Review: Neptunus 56' Flybridge

Neptunus 56' Flybridge​

O Canada!​

by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy​

Neptunus Yachts boast a rare combination of production line, quality
control standards and the art & craftsmanship of a custom built boat. Its well-
executed design places this 56' Canadian yacht nicely into the top echelon of its
yachting class, but with an artist's flourish, its interior design surges up to surpass
anything seen before at this level yacht. Modern and Up-to-Date, the Neptunus 56 is a mark
of style yachtsmen are sure to recognize as superior in a production built boat.​

From its beginnings as a Dutch yacht builder with a more than 35 year heritage, Neptunus has specialized in yachts from 50 to 80 feet, and gained a reputation for delivering high quality products to each owner. The Neptunus shipyard at St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada is a 72,000 sq.ft. facility of 7 acres on the Welland Canal at Lake Ontario. Among its highly skilled tradesmen and women, many mark 20+ years experience. The company is justly proud of its accomplishments; and that many of its customers return for a second or third yacht.

Driving this stylish pace-setter, below, are twin CAT C-15 diesels @ 1800 hp, with bronze struts and bronze rudders, driving 4-blade propellers on stainless steel shafts with maintenance-free water lubricated rubber bearings. Reached from the aft deck hatch, the engines are fitted with thermostatically-controlled cooling systems with heat exchangers; water cooled exhaust with silencers, and mounted on anti-vibration pads. Other systems include a 10hp electric bowthruster and 17.5kW generator, as well as air conditioning systems. On the foredeck a stainless steel pulpit with a built-in bow roller tends the 55-lb. stainless steel Delta anchor and 150' of galvanized chain, on its electric windlass.

Hull, decks and other structures are fiberglass reinforced polyester. Longitudinal and cross stringers reinforce the entire hull. Engine stringers run from stern to bow with steel top plates for engine mounting. The deep Vee hull is engineered to produce a vessel with excellent sea-faring qualities -- balanced power, speed, and fuel consumption. Stored on the aft deck but quickly accessible is an integrated Valise Life raft.

N-56's all new flybridge layout for 2006 makes room for everybody. The top deck features not only twin, adjustable helm seats for captain and co-pilot, but also a well padded lounge area forward of the helm. Just aft, the nicely laid out entertainment realm centers on the BBQ grill, fridge and sink, plus a semi-circular lounge and table for half a dozen more party-goers. Stainless steel railings all around add to safety and comfort.

The fully equipped and integrated flybridge helm, sporting its race-champion wheel, bolster-style seating and a swept-back dash visor, includes single lever electronic controls, as well as power-assisted hydraulic steering gear. One of the 56’s most notable flybridge features is a beam-wide, padded & elevated sun lounge immediately forward of the helm. Protected by a full wrap around windscreen, it puts guests first… and gives the captain a better vantage point for sunbathing beauties. Covers are provided for all instruments and seating.

Five steps down the lighted, molded-in staircase, portside, is the main deck and cockpit, flaunting a great deal of room and seating for the whole crowd. The view astern shows the design planning of the aft deck/cockpit. Ultraleather upholstery welcomes a good-sized party. Strip teak decking echoes the nautical flair and provides sure footing. Also shown are the stainless steel gates that open for access to the integrated swim platform. A hot/cold shower there awaits gleeful swimmers.

Entering from the cockpit, astern, through the curved, tinted, stainless steel framed security glass doors, the salon offers full carpeting, and two free standing settees. An oval cocktail table is inlaid with two different shades of wood. To port is an L-shaped couch, facing a curving couch opposite on the starboard side. The 16' beam allows each of these conversation areas to be separate but equal in tone and comfort. A 22" LCD flat screen TV provides entertainment, along with a DVD/CD/w/sub-woofer. Halogen lights in the ceiling are controlled by a dimmer-switch.

With a heaping portion of modernist-decor, the salon truly sparkles. Fine woods -- cherry and teak -- are molded, cornerless, to enclose the components of comfort and utility in this striking layout. So well integrated, the space seems much larger than it actually is. Also color-coordinated, it makes use of splendid Ultraleather on paneling, ceiling, and walls, in a vanilla and ginger theme, instilling its most relaxing element of livability. Each separate area adds to the organic unity of the whole, blending into a harmonious display. A handy accouterment is the built-in central vacuum system.

