fuel: 238 gals.; Water: 185 gals,.; Power: 2×370-hp Yanmar diesels. Read more:
