Jumbo Jet
While most jet boats are small runabouts, Palm Beach takes the concept to its new GT60 Jet yacht—and with spectacular results.
The Australian luxury yacht builder Palm Beach Yachts has always enjoyed a reputation for pushing the technological envelope, differentiating itself in a crowded market by making groundbreaking innovation core to its DNA. That heritage of leading-edge thinking enters a new chapter with the introduction of the all-new GT60 Jet: a 20-metre luxury sport yacht that delivers an intoxicating blend of riveting performance and opulent comfort.
Powered by twin 1,000-horsepower Volvo Penta D13 diesels driving a Hamilton waterjet with twin HJ403 drives, the near 24,000-kilogram GT60 can zip along at a mind-boggling top speed of 40 knots—that’s around 75 kilometres per hour—and cruise comfortably at 30 (55 kilometres per hour). At a more pedestrian 21 knots or 40 kilometres per hour, the yacht will achieve a range of 380 nautical miles or 703 kilometres with its 3,200-litre fuel capacity. What’s more, with its innovative waterjet propulsion the GT60 Jet draws just 0.92 metres of water, allowing this yacht to access shallow coves, inlets, and ports of call that would be out of bounds for similarly sized yachts with traditional propellers.
It will also access those magical destinations in style. Boasting some of the most inspired work yet of acclaimed designer Mark Richards, the GT60 Jet looks as if it’s going full throttle even when it’s still tied to the dock. The yacht’s graceful shear and long, sweeping bow rail imply a sense of forward motion, further accentuated by the GT60’s extended stern swim platform and aft-sweeping cockpit roof.
Interior layouts and decor are fully customized to suit each owner’s requirements, with a typical arrangement consisting of a two-suite lower deck and a focus on enjoying the outdoors up top.
If you board at the expansive stern swim platform, a starboard side walk-through leads to the cockpit where a sumptuous, L-shaped settee surrounds a gorgeous teak table. Nestled against the salon bulwark is a facing seat that creates an enticing space for morning coffee, evening drinks, or engaging conversation at any time.
Two steps lead up into the salon, facing settees lay the foundation for a brilliant entertaining space, which can easily be configured to include a spacious dinette. Far forward to starboard, a modern helm with a double-wide seat has a full glass dash that looks straight out of a private jet, its twin touchscreens and smartphone-like icons providing easy control of all major systems with familiar swipes, pinches, and taps.
The GT60 Jet’s galley is downstairs on the lower deck, where it serves a large dining space. This arrangement preserves as much main deck real estate as possible for seating and entertaining, particularly if an owner omits the available main deck dinette for even more lounge space.
In a typical two-stateroom layout, the owner’s suite sits to starboard, allowing plenty of space for a large ensuite and a huge amount of room for clothing and gear. The VIP guest suite in the bow is nearly as large and opulent as the owner’s suite and includes ensuite access to the day head.
Throughout, the interior combines extraordinary joinery work, tasteful textures, and fabrics to soften its sporty exterior.
Palm Beach says its GT60 Jet is built for explorers—boaters who love the idea of discovering those intimate destinations off the beaten track for more authentic experiences without giving up any creature comforts or exhilarating performance along the way. With its innovative jet drives, the GT60 Jet delivers and then some. For owners who live without compromise, this is a sport yacht that’s truly built to order.
