Knysna Yachts, based in the Eastern Cape port city of Knysna, South Africa announced recently the introduction of the new 550 cruising catamaran. The 550 follows in the wake the successful 50 and will be available in two models, the 550 and the 550SE.
A boutique builder of blue water capable cruising cats, Knysna was founded 25 years ago is now run by only its second owners who is also the lead boat builder. The two 550 versions are the only models the builder offers.
The 550 has a Sky Lounge which provide extra outside living space for the crew. The 550SE or Solar Explorer is designed for long range, live-aboard, self-sufficient cruising. The space occupied by the Sky Lounge in the 550 is turned into a huge solar array that will provide almost all the energy the boat needs to function.
With the new models, the builders have taken the opportunity to modernize the boats’ looks and include cutting edge composite construction techniques. The result is a truly handsome yacht that is structurally tougher that anything Knynsa has previously built.
“She is built tough enough to cross any ocean, yet finished with the care and artistry of a bespoke super yacht,” said Grant Boshard, director of Knysna Yacht Company. “This is a vessel for those who want to truly explore the world in safety, style and comfort.”
The boats come with two basic configurations, a three-cabin owner’s arrangement with one hull dedicated to the owner’s suite, and a four-cabin version which will work for larger families or those who want to run their boat as a charter business. In both versions, each cabin comes with its own en suite head and shower.
The living spaces in the saloon and cockpit flow together as one social space. The saloon has a fully equipped navigator’s table facing forward that will be a great spot for night watches or running the boat in inclement weather. The saloon ceiling has a large skylight that will give those inside natural light and a good view of the mainsail.
The Knysna brand has long stood for sensible, practical blue-water cruising boats and the 550 carries all of that DNA. Yet it does so with more elan and style than previous models. She’s a stunner.
Knysna will introduce hull number one to the public at the Annapolis Sailboat Show in October.
