Imagine you are a lean, mean, powerful King Cobra measuring nearly five-and-a-half meters in length. You are highly respected in the animal kingdom for your prowess, enhanced by the fast-acting neurotoxins you produce that make it easier to bring down your prey. Few dare challenge you. One animal, however, emerges victorious when matched against you. Gifted with speed, agility, and intelligence, this animal produces a unique glycoprotein that protects it from your venom, rendering your toxins useless. This sleek, stealthy creature can take you on like no others, and emerge victorious.
Now imagine it is 1985. You are Giuseppe Balducci, an Italian boatbuilder preparing to launch a stunning new line of fast, open designs. Your major competition is a successful line of fast opens bearing the name Cobra. What moniker do you choose for your groundbreaking new line? Mangusta, of course. Italian for mongoose, it is that formidable match of Kingdom Animalia capable of defeating the mightiest Cobra. It also marked the beginning of the Mangusta legacy that continues today through yachts like the long range tri-deck Mangusta Oceano 50 and its sister ships.
The Overmarine Group Philosophy
Giuseppe “Beppi” Balducci’s vision to produce fast, sporty displacement vessels with extended range made this style of yacht livable and comfortable, maintaining high performance. The Mangusta 80, launched in the 1990s, introduced this Maxi Open design as a timeless classic in its field, allowing owners to travel to any destination around the world in high style.
At Overmarine Group, the Mangusta yachts team transforms dreams into shapes through imagination, talent, craftsmanship, and commitment. The Overmarine Group shipyards in Massa, Viareggio, and Pisa total 190,000 square meters, dedicated to building each vessel that wears the brand.
The Pisa Dock, Darsena Pisana, just five minutes from the airport, is dedicated to metalworking, particularly for the Mangusta Oceano and Mangusta GranSport lines. The Viareggio yard is focused on the Mangusta Maxi Open yachts. It also houses the company headquarters, with a creative department, a technology department, an after-sales department, and a quay with expert captains on duty 24/7. The Massa plant employs forming and rolling required to shape large composite yachts.
Overmarine also produces peacekeeping, Coast Guard, ambulance, firefighting, and ferry vessels under the Effebi brand, founded in 1983.
The Mangusta Oceano 50 By the Numbers
Beautifully stretching to an overall length of 49.9 meters, the Oceano 50 has a nicely balanced beam of 9.12 meters, and a half-load draft of 2.45 meters. A displacement yacht with steel hull and aluminum superstructure tucking in at just under 500 GT, the main power comes from a pair of MTU 12V 2000 M86 1700 hp engines with transmission using a fixed pitch propeller and two shaft lines. The Mangusta Oceano 50 has a maximum speed of 16 knots and a range of 4500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 11 knots. Zero speed and underway stabilizers keep guests comfortable.
Alberto Mancini combined his talents with that of the Overmarine Group for both the exterior and the interior design. Naval architecture by Engineer Ausonio at P.L.A.N.A. Design complements the work with Pierluigi Ausonio as the design-build specialist.
The first hull remained in Europe, sold in 2019 and debuting at the 2021 Monaco Yacht Show. The second hull was built for an American client, making a US debut at the 2022 Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show. At last review, hulls three, four, and five have also spoken for, so if this design captures your fancy, it might be smart to proclaim your love for hull number six rather quickly.
Standout Features
There are dozens of features worthy of mention, but three set this apart from any other in its class. Three connected terraces fold down to reveal a club covering 68 square meters on two levels. The three terraces are just above the sea making it easy to board watercraft or indulge in a pleasant ocean swim. The central area, under cover and now open on three sides, presents ample space for a casual gathering while preparing to use the sauna or the shower, or enjoy a bit of lunch. Clean, modern design defines the space as casual and comfortable, with wonderful views. Stairs to port and starboard provide a connection to the main deck.
The upper deck bow of the Mangusta Oceano 50 also commands impressive square footage, with ample deck and lounges. The full beam pool with infinity wall forward and islands positioned aft display an onboard retreat worthy of the best days at sea. Impressive from any angle, as the yacht approaches, it announces its status with a most appealing visual statement. A day head is discretely positioned aft of the central club area.
Many yachts have fold-down balconies that require crew assistance, but this third stand-out feature is perfect for the independent-minded yachtsman. The Mangusta Oceano 50 boasts a private balcony off the owner’s cabin to starboard that works automatically at the owner’s whim, providing a private space for a quick morning coffee, an afternoon read, or lovely evening cocktail.
Photos: Overmarine Group Media | Words: KL Turner
