2025 Iliad 53 Fly Power Cat Review
Swanky and capable, this new Australian flybridge has long legs.
February 29, 2024
Following on the heels of its sedan sistership, the Iliad 53 Fly (or Iliad 53F) power catamaran premiered in the U.S. at the Miami boat show. Australian builder Iliad Catamaran, which was founded in 2019 and already has several models in their line, is proving that if you do it right, there’s lots of room in the crowded powercat segment for a newcomer. This posh distance cruiser is designed by Riccardo Bulgarelli for long-term living aboard while globetrotting to distant anchorages.
Above: A 2025 Iliad 53F Power Catamaran. Photo by Iliad Yachts.
Performance And Power
Powered by twin 440-hp Yanmar diesels the new Iliad 53F delivers a top speed of 21 knots. However, if you slow down to 6 knots, you can cover well over 2,500 nautical miles thanks to the 924 gallons of onboard fuel. Twin Cummins 550-hp engines are optional.
Topsides
The Iliad 53F has the highest bridge deck clearance in its class with nearly three feet between the nacelle and the waterline and that translates to less pounding in head seas. It also has a unique hydraulic swim platform that lowers but then moves aft to clear the side hulls to more easily load a tender.
Above: Iliad 53F Power Cat. Photo by Iliad Yachts.
Twin gates at the top of the steps lead to the cockpit where they provide added safety for kids and pets. Two large cleats on both sides are good for a Med moor ties and the transom seat and table with loose chairs are basically the only furniture in the cockpit. Storage options abound. To port are two storage cabinets and to starboard is a stairwell to the flybridge below which is an integrated locker for fenders, extra line, dive gear and so forth. Below the cockpit sole, there are also two 3-foot deep spaces because you can never have enough garage storage when distance cruising.
The side decks are wide with 31-inch rails and 12-inch bulwarks for security when walking forward. On the foredeck is a C-shaped lounge with two sunbeds and a wide seat in between with even more storage below. The 1500-watt vertical windlass is below the foredeck sole and the thruster is in the starboard bow.
Interior Inspection
Sliding glass doors lead to the galley and dinette inside. With the doors and the galley window open, the space melds the outdoors with the indoors. The U-shaped galley is to port so it can serve both areas easily. Solid surface countertops with fiddles will help contain wandering dishes when offshore. Appliances on our boat included a Fisher & Paykel induction stove, a drinks fridge back by the bar window, and a home-style double-door fridge with freezer in the port corner. You can spec a dishwasher and high cupboards which add to food and dish storage without blocking the view.
A six-person dinette is across from the galley. Two loose padded stools wrap around the table’s round base when not in use or pull out for use anywhere else. A stylish L-shaped lounge is in the opposite forward corner.
The interior helm is to starboard with the wheel, two MFDs, thruster control and throttles. The windshield has an opening window in the middle for easy communications between the driver and anyone on the bow picking up a mooring. A side door leading to the starboard deck would be a welcome addition here.
Sleeping Quarters
When three cabins are spec’d, the master stateroom occupies the entire starboard hull with an enormous wardrobe lining the aft bulkhead. The queen bed sits athwartships and is flanked by two side tables with integrated drawers. You’ll not need to leave many clothes ashore because there’s room for everything in this owner’s cabin.
Above: Iliad 53F sleeping berth. Photo by Iliad Yachts.
Amidships is a vanity desk and small sofa which would be better turned into additional drawer storage because loveseats in cabins tend to serve little purpose other than as clutter magnets. The master head with a large shower stall and twin sinks is in the bow. There’s nothing about this mini-apartment that says camping. It’s practical, comfortable and posh as it should be on a boat that could potentially work as a primary residence.
The opposite hull on our boat had two cabins and two heads. You can request four cabins and four heads in lieu of having the master stateroom but I think that would be sheer madness Why miss out on that delightful owner’s suite?
Flybridge
In addition to the foredeck and the cockpit, outdoor social space if provided by the flybridge. A C-shaped dinette and a port side lounge sit opposite the galley module running along the starboard side. The aft deck is left open for owner interpretation.
Above: The flybridge layout on the Iliad 53F. Photo by Iliad Yachts.
The helm is on the centerline which is not my favorite. It leaves the skipper relying on cameras when docking because you can’t easily sight down either side. A better solution would be to move the galley module athwartships and behind the dinette and slide the helm to starboard. Of course, future buyers will determine the popularity of the current layout.
A single bench with twin backrests serves as the helm seat which is within easy reach of the wheel, throttles, chain counter, VHF radio, and twin 16-inch MFDs. For long hauls, it’s likely that most boaters will operate from the safety and comfort of the salon below.
Options
The Iliad 53F is fairly customizable from galley appliances and additional refrigerators, to the color of the synthetic teak and caulking in the cockpit and on the fly. Additional solar panels may be added for extended energy autonomy at anchor. The Iliad 53F is a 24V boat with a 600 aH Victron lithium battery house bank and a 12V bank for electronics and other small appliances.
Go Far but Go in Style
As equipped with the larger engines, the Iliad 53F is offered at $2.5 million. The lower-profile sedan version will set you back slightly less while the electric version with 8,000 watts of solar and electric motors will be significantly more but that’s TBD.
In a field of luxury 50-something powercats the Iliad 53F stands out not only for the richness of its features and finishes but for its mind-boggling range. Anyone wanting to cruise from Mexico to Alaska or Florida to the depths of the Caribbean will appreciate the long legs on this hot number that will never make you feel like you’re camping – or even glamping for that matter.
Iliad 53F Specifications:
LOA: 53’ 7”
Beam: 25’ 0”
Draft: 4’ 2”
Air Draft: 26’ 6”
Displacement (dry): 60,627 lbs
Fuel: 924 gallons
Water: 211 gallons
View Iliad Yachts For Sale
