Fjord 490 Open – Built by Feedback, Designed for the Sea

Fjord didn’t just unveil a new boat at Palma—they unveiled a philosophy. The Fjord 490 Open is a direct response to what boaters actually want, designed as a response to feedback from Fjord's own customers.

World Premiere: Palma International Boat Show

We had the chance to tour the boat at its world premiere and sit down with Andrea Zambonini, the project manager behind the 490, to find out more about the design process. The 490 Open isn’t a marketing exercise, he explained — it’s a product of care, conversation, and craftsmanship. Before building the first hull, Fjord reached out to every dealer in their global network, asking them to talk to their clients and report back: What do you want the next Fjord to have? The result: a boat filled with practical, clever, and luxurious details that elevate every part of the experience.

A Layout That Flows

From bow to stern, the 490 Open's design is deliberately streamlined. First, the aft-facing bench — an oft-overlooked feature on boats this size — is a brilliant inclusion. It’s tucked behind the aft sunbed, right at the swim platform: sit here, feet up, eyes on the horizon. It’s simple and it’s perfect.

Then, the lounge bed: over 5 square meters (~54 sq ft) of cushioned comfort, with a forward section that flips up to become a forward-facing bench, letting you chat directly across to the cockpit.

Next, the dining area: it's large enough to seat 12 people (!), but what's truly great is the level of utility: fold the tables to cocktail height, split them into smaller coffee tables, or clear the whole space for lounging.

Even better, the entire feel of the layout is transformed with hydraulic side terraces: when lowered, they transform the space from an enclosed boat into a luxurious floating platform, your own open deck on the sea. It’s immersive, relaxing, and a customer favorite.

The Galley: Huge — and Custom

The galley's massive, sure; but more importantly, it's configurable. Choose from options like a barbecue, hotplate, ice makers, wine coolers, extra fridges — even a TV that drops down from the hardtop. Every detail feels built for entertaining.

A Need for Speed

The version we saw was powered by 2x Volvo Penta IPS 800s, pushing up to 35 knots — quick for an inboard, and right in the sweet spot for Fjord's typical performance. But U.S. buyers take note: you can also choose triple Mercury V12 600hp outboards. This setup takes you past 40 knots and comes with an expanded fuel tank, giving you the range you need to explore with freedom.

A Thoughtful Bow, a Better Cabin

The helm seats, firstly, were rebuilt from the ground up, rethought and redesigned completely for long-range comfort, with high backs and full ergonomic support — and the three co-pilot seats have their own instrument displays, so your crew is fully engaged.

Up front, you get a wide sunbed with an aft-facing bench. Some models come with standard reclining backrests — great for pure, unmitigated relaxing.
Below deck is where opinions might differ: the forward cabin is listed as the owner's, but if we're being honest, the aft cabin might be the better choice: a full-beam 2m x 2m (~6'7" x 6'7") bed, windows on both sides, cabinetry, and and all-around warm vibe. (The trade-off is a bit less headroom, but we didn't mind that.)

It also has two bathrooms, and that’s not the impressive part: what surprised us is that both are dry heads — a rare luxury under 50 feet. It’s small details like this that show how much thought went into real usability.

Check out the 3D tour to see the Fjord 490 Open in full glory:

The Fjord 490 Open is more than just a visual icon: it’s a response to real-world boating needs, packed with customization, comfort, and performance. Contact the local dealer near you to learn more or arrange a viewing.

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