Here’s some good news. Hunt Yachts of Portsmouth, RI, has introduced the design for a new 56-footer in their Ocean series. The Hunt Associates design, with its patented Deep-V hull, includes all of the classic qualities that have made Hunt Yachts renown for their superb seakeeping abilities in all weather, high cruising speeds and elegant fit and finish. The 56 joins the Ocean 63, 68 and 76.
The 56, which is in the final stages of the design process, will be offered with either a flybridge or as a coupe. The flybridge model will have a hard top for protection and for mounting electronics and solar panels. The published drawings shows the flybridge with an L-shaped settee and perhaps a wet bar and fridge. In good weather, this will be the 56’s social center.
Hunt is offering either galley up or galley down plans. In the galley up configuration, three sleeping cabins each with its own head will fit in nicely down below. In the galley down plan, the size of the galley working area is expanded to make it a real kitchen and the smaller guest cabin is replaced by a lounge.
The spacious master cabin will be in the forepeak with its own head and a separate shower stall. The large guest cabin lies amidships with the berth facing athwartships and with its own head.
The new 56 is spec’d out to be powered by twin Volvo IPS 950s that will deliver an estimated top speed of 32 knots and a comfortable fast cruising speed of 27 knots.
The Hunt 56 is an exciting addition to the Hunt fleet and to the power cruising fleet in general. As the smallest in the Ocean line, it will have wide appeal.
