Palm Beach 45

The boats are absolutely world class in their design, specifications and execution and are completely deserving of all the accolades. Slinky and stylish, they embrace the classic lines of commuter yachts of the 1920s and yet have a modern styling which sets them apart from all other offerings. Just like the first notes of Sinatra’s voice, the first glimpse of any Palm Beach model brings instant recognition and admiration.

The new 45, in simple terms, is the hull of the 50 with five feet sliced off the cockpit. From a stand-alone viewing, everything looks proportional and perfect and had one not been on the 50, the missing space would not be noticed at all. Perhaps a culling of the guest list (and there is nothing wrong with that idea) will be the only sacrifice that an owner will make in comparison to the larger sister.

There is no diminishment in the performance and handling and builder Mark Richards said: "We have made a number of modifications to the hull to improve every aspect, from speed to handling. Just a little fine tuning to perfect the instrument."

Quite an instrument too. Richards spends long days supervising his team with fastidious and beady-eyed scrutiny and the results of these efforts are very noticeable. Every nook and cranny, every trim and beading, every clamp and fitting has been mulled over and brought to the zenith of boat-building standards.

Clearly, Richards is very observant, and presumably a pleasant but very exacting taskmaster. All for the pleasure of the new owner.

Unlike many other builders, he has spent long hours aboard customers’ and other test boats to substantiate any claims. The buyer policy here would be to just sit back, relax and enjoy the first-class service. Whatever they deliver, you may remain sublimely confident that it will be a bespoke package.

This single-cabin layout retards the devious plans of freeloading guests, who threaten to disturb the owners’ sanctuary. Thus, only a fool would mention the additional convertible sofa or any hint of other accommodation possibilities. Drinks, dinner and a cheery good night as they make their way back to their own boat.

Needless to say, the forward cabin is luxuriously appointed with teak and upholstered panels, with his and her wardrobes and multiple storage cupboards that will swallow a vast quantity of clothing, sheets and towels.

The head and shower compartment has a laid, sealed-teak floor and a frameless-glass door which maximizes the feeling of space. The signature crème, tongue-and-groove wall paneling adds a classic and architectural touch.

Corian benchtops, chrome taps, a shower seat and a spacious vanity unit are sleek and superb. Shower steam is eliminated by a small overhead hatch. Brilliant for a dry room.

The lower galley has no claustrophobic element, as it is open to the main saloon and helm station, with vast headroom and voluminous space. It, too, looks smart and stylish thanks to Corian benchtops, flush electric cooktop, convection microwave and a tidy rubbish receptacle in the corner of the bench.

All the cupboards are lined with black satin laminex, which may sound unusual but it looks terribly smart and imparts a certain ping to the colours of groceries or stainless-steel items.

Chatting is easy, either with skipper or guests, and there is a welcome relief for a messy cook to partially conceal the mess from prying eyes.

Up in the saloon, the helm station is to starboard and is a superb twin-seat command binnacle with one electronic screen centred and very snappy chrome analogue dials to give the whole package a Spitfire look.

Switches are discrete and intelligently placed and the signature Palm Beach helm is a superb teak affair. Electrics lower both side windows. The aft window to the cockpit also fully lowers for an unimpeded view.

To port is a long L shaped convertible sofa with another sofa opposite. Air conditioning is ducted from behind with beautiful curved cutouts in the plinth. Then an electrically-raising TV materialises from the bulkhead between saloon and galley. The remainder of the major electrical items are hidden under the helm seat with an easy-vision door allowing swift access.

An electronic control panel for lights, air con and assorted other functions, operated via touch-screen akin to an iPad, is mounted adjacent to the galley and helm station bulkhead.

Meanwhile, the tinted glass windows with painted frames are solid and beautifully styled, framing vistas beyond. The whole appearance and effect is somewhat similar to a 3D plasma TV.

Outdoors, the cockpit is still a very generous area with a large sofa aft curving around the port side. A magnificent teak table has been varnished to perfection and is mounted on a polished stainless-steel base, all easily shifted from cockpit to saloon as entertaining requirements change.

The usual Palm Beach cockpit lockers conceal drinks and glass storage, an icemaker and freezer, and a bevy of other storage opportunities. Side steps to the deck conceal more lockers and a handy garbage bin. Logical, simple and beautifully finished.

A huge stainless steel awning frame with soft canvas adds to the casual picnic feel of the cockpit, with the delicious laid-teak decks putting the finishing touch to the whole area. A sliding transom door allows seamless progress from the swim platform, and this becomes a generous space for a fisherman or sun worshipper on a deck chair.

The side decks are wide and easy to use and have the customary Palm Beach non-skid, which is quite simply the best in the industry. A large foredeck hatch will hold lines and fenders, while a Muir winch will deal with the ups and downs of anchoring.

The test boat, bound for tropical Queensland, had been fitted with a painted fiberglass ‘cover board’ around the deck to eliminate the need for varnishing. Similarly, the window frames were painted the colour of the hull, a stunning sable metallic.

Even for a diehard varnish nut, we were really impressed with this very clever styling touch.

It is just a pleasure to watch these boats glide by, at once purposeful and sinister, yet elegant and svelte. Palm Beach is very committed to the Volvo IPS drive system and this hull represents the perfect amalgamation of technologies with thrilling results.

From the ridiculously easy manoeuvering to the sportscar-on-rails performance, the Palm Beach 45 will dazzle during your test. Flick the electronic levers down and the big Volvo’s come on hot and strong, and passengers lurching to grab for a seat.

At 30 knots, the fan of spray from the aft chines is a thrilling and enervating vision. Mercifully, spray and back pressure exhaust will not interfere with those still on the aft deck, although any attempt at hair styling will be gone with the wind.

As the Volvos start with a smooth and almost negligible rumble from under the floor, Richards tells me he has gone to great pains to insulate and soundproof the hull. But let’s not tell the competition how this is achieved. The results speak for themselves.

An immaculate engine room with laid-teak deck is another Palm Beach signature feature and all is simply pristine. Dip the oil, check the coolant, a squirt of Nifty occasionally and all will remain gleaming.

I would not even think to bore you with fuel consumption figures (pleasingly low) as no one buying this boat would give even the slightest flutter having just roared down the bay with dazzling style. Just get on with it!

A comprehensive specification of Kohler generator, inverter charger, Lifeline AGM batteries, pumps, wipers and a virtually silent air conditioning system form a small part of an intelligent and comprehensive custom package.

You may add bit and pieces, your favourite navigation stuff, but it's best to just leave it to the yard and focus on the more serious business of catering and party planning.

I cannot possibly imagine that Palm Beach have ever had a customer complain about any fault with the ride, performance or sea-keeping abilities of their boats. Presumably, it is a fast blast down the bay and straight to the order book and upholstery swatches.

Having tested all of their models now, the 45 does not falter in any respect to her sisters. Slicing swells and choppy seas, roaring around the photographer’s boat in ever diminishing circles.

One can’t help but marvel at the seamless transition from displacement to planing speeds. It is achieved with such effortless grace that you wonder why so many others get it so wrong.

You will love it! And in single-cabin guise as tested, with the standard and very generous 700 litres of water, she’s just the perfect penthouse pet.