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The second cockpit lounge
can seat five people; it’s curved and to starboard and sits across
from one of the most extensive outdoor entertaining areas I’ve seen.
Here, packed into one console, is an electric grill, undercounter refrigerator
with icemaker, cold-water sink, and plenty of lockers. While the console
is solid FRP, the flip-up lids are supported by single, rather flimsy
springs that may fail while running. Given the considerable weight and
size of these lids, gas-assisted struts would be a more user friendly
option here.
Fully forward in the
cockpit, a raised bridge deck provides good visibility all around and
6'1" headroom for the owner’s stateroom beneath it. Two people can
join the helmsman on a centerline lounge, and from the deeply padded helm
seat–fully to starboard–it was easy to reach the mahogany wheel
that tilts for sit-down or stand-up driving. A recessed console across
the forward part of the dash is big enough to hold an array of cruising
electronics, and the area’s blue color dramatically cuts down on
glare. With helm seating for three and cockpit seating for 11, the 56
Express can entertain quite a crowd.
For overnighting you’ll
have to leave most of those 11 guests ashore, but the 56 Express can still
sleep two couples in luxurious accommodations. As soon as you step below,
you’re greeted by a cherry-wood interior and a marble-sole galley
area along the port side, where appliances include an AEG four-burner
cooktop, undercounter Sub-Zero refrigerator and separate freezer, Panasonic
microwave oven, and Black & Decker coffeemaker. I like the way the
cherry wood doors hid the latter two appliances when not in use to create
a clean, unified look between those cabinets and the rest of the galley’s
lockers. To starboard an Ultraleather, C-shape sofa seats six around a
small electrically raised table, but I was surprised that the entertainment
center (in an undercounter locker at the end of the galley) contains only
a small, 15-inch TV/VCR and an Alpine CD car stereo instead of a full-size
unit. However, since Neptunus is a semicustom builder, you can upgrade
the type and location of both units. I also appreciated the in-sole dry
stowage locker in the saloon, which can hold several weeks’ worth
of supplies.
There’s good access
around the island double berth (with innerspring mattress) in the forward
guest stateroom. Two cedar-lined hanging lockers and a built-in 13-inch
TV/VCR are standard equipment here, while the head, which doubles as a
day head, offers a separate stall shower.
Abaft the saloon, the
owner’s stateroom is actually a huge midcabin, and its midships location
should provide a stable sleeping platform even while underway. This stateroom
features a double berth with built-in end tables, a huge closet, a small
vanity with swing-out stool, and a hatch overhead that provides direct
access to the wiring behind the helm–an electronics installer’s
dream.
The master head is to
starboard, and you must step up to enter it. Here you’ll also find
a large shower stall with 6'3" headroom, marble-tile flooring, and plenty
of mirrors to create a spacious feel.
Speaking of feel, out
on the water few boats of this size feel as solidly built underway as
the Neptunus 56. Our test boat topped out at a respectable 36 mph and
accelerated gradually until the turbos kicked in at 1750 rpm. Despite
her size, she was a breeze to handle and carved smooth, albeit wide, turns
at speed. Even with the engines well aft, the 56 exhibited no excessive
bow rise on the way to planing speed, and the combination of the Mathers
electronic controls and Vetus bow thruster made her a nimble performer
around the docks. The low windshield means you will take the full brunt
of the oncoming wind when driving in the standing position, but that can
be remedied with a bimini top and isinglass curtains.
The Neptunus 56 Express
is both an impeccably styled cruiser and one of the most luxurious dayboats
you’ll find. While her base price of nearly $900,000 might seem a
little breathtaking, it is competitive for a boat of this size and quality,
even if she is at the "entry level" for Neptunus.
Neptunus Yachts
Phone: (905) 937-3737. Fax: (905) 937-9144. www.neptunusyachts.com.
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