The Absolute Navetta 48 is the smallest member of the celebrated Navetta range. Despite its size, it carries the DNA of its larger siblings—offering luxury, functionality, and seafaring confidence. At under 50 feet, this yacht delivers the full Navetta experience without compromise. From the intelligent layout to smart features and refined finishes, the Navetta 48 offers serious value for discerning owners.
Designed as an owner-operator vessel, this model combines the practicality of a smaller boat with amenities often reserved for larger yachts. It’s ideal for those who want to cruise confidently without the need for full-time crew. That said, there’s an optional crew—or overflow—cabin that makes it flexible for family and friends. Let’s explore what makes the Navetta 48 a standout in the compact luxury yacht segment.
Exterior Highlights: Compact but Complete
At first glance, the Navetta 48 impresses with its purposeful design and robust build. The hydraulic swim platform lifts up to 300 kg, enough to carry a capable tender. Teak decks, deep bulwarks, and shaded overhangs give it a mini-superyacht vibe. For stern-to berthing, a retractable blind and optional enclosure canopy add privacy and protection.
Wide walkaround decks lead forward to a clever sunbathing area. Adjustable backrests transform the forward cushions into a forward-facing lounge—ideal for enjoying sunsets or harbor arrivals. Cupholders, an eyebrow sunshade over the windscreen, and thoughtful grab rails enhance safety and comfort.
Up top, the flybridge feels surprisingly spacious. It features a wraparound dining area, helm station, and an outdoor galley with grill, sink, fridge, and storage. Buyers can choose between an open top, a solid hardtop, or one with solar panels—adding flexibility to match any cruising lifestyle.
Interior Innovation: Bright, Functional, and Italian by Design
The galley-aft layout connects seamlessly with the cockpit via three-part sliding doors. This creates a free-flowing space perfect for entertaining. Despite the compact dimensions, the galley includes a dishwasher, oven, refrigerator, freezer, and even a wine cooler. Clever storage is everywhere—even hidden espresso cup racks tucked into corners.
Light-toned matte woods combine with dark high-gloss finishes to strike a sophisticated balance. Cream upholstery softens the look, while expansive side windows flood the space with light. An electric drop-down window and sliding helm door allow natural ventilation throughout.
The salon also features a hidden TV that lifts from cabinetry. A raised seating area improves outside visibility while preserving generous headroom in the lower cabins below. Everything is designed for functionality and ambiance—even the smallest details like storage access under seats or neatly labeled control panels.
Helm & Technology: Everything Within Reach
At the main helm, Absolute includes twin Garmin multifunction displays alongside dedicated Volvo Penta engine instrumentation. The intuitive layout includes a side-deck access door, ideal for docking and ventilation. A bow thruster with a “hold” feature, Volvo IPS joystick control, and camera system make close-quarters handling remarkably easy.
Absolute’s commitment to Volvo’s IPS system is evident here. The Navetta 48 features twin IPS 650s based on the D6 block, each producing 480 horsepower. This setup provides a top speed of around 29 knots and a comfortable cruising range of approximately 250 nautical miles. IPS also offers outstanding maneuverability thanks to pod placement—spaced further apart than usual to maximize leverage.
Up on the flybridge, the secondary helm includes similar controls, allowing full vessel management from either location. There’s even a sightline down to the swim platform—helpful for precise docking.
Cabin Comfort: Designed with Owners in Mind
Absolute made a bold design decision by placing the owner’s cabin forward. Traditionally, full-beam master suites occupy the midships area. By moving it forward, Absolute unlocked the ability to include two additional guest cabins with exceptional space and comfort.
The forward owner’s suite enjoys panoramic hull windows and overhead skylight access—complete with a dedicated ladder for emergency escape. Inside, a walk-in wardrobe, dressing table, and offset queen berth create a sense of a proper master bedroom. The ensuite includes a separate shower and stylish fittings, with thoughtful touches like concealed TV wiring and sliding pocket doors for added space efficiency.
Guest accommodations are equally impressive. Cabin two features a true double berth with walkaround access, a dressing table, and a large walk-in wardrobe—rare for a yacht under 50 feet. Cabin three includes two single side-by-side beds with full headroom and another large window for natural light.
A shared day head serves cabins two and three. It includes a separate shower with clever packaging, ensuring guests enjoy a comfortable experience without compromise.
Bonus Features: Overflow Cabin and Engine Access
As a sub-50-foot yacht, the Navetta 48 doesn’t require a full-time crew. Still, Absolute includes a compact overflow cabin accessed from the stern. It features a single berth, sink, head, and air conditioning—perfect for occasional guests or even teenage family members. Laundry facilities are also located here, an uncommon luxury in this size class.
Engine room access is straightforward and secure. Beneath the cockpit hatch, you’ll find neatly organized systems. The twin IPS engines are positioned far apart to improve handling. Batteries, chargers, air conditioning, and generator units are easily visible. Even the bilge pump system includes a manual backup in case of emergency.
There’s a camera in the engine room as well, feeding into the helm displays for at-a-glance monitoring—another nod to Absolute’s thoughtful attention to detail.
Underway Performance: Smooth and Confident
The Absolute Navetta 48 is more than just well-appointed—it’s capable at sea. With a cruising speed in the low 20s and a top speed just shy of 30 knots, it delivers ample performance for coastal cruising or short passages. Thanks to the IPS propulsion, joystick control, and bow thruster, even inexperienced operators can handle the boat with ease.
Ride comfort is further enhanced by the vessel’s upright windscreen and semi-displacement hull form. These design elements reduce glare and pitch, contributing to a dry, stable ride even in choppier waters.
Final Verdict: Compact Luxury, No Compromises
The Absolute Navetta 48 embodies what modern yacht owners increasingly seek—space, comfort, efficiency, and ease of operation. It offers the elegance of a superyacht, the handling of a sports cruiser, and the versatility of a floating home.
Key features like the forward owner’s suite, side-by-side twin guest cabin, flybridge dining, and optional crew cabin set it apart in its class. Add in full-height walk-in wardrobes, generous storage, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, and it’s easy to see why this yacht stands out.
Absolute’s commitment to IPS technology also pays dividends in performance and control. Everything feels designed with the owner’s ease in mind, from the helm layout to the galley location and even the stairwell curves.
Whether you’re new to yachting or looking to downsize without downgrading, the Navetta 48 delivers a comprehensive, luxury experience. It’s a yacht that respects your time, enhances your journeys, and reflects your taste.
