Absolute Navetta 73 with 1000hp Volvo Penta IPS1350s

A new Absolute Navetta 73 with Volvo Penta’s biggest ever pod drives — twin 1000hp D13 IPS1350s — will be launched at the 40th Cannes Yachting Festival from September 12-17.

The largest yacht in the modern Italian-designed and -built 'trawler' series, the flagship Navetta 73 will reach a speed of 27 knots, and has a range exceeding 300 miles, the yard says.

"We think Volvo Penta IPS is a unique choice, and we have a lot of experience in using it in all our vessels, and so of course we wanted the IPS1350 for our new boat," adds Cesare Mastroianni, vice president of sales, and chief commercial officer at Absolute.

"From a design point of view, it gives us a better choice for the under-deck accommodation with the dimensions we need. And it offers good on-board comfort because the engine and the gearbox produce low noise and very little vibration.

"Also, the drivability is great as it’s an integrated system with the use of joystick docking, the Electronic Vessel Control and Glass Cockpit, and the Dynamic Positioning System.

"The fuel economy and low pollution, and the exhaust management, are much better than a traditional shaft engine," Mastroianni adds.

ABSOLUTE ON THE MOVE
Based near Piacenza, northern Italy, Absolute makes yachts in the flybridge, sport and Navetta styles. The latter was introduced in 2015 and combines traditional external trawler-like styling with modern technology and contemporary interior décor.

The twin installation of Volvo Penta’s D13-IPS1350 is said to allow for more on-board space, enabling the interior designer to create a layout that might normally be seen on a larger yacht.

"Customers were asking for new boats with different dimensions and so we created the Navetta 73. The large dimensions, high comfort and innovation, have charmed the clientele," says Mastroianni.

"We have two more Navetta models in development that will also use IPS," he said.

VOLVO PENTA’S D13-IPS1350
The new D13-IPS1350 features Volvo Penta’s first 1000hp marine leisure engine — the most powerful Volvo Penta marine engine ever — along with an upgraded pod drive that has been enhanced to match the extra power of the engine. The unit has been created to power yachts up to 120ft, and provides higher performance and greater durability than previous models in the range, while enhancing on-board comfort.

Volvo Penta IPS is an integrated package from helm to prop, and the innovative design of the twin forward-facing counter-rotating propellers sit below the water for superior grip. This enables faster acceleration and top speed, higher fuel efficiency, a longer cruising range, lower emissions, and reduced noise and vibration, the Swedish engine maker says.

"The Navetta 73 represents the ultimate achievement of the continuous collaboration and progression between Absolute and Volvo Penta," says Nicola Pomi, head of the marine market for Italy, Spain and Portugal, at Volvo Penta.

"The result is a real benchmark in the long-range yacht market. Thanks to our D13-IPS1350, this boat emphasises a reduction of noise, vibration and fuel consumption, and an increase in the amount of space on board, all of which provide the owner with excellent performance and a great sense of comfort."

A Navetta 58 is expected to arrive in Sydney this Spring (2017), powered by a pair of D8 IPS700s. There are three boats in the contemporary Italian-designed Navetta 'trawler' range including the 52, 58 and new 73.

Absolute boats are imported and represented in Australia by Premier Marine.