The Dutch builder Van den Hoven Jachtbouw’s Voyager series has proven to be highly prized by experienced and adventurous cruisers. With four models from 50 to 71 feet and an 80 footer in development, the builder specializes in family sized cruisers that have a true meg-yacht feel.
The new 56 Fly is built on the platform of the 56 coupe. By adding a flybridge, they have nearly doubled the design’s open air social spaces. Yet, they have done so with a low profile bridge that sits very discretely atop the salon.
The 56, like her sister Voyagers is an artful combination of classic and modern motor yacht features. Note the sloping transom with built-in stairs and the shapely and attractive salon windows both elements usually found on much larger yachts.
A yacht mega-feature in the curved transom is the huge pneumatic door that lifts to reveal a large dinghy garage with its own roller-equipped slipway. 
And then, look at the plumb bow and the black angular hull glazing and you’ll see design features displayed on the latest sport cruisers from Italy or Finland.
The 56 is three-cabin, two-head family cruiser with the master suite and head forward and the two guests cabins and the shared head aft. Three couples of a family four or five will feel comfortable in these private cabins.
The salon can be configured in a number of ways, but the standard layout has the lower helm and co-pilot’s seat forward, the dinette and lounge seat amidships and the large galley with a centerline bar at the aft end. This arrangement puts the galley between the inside dinette and the outside lounge and dining table.
The flybridge is accessed via a ladder from the cockpit and features the upper helm with two seats, an L-shaped dinette and table, a wet bar and grill for al fresco dining and a large open area for folding sun chairs. In fine weather, this will be the social space of choice.
With an aluminum hull and cabin structure, the 56 will be lighter than fiberglass boats in this size range which makes it more fuel efficient and faster for a given horsepower rating.
The 56 is driven by twin Volvo D6-600 horsepower diesel engines with straight shafts. He fast cruising speed will be about 18 knots with a top end of 22 to 25 knots. Several fuel tanks sizes are optional. With the maximum bunkerage and running at economical RPMs, the boat will have a huge cruising range.
This is a stylish and unique addition to the cruising fleet and a fine new sistership in the Voyager line.
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