The Absolute 70 is the flagship of the builder’s Fly series, which starts at 47 feet and is designed for socializing and outdoor living. Sundecks, al fresco dining and plenty of glass are all part of the package, along with spirited performance and good maneuverability, thanks to IPS drives.
I had the chance to get aboard the boat in the spring, and discovered the 70 is one of the roomiest flybridge models in this size range. It incorporates everything the team at Absolute has learned since the company’s founding in 2002.
This series is built in the city of Piacenza, Italy, at a yard where the builder produces yachts up to 75 feet across three product lines: Navetta, Fly and Coupe.
The 70 Fly combines luxury with a relaxed vibe. It has a vertically retractable swim platform that’s large enough for loungers and loose furniture. There’s a cutoff tail design on the transom. Three modular sofas are on the aft deck, positioned around a teak foldout table with a wet bar to port and stairs to the flybridge to starboard. A glass guardrail allows great views astern from the aft deck seating.
Through the glass doors is the salon, which is open and bright thanks to extensive glazing. There’s 6 feet, 10 inches of headroom along with the 17-foot-8-inch beam and no obtrusive pillars or bulkheads.
Furnishings and materials can be customized with choices of color for the leather dining seats, and stain-resistant fabrics for the sofas. Other materials to choose from include Corian counters, stone-effect laminate finishes, teak tables, marble tabletops and high-gloss lacquered cabinets. It’s impressive to see how each element complements the next. One example is the light-tone, reeded partition located abaft the helm, which allows the captain to monitor the main deck while maintaining the yacht’s open feel.
For formal entertaining on the main deck, there’s a six-seat dining table to port. Service is from the galley to starboard, with a microwave/conventional oven, four-burner induction cooktop, full-height fridge/freezer, dishwasher, sink and more. The layout keeps the chef in close proximity to guests. Forward is a U-shaped sofa with a coffee table, creating another gathering space. Across is a fixed 54-inch TV in a pop-up cabinet.
A few steps away is the helm, to starboard. Its seats have footrests, and the split console houses twin 22-inch Garmin multifunction displays. Throttle controls and the joystick are nested to the right, with other controllers flush-mounted in the black lacquered dash. For quick deck access, there’s a starboard door.
Staterooms are below, with the master forward. The king berth faces forward, and the en suite is as the forepeak to create more space in the cabin. A sofa is here for kicking back with coffee and a good book. There’s also a vanity, hullside windows and 72 inches of headroom.
Amidships are port and starboard guest staterooms, one with twin berths and the other with twins that slide together to make a double. Aft is the full-beam, en suite VIP stateroom (it rivals the master) with a centerline queen berth and a vanity.
On the flybridge, the extended deck can host open-air dining under the hardtop or be used as a terrace to enjoy the views. I would opt for the teak sole, as it adds a soft tone to the overall setup. Laminated glass panels ring the open areas, secured by stainless-steel handrails. The aft area can be configured to the owner’s preference, with modular sofas, tables and loungers. An awning with carbon poles or an electric sunshade are also available.
Forward is the flybridge dining table to port, with a settee and three chairs. Across is a Corian-topped cabinet housing a sink, grill, refrigerator and storage. I would opt for lighted, refrigerated wine stowage for a little panache.
Far forward to starboard is the helm station, with twin seats and a C-shaped settee to port. Flush-mounted instruments include twin 22-inch Garmin displays. This is a fun spot to view the sights, engage with the captain and be a second set of eyes.
For safety, stainless-steel handrails ring the lighted teak walkaround decks on the main level. Transiting from stem to stern is a breeze. Another nifty feature are the steps to the flybridge which are easy to navigate.
Absolute has carefully engineered every detail on the 70 Fly to bring owners a yacht with smart space allocation, customizable style and room for the whole family.
Side Hustle
With the sliding glass doors open, the entire main deck blends with the outdoor living area. If you want to sit at anchor to enjoy cocktails and a meal, this setup is ideal. When the glass doors are closed, the dining table can electronically move toward midship, yielding additional space for the guests who are seated.
Power to Go
Twin 1,000 hp Volvo Penta D13 diesel engines with IPS1350 drives pushed the 116,000-pound fiberglass semi-displacement hull to 28.5 knots at wide-open throttle. A slow-cruise speed was close to 15 knots, where the boat burned 57 gallons of fuel per hour. With the throttles bumped to 2100 rpm and 21.9 knots, the boat consumed 73 gph for a range of 285 nautical miles.
Take a Bow
The bow lounge is more than the typical sunpad and seats. Absolute created an oversized convertible oasis for sitting, sunning and socializing. A forward-facing U-shaped sofa flanks a split teak high-low table. Just forward is a sunpad, which also serves as the forward seat for the table. Four reclining backrests offer several angles to see the sights.
Take the next step: absoluteyachts.com
