Sessa F48

Fast, functional and super-sociable, the new F48 is Sessa to the core.

Having made its debut in the US late last year, the F48 has already had an impact on Sessa’s order books. Closely based on the F47, it is true to say it is a new tune on an old fiddle, but nevertheless still a catchy one. It is over 3ft longer overall, and it appears that all or most of this is bathing platform. Whether the hull has been extended slightly we have not been able to confirm, but what we do know is that the F47 is a good sea boat, and this new sibling will likely have the same composure.

Engine options for the F48 are twin 550hp Volvo IPS 700 pod drives, which, based on the 7.7L D8 engine block, is quite a significant upgrade on the 480hp 5.5L D6 IPS 650 engines used in the F47. The extra torque from the IPS 700s will make a big difference to how the F48 performs. These bigger engines will produce a 35-knot top speed compared to the 31/32 knots from the F47, but its response in big seas and a more relaxed cruising pace are the real bonuses. Given that this boat’s design has likely been influenced by feedback from Sessa skippers in the States, this ‘power upgrade’ is a logical move.

Big bathing platforms are very much the trend, and this craft does not disappoint. It sports a wet bar on the transom as well, including an ice box, sink, hob and cup holders. There is also a pull-out roller sunshade mounted on the back of the flybridge, which can be used to shelter the transom wet bar.

The helm is contemporary and uncluttered.

Moving into the cockpit, you have the benefit of the flybridge overhang, which, supported by two curved stern pillars, has a strong feeling of continuity with the saloon, and it can be fully enclosed when needed. This is most likely where you will want to eat, as the seating will accommodate six comfortably, aptly served by a double pedestal table. Then there is the flybridge, which is identical in size to the F47 and is an area to which you will gravitate on a warm day. For a 48ft boat, it is extensive. The aft section comprises an L-shaped seating area with table, which can take six. Behind the helm station lies another wet bar, this time with a fridge, sink, hob and storage. A double helm is flanked on the port side by a large sunbathing area, which wraps around in front of the dash. In terms of overhead cover, you have two options for the flybridge: a conventional bimini top or a black T-top sitting on a large central GRP pillar and supported by four stainless steel pillars at the extremities.

Good continuity between the cockpit and saloon.

True to the brand, life on deck is good for a planing flybridge boat. The side decks are wide, and moving forward involves two steps up from the cockpit, followed by a third step amidships. The guard rails are sensibly tall, and the forward side decks are enclosed by a tall foot rail, while the aft sections have the benefit of half-height bulwarks.

Internally there are two layout options, the choice of which primarily depends on whether you need two or three cabins. If you need to sleep six, the saloon layout puts the L-shaped galley down the starboard side, butting up to the double helm. This can be a bonus when serving food to the cockpit, but you lose some lounge space. The alternative is with the galley located opposite the helm on the port side, which makes having a third cabin impossible. If you only need to sleep four on a regular basis, this is the option to choose. The design uses the traditional U-shaped galley set-up, which is ideal for single-crew skippers who want to keep an eye out over the bow while making a brew on autopilot. It has slightly more storage and is elevated, providing much better views out. Both galleys are fitted with a combination oven, a large ceramic hob and a big under-top fridge. The amidships U-shaped galley design also enables a long section of storage to run down the port side, above which is located a 40” TV. As a result, you have a long sofa on the starboard side that butts up against the helm, which with the saloon patio doors open connects socially to the cockpit.

This is the three-cabin layout, which puts the galley on the starboard side.

The helm is elevated and served by a gloss black dash, which easily takes two 16” MFDs with room for extra smaller displays. The wheel is adjustable, and the IPS joystick sits low and in line with the edge of the seat where your hand would naturally fall. The seat is sufficiently tall to justify a footboard, but where the driving position falls down slightly is that the sloping coachroof and elevated position may restrict a tall person’s view when standing.

Spacious and light, the master cabin ticks every box.

Below decks, the master cabin in the forepeak is what you would expect from a 48-footer. Side windows run virtually the full length of the cabin, two large drawers can be found under the bed and a hanging locker sits on the starboard side. A large en suite opens into the cabin on the port side and has full standing headroom and a separate shower compartment. If you opt for just one guest cabin, it is located on the starboard side and has two separate beds with an infill to convert to a double. Natural light is plentiful from a full window that runs the entire length of the bed; consequently you can actually sit up in bed and enjoy a waterfront view. A full-height hanging locker is located at the end of the bed, next to which you have en suite access to the day heads, which is a good size, but the shower is not separate as it shares the same space as the toilet – though it is divided from the sink/vanity unit area. The optional third cabin on the port side mirrors the layout of the starboard cabin, just without en suite access.

The en-suite heads has a separate shower section.

Sessa have been wise to keep to a popular proven formula. Any changes over its predecessor are either based on retrospective experience or a need to create a current, contemporary feel. It is good to see that this company’s reputation for maintaining function with Italian form still appears to be as strong as ever. With the boat now in production, and costing upwards of £1,200,000 (inc. VAT), this relatively realistically priced middleweight will undoubtedly be cruising our waters this season.