2005 Aquastar Yachts 56-60

Aquastar 56-60: Pilot-Boat Toughness, Superyacht Style

1. General Information

The Aquastar 56-60 Classic Star is a bold, rugged and beautifully styled motor yacht that offers a genuine alternative to look-alike 60 ft production cruisers. Built as a 56-footer with a fixed platform or a 60-footer of up to 18.7 m with a hydraulic platform, on a 4.94 m beam, it rides on a hull derived from some of the most successful pilot and patrol launches in service. It is CE Category A rated and as comfortable at 5-knot trolling speed as at high speed, with up to 38 knots possible depending on the power chosen.

Three cabins sleep six: a master suite with king-size walk-around bed, a forward cabin with king-size bed and en-suite, and a midship twin cabin, plus a day head. A leather-furnished saloon, dining area, gourmet galley and a pilot house with full electronics, with an optional flybridge, sit alongside a large social aft platform with barbecue, fridge and wet bar. Air conditioning, a drying room and generous stowage make long passages effortless.

2. Construction and Design

Ken Freivokh, whose work helped the Aquastar 74 win Motor Boat of the Year, styled both the exterior and the interior. The GRP hull, developed over many thousands of sea hours, is moulded to Lloyd's Register recommendations with isophthalic gelcoat and balsa-cored topsides, three watertight bulkheads and built-in damage survivability, so the boat stays afloat and stable if a compartment floods. A commercially fire-rated engine room, two sets of fenders and a keel band complete a robust package.

Twin Caterpillar C12 diesels of around 700 hp typically drive Hamilton water jets, with twin shafts or a triple IPS installation as alternatives. The jet version draws well under a metre and has no propellers or underwater appendages, while an air draft of 3.5 m opens up rivers and canals. Inside, cherry trim, cedar-lined lockers, Corian worktops and a powered sunroof over the helm add to the bespoke feel.

3. Key Features

Water jet propulsion: Precise control at any speed, even when stationary, and no propellers to snag or endanger swimmers.

Shallow draft and low air draft: Under a metre below the water and 3.5 m above it for rivers, canals and beaching.

CE Category A and damage survivability: Pilot-launch construction keeps the boat afloat and stable if a compartment floods.

Two lengths, two deck layouts: 56 or 60 ft, with or without flybridge, built to each owner's requirements.

Ken Freivokh design: Award-winning styling inside and out with a bespoke, high-quality fit-out.

4. Summary

The Aquastar 56-60 suits experienced owners who want a seriously tough, go-anywhere motor yacht with superyacht styling. It is ideal for those who cruise offshore in all weathers yet also want to explore shallow coasts, rivers and canals, and who value safety, manoeuvrability and long-term residual value over fleeting fashion.