Design and Construction
Ferretti built the Altura 422 in fiberglass, following the yard’s move into GRP that began with the Altura 33 in 1974. She measures 12.80 meters overall and 10.37 meters on the waterline, with a 3.80-meter beam, a standard draft of 1.85 meters, and a displacement of 16,800 kg.
That beam and displacement provide the volume expected of a cruising motorsailer, including room for the three-cabin interior. Her weight should also help steady the boat in a seaway. Although the draft is moderate, it still restricts access to the shallowest anchorages.
Rig, Engines, and Handling
The ketch rig divides 135 square meters of sail area between two masts. On a boat of this size and weight, that arrangement makes the individual sails more manageable than a single large mainsail and jib would be.
Two Mercedes 74 CV engines reinforce the Altura 422’s motorsailer character. She is as much about reliable motoring as sailing, with the twin diesels supporting motorsailing range. Her 16,800 kg displacement, however, makes her a heavy, settled cruiser rather than a light-air sprinter.
Accommodation
The standard accommodation version has three cabins, two toilets, and seven berths. It suits a cruising family or two couples with a guest, while the seven-berth capacity reflects a boat intended for extended periods aboard rather than weekend coasting. The 10.37-meter waterline and 3.80-meter beam provide enough hull volume to carry this layout without cramping.
Verdict
The Altura 422 is a purpose-built cruising motorsailer with a fiberglass hull, fixed keel, ketch rig, twin Mercedes diesels, and a full three-cabin interior. Her generous sail plan and twin engines make her a versatile passage-maker, but her 16,800 kg displacement and 1.85-meter draft define her as a substantial comfort cruiser rather than a light-air performer.
Pros
- Fiberglass hull and fixed keel from a recognized Italian builder
- Ketch rig divides 135 m² of sail into more manageable individual sails
- Three cabins, two heads, and seven berths suit extended cruising
- Twin 74 CV Mercedes engines support motorsailing range
Cons
- 16,800 kg displacement limits light-air performance
- 1.85-meter draft restricts access to the shallowest anchorages
