“The Okean 50X offers amazing versatility in a compact design”
From boatinternational.com August 2020
I like gadgets, but not the kind that are just for show, the kind that do something special. The wing-like retractable side balconies on the Brazilianbuilt Okean 50X immediately catch my eye and I must take a closer look. Standing against the rope railing, I enjoy the warm Miami breeze and feeling connected to the aqua green color of the seawater below me.
Arthur Grin, HMY Yacht Sales’ Okean brand manager interrupts my contemplation to demonstrate how they work. He steps forward, opens tray-like compartments in the teak deck, and folds the stainless-steel stanchions down. The rails stowed, he pushes a button that activates the hydraulics and the side balconies gently retract to form the funnel. This is not a gadget; it is a functional system that adds breadth to the open aft deck. Italian designer Paolo Ferragni has combined this functionality with a contemporary look.
Loose furniture accented in bright blue complement a gray Sunbrella settee covered in cushions that make this an ideal party spot or a great place to relax. With its expansive 20ft 7in beam, this deck looks like it belongs on a much larger yacht.
“‘Open up your world’ is our motto,” says Luis Henrique Ferreira, Okean’s
marketing director. “It is a play on the way the balconies open the deck, but also because the boats can deliver you to another place, ideally another state of mind. We promote the escape.”
It’s easy to see how the boat delivers on the premise. Grin opens the stainless and glass folding doors that connect the salon to an outdoor galley and wet bar, complete with bar stools – it is located at a transition point where it can equally serve the open aft deck or the interior space. The salon has contemporary finishes with contrasting wood laminates, lounge seats with textured cloth, and engineered stone surfaces atop the cabinets. It’s wrapped in glass interrupted only by narrow mullions – and there is incredible visibility both from the center helm upholstered in black leather and the surrounding seating. A feeling of openness permeates the whole space.
“The boats are extremely customizable. Some prefer the galley forward or down, which can easily be accomplished. The enclosed area of the cabin can even move further back to create additional interior space,” Grin says.
Sample panels show a variety of finish options. The “Graphite” finish on board consists of gray, black and white fabrics and counters, and panels are decorated in contrasting light wood veneer with a dark wood stripe. Other options with warmer wood colors are Teka and Oak.
Floating teak and stainless steps lead to the open flybridge. Perched up here the view is 360 degrees and despite the height, an unmistakable connection to the surrounding water remains.
A single helm seat provides access to the wheel and controls housed in a stylized pod. We fire up the twin Volvo Penta D8 IPS 700s, talking from the L-shaped seating as we work our way out to more open water. “The boat is designed to be fast and fun for day cruises at 25-plus knots but can also run at trawler speeds for increased range and fuel economy,” Ferreira says. “We call this Duo Mode.”
In Biscayne Bay’s open water, I ease the throttles forward and the Okean 50X comes onto plane. Maneuvering at over 20 knots, I make sharp turns in two to three boat lengths. The boat leans into the turns but pops back up promptly and accelerates quickly as I straighten out. We hit a speed in excess of 26 knots, but Grin and Ferreira say the boat can go faster with a clean bottom. I pull back a bit and we cruise comfortably at 19 to 20 knots where I calculate a range of over 200 nautical miles.
The Okean 50X satisfies an affinity for useful gadgets, transforming from a stylish trawler to an entertaining day boat. The balconies, extensive windows, and open deck space create a constant connection to the water. Three cabins and two heads add to the versatility. It delivers flexibility, fun and flair in one neat package.
