Lexus LY650 Yacht Drawing Rave Reviews

Natural Fit

When Lexus decided to get into the yachting business, it obviously caused some pretty big waves (pun intended). After all, the maker of fine luxury vehicles seemed like a natural fit for the boating world. And turns out, they were. Reviews of Lexus' new LY650 yacht are rolling in, and they're extremely positive so far. Including this one from Motorboat & Yachting.

Photos: Lexus

Taken Seriously

As M&Y points out, this isn't exactly the first time a luxury automobile manufacturer has tried its hand at building a boat. But, as they say, "this offering deserves to be taken more seriously than most." The LY650 is built in conjunction with Marquis Yachts in Wisconsin to be a "proper production flybridge sports yacht," and it clearly succeeds at doing just that.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the LY650 right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Building a Brand

Of course, it's fair to wonder why Lexus is working so hard to build a boat. But according to M&Y, "Right now Lexus is on a mission to become a luxury lifestyle brand – not just a carmaker. It reckons that building a line-up of sleek, sexy motor yachts is a pretty good way of helping achieve that goal. It also says it’s in it for the long haul, and the early signs do look positive."

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the LY650 right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Head Turner

What sets the LY650 apart from most "automobile" boats is the fact that it's a brand-new, ground-up design. Not just some rebadged existing yacht. And it's a real looker. "The curvy, head-turning lines are evolved from those of the gorgeous 42ft Lexus Sport Yacht Concept, built by Marquis, that made its debut at the Miami show in 2017," M&Y points out. "Same distinctive bow, same voluptuous hindquarters, same rich copper-and-steely-grey color palette."

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the LY650 right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Automotive Influence

Interestingly, it isn't hard to spot the automotive influence on this particular boat. "The hull shape is defined and dominated by that roll-back axe bow with its broad, stainless steel nose giving the boat a distinctive ‘face’ like the grille of a car," M&Y said. "That huge mirrored-glass windscreen, again shaped to mimic the windscreen of a Lexus sports coupe. It’s accentuated by the dramatic car-like curve of the roofline and sweeping side profile."

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the LY650 right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Stunning Craftsmanship

Unsurprisingly, the whole thing is put together rather well, too. "What’s unmistakable, however, is the quality and craftsmanship," M&Y notes. "Everything from the mirror-like finish of the paint, the precision welding and polishing of the stainless, to the carbon-fiber accents." They also came away particularly impressed with the stunning and thoughtful interior design, which is every bit as artful as it is useful.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the LY650 right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Smoothing Things Out

So the only thing left to ask is, how does this Lexus yacht perform on the water? Despite less than ideal conditions, it excels. "The carbon-reinforced hull does a stellar job of parting the waves, tracking straight and riding smoothly and impressively spray-free through the washing machine-like seas," M&Y notes. "Despite the confused seas, the big Lexus carves easily into the turn, shrugging off the whitecaps, feeling stable and confident." Now, if we can only come up with the $3.7-million dollar starting price required to bring one to our dock...

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the LY650 right here in the ClubLexus forum.

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