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On paper, the Palm Beach GT50 RS looks like a fast cruising yacht. But a glance at the transom quickly reveals that this boat is in a different league. 4x500 hp! Four Mercury Racing 500R V8 engines totalling 2,000 hp are installed at the stern of a 17.10-meter hull. A rare configuration for this size of boat, and one that influences both performance and day-to-day operation.
Four 500 hp outboards, a rare choice for a 17-metre yacht
This is the first question that arises in front of the GT50 RS: why install 4 outboard engines on a yacht in this class? In the 15 to 20-meter segment, inboard diesel engines are still by far the majority. They offer good range and generally more reasonable fuel consumption at cruising speed.
Palm Beach made a different choice. The GT50 RS receives 4 Mercury Racing 500R V8 engines, each developing 500 hp. This brings total power to 2,000 hp! Even in the world of sports yachts, to break the 2,000 hp barrier is a rare occurrence. This architecture brings the boat closer to the great American offshore than to classic cruising yachts. The shipyard also points out that the project was born out of a request from an owner who wanted to make quick coastal trips between different ports on the American East Coast.
50 knots: a speed that completely changes the sailing program
The 50 knots announced are not just a technical datum. They define the boat's program. At this speed, a 50-mile trip can be covered in around 1 hour in good conditions. The GT50 RS has clearly been designed to reduce travel time rather than for contemplative sailing.
This philosophy changes the way the boat is used. Where a traditional speedboat sails between 20 and 30 knots, the Palm Beach aims for much higher averages. For owners who frequently sail between second homes, marinas or remote anchorages, this argument may make sense. But fast sailing also requires a hull capable of sustainably withstanding the stresses generated by these speeds.
Fuel consumption to match performance
Available power has its price. Four 500 hp supercharged V8 engines don't work without fuel. Although Palm Beach is not disclosing fuel consumption figures, the presence of a 2,500-liter fuel tank already gives an indication of the boat's energy requirements. For a yachtsman accustomed to a conventional diesel powerboat, operating costs change scale.
The GT50 RS was not designed with sobriety in mind. Its objective is to maintain high speeds over long distances. This strategy mechanically imposes high fuel consumption when the 2,000 hp available are really exploited. This is probably one of the most divisive aspects of the boat. Some owners will see fuel consumption as the price they have to pay to save time. Others will see it as an important limitation in a context where fuel costs remain high.
Lightweight construction to control engine weight
Installing four high-powered outboards at the stern of a 17-meter hull is no mean feat. To compensate for this mass and preserve the overall balance of the boat, Palm Beach relies on its V Warp technology and a composite structure combining carbon fiber, fiberglass and vinylester resin. The entire structure is infused.
Claimed displacement is 12 tonnes with a light load, a relatively contained figure for a unit of this length. The hunt for weight is no mere detail. At 50 knots, every kilogram has a direct influence on performance, acceleration and seakeeping. In sailing, structural rigidity is equally important. A lightweight but insufficiently rigid hull would quickly become uncomfortable when conditions deteriorate.
Can 2,000 hp be reconciled with cruising comfort?
This is probably the most interesting question raised by the GT50 RS. Traditionally, high-speed yachts have focused on performance at the expense of on-board comfort. Here, Palm Beach attempts to retain the attributes of a livable yacht, despite its extraordinary motorization.
The plans reveal a generous cockpit, an enclosed saloon, a galley on the lower deck and a forward cabin with king-size berth. The cockpit features large opening windows and a sunroof for sailing in contact with the elements when conditions permit. The saloon can also be fully enclosed and air-conditioned.
This dual personality is one of the distinctive features of the project. The GT50 RS aims to offer the sensations of a high-speed motorboat, while retaining a habitability compatible with several days' sailing.
The Palm Beach GT50 RS isn't trying to appeal to every yachtsman. Its main argument lies in its 4 Mercury Racing 500R engines and the 2,000 hp they develop. This exceptional power makes it possible to reach 50 knots, a level of performance rarely seen on a yacht in this category. On the other hand, the boat's fuel consumption is high, and its program is focused on speed. More than a traditional cruising yacht, the GT50 RS appears as a true offshore commuter designed for those who consider that time saved at sea is worth the fuel consumed.
