From the outside, the Iliad 53S already flattered the eye. We liked the straight, slender bows and the good headroom. The low-slung wheelhouse gaves the catamaran a sporty, feline look, reminiscent of a sports car coupé. The F version is virtually identical to the lower section. However, the flybridge gives the Iliad 53F the status of a 100% cruising catamaran, while considerably increasing living space on board.
This starts with the stern skirts, which are quite large, and the optional central hydraulic platform that supports the tender. This appendage can be lowered into the water to make it easier to put back the dinghy, and also serves as a private beach while at anchor. Hulls are pretty tall, so, to reach the cockpit four steps are required. By the way, we note that each access is closed by a gate, a plus for the safety of kids or pets.
Smooth circulation between the different spaces
Without being huge, this cockpit offers enough room to relax on the rear bench seat or to enjoy a meal with eight people around the table. What's more, the space is totally protected by the flybridge, perfect for staying out of the rain or tropical sun. A cabinet with a counter top is installed just below the window separating the cockpit from the interior saloon. A little tip: this sliding window opens directly onto the galley, so the counter top can quickly be turned into a bar. This is also where you'll find the battery switches and two sockets, which are very useful.
From the cockpit, two small steps and wide gangways provide easy access to the foredeck. The 2.2 ft wide gangways, high balconies and long handrail ensure a safe passage.
Featuring a decent size, this foredeck offers a configuration that can be used as a solarium or picnic area, with the possible addition of a table to admire the sunset while sipping a cocktail - mojito for me. Finally, there are numerous lockers to store fenders or conceal the electric windlass with its large chain hoist.
The other option from the cockpit is to use the staircase on the port side to reach the flybridge. Perfectly integrated into the catamaran's lines, this staircase is equally comfortable. From here, you'll discover a beautiful space that's sure to become the crew's favorite spot.
The flybridge features a complete helm station with unobstructed view, and seating including a leaning-post position. There's also a huge L-shaped bench seat occupying a good part of the starboard side. Thanks to a sloping backrest, this seat can be used as a lounge chair in the area next to the pilot, while the aft section becomes a dining area for five or six people. On the starboard side, the shipyard has installed a large outdoor galley with grill, sink, refrigerator and plenty of storage space for grilling al fresco.
Of course, this layout can be modified to suit the customer's wishes - all you have to do is move the furniture around! The last part of the flybridge, the stern, features a large terrace that can be furnished, once again, according to individual taste. This part of the flybridge can be fitted with lounge chairs, a large solarium, and even a rack for kayaks or jet-skis, since a crane can be installed here.
An interior that can be customized almost entirely to order
Last but not least, the forward part of the flybridge can be completely enclosed by a transparent canvas, ideal for sailing in bad weather or for keeping the boat clean when not in use.
From the cockpit to the frontdeck to the flybridge, there's plenty of choice for enjoying the great outdoors, and every time, with a high level of comfort.
This sense of hospitality also extends to the interior. Once through the glass door, the main deck offers an open space, with a dining area to starboard and a very modern U-shaped galley to port. As you can see by sliding the window, this galley is directly connected to the cockpit, making it both practical and convivial. It's also highly functional, with a full range of top-of-the-range appliances, starting with a double door fridge well-suited to long range crossings. A small step leads to the forward part of this deck and a large saloon that can easily seat seven people. The coffee table is perfect for aperitifs, but the sofa is not convertible. The 65-inch retractable TV screen is a welcome consolation... Adjacent to this saloon, the interior helm station offers a good view, while allowing you to stay with your guests. Here again, the layout is truly customizable, with some customers requesting that the dining area be located forward.
Almost completely surrounded by windows, this main deck is unsurprisingly very bright during the day, offering a panoramic view of everything around the catamaran. Good point too for the central front window, which opens to improve ventilation.
Available in three- or four-cabin versions
For the night, the 53F is available in three or four cabin versions. For our test, we had a three-cabin layout with the owner's suite on starboard and two cabins on port.
Benefiting from fairly wide hulls, these spaces are not lacking in volume. The Owner enjoys a double berth in a transverse position, with a direct view of the sea. The aft bulkhead host a large wardrobe, while the hallway offers plenty of storage space, as well as a desk/dressing table and a small sofa for quiet reading. Finally, at the bow of the float, a very large head features a toilet, a double sink vanity and a separate shower - all of which, like the rest of the cabin, benefits from soft, natural light.
On the port side, the layout is a little different, but very interesting. The aft section features a cabin with two single beds, but you can of course opt for a single double bed. Towards the front, there's a queen-size bed and, a little surprise, an extra berth on the high side, ideal for a child. Each of these cabins has its own head and a door for a little privacy.
Although this is one of the first examples, the seriousness of the manufacturing quality is impressive, and the quality of the finishes seductive. Of course, the layout of each hull can be modified, and decoration, woodwork and wall color are entirely up to the future owner. The equipment is in perfect harmony, with conventional or USB sockets throughout, wireless chargers and attractive indirect lighting.
