Palm Beach GT60

There are several ways I can introduce the Palm Beach GT60.

I thought of making a comparison to those speedy race cars that rip across the Bonneville Salt Flats at breakneck speeds. Of course not as fast, the Palm Beach GT60 gave an exhilarating run, capping out at just over 40 knots during our sea trial. That is fast for a 47,400-pound yacht.

Or I could impress you with the fact that I was able to get Mark Richards, CEO and founder of Palm Beach Motor Yachts, on the phone for a 30-minute call from his office in Australia, a dozen or so time zones away.

I could also gush over the beautiful, high-end craftsmanship of the GT60, both inside and out, that would make yacht owners of other brands envious.

Or I could say it all.

I will admit one thing; when the brand became recognizable in the U.S., I thought the name reflected in some way Palm Beach, Florida. I learned quickly that these yachts are named for the location where they were built: Palm Beach, New South Wales, Australia (just north of Sydney). Over the years, the Palm Beach brand has received international acclaim for style, function and performance. And it carries those attributes throughout the range of yachts from 42 to 70 feet. The new GT60 is the embodiment of all things good that have come out of Palm Beach Motor Yachts since its inception in 1995.

The man behind the name

A well-seasoned sailboat and America’s Cup racer with hundreds of thousands of miles below his keel, Mark Richards is a driven man, passionate about his craft as he enjoys new challenges and ultimately perfection in his yachts.

“It’s not until you get out in the rough sea that you actually realize there is something special about our boats,” Richards says.

And special they are. Thanks to the warped hull design (much like a racing sailboat hull that widens midship), the design helps to reduce drag and add stability. Coupled with a sharp bow entry and a 6-degree transom deadrise, the hull cuts the seas and adds speed when on plane.

Thanks to a pair of Volvo IPS 1350 powerplants that produce 1,000 hp each (standard engines are Volvo IPS 950 at 725 hp), the GT60 has some impressive “giddy up.” Even though Palm Beach states the cruise speed is around 35 knots burning 75 gph for a range of approximately 355 nm, pull back a bit on the throttles to enjoy the ride and the scenery. There’s still a fresh cut of speed at 27 knots, reducing the burn rate to 47 gph at 1800 RPM. Or enjoy a sunset soiree at 10.8 knots and 9.4 gph. Bottom line, the GT60 will deliver whatever you ask of it.

Build it

Assisting the speed numbers is the overall construction. Utilizing vacuum-infused carbon fiber for the superstructure and deck, and vinylester-infused eglass with carbon sections for strength in the hull, Palm Beach has reduced the overall weight with composite materials. By bonding the bulkheads as well as fixed furniture to the hull and decks, the GT60 is a solid hull with rigidity and strength. During our ride, there was not an ounce of creaking or squeaking from any area onboard.

I did ask Richards what he carries with him onboard. “A cell phone of course,” he says, but adds, “I also carry a toolbox in my car,” stating that he still likes to get his hands dirty and is often seen on the factory floor with the workers. Richards takes pride in the fact that he is personally involved in every new build, from initial meeting to final delivery.

Understand that this Downeast-style yacht is a far cry from the workboats of yore. With an unbroken sheer and gentle tumblehome that tapers aft, the hull and low-profile superstructure are well proportioned.

Underneath the aft deck — which sports a large L-shape settee, a twin post dining table that converts into a sunpad, and a wetbar with fridge, freezer and sink — is a tender garage. Suitable for a 10-foot inflatable with a 20-hp motor, the tender gives the owner options to anchor out yet be able to go ashore to provision or try the local eateries.

The wow factor

Step indoors to the salon and be surrounded by luxurious accommodations. The main deck is all about social interaction — even at a distance.

To port is a corner L-shape sofa accompanied by a teak table, and across is a bench sofa. Finished in Ultraleather upholstery, the feel is buttery soft. All woodwork is satin-finished teak, with teak and ebony flooring. Owners can decide on their own fabric choices and wood or non-wood finishes. To note, there’s a hatch to the engine room below the salon. I prefer this arrangement as it keeps the engines out of the elements and allows for maintenance to be completed on those non-boating days, despite the weather. Acoustic sound insulation minimizes engine noise when running.

Even though the helm is to starboard, you can fully walk around the double-wide, diamond-stitched helm seat without interrupting the captain or guests. Thanks to the electrically actuated oversized side and aft windows, you can let the breeze in on those crisp days. And if necessary, the starboard window is large enough to step through onto the 20-inch-wide side deck. Even without a door, there is still side access for line handling and docking visibility.

In addition to the salon windows there’s a single pane, chemically strengthened, tempered glass windshield affording unobstructed forward visibility. Twin pantograph wipers keep it clean. The salon’s retractable smart TV is housed in the helm seat credenza.

Packed with features, the ergonomic pod helm has twin Garmin GPSMAP 17-inch multifunction displays, Volvo Penta throttles, a joystick and engine monitor, a tilting wooden sport steering wheel and more in a carbon fiber dash with a leather-wrapped top. A step-up companion helm seat is to port, perfect for an extra set of eyes.

Know that the standard version of the GT60 comes in an open layout, but I would definitely opt for the hardtop from a security aspect, plus it has a center radar mast, integrated window framing — and it’s really cool. D

on’t overlook the large bow sunpad and aft deck awning.

Down but not out

Another preference is having the galley down. With the overall design creating an atrium effect, the galley may be down but it’s not out. It maximizes the salon seating areas, keeps meal prep and cleanup away from guests, and can be out of mind when not being used. For the chef, there are Corian counters, Isotherm fridge/freezer drawers, a two-burner Kenyon cooktop, a Miele microwave and a Fisher & Paykel dishwasher. Down here, there’s also access to the two staterooms. Midship is the master, with an athwartship queen berth, a hanging locker, a vanity, a hatch and satin teak cabinetry. The ensuite private head has a separate shower stall. Forward is the VIP with centerline queen berth, a locker and an ensuite head.

With an eye on active boaters, the GT60 has the spirit, style and functionality of a high-performance family cruiser. Mark Richard’s pursuit of perfection may now be complete. Just look at the Palm Beach GT60.