SAY 52 Review (2025 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

The SAY 52 stretches to 15.8m (52ft) in length and builds on the high-performance DNA of the SAY 42, with a full carbon fibre construction that keeps weight just over 8 tonnes, even when fully specced with a hardtop, gyro stabiliser, and twin diesel engines. The carbon fibre build gives the boat its strength and rigidity while keeping it incredibly light, helping it stand apart from typical cruisers.

Boarding is via a passerelle that tilts up to the quay or down into the water, then stows away neatly, flush with the transom. At the stern, there’s a clever seabob locker - a hinged compartment that lowers into the water to float a seabob in or out, with a drainage system that clears the water once it's lifted back up. You can even charge the seabob directly in its compartment, keeping everything neat and simple.

The SAY 52 features carbon fibre bimini poles that slot into place on either side, creating a sleek, lightweight shade setup when linked to the trailing edge of the hardtop. These poles tuck into designated slots when not in use, keeping the deck clutter-free.

There’s a generous deck locker for storing items like extra cushions and paddleboards, alongside thoughtful details such as hinged backrests that lock into position, offering additional comfort for lounging. The backrests, like much of the build, are made from carbon fibre for strength and lightness.

Up at the bow, there’s a compact hatch and the anchor handling setup with pop-up cleats. This area doubles as a sunbathing spot, where the circular sections of the deck accommodate sunbathing cushions or shade structures. The wide beam and increased height of the 52 compared to the 42 give it an impressively spacious feel on deck.

The carbon fibre hardtop is a standout feature - a long, unsupported structure that’s strong enough to take a person’s weight at the front. The hardtop incorporates colour-changing lighting strips and speakers, with subwoofers tucked in discreetly. The forward sections have glass panels built in, creating an open feeling down below.

Easy-to-navigate side decks, generous storage lockers, and a cockpit layout that stretches right aft all add to the usability of the SAY 52’s deck spaces. 

Stepping inside, the SAY 52 keeps the layout simple, focusing on the essentials for day boating and weekend escapes. The open-plan interior has space to sleep, a small dinette area, and a basic galley setup. The dinette seats provide a comfortable spot to escape the midday heat thanks to the air-conditioning, with storage tucked away and a wine cooler built in for refreshments. A Garmin repeater display and AV equipment add a practical touch.

The galley area is compact but functional - a hob, sink, ice chest, and drawer fridges sit under the counter, alongside storage for smaller items. It’s a setup that’s perfectly suited to picnic-style meals rather than full gourmet cooking.

The carbon fibre construction continues inside, with big glass panels in the ceiling flooding the space with light. Hull windows enhance the connection to the water, making the cabin a bright, relaxed space even underway.

Design tweaks are planned for future builds, including modifications to side deck steps and edge treatments for easier movement around the boat. This is hull number one, so some refinements are expected, but the core layout is already in place - a practical, stylish weekender with a focus on performance and simplicity.

The open-plan space doubles as the guest accommodation, offering seating that converts for occasional overnight stays. Future configurations may introduce a separate forward cabin to add a more private sleeping option.

Access to the engine compartment is via deck panels aft. Under the deck lies a pair of Volvo Penta D6, 440hp engines on stern drives - a rarity for a 15.2m (50ft) boat. The unique combination of the Petestep hull, carbon build, and stern drives allows the SAY 52 to achieve impressive performance figures: over 40 knots top speed, 35-knot cruising, 300 nautical miles of range at 30 knots, and 500 nautical miles at 20 knots.

Joystick control is available for the stern drives, and a bow thruster provides extra control when manoeuvring in tight spaces. The helm station is equipped with a glass cockpit, multiple Garmin screens, throttle controls, and a height-adjustable seat setup with lift bolsters and footrests for comfort.

The SAY 52 is a true high-performance weekender - a lightweight, carbon fibre machine built for speed, efficiency, with striking looks. It offers a simple, practical layout for day trips or overnight stays, with options to refine the cabin setup in future builds. From its telescoping passerelle and clever seabob locker to the joystick-controlled stern drives and 40-knot top speed, every element of the SAY 52 focuses on maximising performance and ease of use. It’s a niche boat for those who love a blast across the water, built with precision and a touch of showmanship.