Cranchi Mediterranee 43 HT

There’s no mistaking the Italian heritage of the Cranchi Mediterranee 43 Hard Top with all those curves and sweeps and even the contemporary Wenge/Oak wood combination below decks. It’s good to see that some of those curves are at the service of practicality as well. For example, this all-weather hard top model with big side windows and windshield expanse provide an excellent view outside the boat from the raised centerline helm. At the same time, the curved glass helps to soften the height of the hardtop. That raised helm also provides a good view ahead as the boat comes up on plane, an important consideration in any single-station yacht. A power sunroof above adds a feeling of being outside rather than in a pilothouse, and when open it lets you stand at the wheel to drive.

Back aft is a large optional TNT hydraulic, teak-covered swim-platform, practical and good looking, with dual transom entrances leading to the comfortable lounge seating in the cockpit (which also converts hydraulically to a sun bed). This shapely-yet-utilitarian design philosophy continues with molded steps, wide side-decks and tall, stiff pulpit railings leading forward. The futuristic helm also works quite well ergonomically, with panels and controls angled comfortably toward the skipper. Just slide back the sunroof if you want to stand up and drive. Hull construction is solid fiberglass supported by conventional divinycell stringer system.  The deep-vee hull design delivers a smooth, dry ride in mild to moderate sea conditions. Fabrics and joinery fit-and-finish are outstanding throughout.

One of the remarkable things about the Cranchi’s finely crafted accommodations is their sheer volume. This well-proportioned 45 foot length-overall vessel has a private suite-stateroom and private head-aft in the cabin below the bridge-deck, effectively making it a two-deck yacht. In the bow is a second private stateroom and head with three hanging lockers; either stateroom could be the master. The salon has an L-shaped lounge to port and the galley, set at an angle to keep things aesthetically interesting (and to make room for the forward head) is opposite. The boat’s power - Volvo Penta IPS - is what makes all that interior room possible, and it delivers truly exceptional range and economy. Situated below the aft cockpit, a pair of 435-hp Volvo Penta IPS 600's are standard.  Cranchi partnered with Volvo Penta on the early trials of the IPS pod drive system.  The hull of the Mediterranee 43 HT was specifically designed to accommodate the IPS “fly by wire” steerable pods, each of which turns counter-rotating, forward-facing propellers that “pull” the boat forward through the water rather than pushing it.  The joystick docking control is also a standard-equipped item, and alleviates the need for a bow thruster.  All the main on-board systems are designed for ease of access and maintenance. 

The Mediterranee 43 HT is proving to be a best-seller for Cranchi in the competitive and crowded US express cruiser market, bringing hereto unknown new features to market and adopting well-tested technology.