Alen 45

Over the last decade we have seen a number of retro designs gracing numerous shorelines. However, the Mediterranean has proven to be the most fertile area for designs encompassing traditional lines with modern technology. Alen Yacht, based in Turkey, have certainly embraced this concept with their range of traditional slab-sided powerboats, which they have now extended down to 45ft. The new Alen 45, like its bigger siblings, has a 1940s-like appearance, with high flared topsides, made all the more distinct by their straight-edge top lines and the virtual absence of any appendages.

Internally, matters are less old-school. Power is from twin 435hp Volvo IPS600s, whose pod drive efficiency not only gives this boat a 38-knot top speed but also the easy berthing facility of joystick control. The hull has that traditional flare, so reminiscent of early planing hulls, yet still so effective at keeping the occupants free of salt water. The hull actually carries much of its 4.1m beam out to its downturned chines, which in the forward sections provides more internal space for the accommodation design. The hull is of a full GRP composite AIREX sandwich construction. AIREX is a structural foam core, known for extreme strength and low weight, and consequently used in wind turbine blades. It is also known for its impact resistance, good face adhesion, fatigue resistance and ease of processing, so one can suppose this boat will likely give up long after the crew.

The beauty of this boat’s design is that its fairly small amount of forward accommodation enables the pod drive engines to be mounted further forward than normal – something that many modern ‘accommodation-focused designs’ cannot facilitate. This improves fore and aft trim, especially in a pod-driven boat that can have the tendency to run slightly bow up. Another aspect of this aft cavity is that there is space for a Seakeeper stabiliser, which impressively Alen fit as standard.

The concept of the Alen 45 is really that of the giant upmarket dayboat. Not unrealistically, this boat has been built for the person that will generally stay and eat ashore. This is the logic followed by many smaller designs, but this idea is creeping more into the upper end of the market. Having a bigger cockpit, plenty of storage for toys, a large topside wet bar and the ability to easily walk around the boat between two sunbathing spots can outweigh being able to squeeze in a family of four once a year. This is not to say that short on-board stays are a ‘camping affair’ with the 45, as being a fairly tall boat, the three-berth accommodation has full headroom where you need it. It also has a proper heads with shower, and a second fridge, so you can stock up for a cruise if need be. You can eat topside under the hardtop, but cooking courtesy of the wet bar is an open affair; however, given that this boat is only sold in the Med or Miami for good reason, this will likely not be an issue.

This is a boat built without compromise specifically to do the job for which it is designed. It is not often we come across this design mentality in the pleasure market at this size, which really is a bit of a shame.