In the palm of your hand

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The main salon lends itself to tasteful and practical entertainment.

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The owner's suite is well lit by two portlights.

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Palm Marine demonstrates their eye for design and practical use of space.

Mounting the blue LED-lit side deck steps, the waist high guardrail stretches in support of the teak-laid side-deck, ensuring anyone venturing forward is protected from stumbling, even if their hands are full of refreshments!

Passing the Lopolight LED sidelights and reaching the bow, a central Lofrans anchor winch sits atop a deep chain locker, with an oversized prow roller holding the primary anchor well away from the topsides.

A nice addition for the bowman is the raised prow guardrail that allows access to the anchor in the event of snagging or even changing the ground tackle. But for the less technically minded, the coachroof hosts a large sunpad for at least three sun worshippers to spread out comfortably.

Returning to the shelter of the aft cockpit, and ignoring the freestanding aluminium and teak staircase to the flybridge, we were hit by a blast from the Gulf spec air conditioning powered by a Kohler 17kW generator as we slid open the darkened glass doors to the main saloon within.

Breaking the modern trend for completely open main decks, the Palm Islander 600 splits the interior into two distinct areas, making it an ideal yacht for chartering or the corporate entertainer.

Immediately to port, a four-piece sofa is built in to curve around the glazed cherry panelling beneath a semi-bulkhead that disguises the raised galley on the other side.

Turning this structure into a feature rather than a mere fitting, the cherry panels are offset by inlaid strips of polished chrome.

A flatscreen LG television is angled for the benefit of an L-shaped sofa to starboard, while the whole area can enjoy the soundscape provided by a Bose surround sound environment.

Creating a striking palette with cream leather offsetting the wenge flooring, the moulded glass table almost brings a retro-Italian feel to the interior, dropping hints of a contemporary attitude without the angular shapes it often perpetuates.

Served by freestanding block seating, the saloon could very quickly become a great area for a social evening, the cream and white ceiling panels contrasted by a glazed cherry inset to reflect all interior downlights and create an intimate lighting tone.

Passing the saloon and up three wenge steps, a rare feeling of interior space on a sub-80 footer is achieved by not squeezing in a helm spectator couch, leaving a single pilot chair facing the functional helm console.

Perhaps breaking convention, but by looking to the most common crewing of a yacht of this size, Palm Marine has made a helm position that is both comfortable and useable. Surprisingly good visibility is provided both fore and aft, with electric side windows for relaying information to the crew.

To port, a corridor galley makes great use of the space available. The small basin, hob, oven and microwave are all built in low to maximise the view through the angular windows; this also allows for a mass of counter space.

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