The new flagship of Linssen’s SL range makes its market debut. It is the latest addition to the shipyard and will be at Boot Düsseldorf. While waiting to see it live in Germany, let’s look at it in preview.
Linssen 55 SL AC Variotop
For those unfamiliar, Linssen Yachts is a Dutch shipyard that makes steel motorboats from 9 to 16 meters. It is a recognized leader in this particular segment, not least because of its focus on building qualitatively important yachts. Immediately identifiable as a brand because of the particular shape of these hulls, it has another feature that immediately identifies it.
The Variotop line has an elevated riding position that can be protected by the soft top if needed or open suit in the right weather conditions. This element immediately makes us realize that we are dealing with an all-weather vessel, suitable for those who want to spend long periods on board. In short, a house on the water. And the interiors confirm this, as we shall see.
Linssen 55 SL AC Variotop
This Linssen will become the sister of the legendary Grand Sturdy 500 AC Variotop, the yard’s long-lived flagship. The overall length of the new 55 SL will be 16.5 meters, with 15 meters of hull length. Born out of a partnership with KesselsGranger Designworks, this model while retaining classic lines and large volumes sees an effort in terms of profile “momentum.”
Robustness continues to be a prince, but the details (especially inside) go in the direction of making this hull, too, aesthetically a luxury yacht.
Linssen 55 SL AC Variotop – Blanket
The Linssen 55 SL AC Variotop has two access ladders from the aft platform, both left and right. In addition to the special shape (with the wider low step), the LED lighting on the steps also makes it possible to feel safe even at night as you move from the platform to the aft deck. The main feature of this hull is the Variotop wheelhouse, which is a sheltered and covered area when conditions are unfavorable, but can open fully when the weather is good.
By adjusting the electric wheelhouse seat, you can rise above the windshield to enjoy a wide view. In terms of finish, the dashboard is carbon fiber with genuine leather details and equipped with various navigation instruments such as the two Raymarine Axiom XL16 screens. Being a long-distance boat, in addition to the VHF it is equipped with
AIS receiver
, VHF radio and the powerful bow and stern propeller (three-phase, 400 volts) with proportional control.
Linssen 55 SL AC Variotop – Interior
Like home. This boat appears to be an amenity powerhouse as evidenced by the well-equipped pantry with 110-liter refrigerator, induction cooktop with four cooking zones, range hood, and microwave/oven/grill oven. Here there is then a large L-shaped table and a television mounted on the aft cabin wall that is viewed from the U-shaped sofa in the salon. This Linssen is then equipped with a double-glazed insulation system and heating for the cold season.
For overnight, the Linssen 55 SL AC Variotop has 3 cabins. The aft cabin has a double bed and a private toilet with a sink and a connecting shower. The theme is that of long stays on board: therefore, space is needed, and the various storage lockers (cabinets/drawers), serve to do just that.
In the passage to the aft cabin there is additional storage space on either side for an additional refrigerator, wine cooler, etc.
The forward cabin and guest cabin are located in the forward part of the boat, on the port side. They share a toilet and shower in the passage to the forward cabin. The shower also houses the standard combination washer/dryer.
ICCESS and LIPPCON
As the shipyard reports, aboard the 55 SL AC Variotop there are, as in all Linssen yachts, two ICCESS control panels. One panel is located at a central point in the salon, and the other is at the helmsman’s station. This CAN bus system allows all on-board 12V systems to be easily turned on and off. Large on-board utilities (230V/400V) are controlled by the LIPPCON system. Turning on the 17.5 kW generator immediately provides enough power to operate the bow and stern thrusters, any stabilizers, and on-board hotel functions such as the stove, dishwasher, etc.
Linssen 55 SL AC Variotop – Motorization
For thrust, this boat is equipped with two Mercury 4-cylinder 2.0 l diesel engines of 150 horsepower each.
Spending long periods on board also means needing energy. A set of lithium-ion batteries provides for daily needs and is recharged by the running engines, the generator, the power grid, or the integrated solar panels that follow the curvature of the deck.
A special on-board system then decomposes the waste so that only pure water is discharged into the sea, with no need for black water. With a desalinator (optional) you will be free to spend entire weeks on board without hands having to touch land.
Boat Data Sheet: Linssen 55 Sl AC Variotop
| Length Over All (LOA) | 16.50 m |
| Baglio Massimo | 4.85 m |
| Fishing | 1.29 m |
| Standard Motorization | 2×150 hp Mercury |
| Fuel tank | 2x 1.185 ltr diesel fuel |
| Fresh water tank | 960 l |
| Weight – Displacement | About 30,000 kg |
| Cabins | 3 |
| Sleeping places | 6 |
| Bathrooms | 2 |
| CE Classification | B |
| Contacts: | sailpassion.com |
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