By Ron Parker / Feature Photography Courtesy of Apollonian Yachts
Apollonian Yachts is a relatively new brand of boats that began several years ago as a collaboration between longtime local yacht broker, Vic Parcells, and renowned yacht designer Howard Apollonio. Parcells’ original inspiration came when he realized that few, if any, boat builders were building new raised pilothouse motoryachts in the 50’ range. Customers still sought these popular-style boats, but wanted the more modern running surfaces, engines, and technology that older models lacked. For his part, Apollonio had been modernizing some of his proven hull designs, and after many discussions, the Apollonian 52 was born.
The first vessel arrived in the middle of Covid in 2020 and was quickly delivered to her owner. Because of the unique circumstances of the pandemic, not many people were able to get aboard that first boat but nevertheless the program moved steadily onwards. Since that time, multiple boats have been sold, mostly here in the Pacific Northwest but there is an Apollonian 52 on the East Coast, too. As the newest Apollonian 52 was recently off-loaded from a ship in Everett, I caught up with her owners as they watched their new boat settle into the waters of Possession Sound.
“We wanted a boat that had more room and comfort so we could spend more time aboard without feeling like we were on a camping trip,” said Dave and Jaci, owners of the new vessel. “The Apollonian 52 is big enough to deliver abundant accommodations but not so big that we can’t handle the boat ourselves.”
After speaking with the owners, I understand why the Apollonian Yachts has become successful in a short amount of time. The boats are built to high standards and come fully appointed with quality equipment and reliable power by Cummins. They also deliver plenty of living space for a boat that is still reasonably sized and easy to manage by a couple. The boats have classic good looks that appeal to a wide group of boaters and well thought out systems with easy access to an expansive rear lazarette and engine room. The biggest reason Apollonian Yachts are so successful is because they deliver exceptional value: In essence, the Apollonian 52 is a lot of boat for the money.
“We looked at a lot of boats before we decided on Apollonian,” the couple states. “Ultimately, it came down to value. The Apollonian 52 simply delivered far more than any other boat we saw for the cost.”
The sensible layout of the boat works well for cruising, entertaining, or simply relaxing. Multiple seating areas allow for separate intimate conversations and there is enough room for substantial gatherings. The expansive flybridge not only has a full outdoor control station but comfortable seating, a table, sunpad, a wetbar with fridge, and an electric BBQ. The back deck is large enough for an 11’ RIB and an Ollson Manufacturing crane davit with power rotation that comes standard. A Bimini top and canvas enclosure are flybridge options.
The main salon has comfortable upholstered couch seating and two chairs. There is a coffee table, recessed overhead lighting, and a large flatscreen TV with surround sound that lowers out of sight into the burled accented cherry wood cabinetry. The galley is centrally located and fully appointed with condo-sized stainless steel appliances. The pilothouse has an adjustable helm seat, an adjacent dining table, and a watertight door that opens to the wide side deck for easy access whether anchoring or docking. There is also a convenient centrally located day head that is easy to reach from all the topside areas, including the flybridge. The cabin deck accommodations include a full beam master stateroom with en suite head, a large VIP cabin with a queen berth, a substantial twin berth cabin, and another belowdecks head complete with separate shower.
All boats come ready to cruise with an extensive list of standard equipment that typically would be optional on other similar boats. The 52’ comes with a deluxe Garmin electronics package valued at $38,000 that includes a Fantom radar, autopilot with remote, AIS, VHF, electronic charts, and twin 16” 8616MFD displays with two 11” flybridge repeaters. Other notable standard equipment includes a Lewmar electric windlass, anchor and ground tackle, an inverter, AGM 8D battery system, an electric bow thruster with separate AGM batteries, five zones of reverse cycle heat and air, an Onan 13.5 kW genset, canvas covers for exterior furniture, Samsung flat screen TVs, Bose surround sound, and much more.
The boats are set up with smart cruising features and systems like analog gauges at the helm for redundancy, and wide side decks for easy fender placement and docking. The athwartships fuel tanks can be filled from recessed fills on both sides of the boat. Electrical panels for both AC and DC power are in a convenient cabinet near the main salon door for seamless control when entering or exiting. Designed by boaters for boaters, the access to systems and panels provides ease in use.
The Apollonian 52 comes with standard twin Cummins QSB 6.7 480HP engines that allow her to cruise 15-20 knots. Range varies with speed, but at a fast cruise of around 18 knots, she can go around 200 miles and that range is more than doubled to over 500 miles if you slow down to 9 knots. This gives the Apollonian ample cruising range for all kinds of passage making, including adventures to Canada, Alaska, California, and Mexico—all in style and comfort.
Dave and Jaci are getting ready to cruise on their new boat now, and another Apollonian is due to arrive this fall[SB1] . The vessels are available directly from Parcells and his home office at Crow’s Nest Yachts. After my inside look, my guess is it won’t last long. If you are looking for a well-built, comfortable cruiser, the Apollonian 52 will put a smile on your face, especially when you see the price tag.
>> For more details on the Apollonian brand, and the 52 model, go to: apoyachts.com
