In Venice, the second in-water show of 2022 in the Mediterranean after Palma de Mallorca, the debut boats were diverse. Prominent among these was undoubtedly the wallypower58, heir to the legendary wallypower 118, progenitor of a new generation of Wally powerboats directed by the Ferretti Group, which now owns the brand. From the air intakes reminiscent of a shark’s gills to the sharp line to the top-of-the-line brand deck, this 17-meter is among the most interesting boats of 2022. We climbed aboard to see what it looks like.
wallypower58
The new wallypower58 had made a first appearance in Monaco at the Historic Grand Prix. Unlike the other wallypower that drew inspiration from the wallytender, the new Wally is the direct heir to the progenitor of the Wallypower:
the wallypower
118
. That giant, launched in 2003, has been the focus of much discussion between admirers and detractors, but the fact remains that the Wallys of those years changed the face of recreational boating for ever. How? Luca Bassani told us about it in this exclusive interview.
wallypower58 – Exterior
Line purity, without interruption, is a goal that many yards pursue. The wallypower58 does more with one of the first onboard innovations: the “magic porthole.” Since openings such as portholes on the sides detract from the aesthetic purity of the hull, Wally decided to remove them and install a camera with 4K resolution and gimbal stabilization on each side of the boat. What does it mean? That entering the below-deck lounge in the main salon to the left and right you will have a total view of the outside, but without portholes.
“The two cameras are connected to two screens mounted to starboard and left in the hall,” comments Stefano De Vivo, managing director of Wally. creating a wide outside view despite the absence of a porthole. We are very proud of this innovative and effective solution, because it requires less maintenance than portholes, no risk of damaging the glass during an ‘English-style’ mooring, and, most importantly, provides maximum privacy, both at anchor and in port.”
Not everyone remembers this, but among the first pleasure boats in the world to have folding bulwarks (or terraces) was the wallypower 118. Today, this legacy, which has been incredibly successful in boating, is also kept as standard on the wallypower 58, creating an impressive 25 square meters of open area in the stern and 12 square meters in the cockpit. The latter can accommodate from 12 to 16 people between the two side benches and the part of the sundeck facing the bow. To starboard, there is an opening table that creates a dining area. The kitchen is divided into two sections and can be customized by choosing from refrigerators, icemakers, cooktops, and storage compartments.
Dominating the aft area is the modular sundeck, capable of accommodating four adults that hides a locker underneath for various on-board water toys. Optional, but very useful, electric awning to shelter the area from the sun.
Also optional, in this case almost indispensable, is the hydraulic platform that allows the tender to be hauled and launched in the first place, but also to create a “submersible” beach club, on the water. In any case for getting on and off, the boat is equipped with a hydraulic gangway for getting on and off with also a ladder function for those who do not want a platform that moves.
Starting with the superstructure we find the curved wraparound windows that enhance the shape from the outside and allow for no pillars. The line in this case is kept so sharp yet smooth from bow to stern. This Wally motor boat is suitable for all seasons. How? The cover on the cockpit is designed to open electrically and regulate ventilation, but if desired it can be kept closed by air conditioning. For bad weather conditions, however, a totally enclosed cockpit can be relied on.
wallypower58 – Interior
Although there are no side portholes, the interior is still naturally bright as well. How? Thanks to openings at the top that let light filter inside. The key point, as on the exterior, is always modularity starting with a full-beam salon with day head and separate shower – left. The owner’s suite, on the other hand, has a queen-size bed with a private bathroom and shower.
Outside it is a day boat, but in keeping with the “all-weather” approach, this 17-meter powerboat also allows the owner to choose a more cruiser version. The name is “flexi-guest” and allows four adults to spend the night on board. The second cabin, for guests, is carved out on the port side amidships with direct access to the day head. In this case, the lounge area is located on the starboard side. This arrangement is particularly pleasing to owners who only occasionally have crew on board, as it does not sacrifice any guest space in favor of the crew. However, for those who want a full-time crew on board, there is a fixed single berth (and private facilities) midship.
“Like the first wallypower, this model is characterized by clean and essential lines, dominated by the double edge in the hull, designer air intakes, and the bow that meets the water with a soft and sinuous line,” says Luca Bassani, Wally’s Founder and Chief Designer. The wallypower58 is dedicated to those who appreciate simple, beautiful lines and who have clear ideas about how to use their yacht. The ability to have up to four people stay overnight opens up a new range of cruise opportunities for couples, families and friends who do not necessarily want to spend every night at the dock.”
wallypower58 – DMV
Beautiful to look at and also powerful. The new wallypower58 has an ultra-deep V-shaped hull (as always) and is designed not for extreme top speeds, but for fast cruising gaits regardless of weather conditions. In this sense, Wally’s new 17-meter can touch 35 knots, but more importantly it can cruise at 30 knots of cruising speed. How? Thanks to Volvo Penta’s IPS system, which optimizes fuel economy and maneuverability while also providing room for performance.
Instead of two motors in this case there is a smaller-block triple IPS configuration. Benefits range from reduced draft to better weight distribution, as well as greater redundancy. It starts with a triple IPS700 and goes up to three IPS800 all with D8 motors. Both configurations provide a long-range cruising speed of more than 30 knots and in the most powerful version, with the IPS800s, an estimated top speed of 38 knots.
Boat data sheet: wallypower58
- LOA: 17.3 m
- B.max: 5 m
- Weight (when full): 29.5 t
- Motorization: 3 x VOLVO PENTA D8 IPS 700 power 550 mhp / 405 kW at 2900 rpm std – 3 x VOLVO PENTA D8 IPS 800 power 600 mhp / 441 kW at 3000 rpm opt
- Maximum speed: 36 knots
- Cruising speed +30 kn
- Fuel tank: 3,000 l
- Water tank: 450 l
- Read the full data sheet here
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