Friday, March 29

Linssen Launches New 55, a True Convertible

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Linssen has launched its new flagship, the 55SL Variotop, a long-range, steel-hulled cruiser with a creative convertible top.

The 55, like some smaller Linssen, features a proprietary fully automatic convertible roof that opens or closes at the touch of a button. Linssen positions the 55 as an all-weather cruiser, or a live aboard, and the Variotop adds to that appeal. On a sunny day, open it and enjoy the breeze; if the weather turns, press the button to add overhead protection.

The new Linssen has another standard feature that’s a bit unusual. The helm seat can be elevated above the windshield so the captain can enjoy the breeze and the view ahead. The helm seat is really a bench that holds two people. It can be raised, or lowered, by pushing a button. When it’s raised, the captain will find a wet bar, sink and fridge within easy reach on the upper wheelhouse deck.

The 55SL AC Variotop has a displacement hull. Standard power comes from two 150-hp Mercury diesels, producing a top speed of 10 knots. At a cruising speed of 8 knots, the boat has a range of more than 800 nm. Bow and stern thrusters are standard equipment to make docking easier.

The yacht has three cabins and two heads below. The AC in the name means aft cabin, so that’s where you’ll find the master stateroom. It has a double bed, lots of storage space, and a head and shower. The VIP cabin and guest cabin are forward, and share a head and shower. The shower compartment comes with a standard washer/dryer.

The salon is protected by double-glazed insulation to provide comfort in hot and cold weather. It’s well equipped for cruising with an L-shaped table, sofa and occasional seating. The gallery is large enough to function well for liveaboards or vacationing cruisers.

Air draft for the new 55 is 13′ 4″ with the mast down, making it a popular boat for cruising Europe’s waterways. It seems to me that the boat wold be just as much at home on the ICW or the Great Loop in the U.S.

Linssen, a Dutch yard, builds about 70 boats a year, from 30 to 55 feet. They are popular in Europe. Linssen also runs a charter business, Linssen Boating Holidays.

Specs.: LOA: 54’2″; Beam: 15’9″; Draft: 4’3″; Disp.: 66,140 lbs.; Fuel: 625 gals.; Water: 253 gals.; Power: 2×150-hp Mercury diesels. Read more at http://linssenyachts.com and see the video below:

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