These are expansive times for Iliad Catamarans, based in Mooloolaba, Australia. They just launched their new 53F (flybridge) long-range power cat at the Sydney show, following the debut of their 53S (sport) earlier in the year. Now, in response to strong demand in the United States, they will have a display at the Fort Lauderdale show in October. And they just announced that they’re building a new 50 for delivery early next year.
The 50 is an offshore, blue-water cruiser built for couples with lots of indoor and outdoor space (the almost 25-foot beam is half the length of the entire boat). With twin 435-hp Volvos, top speed is about 22 knots; dialed back to 8 knots, the range is 2,4500 nm. Because the shafts are set at a shallow angle, you can even run the Iliad 50 up on a beach if you want to enjoy an on-shore picnic or play pirate and clean the bottom.
The big cat features al fresco living in its large and protected cockpit, a bow terrace that spans the entire beam, and a flybridge with a wet bar, dining and lounge areas, the upper helm, and a hydraulic lift aft for a tender.
Iliad specializes in customizing each boat for each client, with various layouts, finishes and appliances. But the aft deck remains a vast relaxing space, protected by the extension of the flybridge above. It basically serves as an outdoor extension of the salon, particularly since the galley is just inside folding doors in the salon, on the same level.
The U-shaped galley is large enough to support a long cruise, with lots of storage space and refrigeration. It’s on the port side, with Corian countertops, opposite a dinette; a lounge is forward. The forward part of the salon is elevated by one step to provide clear views from the lower helm, and there’s lots of natural light all around. The front window opens for ventilation at anchor.
Below, the owner’s suite occupies the entire port hull with the large island bed in the stern, where motion is easiest at sea. A vanity/desk is amidships, and the head is in the bow. A large portlight next to the bed, and large rectangular windows, all provide water views. Two matching guest cabins with en suite heads are on the starboard hull.
Iliad has been in business since 2019 on the Coral Sea in Queensland. It builds power cats from 50 to 62 feet in China.
Specs.: LOA: 50’8”; Beam 24’11”; Draft: 4’1”; Disp.: 52,910 lbs. ; Fuel: 792 gals.; Water: 184 gals; Power: 2×435-hp Volvo diesels.
Read more at http://iliadcatamarans.com and see the video below:
