Level Yachts, a new Spanish boat builder, launched their first model, the 43 sT, and the new company at the Cannes Festival of Yachting in the south of France last September. Both were warmly received by industry professionals and the international audience of boat owners.
But, Level many be a new brand on the mid-range family cruiser market, its founders are not. Veteran yacht dealers and brokers, the partners between them have sold more than 2,000 new boats in the last 20 years. The company and the 43 ST may be new but the first model is based on long experience.
The 43 ST is a two-cabin express cruiser with ample lounging space on deck. The design ticks a lot of boxes of features seen on many boats of this size. It has a wide stern platform and a huge sunning platform. The side bulwarks fold down to create more deck area in the cockpit.
Just forward it has a dinette that will sear six just forward under the T-top there is the outdoor galley compete with fridges, an induction stove, an electric grill and a sink.
The helm area is fitted out with four racing-style bucket seats so the skipper and guests can make themselves comfortable and secure when running a high speed. The helm area s open on both sides to the side decks.
Up on the bow there is a second sunning platform on top of the cabin that will accommodate four adults. A large sun shade can be rigged over the whole foredeck for protection. Right at the bow there are two bench seats, one facing forward and the other aft. These can be rigged with a demountable table for al fresco meals.
Level is offering two cabin layouts. In a standard arrangement, there is a double cabin in the bow area with a center-line double berth. Aft, under the cockpit, the second cabin has twin single berths.
The other option is to replace the forward cabin with a U-shaped dinette and table so four can dine while protected from wind and weather. In this layout, the cabin under the cockpit has a double berth to port and a single berth to starboard.
Level offers two engine packages. You can go with the minimum of twin Volvo IPS 500s ort upgrade to twin IPS 650s. It should have a nominal top speed of 40 knots and a efficient cruising speed in the high 20s.
While the Level 43 ST will seem familiar to anyone who has been focused on the family express cruiser market, it looks extremely well do and exudes a high level of fit and finish. The company has designs for a 38 and a 52-footer ready to go and promises these will be “coming soon.”
