It is truly pleasing to see a brand like Wally partnering with a giant like Ferretti Group, joining expertise and skill in creating a model like Wallytender 48 whose visual appeal, functionality and maneuverability are all above average
Wallytender 48 is the evolution of the now iconic, then avant-garde Wallytender, the model whose debut in 2002 literally created the large tender segment. The new model has a hull that is longer, wider and new in every way, optimized for IPS and developed with a little help from Ferretti Group – but has managed to keep the Wally DNA.
The combo is ready to serve two masters – Wallytender 48 is ideal as both a tender for a luxury yachts and as a private boat for owners who like to sit at the helm themselves. The layout is also smart enough for both transfers and day trips, as well as cruising.
Wally yachts
Spacious, elegant, with beautiful wooden floors that reminded us of old, traditional ships, the interior is also modern in terms of materials used; mostly teak and carbon fiber – introduced to boatbuilding by none other than Wally, back in 1991. Comfortable enough for two, Wallytender 48 is effortlessly classical and modern at the same time, furnished with a cozy bed, a sofa and a day head.
Much more of a challenge than the plush interior was the hull, that needed to rise in height without losing any of the recognizable purity that has since the first model set Wallys apart, and dare we say, the designers aced it. The result of their brilliant effort is almost extremely functional exterior, with an abundance of space for all purposes. The aft is divided into a large platform with an innovative plank that doubles as a ladder, and a sunbed large enough for four sun addicts.
Wally tender
From and center, the comfortable bench and an element housing a sink and a fridge promise dining al fresco in style, and terraces extend on both sides aided by hydraulics, allowing easier access to the sea and enlarging the deck. Farther toward the bow, there lies the command console with two large and comfortable seats, and right next to it, the entrance below deck. The bow itself is pure Wally – elongated, clean, inviting, and covered in more sunbeds side to side.
We can tell you what the new Wallytender 48 looks like, we can show you the photos – but what we can’t do is describe what it feels like. And it feels amazing. Powered by IPS, it maneuvers like a ballerina even in crowded ports. The hull shape didn’t allow installation of a bow thruster, so the IPS does all the work. The new Wallytender 48 is not the fastest boat in her class – on our test, it barely exceeded 35 knots, admittedly jam-packed with reporters.
Wallytender 48 speed
Top speed is 38 knots, but speed almost seems irrelevant: Wallytender 48 is most interesting for her supple gliding on the waves, for her subtle passage across even angry sea and her overall calm demeanor under pressure. Fantastically maneuverable, the hull is a work of art designed in true cooperation of designers and engineers. In this era of churning out new models with little to no regard for hull hydrodynamics, sitting at the helm of a boat is pure joy.
It is truly pleasing to see a brand like Wally partnering with a giant like Ferretti Group, joining expertise and skill in creating a model whose visual appeal, functionality and maneuverability are all above average. If our hunch is correct, Wallytender 48 could turn out to be the standard-bearer of a revolutionary army ready to take over the yachting world.
Text Mario Jelavić
Photos & video Wally, Gilles Martin-Raget
