At first, I mistook the Hylas M47 for the M44. She was gliding quietly through Maryland’s Annapolis Harbor amid the racing sailboats, and the familial resemblance to the smaller Hylas model was undeniable. She had the same handsome, contemporary, Down East-inspired lines. The twin 300-hp Cox CXO300 diesel outboards on the transom were the giveaway that this was, indeed, the new Hylas M47.
The model adds to a brand history that dates back decades. New Zealand-based naval architect Dean Salthouse, known for creating the Corsair 44 in the early 2000s, also constructed the plugs and molds that Queen Long Marine in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, uses to produce a line of recreational craft from 44 to 49 feet. The yard has been affiliated with Hylas for more than 40 years, with 600-plus builds to date.
In the United States, David Walters Yachts has handled the Hylas line exclusively since 2019. President Josh McLean says his company was heavily involved with conceiving both the M47 and the M49.
“The M47 is ideal for the owner who wants to cruise long distances, such as the Great Loop, in a boat that is safe in open water yet easily functions as an entertainment platform for dayboat missions,” McLean says.
Optimal range and fuel efficiency were key design factors—hence the Cox diesel outboards. The safety of diesel fuel, plus the 6,000-hour service life of the engines, were both part of the equation.
The M44, M47 and M49 all come from the same mold. The M49 has an integral-to-the-hull extension to create the cockpit, while the M47 adds an integral transom and platform for the Cox outboards. The hull design incorporates a fine entry and a well-flared bow, shaped to run smoothly in the rough-and-tumble open ocean around New Zealand. An integral skeg keel provides tracking up or down swell. Standard white isophthalic gelcoat protects a sandwich laminate of handlaid, multiaxial E-glass, end-grain balsa coring and vinylester resin. In high-stress areas, such as the keel, transom and deck, solid laminate is used. The tanks (475 gallons of fuel, 190 gallons of fresh water) are 316L stainless steel.
Stowage in the lazarette and in a locker beneath the cabin sole should satisfy long-distance cruising needs. For onboard comfort, equipment can include a Seakeeper 5 gyrostabilizer and a Spectra Newport 700c watermaker. Six beefy pillars support a coachroof with a freshwater catchment system, two opening hatches forward, and nearly full-cabin-length tinted side windows that allow almost 360-degree visibility from inside.
The hardtop extends aft to create shade and rain protection in the cockpit. Stowage at deck level includes molded settee lockers and a vented LPG locker. The after bulkhead between the outdoor cockpit and indoor salon practically vanishes when the glass door and nearby window are open. There’s a slight step up to the salon, keeping water and sand outside.
Inside, immediately to port, is the galley. Twin refrigerators, a top-loading freezer, a double-basin sink and an LPG range are standard. To starboard is a full-height pull-out pantry with shelves. Forward is a U-shape settee with a height-adjustable, varnished teak table that seats six.
At the helm to starboard, the two-person bench seat adjusts to allow comfortable operation whether the skipper is standing or sitting. The dash holds a 12-inch Raymarine Axiom multifunction display, as well as the Cox engine display. To reach the starboard side deck, skippers can step up and pass through the sliding glass.
Belowdecks, the two-stateroom, single-head layout sleeps five. The guest stateroom has a double berth that splits into twins, along with a Pullman berth above. In a pinch, two more guests can be accommodated in the salon by converting the settee.
To me, maneuvering the M47 in dense anchorages or tight dock spaces felt effortless, thanks in part to the SeaStar Optimus steering system. With the power plants hanging off the transom, the M47 is remarkably quiet at the helm. Sound levels at idle were 62 decibels, slightly less than the 65 decibels of a normal speaking voice. Sound levels rose to just under 70 decibels at cruising speed, and to 75 decibels at wide-open throttle. In a 1- to 2-foot chop on Chesapeake Bay, the M47 glided smoothly and turned with the authority of a powerful, yet nimble sportboat.
Fuel efficiency was impressive. At 1000 rpm and 6.3 knots, the outboards burned 1.8 gallons per hour, returning a range of 1,662 nautical miles. When I engaged the Zipwake Series E trim tabs, fuel burn remained an efficient 14.5 gph at 17 knots, with range dropping to 556 nm. At a fast cruise of 26.5 knots (3500 rpm), fuel burn was 30 gph with range at 419 nm. At wide-open throttle, she hit just under 30 knots. Optional, larger fuel tanks, in the space where the inboard engines would normally be, can extend her reach.
Overall, the M47 is a mission-capable cruiser. Whether you’re day-tripping, weekend overnighting or tackling longer stretches, the newest Hylas and its diesel outboards are worth a look.
HYLAS M47
LOA: 47ft.Beam: 13ft. 6in.Draft: 3ft. 2in.Displacement: 20,943 lbs.Fuel: 475 gal.Water: 190 gal.Engine: 2x 300-hp Cox CXO300 diesel outboardsInfo: hylasyachts.com
This article was originally published in the September 2023 issue.
