Sirena 48

A hybrid-powered 48ft passage maker with the potential to cover some serious sea miles.

Just months after the debut of the flybridge Sirena 48 at the 2023 Cannes show, a hybrid sibling is now looking to steal the limelight. However, this boat is a coupé, driven by a high-performance serial hybrid propulsion system. It shares many of the same lines, notably the Germán Frers-designed semi-displacement hull, but propulsion comes from two 213kW E-Motion electric engines, with the option of two large battery capacities.

Being a 29-tonne boat, range will be limited with just battery power alone – in this case, 24nm at 6.5 knots with its biggest battery bank option. As a hybrid, it has quite a few options for squeezing out maximum range for minimal carbon footprint. It has two 180kW E-Motion variable-speed generators, and with the combined use of diesel and battery power, running effectively in ‘piggy-back mode’ can stretch this boat’s cruising legs to 350nm at 6.5 knots. If you need to push out to the boat’s maximum speed of 14 knots, the generators will run dry after 240nm. But this is not what this craft is really about, as most skippers will use silent electric power for the start of a passage, which if you drop down to sub-6-knot speeds will extend its electric range to 30nm, after which you can switch to generators, which have the ability to quickly get the batteries back into shape while you increase speed or continue to let the world slip by. A full recharge with the batteries 90% discharged (DOD) can take 45 minutes with either a mains fast charger or gen sets. So even with a passage power drain, the Sirena’s generators can still produce enough power to get its batteries back on top in good time while underway.

All forward deck space is safely enclosed by tall guard rails, while the central coachroof section is topped with a gigantic sunbed. The side decks are safely enclosed by tall bulwarks, and in the same trawler yacht vein as its flybridge cousin, they are covered by a coachroof overhang. In the cockpit there are various configurations – dining, lounging, sunbathing and the option of a small crew cabin beneath. This boat has been designed as a coupé for more than just aesthetics. Lacking a flybridge, it can consequently host a huge solar panel array on its coachroof. These panels merge flush with a long central sunroof, which floods the saloon with natural light. In the hotter Mediterranean climates for which this Turkish boat was built, this will work a treat. It will, of course, slightly extend its electrical range, but by how much is very subjective. However, while anchored, it will prove its worth in feeding the domestic power needs. This 48-footer is the smallest vessel from this yard, and like its bigger siblings it makes good use of its hull length, insomuch as she has plenty of beam – and that all-important vertical stem. As a result, the Sirena 48 is able to make maximum use of its forward lower deck space, especially as the foredeck has been raised slightly.

The master cabin makes full use of the boat’s wide beam.

A generous en suite for the master cabin.

The wheelhouse is where any coupé worth its salt makes its mark. The Sirena does a good job in this area, letting in plenty of natural light while enjoying continuity with the cockpit when needed. A C-shaped dinette sits to port, and if you need to sleep eight it can convert to a big double bed. The galley butts up immediately behind it and is in a position to easily serve both the saloon and the cockpit. Full-width glass doors completely open up the galley to the cockpit, so catering for alfresco dining, especially with the generous twin-sofa set-up that flanks the cockpit table, will likely take precedence over eating inside. The galley spreads across the full width of the saloon, with an L-shaped worktop to port, complete with a four-ring hob, a full-size oven and a sink. To starboard, full-height storage and a three-quarter-height fridge freezer mean you have the capacity to keep quite a few mouths fed, and for those longer passages, further storage cabinets are spread down the starboard side of the saloon.

Storage and headroom are superb in the guest cabin.

The guest cabin has a big en suite.

The triple-cabin layout is impressive for a boat of this size. The forward guest cabin enjoys a large en suite on the port side, and headroom is literally ballroom-like. Storage is generous, particularly a hanging locker that stretches all the way to the ceiling, and the contemporary rectangular windows are at the perfect height for looking out. The full-beam master cabin is outstanding for a 48-footer, and with the same cinematic window views as the guest cabin. It also has the space for a widescreen TV on its forward bulkhead, 6ft beam sofas, and a luxury en suite, complete with a separate shower, lies on the port side. The third cabin is sited on the starboard side and comprises the usual set-up with two single berths that can convert to a double – and it has a decent-sized hanging locker. As a true passage maker, this vessel also has a washing machine secreted away below, behind its very neat oak joinery.

The joinery is clinically clean.

Plenty of room for a wall mounted large TV.

Few 48-footers have a galley like this.

Headroom is a common feature of this boat.

The Sirena coupé may be the first hybrid from this yard, but I suspect it will not be the last. This Turkish yard has a range stretching up to 88ft, so hopefully we will see some more of Germán Frers’ fast displacement hulls slipping silently past.