September 1, 2012

The Next Revolution

Sleek flybridge boats with low profile upper structure was the one in the nineties.  Hard top sport yachts, and how some of these actually give comfort of a flybridge without the top deck and upper helm was the one in the past decade. Now whats next?
I think many users are looking at a boat which can offer the goods of a planning boat, and a semi displacement with some revolution looks.  Azimut always very attentive to client trends was among the first to offer something of this calibre with its Magellano line and its patented hull shape, but another long time builders in more explorer orientated cruisers are improving there current models to this style of boat.  A worth note here goes to the small Grand Banks 41 Heritage now to be revamped as 43 in the coming fall and its ZF Zeus pods power, and the upcoming Nordhavn 52 Coastal. Another interesting offer was also the Mochi 23M Long Range which I am still surprised not to see the Italian builder as yet not presenting smaller sized models with the same concept.     
The French giant Beneteau Group which in the last years has upgraded its power line impressively is also making interesing attempts at this market, although a glimpse in new modern ship looks to challenge the Magellano recently came from the upcoming new Jeanneau 42 Voyage which apart its looks is on facts a planning boat.  But the most interesting offer from Beneteau will come from its new 50 Swift Trawler which is to be powered by Volvo IPS pods, and will have a main deck worthy of its name and lower cabin area to challenge the more modern looking boats.
It will be interesting what the following to this type of boats will be in the market. So far my estimate is that they hold like 10% of the current market share which is about double to what it was like five years ago.  So growth is there but how much can this become will be the buyers to decide.  The thing is that they still remain the boat for the mature boater who in most cases comes from a motor and sailing experience.

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