Fjord 42 Open Review: A German Gem



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Making a mark while debuting at the Monaco Yacht Show amongst the largest gathering of new super and mega-yachts on the planet, could be a daunting prospect for a boat of more modest dimensions. Far from being overlooked however, the all new Fjord 42 Open held its head high amongst far larger and proved why it should be on the short list of anyone considering a new tender, day boat or craft for their waterfront property

For a 40’ boat to shine amongst the world’s largest, latest and most glittering collection of superyachts takes some doing, so when the all-new Fjord 42 Open did just that when presented to the world for the first time during the Monaco Yacht Show in September, it proved why this contemporary cruiser should be considered a serious contender as ‘the’ mega-yacht tender.

On board the Fjord 42 Open

Fjord 42
Beautifully designed and executed, both the exterior and interior of the Fjord 42 Open are a credit to the sector’s pioneering brand

To this end the Fjord’s striking aesthetic lies in the purity of a ‘less is more’ philosophy, with lines sparingly drawn back from a vertical bow, over chamfered gunwales topped with teak, to a highly practical extended swim platform for alighting and disembarking. Also, should alongside boarding be necessary, steps thoughtfully concealed in the port and starboard bulwarks allow for safe and graceful access.

Another consideration is the protection of guests from the elements during conveyance in order to avoid fractious moments over wet cocktail attire and devastation inflicted on the carefully coiffured, but aboard the Fjord 42 Open we found that behind the high windshield and helm station occupants of the cockpit are well-cossetted from breeze and apparent wind.

Also, in waters cut into a messy chop by dozens of tenders, despite the morning breeze and putting the boat through some increasingly torturous turns, the 42 Open’s high gunwales and highly defined chine kept the outside world out and the inside world remarkably dry–in fact we struggled to find evidence of even a single drop of spray making its way over the rails.

Megayacht tender

When considering the more ‘active’ uses of a megayacht tender, it is worth noting the oversized bathing platform not only provides excellent access to the water, but can also be fitted with an optional hydraulic system for the carrying of a watercraft or additional tender.

Fjord 42
The quality of the Fjord 42 Open makes it worthy of the ‘Made in Germany’ stamp and for consideration as a megayacht tender

The open transom–complete with shower facility and a voluminous space beneath the aft sunpad to stow SeaBobs, dive gear, towable toys, fishing gear and beach equipment–highlights the 42 Open’s capabilities as a legitimate means to participate in watersports, while the versatility of seating in the cockpit, the wet bar, grille and wash basin incorporated in the console aft of the helm ensures it ticks the box of ‘entertainment platform’ with equal veracity.

After dark, hidden lights make movement around the boat safe and, coupled with more LEDs behind the hand rails and on the T-Top, can be used to create an atmosphere to suit the particular occasion. For lounging at anchor in secluded bays and soaking in solar rays the forward and aft sunpads offer places for repose, while those seeking shade will find relief under either the hardtop or the electrically retractable bimini that extends from its’ aft edge to cover the entire cockpit.

Fjord 42
In addition to the berth in the forepeak, the large luggage locker aft can be converted into a twin cabin if so desired

The anchor system itself is a simple push button operation, just one of the many features onboard that will appeal to the owner who desires to leave the crew behind on occasion and head off alone with the family or guests–or those who keep a boat for personal use at their waterfront property. Arguably the most attractive of these ‘easy owner-driver’ features is the Volvo Penta IPS pod-drive propulsion system, which with joystick control makes close quarter maneuvering literally child’s play.

Fjord open performance

At the helm the two 16” Raymarine touchscreens are easily accessible from any of the three sporty helm seats and provide intuitive access to scroll through of all the boat’s sophisticated electronic navigational, functional and monitoring systems. Powered by two Volvo Penta IPS 500 engines producing 370hp as standard, we believe most owners will opt for the more powerful IPS 600 package that offers 435hp each that push the top speed up from 34-knots through the 40-knot barrier.

For occasional overnight trips, changing outfits, those moments when the weather closes in unexpectedly, or indeed families with small children that often re- quire a cool closeted space to rest and play during days on the water, the Fjord 42 Open’s lower deck proves eminently useful and comfortable.

Benefitting from the 14’ and a generous head clearance below, the light and airy space incorporates a large island berth in the forepeak, ample shelves and storage space, a bureau/vanity, plus a full head with standing height shower. The long strip glazing in the hull ensures it is well lit during the day, while at night one can relax in the space and make full use of the TV and Fusion sound system.

On the standard version a huge space occupies the aft area, making a perfectly protected area for the transfer of luggage between the primary yacht and shore, though the option also exists to convert this into an additional compact twin cabin. When drawing up lists of potential acquisitions for tenders, day boats or craft to keep at your waterfront property, we highly recommend the Fjord 42 Open makes your short one, it’s neat, chic and well-priced.

Fjord 42 Open specifications
LOA: 12, 59 m
Beam: 4,27 m
Draft: 1,05 m
Displacement (light): 9,9 t
Engines: 2 x Volvo IPS 500 (opt. IPS 600*)
Power: 2 x 370hp (*2 x 435hp), 2 x Volvo IPS 600 (*2x 435hp)
Max Speed: 34-knots (*40-knots)
Fuel capacity: 900 l
Fresh water capacity: 295 l
Design: Fjord and Allseas
Dealer: Croatia Yachting

Photos & video Fjord Yachts

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