Symbol 59' Classic, By Capt. Dan Holt

Testing and evaluating a new boat is much like going on a blind date! The dealer and builder always tell you how good it is and why it's the best in class. You don't always find this to be the case! But with Symbol's new 59 Classic it was true. I have inspected and trialled a number of previous Symbol models and have always been impressed by their solid feel and quality. The 59 Classic takes Jack Sarin's approach to his perfect "Passage-maker," further than before with many small refinements in hull, styling and design.

The 59 Classic differs on deck from other, earlier model Pilothouse versions with the addition of an enclosed Portuguese deck forward, bridge and eyebrow overhangs and covered side walkways. Under the water the 59 Classic incorporates a full keel that protects all underwater geer and a wider beam water line to enhance form stability. The new model also carries more displacement that similar size. Pilothouse models, which on long distance voyages at displacement speeds will enhance comfort and ride.

At over 38 ton the Symbol 59 Classic displaces more than all in her excluding the Nordhavn.

On inspection the 59 Classic was impressive dockside. The lines are smooth, it has a high, flared bow that looks the goods for ocean cruising. I immediately noticed the frameless windows, designed to prevent leaks, and large recessed stainless cleats. The enclosed deck and walkways are generous in size and height and offer what looks to be excellent protection and safety at sea.

At 17'6" beam the interior is generous. It's the same beam as many larger boats in its class, and the cabin, saloon spaces reflect this. The boat inspected was fitted with a day-head which in my opinion is a must. Access to the head is via a water-tight, sound proof, door forward portside of the cockpit and it is finished in easy clean, hose out gelcoat surfaces. Whether entertaining or just family cruising, the convenience and practicality of the head location is obvious.

Like most yachts Symbol build, a lot of customer input was evident. Symbol encourages its customers to personalize their boats during construction, and many options are available. This version has the standard three - stateroom layout with enormous master head and shared forward head and shower. The master cabin has a full king size bed with complete walk around and generous hanging lockers and storage. The VIP cabin forward has a queen walk around bed and plenty of space. A nice feature here and in all the lower accommodation spaces is the generous head room, approaching 8' in the hall and 6'8" in the cabins. The head height and volume in this area comes from the unusually deep underwater sections forward. The use of stainless headliners in the bathroom adds to the impression of volume. The build quality here was as good as any I have seen and was enhanced by the laminated fiddles and moldings, for bench tops and all door frames.

The cabins had all the features we have come to expect like TV-AV systems, intercom and custom lighting.

Upstairs the Pilothouse boasts Port and STB water-tight doors. These doors are hingedcustom alloy, with 3 locking lugs, fitted to a 316 stainless frame with a large rubber seal. These doors won't leak like some of the others used on competing brands that incorporate a sliding track design. I understand that some owners have elected to upgrade these doors to a "Dutch" design where the door can be opened in two pieces, allowing the lower half to be closed for spray protection and the upper half open for extra ventilation. Visibility from the Pilothouse helm is excellent and access to all controls and monitoring systems and gauges is first class.

Like other Pilothouse designs the access to the Flying bridge is easy and well designed. It's just five steps up to the bridge, from the Pilothouse via a custom stainless ladder with teak treads. There is a sound well designed handrail to help guide you up the stairs. The access hatch is an alloy water-tight version with three lockdown lugs to ensure a good seal and provide security.

The Flying bridge is enormous for a boat this size as the usable area reaches out to above the gunnel. This boat had a custom layout with port side lounge and wrap around kitchen style entertainment bench to STB incorporating a large BBQ, sink/storage unit, ice maker and fridge. I understand the standard layout is a "U" shaped eight seat lounge to STB with table, and separate port side lounge, with BBQ cabinet. On the aft end of the bridge there is room to store a 12' to 14' tender and still have room forward for loose chairs and table.

The standard saloon design has an "L" shaped lounge to STB and a lounge to port with abundant teak or cherry wood cabinetry, including powered pop-up 40" TV cabinet.

The aft deck on the test boat had a small lounge and table fitted to the transom and a wet bar and cabinet to STB and forward, incorporating a fridge - freezer. A good layout for cooler climates. I understand that this model can be fitted with a choice of transom designs including, the Euro version seen on the 60' Pilothouse version. This would be my pick for warmer climates, as it enlarges the usable space aft and adds a generous fixed lounge and table to the space. Access to the swim platform and water is also enhanced via port & STB stairs.

The day we tested the 59' Classic out of Kaohsiung Harbour, was quite rough and choppy. There was a 5' to 6' seaway running which was left over from a typhoon that passed the island three days earlier. The test boat had a pair of Wesmar stabilizers and was fitted with CAT C 12 diesels. Exiting the harbor after the usual customs checks and visual inspection, (standard practice when boating in Taiwan), we encountered the full extent of the seaway as the harbour entrance is located on the "lee shore." The 59' Classic handled the conditions easily and all onboard, (including two potential customers), were surprised by the comfort and ride experienced. The Sarin hull form certainly lived up to the pedigree that we have come to expect from such an accomplished designer.

We continued on for over an hour testing the ride at all angles including "beam on" and at no time did the Symbol disappoint. This boat was able to run comfortably in all directions during the test at speeds of 8 to 21 Kts and showed no vises or operating issues. Certainly the 59' Classic was happiest at 12-14 Kts a speed that most would consider desirable for a boat of this style. Once back in the harbor all onboard commented on the quality, ride and performance of the boat.

No doubt that this model is very suitable for extended passages and certainly suitable for ocean crossings. I guess it's fair to say that the buying public has also reached this conclusion as I understand Symbol have now sold over twelve 59' Classic's including three to the Australian and New Zealand markets. The price point in these markets looks very competitive! The builder Jimmy Cheng noted that at the time of the test that they were negotiating on the sale of an enlarged version, likely to be 63 feet. The new model will see all the additional length incorporated in the cockpit, which I saw as a nice addition for buyers looking at cruising in climates like those experienced in northern Australia and souther USA and the Caribbean, where you tend to spend much of your time outdoors.