YANMAR’S X47 EXPRESS CRUISER

The name Ken Okuyama may not be immediately recognisable, but the Japanese industrial designer supervised many Ferrari projects while at Pininfarina.

He also helped design the Porsche 996 and Boxster and oversaw the design of the Maserati Quattroporte V, the 4th gen Camaro and his own concept car, the K.O. 7. The talented designer has also added a stylistic edge to Yanmar’s products, creating a number of concepts from tractors to cabin cruisers. Okuyama’s first boat design for Yanmar was the X39, a sleek, 740hp cruiser with a look influenced by European sports cars. His latest design, the X47 Express Cruiser, again features numerous automotive influences, such as ‘go faster stripes’ and spoiler-like radar arch. These create a sporting look not seen often in the under 50-foot cabin cruiser category.

Powered by three Yanmar 8LV turbo diesels mated to ZT370 sterndrives, the X47 has a high power-to-weight ratio giving it sparkling performance and a top speed of 40 knots.

Guests are well catered for too, as up to seven can stay overnight, while 12 can enjoy its tight handling in navigation. Below deck there are two cabins fitted out in a selection of refined materials. The end result is a fun, luxury boat with the style and performance of a sportster.