It is the largest ever built by Custom Line. But it is also the first ever to be built in aluminium. Two firsts that mark a turning point in the brand’s history and propel it into a new dimension of design and construction. The Custom Line 50 is not just an impressive boat: it is a technical and stylistic manifesto that testifies to the brand’s ability to evolve without losing its identity.
But the echo of this milestone still resonates strongly. There are many reasons for this. After exploring the interior design aspects and then the exterior design, in this third instalment dedicated to the Custom Line 50, we went to the shipyard to discover the behind-the-scenes of this masterpiece on the water. The result of collaboration between the Strategic Product Department, headed by engineer Piero Ferrari, and the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard Engineering Department, based, like the shipyard, in Ancona, the superyacht is 49.90 m long and 9.60 m wide. It is spread over four decks and features innovative construction and design solutions, such as the owner’s suite at the bow of the upper deck – exclusively dedicated to the owner – and the beach club with integrated infinity pool on the main deck: a unique 120 m² convivial space in close contact with the sea.
There is over 800 square metres of living space on board, including 324 square metres of outdoor space. This generous volume, normally found on much larger boats, has been carefully designed to ensure maximum privacy for the owner and guests on board. ‘When you switch from fibreglass to aluminium, everything changes. Not just the materials, but the very way a boat is built,’ explains the project manager who oversaw the construction of the first Custom Line 50 from start to finish. “Fibreglass is made from a mould, whereas aluminium is worked piece by piece, like in a tailor’s workshop. Every weld, every curve requires an expert hand, time and attention. It is a fascinating but extremely complex process.‘
The choice of aluminium also required careful consideration of the interior volumes. For the same length, a composite boat offers more generous spaces than a metal vessel. ’This is something that surprises many owners,” continues the brand’s project manager. “A 50-metre aluminium boat may seem less spacious than a 40-metre fibreglass boat because the metal structure requires internal reinforcements that affect liveability. But in return, you gain in terms of strength, comfort and quietness. The hull responds better to stress, reducing creaks and vibrations. And it is lighter, so it is also more efficient.” To meet this new challenge, Custom Line was able to draw on the experience gained within the Ferretti group, particularly with CRN.
‘I have personally worked for years on fully customised aluminium hulls,’ continues the project manager, adding: “When it came time to develop the Custom Line 50, we put all that know-how to good use. We weren’t starting from scratch, but from a solid foundation, refined over time. The concept itself is inspired by a 52-metre CRN concept we had developed in the past.‘
Another distinctive feature of the new flagship is the decision to place the helm station on the main deck. This is a counter-trend decision, but one that has generated concrete advantages. ’Owners often complain about noise above their cabins caused by the comings and goings of the crew. In this case, by moving the bridge, we have completely freed up the upper deck. The owner can enjoy a truly private space, an island of absolute tranquillity. This solution is much appreciated by those who live on the boat every day,” adds the project manager.
From a technical point of view, this choice required some structural changes to ensure visibility from the helm, but it did not significantly impact the systems. On the contrary, it has made it possible to rationalise the layout and simplify part of the wiring. In terms of innovation, the Custom Line 50 introduces electric CMC stabilising fins for the first time in the range, replacing the hydraulic actuators. ‘This was an important step,’ confirms the project manager. “We have installed four fins instead of two, ensuring exceptional stability both when sailing and at anchor. Above all, we have eliminated the annoying humming noise of the hydraulic systems.
The result? More comfort for everyone, even for those sleeping in the cabin directly above one of the fins. No one has ever complained about noise.” Not only comfort, but also strategic vision. The Custom Line 50 is already prepared for commercial registration, with all the requirements of the Red Ensign Group and classes. ‘It was built to 500 GT standards, already compliant for any charter activities,’ explains the project manager. ‘This is a significant advantage because it allows the owner to easily convert the boat from private to commercial use in the future without having to undergo lengthy work or adjustments,’ reflects the project manager.
As is often the case with the “number one” yacht, this project also experienced some intense moments. ‘A few months before delivery, the owner asked us to completely redesign the deck dedicated to him. It was a shock, but also a demonstration of the shipyard’s flexibility. We redesigned everything from scratch, catering to every need. It was a 360° customisation, which transformed a semi-serial boat into a unique work of art,’ continues the project manager. ‘Now that the first one has been launched and is sailing, the next Custom Line 50s will follow a more linear path.
The bulk of the design investment has been made. But every owner is different, and we are ready to customise future yachts without losing the extreme care that has always distinguished our way of designing and building,’ concludes the project manager. A new course, therefore, but with the same spirit: to create truly tailor-made sailing experiences. Custom Line 50 is not just a new milestone. It is the beginning of a new vision.
Matteo Zaccagnino
