Uniesse has launched a new yacht series called Exuma, named for

the islands in the Bahamas. The first model is the express-style 54-foot Exuma HTC5. HTC stands for “hardtop cruiser.” It’s based on the builder’s earlier 48-footer, and is penned to be a multifunctional, customizable craft for cruising, fishing, diving, gunkholing, exploring or just relaxing. ¶ The HTC5 feels larger than its 54-foot-7-inch length overall, and it’s not a boat meant for mass production. Fit-and-finish is first-rate, right down to the polished flat screws. The Pisa, Italy-based yard intends to build about 20 to 30 of the boats per year within the next five to seven years, a plan that should help owners when it comes to resale value. ¶ Freeboard forward is generous with a sleek sheerline and a raked house, making the HTC5 look like a sprinter in the starting blocks. The HTC5 is also an exercise in form and function. The hydraulic swim platform is suitable for stowing personal watercraft or other toys, while the two-piece transom door has a pantograph hinge. When the transom is closed, it melds into the rest of the exterior design for pleasing aesthetics. ¶ The cockpit’s dining table and L-shaped settee are great for dining under the stars, and the table lowers to create a sun pad with filler cushions. For protection during peak heat, a telescoping sunshade extends from the hardtop fully aft. Like the transom door, the sunshade tucks away when not in use. ¶ Forward in the cockpit are a sink, grill and ice maker to port, and a fridge and stowage are to starboard for alfresco meals and sundowners with friends. Uniesse finished Hull No. 1 with PlasDeck Eco Series nonslip, a recycled faux-wood material that costs less than traditional teak. ¶ Access to the salon is via a sliding glass door flanked by glass panels for clear visibility aft. The salon feels open and airy, helped by 6-foot-7-inch headroom, the yacht’s 15-foot-2-inch beam, a single-pane windshield, unobstructed side windows and a hardtop glass ceiling (with shades). A wood sole, faux-leather furnishings,