Marten 49 Information, Review, Specs

The Marten 49 entered production in 2006, continuing until 2009, with a limited run of only 15 yachts built. Marten Yachts, originally founded by Steve Marten in New Zealand, had already established a formidable reputation for its pioneering work in advanced composite construction, particularly with carbon fiber. This expertise was fully leveraged in the Marten 49, which utilized a full carbon-fiber hull and lightweight interior construction, including aluminum honeycomb for doors, to achieve its performance goals.

The design philosophy behind the Marten 49, spearheaded by Reichel/Pugh, aimed to create the "ultimate performance cruising boat." This involved translating race-winning technologies into a vessel that offered not only electrifying speed but also comfortable living spaces. The collaboration between Marten Yachts' advanced building techniques and Reichel/Pugh's high-performance yacht designs resulted in a boat that was visually sleek and technically sophisticated, intended to impress even the most discerning yacht owners.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Marten 49's specifications highlight its performance-oriented design. With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of 48.4% (10,141 lbs ballast to 20,944 lbs displacement), the yacht boasts a high percentage of ballast relative to its overall weight, indicative of a stiff and stable platform capable of standing up to significant wind. Further emphasizing its performance credentials, the Marten 49 features a remarkably low Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of 78. This low figure categorizes it as a lightweight, highly performance-oriented vessel, suggesting excellent speed potential and responsiveness.

A distinctive feature contributing to its versatile performance is the lifting keel, allowing for a variable draft from a minimum of 8.2 feet to a maximum of 11.81 feet. This enables the Marten 49 to access shallower cruising grounds while still benefiting from the deep draft necessary for optimal upwind performance and stability when offshore. Owners have praised its exhilarating performance, noting that despite its luxurious appointments, it retains the nimble and responsive characteristics of a race-bred yacht. The lightweight construction, a hallmark of Marten Yachts, also contributes to making the sails and deck gear more manageable, enhancing its ease of handling for a performance cruiser of its size.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior diagrams require specific review, the Marten 49 is consistently described as offering a stylish and attractive interior, designed to complement its high-performance exterior. Reviews highlight practical engineering combined with tasteful aesthetics, featuring a light beech timber fit-out that contributes to an inviting and elegant atmosphere. The use of lightweight materials, such as aluminum honeycomb for interior doors, reflects the overall philosophy of maximizing performance without sacrificing comfort or the luxurious feel expected of a yacht in its class. As a luxury performance cruiser, the interior layout is designed to provide comfortable living spaces suitable for extended cruising, balancing functionality with sophisticated design.