Italian builder Invictus recently launched their new ST550 which is now the builder’s flagship. Designed by Christian Grande, the new Invictus has the brand’s unique “half-reverse” bow and the styling and aggressive lines that are unmistakably Invictus.
The ST550 emphasizes living space –the S in ST stands for “space”– and being close to nature with a huge sunning lounge and sitting area forward and a large cockpit with sun beds and sofas on the aft deck that can be expanded with the fold down platforms on both sides.
The side decks from cockpit to bow have high bulwarks that will keep crew, particularly children, safe when moving from the aft cockpit to the forward lounge and will keep the decks dry when powering at speed through the waves.
The ST55 is powered by twin Volvo 800-horsepower IPS drives that provide the fuel efficiency, dynamic boat handling and Volvo’s joy-stick control around the docks. With the standard bow thruster, the 550 will be a dream to moor, even in tight marina spaces. The Volvos can be upgraded to 950s for additional performance.
The boat is a two-cabin, two-head design and both the cabins are large with full-size double berths, hanging and storage lockers and plenty of natural light through the large, angular hull glazing.
The builder has been known primarily as the creator of fine launches and weekend cruisers in the under 40-foot range. In 2020 they introduced the TT460, which is a precursor to the new ST 550. They now have firmly put a stake in the ground in the mid-range live-aboard segment of the market, and they are doing so with Inimitable Invictus style.