Cherrywood cupboards in the galley, both up and down, feature molded-rounded edges in sculpted patterns, abetting the ultra-modern flair. Countertop surfaces and working areas are black Corian faux granite. In the center island are situated twin stainless steel sinks with chrome faucets, while the flooring is hardwood cherry parquet, and ceiling trims present white, molded contours. Drawers are cherrywood. A three-burner countertop stove and a convection/microwave oven complete the cooking arrangements. A Sub-Zero refrigerator and ice-maker freezer also contribute their talents.

Forward of the galley the decor theme is continued in the dinette with a large, curving Ultraleather C-shaped couch and an ovoid dining table w/ black Corian top. Situated just at the forward windshields, the area is not only a lovely dining area, but also an observation station through days when the skipper prefers to drive from inside.

Just opposite the dining area is the wheelhouse, also forward of the galley, where the ergonomically designed inside helm faces the massive windshields, stationed overlooking the bow. Teak and mahogany decorative woods enfold the main instruments and Ritchie compass, with all switches and monitors set up for constant and immediate monitoring. It features bench seating for two, plus power-assisted hydraulic steering gear, with a glossy cherrywood wheel. All gauges and monitors are included directly ahead, as well as various push-button switches. Trim tab controls are here, as are CAT gauge packages, and bow-thruster controls.

Down a molded-in staircase, five steps, the evening quarters are ready. Centered both fore/aft and abeam, canted slightly forward, the master suite's generous expanse offers a raised, queen-size island berth with an inner-spring mattress and drawer storage beneath. Appearing even larger with the full-width mirror at its headboard, the room's dimensions are agreeably commodious. Vanilla/ginger, the color scheme, is also followed here as well. A full size hanging locker, to starboard, allows for adequate clothes packing, plus there is a vanity w/mirror and stool. The entertainment system includes a 14" flat screen TV/DVD, two Bose 191 speakers and remote control.

A polished cherrywood vanity is featured in the master head, with a solid surface black Corian faux marble countertop, and small mirror. Plenty of storage room is beneath the single sink in its large cabinet, while more storage space is above, behind sliding doors. Over marble tile flooring, the shower easily affords room for two. The ceiling is also mirrored, adding visual space and an added dimension. Fixtures are chrome.

At the forepeak, the VIP suite sports a queen size berth, as well as a full size cedar hanging locker to starboard. A built-in 14" LCD flat screen TV boasts twin Bose speakers and a remote control, plus a link to Lifestyle 48. Fixed portlights on either side add daylight and starlight. Halogen lights overhead are controlled with dimmers. Also overhead is a screened, opening escape hatch at the bow. The VIP head presents a cherrywood vanity and solid surface Corian countertop with a single sink. Marble flooring is accented by the mirrored ceiling. The shower is glass-enclosed and sports chrome faucets.

Outfitted with twin berths and nightstands, the guest room berths can be readily converted to queen size with a bridge. There are drawers beneath both singles, and a cedar-lined hanging locker as well for storage. The head/shower is shared by separate doors with the VIP stateroom.

The Neptunus 56' Flybridge sports fine design and high quality engineering, with a background and name to back it up. If you're looking at mid-size flybridge yachts by builders with more branding, do yourself a favor and take close look at Neptunus. There's a good reason why more of these boats are beginning to propogate the waterways.

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Review by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy.

Specifications...

LOA: 58'0"
Beam: 16'2"
Draft: 5'0"
Disp: 55,000 lbs.
Fuel: 820 gals.
Water: 180 gals.
Power: 2x CAT C15 @ 800 hp
Max Speed: 31 knots
Cruise: 26 knots

For more information, contact:

Neptunus Yachts
8 Keefer Road
St. Catherines, Ontario L2M 7N9
905-937-3737
www.neptunusyachts.com

Deck Plans: Top to Bottom...

1. Flybridge
2. Main Deck
3. Accommodations