BY GEORGE DAY OF CRUISING ODYSSEYÂ
It was just a year ago that Outer Reef Yachts announced the introduction of the new 540 Adventure. The new boat follows in the wake of the 780 Adventure that was introduced 18 months ago. Like the bigger model, the new 54-footer will be built in The Netherlands.
The new 540 was designed by the Dutch firm Bern Weel Design and carries the same purposeful, expedition styling as the 780. It is being built in fiberglass, with Divinicell coring above the waterline and in the deck and super structure.
Powered by twin Volvo D8-600 engines with conventional straight shafts, the new boat will have a range of 2,000 miles at what they call Eco Speed. The design will have a Class A All Oceans CE Rating so it will be a go-anywhere expedition quality yacht.
Interestingly, the 540 will have only four feet of draft to the bottom of its fixed keel, so it will be capable of exploring waters that might be off-limits of other boats in this size category. This is a rare accomplishment for a three-cabin, two-head vessel with a full flybridge, a large salon and pilot house.
Outer Reef knows that at 54 feet the boat will appeal to owner-operators who don’t necessarily want crew, although a crew cabin in the lazarette is available. Plus, they believe this size expedition yacht will also appeal to new cruisers, to younger cruisers and to owners who may be downsizing from a larger yacht.
