Savoring Life Aboard

A little R&R on the new Summit 54’

November 2022 Feature Brady L. Kay

We could all use a little rest and relaxation in our lives and that’s where the boating lifestyle that we all enjoy comes in. However, the new SUMMIT MotorYacht takes it to a whole new level with this elegant new Summit 54’ that is designed to reward and recharge those on board.

The variety of boats available in the Great Lakes region in countless because boats of all sizes from all over the globe seem to find our waters on a regular basis. While hull number one is headed to the east coast for the Newport Boat show in September, the manufacturer feels they were made for the Great Lakes.

“The Great Lakes is a perfect market for the Summit 54’,” says Larry Polster, vice president, Kadey-Krogen Yachts. “I grew up in Cleveland and spent summers cruising Lakes Erie, Ontario and Huron and know what they can dish up in terms of weather. Many motoryachts are of lightweight construction and not really prepared for what the Great Lakes can dish up. The Summit 54’ is rock solid and up to the task.”

SUMMIT MotorYachts is a new brand that lives under parent company Kadey-Krogen Yachts, who has a 40-plus-year history of design innovation with more than 620 semi-custom, pure full displacement trawler yachts to its credit.

With the motoryacht market continuing to evolve, the manufacturer saw a gaping hole that they knew they could fill.

“We meet people at shows all the time that love the quality of the Krogen brand but want to cruise at 20 knots,” adds Polster. “Rather than just create a 20 knot motoryacht, we took the time to design Krogen quality and features into the boat. For example, there are three places on the Summit 54’ that six people can comfortably dine: inside, the cockpit or the flybridge. So no matter the weather, you have a comfortable place. No other motoryacht has that capability for six.”

Timelessly crafted to offer a new and fresh perspective on lasting comfort and sophistication, the Summit 54’ includes fully walkable side decks, beautiful, wrap-around windows, and an intentionally designed interior that makes the most of your weekend escapes.

Swim Deck

Starting in the stern, the teak decking catches your eye first, followed by the handcrafted teak table and designer-quality soft goods. The aft deck beams with pride and is a seamless extension of the interior, both in style and access.

“She also a very open yacht where the swim platform, cockpit and galley form one continuous space and there are two outside barstools at a counter that interfaces directly with the galley,” says Polster. “Last but not least, that bar area has a built in blender!”

Just down from the aft deck is a perfect-height swim platform for lounging or taking a dip. Also accessible from the stern deck are comfortable steps that lead to the flybridge; yet another perfect place to relax.

Music and boating go hand in hand so a quality sound system is an important factor when relaxing on the open waters. Fusion Entertainment Marine Audio Solutions sends ambiance and harmony to the aft deck, salon/galley lounge, bow and flybridge. Also working in harmony with the interior, is the aft deck grilling station and the sea-to-table service window that provides continuous access and contact.

Coffee To Cocktails

You can experience all-day enjoyment up on the flybridge. There are fresh breezes, 360-degree vistas, a forward sun lounge, and a settee with seats for everyone. Grab a cold beverage from the adjacent refrigerator, gather around the handcrafted teak table and don’t miss out on the conversation or those sunsets the Great Lakes are famous for.

Underway, the flybridge is as functional as it is social. The helm is slightly offset to starboard with ample room for twin helm chairs. Guests can sit next to, or in front of you, while you take them on an afternoon sightseeing tour—or to your favorite destination for an overnight experience.

When at-anchor, the foredeck of the Summit 54’ is as much a social space as a spot for a peaceful siesta or nightly stargazing. Soak in the sights and the sun, or shelter in the shade, on the foredeck’s comfortable bow seating and reclining sun pad lounge that is equipped with arm rests, cupholders and a luxurious canopy. Furthermore, the side decks are fully walkable—no sideways shuffling.

“The real side decks are another great feature on this model,” says Polster. “We saw so many motoryachts where you have to scooch your way up the side doing a balancing act trying to hold on while carrying a line or fender. We create a yacht where you can just walk up the side, fender in hand, and it’s great for the pets too.”

And, thanks to the thoughtful design of the forward deck with portlights and a hatch, the lower interior accommodations enjoy lots of light and the abundant fresh breezes circulating throughout the cabins.

Internal Beauty

The warm walnut wood tones and soothing horizontal lines of the grain. The cascading waterfall countertops. The enormous, wrap-around windows. All intentional. All subtle design choices that reflect the horizon and calm us.

To further optimize weekend escapes, the galley has been designed to suit any mood or moment. For example, a breakfast nook and settee to starboard with a handcrafted, collapsing teak table, is just the right spot to lounge while your tea steeps.

