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HomeBoating NewsNew products and upgradesPalm Beach GT60 Jet Drive: coastal freedom, custom-built

Palm Beach GT60 Jet Drive: coastal freedom, custom-built

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It’s not just a boat. It’s a purpose. A sculpted, saltwater machine designed to fulfil one clear idea: freedom to explore coastal waters with confidence, elegance, and total control — even where others can’t go.

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Palm Beach GT60: new direction, proven roots

The Palm Beach GT60 Jet Drive is more than a new model. It’s a purpose-built yacht born from conversation, collaboration, and a sharp understanding of how owners want to cruise. It’s a bespoke expression of performance and personalisation — crafted for shallow waters, long distances, and refined lifestyles.

The GT60 Jet Drive builds on the award-winning GT60 platform, with two significant updates: HamiltonJet propulsion and deep, owner-driven customisation. This yacht wasn’t built to fit a trend. It was created to explore a very specific place — the lobster trap-lined coast of Down East Maine.

That meant three things: speed, shallow draft, and precision manoeuvrability. Jet drives provided the solution, setting the stage for a new kind of Palm Beach GT60.

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Palm Beach GT60 Jet Drive_ coastal freedom, custom-built // Photo credit: Palm Beach

Waterjet agility meets offshore pace

Jet propulsion gives the GT60 Jet Drive more than shallow-water access. It offers fingertip control, even in crowded marinas or tight channels. There’s no exposed running gear. AVX joystick controls from HamiltonJet make low-speed handling intuitive and accurate.

Despite its compact draft of just 2 feet 9 inches (0.84m), performance is far from compromised. Twin 1,000-hp Volvo Penta D13 diesels paired with Hamilton HJ403 jets power the yacht to a smooth 35-knot cruise. Noise is minimal. Efficiency is exceptional. The ride is pure Palm Beach — confident, quiet, and balanced.

Palm Beach GT60 Jet Drive_ coastal freedom, custom-built // Photo credit: Palm Beach

Performance by design

At the core is Palm Beach’s proprietary V-Warp® hull. Built using carbon fibre and vinylester resin in a vacuum-infused monocoque structure, this hull is light, strong, and stiff. It’s optimised for smooth acceleration, flat running, and long-range cruising.

No changes were needed to the running surface to support the jet drive. The same platform supports straight shafts, IPS pods, outboards, and now jets. This versatility proves the foresight behind the V-Warp® design.

Form that follows function

The GT60 Jet Drive looks purposeful because it is. Like the GT60, its long lines and low profile are elegant, but never ornamental. This is a yacht designed to serve its environment and its owner.

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As expected, the layout flows from helm to cockpit to interior with minimal barriers. Spaces are open, flexible, and made for entertaining or relaxing. Every detail is functional. Nothing is wasted. The result is a clean, clutter-free experience whether underway or anchored in a quiet bay.

Palm Beach GT60 Jet Drive_ coastal freedom, custom-built // Photo credit: Palm Beach

Below deck, the Palm Beach GT60 Jet Drive continues its blend of form and function. The layout includes a spacious owner’s cabin with ensuite, a separate dayhead, and a convertible galley-lounge space. It’s comfortable for two, flexible for more.

Materials are warm, natural, and meticulously finished. Timber joinery is flawless. Surfaces are smooth. Light fills the interior through well-placed glazing. The style is timeless, not trendy — made to last in both look and function.

Palm Beach GT60 Jet Drive_ coastal freedom, custom-built // Photo credit: Palm Beach

Tailored without compromise

This yacht wasn’t built from a template. It was shaped by its owner’s needs. That’s the Palm Beach approach — customisation within a production framework.

Every Palm Beach GT60 is different. Owners collaborate directly with the design team to create their ideal yacht. From layout to propulsion to interior finish, each decision is made with purpose.

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The GT60 Jet Drive proves that true customisation doesn’t require compromise. It can be delivered with production-line precision, but boutique-level personalisation.

Palm Beach GT60 Jet Drive_ coastal freedom, custom-built // Photo credit: Palm Beach

A 30-Year philosophy in motion

The Palm Beach GT60 Jet Drive arrives as Palm Beach celebrates its 30th anniversary. This yacht isn’t a look back. It’s a look forward.

It represents an evolution, not a disruption. A continuation of the Palm Beach philosophy: build lighter, faster, and more efficient yachts without ever sacrificing quality or customer experience.

The GT60 Jet Drive is the next chapter in that story — one built on innovation, not imitation.

Made for where others can’t go

So, what is the Palm Beach GT60 Jet Drive?

It’s a 20.63-metre luxury cruiser with the draft of a runabout and the performance of a superyacht. It’s a jet-powered, owner-shaped vessel engineered to handle shallow, obstacle-filled waters with grace and precision. And it’s a conversation turned into a machine — a philosophy brought to life in teak, glass and carbon fibre.

In the hands of its owner, it’s ready for the coastline it was built to explore.

Palm Beach GT60 Jet Drive_ coastal freedom, custom-built // Photo credit: Palm Beach

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Boating NZ is New Zealand’s premier marine title devoted to putting its readers behind the wheel of the latest trailerboats, yachts and launches to hit the market. It inspires with practical content and cruising adventures, leads the fleet with its racing coverage and is on the pulse of the latest maritime news and innovation.

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