Drawing Board
Bred with race boat DNA, the Hunton H55 was born to run.
With a top end capable of reaching 55 knots, Hunton’s H55 is a British-built cruiser imbued with offshore racing DNA.
The Hunton H55 aims to package stability and speed for boaters looking to cruise in comfort. The British company was established in 1979 as a producer of offshore race boats. Today, Hunton looks to its racing heritage when designing boats that have stayed true to the geometry of a racing hull. The 55-foot Hunton will be the company’s largest yacht.
The epoxy-infused, vacuum-bagged hull and deck with foam coring should absorb vibration to create what Chris Hughes of Hunton describes as “an airplane quality boat.” The 55’s aggressive deep-V hull entry allows the yacht to cut through waves. “Where most boats would turn away or be uncomfortable in four to five foot seas, the Hunton excels, and it would feel like you were driving a luxury Mercedes,” Hughes says. With a narrower beam than other yachts in its class, the H55 doesn’t sacrifice speed in obtaining stability; with twin 1,000-hp MANs it’s reportedly capable of reaching 55 knots.
The hull design is met with luxurious touches typically found aboard superyachts. The digital fly-by-wire joystick control assures easy maneuverability, even in tight marinas. The yacht also features a gyrostabilizer, a panoramic hardtop with tinted glass and a custom tender.
Hughes describes the interior as “British-refined with a hint of Italian and some American flair.” The salon area has seating to accommodate up to six for dinner and features an electronically convertible dining-to-coffee-table-level hi/lo table. The master suite has a queen berth, while the guest berth features single beds that can swing together, making the space ideal for children and couples alike. With comfortable accommodations, an abundance of natural light below from the hatch and port light, and luxury features—including a hidden wine cooler—the yacht’s livability is unquestionable.
Most customers that have placed orders are coming from larger boats. “They want to spend more time on the water and get places quicker, but they want to do it in a much higher level of luxury,” Hughes says. There is also interest from cruisers that own smaller motoryachts, attracted to the 55’s speed. The British boat will cruise far and wide, making its way from Florida up the coast, exploring the Pacific Northwest, and heading out on the Mediterranean. The low bridge height even makes the yacht a good candidate for completing the Great Loop. The H55 is already spoken for through Hull No. 3. “There just isn’t anything out there with that two-cabin setup that goes that speed with that comfort,” Hughes says in response to the yacht’s success so far. “It’s a cruising boat built from a race boat.”
Hunton is planning to debut the H55 at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show. The luxury model is sure to make an impression on the industry. Says Hughes, “You get a great combination of different types of boats in this one design.”