De Antonio Yachts D29: the new walkaround that sums up the story of a success

Düsseldorf (Germany) – De Antonio Yachts started the new year by starting from the “basics”, that is, redefining the standards of its iconic 8-meter length, with the launch of the new D29, which took place at Boot Düsseldorf.

The Barcelona-based shipyard, known for its motorboats whose lines hide the outboard engines beneath a sundeck or relaxation area, has created a vessel with the D29 that draws inspiration from the styling of the successful D28 model, but takes a step forward in terms of design and functionality, cementing itself as an unrivaled option for lovers of shorter boats. Its predecessor, in fact, was available in four versions, which are now all contained in a single model.

The D29 has a high-performance hull, designed to offer comfortable and efficient cruising, with engine options to suit the owner's needs, with a choice of single 300, 350, or 400 hp outboard engines, or a pair of 200 hp engines each (which deliver a top speed of 50 knots). The cockpit features a double panoramic screen, offering complete and intuitive control of all the boat's functions.

This model is available in hardtop and softtop versions and offers multiple customization options. The deck design was conceived to maximize space. Being a dayboat with ample deck space, the D29 offers an open-plan interior featuring a cabin with a double berth and a full bathroom.

The D29 combines the features of the four D28 versions: the Deck, Open, Cruiser, and Explorer. “The Open version,” explains Davide Pedetti, De Antonio Yachts' Italian importer, to SUPER YACHT 24, “was the most commercial, most closely tied to the brand, and therefore a pure walkaround with an interior head. The Cruiser was the version with a cabin and interior head, but it was no longer a pure walkaround, while the Deck version allowed for extensive use of the exterior spaces. The Explorer version was the sportiest. The D29 has the great advantage of offering a walkaround boat with extremely sporty performance, yet with a small interior cabin that can also serve as a large storage area or a changing room, also featuring an electric toilet and sink. I find this surprising for a 29-footer. It all obviously ties in with the shipyard's philosophy of having the outboard motors retractable under the sundeck.”

De Antonio Yachts now offers a range from 29 to 60 feet (which we'll see in the water at the Cannes Boat Show). But which models are the most successful on the Italian market? "They are the D32 and D36 models," adds the owner of Pedetti Yachts, "and, with slightly lower numbers, the D42. I now have high expectations for the 29, but I'm also aware that the 32-42 foot range is the one that most attracts and interests customers approaching a new boat in the trendy walkaround sector. This means I haven't noticed the crisis in small boats. It's clear that the market is slowing down. Personally, as an Italian distributor, I haven't noticed this slowdown, also because we carried over orders from previous years and therefore arrived without stock, recording top-class performances for the De Antonio sales network."

The choice of outboards, even high-powered ones, continues to prove successful. "Outboards are a real trend," explains Davide Pedetti. "We're currently served by Mercury and are soon finalizing a partnership with Yamaha, which I think are two of the best brands in the outboard sector and also the most innovative. I personally love the 600 hp Mercury V12s and think they're fantastic engines, with numerous advantages over even a 600 hp inboard engine."

DATASHEET

Length ft: 8,94 m

Hull length: 7,89 m

Beam: 3,02 m

Draft: 0,55 m

Fuel tank: 380 l

Maximum engine power: 298 kW – 400 hp

Empty displacement (without engines): 2.600 kg

Fresh water tank: 88 l

Deadrise: 20° 

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A workshop for captains and crews organized by SUPER YACHT 24 on February 18th in Genoa