The first M49 to land in the States pairs a commercial-proven New Zealand hull with 35 feet of single-level living space — here's what the walkthrough reveals.
Some boats arrive with a pedigree that isn’t immediately obvious from the dock. The Hylas M49 is one of them. Walking through the first example to reach the United States, Kevin Wensley, National Sales Manager for Hylas Yachts, explains that the hull beneath all this joinery began life as a commercial workboat in New Zealand before evolving into a luxury cruising yacht — much the way the classic Down East lobster boat matured into today’s coastal cruisers.
The numbers are refreshingly sane. M/Y Hylas M49 measures just over 49 feet overall with a 13-foot-6 beam, and — a neat coincidence Wensley points out — an air draft of the same 13-foot-6 with the antenna mast raised. That mast is removable for low bridges or overland transport. Draft is roughly three feet, thanks to a shallow skeg keel between the props that dips just below the propeller plane: prop protection in skinny water, plus meaningful roll damping and directional stability when maneuvering ahead or astern.
A cockpit built for living
The tour starts at the transom, where dinghy stowage options range from the Freedom lift fitted to this boat to the minimalist H2O setup. Stainless and plexiglass gates keep children and pets aboard while remaining see-through, so the helmsman can actually judge where the transom — or the tender — is when backing into a slip.
Step into the cockpit and the M49’s advantage over its smaller sibling, the M44, becomes obvious. There’s a cavernous compartment beneath the sole, lockers to both sides, and a dedicated section on the port quarter for a pop-up or installed barbecue. The table drops to form a large sun lounger. This particular owner specified an ice maker; a day head is available for owners entertaining underway. To starboard sit two refrigeration drawers for wine and beer, and a serving area that connects straight through to the galley. The generator lives under the starboard side, deliberately placed as far from the sleeping cabins as possible.
Thirty-five feet on one level
Slide open the door and the galley-aft layout reveals the M49’s real party trick: roughly 35 feet of continuous, single-level entertaining space from cockpit through galley to dinette. Whoever is making the chips and dips stays part of the conversation. The pantry — a full pull-out unit — reliably draws the loudest reaction, Wensley says. Alongside it are double refrigeration drawers, a top-loading freezer tucked into the galley corner for genuine volume, an LPG cooker with broiler and oven for cooks who want finesse, a double sink, a microwave and generous stowage.
Primary engine access is right here in the galley sole. Below sit twin turbocharged 370 hp Yanmar diesels on direct drive, in a compartment Wensley describes as dry, roomy and easy to work in — strainers, filters, belts and dipsticks all within reach, with room to work the outboard sides of the engines too.
In the saloon, the dinette is raised just enough that seated guests see out over the bow rather than only the driver enjoying the view. Large windows deliver a genuine 360-degree panorama. At the helm, twin seats face a comprehensive electronics package with chart plotter and autopilot, dual engine controls, and bow and stern thrusters as standard. An oversized window-cum-door gives the skipper quick access to the foredeck and to the hardtop above.
Accommodation and deck
Below, the forward master carries a centerline queen with access both sides, four opening ports plus an overhead hatch, his-and-hers hanging lockers and soft-close drawer stowage beneath the berth. The port guest cabin converts between twin and double, with a removable centerpiece and an optional Pullman making a triple possible. Across the passage, the head has a separate shower stall — so you’re not hosing down the whole compartment — plus vanity, stowage and an electric head. Under the stairs sit roughly 200 gallons of water tankage and a clever raw-water/fresh-water switch for head flushing on extended passages.
Forward, the foredeck carries loungers, an Ultra stainless anchor Wensley cheerfully calls “yacht bling,” a divided anchor locker and windlass controls repeated at the helm. The fine entry and pronounced flare keep spray outboard. Up top, the hardtop offers real estate for kayaks, paddleboards or solar panels.
Where it sits
The M49 is a new arrival, and the market reflects that scarcity.
| Active Hylas M49 listings | 1 |
|---|---|
| Asking price | $1,450,000 |
| Median asking | $1,450,000 |
Day cruiser, weekender, Bahamas voyager or Great Loop candidate — Wensley makes the case that the M49 handles all four. For details, contact listing broker Ted Reshetiloff.