June 25, 2008

Boat Review: Sogica 55 Openbridge

Presentation
This months review is on the Sogica 55 Openbridge, a very modern boat presented in early 2007 and making most of the competition in this size segment take a new look at the future. The Sogica 55 Openbridge takes on a competitive size of the market formed mostly of renowned and World famous builders, but this Sports Yacht shows it has a lot to offer and that it is not just about a trendy design spin, but also a very comfortable boat with an accommodating upper and lower deck arrangement offering 3 spacious cabins in high comfort. The other expected bonus, which is launched by the exterior sport curves calling speed, is the 50 knot performance with superb handling thanks to the water jets propulsion which if desired will make her 26 tons plus spin on its own size.
Accommodation
The 55 Openbridge put a lot of priority to the comfortable side and once on board this feeling is transmitted immediately. The welcoming upper deck is reserved for pure entertainment thanks to a big central located sunpad, 2 spacious L-shaped settees in separate areas outside and inside under the hardtop, and a central located modern design helm station.
The lower deck is fully dedicated to the two or three cabins and a spacious galley. At mid-ship we find the owners cabin, forward is the VIP and to starboard we find a double guest cabin. An alternative layout offering a single crew cabin with private head in replacement of the guest cabin is available. The entrance for the crew cabin is from the galley, allowing for maximum privacy. In the crew cabin option the owners cabin gets also the addition of more space with a more spacious head and a breakfast table with sea view to port.Performance
If you want the best handling on the water, jet propulsion should be on the top of your list, offering unbeatable turns and stop and go manoeuvres unthinkable with other drive systems. Jet drives also offer the advantage of high efficiency at the topper end of the speeds usually associated with this type of boats. The 55 Openbridge top speed is of 50 knots with the big engine option of 2 x 1360 hp MAN. Go for the lower engine option and still you have respected speeds of about 45 knots. Cruising speeds are 45 knots with the MAN 1360 hp engines and 40 knots for the smaller 1100 hp standard version.
Positive
Patio door on upper deck
Spacious cabins with 3 heads
Jet Propulsion giving great handling
Negative
Not much in free space on upper deck
Crew cabin option takes space for third cabin
Competition
Surprising enough the 55 Openbridge competition is hard to find and to be honest it is a bit of a wild card in its own right. Think of the the following bonuses for a 17 metre sport yacht: 40 knots plus performance, patio door upper deck and full beam owners cabin and the competition is decreased to near nothing. Here is what to have a look for:
AB 58 - likewise jets give 50 knots, great handling, no patio door owners cabin forward
Baia 54 Aqua - surface 40+ knots speeds, no patio door owners cabin forward
Rizzardi 55 Incredible - clever guest cabins transformation, no patio door, surface option
Pershing 56 - full beam owners cabin, surface drives 48 knots, no patio door
Prinz 54 Coupe - patio door, declared speeds of 38 knots with little IPS hp, competitive
Sunseeker 55 Predator - surface version of Portofino giving 46 knots, small third cabin
Tiara 5800 Sovran - US take, slower 33 knots max with 3 IPS, patio door full beam cabin
WILD CARD: Itama FiftyFive - timeless classic, no HT, 3 cabins spacious galley
Conclusion
The Sogica 55 Openbridge is really taking it to heads with respected builders, competing with companies who have changed how the boats in this size look, gaining a great fame and reputation over the years, offering a high quality product. The Sogica is on the higher price bracket in this size, still it manages to have its unique distinctive features in a very competitive segment which manages to set her apart in her size. If you are looking for a 17 metre sport yacht with great performance but don't want to sacrifice your interior space the Sogica 55 Openbridge should be among the first of the list.
Technical Data
LOA. 17.80 metres (58.4ft)
Hull Length. 16.90 metres
Beam. 4.50 metres
Displacement. 26 t loaded
Fuel Capacity. 3200 litres
Water Capacity. 500 litres
Max Persons. 14
Accommodation. 3 cabins with 3 heads
Engines. 2 x MAN 1100hp, 1360hp
Propulsion. 2 x Water Jets Kamewa FF50S
Speed. 50 knots max, 40 knots cruising with bigger MAN engine option
Project. Quarto Stile, Sogica
Certification. CE with standard safeties for 8 persons
www.sogica.it
Picture Copyright Sogica. Data Sogica.

1 comment: