The Absolute Yachts 50 FLY 2017 vs Absolute Yachts 52 FLY 2023 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 600 hp, the Absolute Yachts 52 FLY 2023 has a 165-hp advantage over the Absolute Yachts 50 FLY 2017's 435-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Absolute Yachts 52 FLY 2023 carries 475 gallons versus 423 gallons in the Absolute Yachts 50 FLY 2017. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Absolute Yachts 52 FLY 2023 is rated for 16 passengers, while the Absolute Yachts 50 FLY 2017 caps at 14. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Absolute Yachts 52 FLY 2023 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Absolute Yachts 52 FLY 2023 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 16 passengers and at 55,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Absolute Yachts 50 FLY 2017 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 14 that costs less to run day-to-day.