The timeless, clean look created with beautiful Silestone countertops and Moen sink and Grohe faucet are complimented by the modern galley appliances, stainless steel finish, that will never feel like a compromise. Included are a refrigerator/freezer with double drawers, a convection microwave oven, a cooktop, icemaker and dishwasher.

At The Helm

Stepping up, the helm deck continues the theme of 360-degree views providing exceptional sightlines from the dual helm seat and electronics console, as well as an expansive dining experience around the handcrafted high/low table.

The Summit 54’ interior dining area is elevated to provide some space and separation from the galley, but at the same time, remain connected to all that is happening onboard. Outside of mealtime and entertaining, with a quick coffee table transformation, and still the comfort of the wrap-around seating, the area becomes a casual and comfortable TV-watching area.

The helm is made of fine walnut and leather, raised and wedge-shaped, with plenty of room for your signature suite of electronics. The wheel is a traditional, stunning teak and stainless-steel masterpiece. This area also offers a door to starboard.

Dockmate

Incorporated into the new model is the award-winning Dockmate wireless remote control docking system. It allows boaters to easily operate electronically controlled engines, bow and stern thrusters, anchor winches and horns from anywhere on board with a small handheld device. Each Dockmate system includes a rugged wireless, handheld transmitter with an easy-grip rubber finish, lanyard and wireless charger, as well as a plug-and-play receiver compatible with most brands of engines and thrusters.

“The Summit 54’ is an exceptional build and the perfect platform for our Dockmate system,” said Brian Sheehan, Dockmate U.S. spokesperson. “She was designed from the ground up to be a beautiful, long-range cruiser with exceptional features to enhance the comfort of the owners and crew.”

“After considering many aftermarket electronics options, we chose to add Dockmate to our new Summit 54’,” said Tucker West, vice president of sales, SUMMIT MotorYachts. “A product like Dockmate can always make your customers’ experience, particularly in stressful situations like close-quarters maneuvering, just a little easier. We are confident our clients will appreciate the functionality that Dockmate provides.”

Master Suite

Located at the widest part of the boat, the master suite is nearly 15 feet wide. And, for a more comfortable night’s sleep, the queen berth is not tapered at the foot, nor the head, of the bed. With his-and-hers wardrobe closets, plenty of drawer storage, and an ensuite head with cabinetry, there’s no need to live out of a suitcase.

Each stateroom is more than just decorative, its design is practical as well. The master suite also has a TV, a vanity/desk, and beautiful LED overhead lighting and wall lighting.

Much like the master, the VIP stateroom will have family and guests living lavishly. Living up to the VIP moniker, this space has the comforts of a walk-around queen berth, hanging locker and extra storage, overhead lighting, reading lights, TV, and ensuite access to the beautiful guest head with a stall glass shower. Everyone will be waiting for their next invitation to get away.

Office Space

With a full berth, more hanging storage, and a desk with a mirror and lighting fixtures, the third cabin is really a room packed with purpose. It’s also the home of the separate washer and dryer. Alternatively, there is the option to forego the berth and dedicate the stateroom to be an office.

Ready For The Open Water

With an impressive 330-nautical mile range at 23-knots, she’ll take you where you want to be and with the handling you would expect. The Summit 54’ is powered by twin Cummins QSB6.7, 542hp engines with ZF Marine ZF286A, 2.1:1 ratio gears turning 2-1/4-inch diameter shafts with 4-bladed, 26 x 28 Hung Shen propellers. Instead of traditional trim tabs, the boat utilizes the state-of-the-art Zipwake Dynamic Trim-Control System for ultimate comfort and fuel economy.

Notably different, inside and out from other yachts on the market, the new Summit 54’ is ideal for relaxing as well as recharging on the Great Lakes. There is a lot of marina to marina boating in our region so you can appreciate those wide side decks for docking. Also, the lower helm station will be greatly appreciated since the visibility is 360 degrees and bow rise is very minimal, making it a pleasure to run the Summit 54’ from inside in inclement weather, something all Great Lakes boaters can appreciate.

Summit 54’ Specifications
Length Overall (LOA): 58’ 5” (17.83 m)
Length On Deck (LOD): 52’ 0” (15.85 m)
Length At Waterline (LWL): 48’ 10” (14.88 m)
Beam (Over Rub Rail): 15’ 10” (4.60 m)
Draft at Designed Waterline (DWL) With Half Load: 3’ 7” (1.09 m)
Displacement (DWL With Half Load): 55,400 lbs. (25,129 kg)
Fuel: 750 gal. (2,839 l)
Water: 215 gal. (795 l)
Black Water: 100 gal. (378 l)
Approximate Bridge Clearance With Arch And Light: 20’ (6.09 m)

For More Information
Kadey-Krogen Yachts
800-247-1230
www.kadeykrogen.com

SUMMIT MotorYachts
772-286-0171
www.summitmotoryachts.com

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