March 6, 2011

New Model: Sarnico 24.80m Grande

A waited debut that of Sarnico shipyard new 24 metre Grande flagship shown as a project at the start of 2008. This new flagship designed by renowned long time Sarnico collaboraters Nuvolari Lenard for the lines and interior layout, and Victory for the underwater hull shape. Sarnico expands its fleet size by fifteen feet from the previous since 2002 65 model flagship, and represents a couple of first times for this appreciated Italian sport cruiser and yacht builder. These being that the Grande puts the Sarnico Group on the super yacht map, the use of an advanced surface drive propulsion Flexitab Flexidrive, and as recent fashion dictates on seventy feet plus sport yachts the feature of an optional second helm invisible flybridge. The new propulsion from Flexitab is an interesting novelty and apart offering a low 12 knots planning speed, comes from the competition experience both in Class 1 and P1 Endurance series. Nuvolari Lenard presented an exquisite modern looking yacht which features a balance of smooth modern yet timeless lines keeping a good balance with the Sarnico looks. The interior of the Grande is a modern layout with living on the main deck, four double cabins and galley located below. The galley is located in a separate area behind the owners cabin to mid ship. Sarnico says a big effort is made in the Grande to make it a unique product for every client, with high customizations being possible. Power for the Grande which as said feature the unique Flexidrive propulsion, and a much appreciated Brunello Acampora Victory hull design is for a max of 42 knots, 36 knots cruise, and a low 12 knots on the plane speed.
Technical Data:
LOA - 24.80 m (81.3ft)
Beam - 6.00 m
Displacement - 42 t dry
Fuel Capacity - 6000 l
Water Capacity - 1000 l
Accommodation - 8 berths in 4 cabins
Engines - 2 x MAN 1800hp
Propulsion - Flexitab Flexidrive
Speed - 42 knots max, 36 knots cruise, 12 knots planning
Project - Nuvolari Lenard lines, Brunello Acampora Victory Design hull
www.cantieridisarnico.it

March 5, 2011

Project: Heesen 51.10m YN 16551

Heesen present the project for a 51.10 metres full-displacement, long range vessel with a steel, round-bilge hull-form and aluminium superstructure. This super yacht offers some unique features, including a seventy square metre gymnasium that is located forward on the main deck usually the traditional home of the master suite. Designed by Omega Architects this new vessel is a further development of the lines seen of Man of Steel and Sky. YN 16551 accommodates 12 guests in five cabins, comprising two twins each with an additional Pullman berth, and two doubles located on the lower deck and the owner’s suite located aft on the bridge deck, where it has exclusive access to the open deck and its Jacuzzi. The sun deck is partially shaded and enclosed by rounded windows on its forward side to protect it from the wind. Here, the owner and his guests can enjoy an alfresco dinner, or lounge on the sunbathing area on the aft portion that surrounds a further massive rectangular Jacuzzi. The yacht will be powered by a pair of MTU 3646hp diesel engines, which will power it to a maximum speed of 15 knots. The Owner has appointed New York based architectural studio Mojo Stumer, which collaborated with Heesen on the interior design of M.Y. Sky, the award-winning 50-metre presented at the latest Monaco Yacht Show. YN 16551 will be delivered to her owner in 2014.

March 4, 2011

New Model: Chaparral 327 SSX

Sometimes a builder comes with a new model which pushes borders of design and this is the story for Chaparral's 327 SSX. This sport cruiser is all about cross over styles offering an all in one unique package from a bowrider, sport boat, to an overnight cabin. Chaparral 327 SSX is revolutionary. But uniqueness does not stop alone here with a nice looking standard fiberglass hard top being another cool feature for the 327 SSX. But let gets to the cream of the 327 SSX which is the interior giving an unthinkable practical full beam cabin; which offers a galley, separate head, and L-shaped settee which can transform to a double berth sleeping two. Seeing the 327 SSX above which offers a full deck space, and bow rider environment this is truly unimaginable. Consider the 327 SSX a revolution, which shows how the human imagination can never stop on improving itself. Power for the Chaparral 327 SSX is twin petrol gas engines by Mercruiser or Volvo from 300 up to 430hp.
Technical Data:
LOA - 9.91 m (32.7ft) with bathing platform
Beam - 3.05 m
Draft - 0.98 m
Displacement - 4445 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 668 l
Water Capacity - 95 l
Accommodation - 2 berths
Engines - 2 x Mercruiser 5.7L 350 Mag 300hp, 6.2L 377 Mag, 320hp, 8.2L Mag DTS 380hp, 8.2L Mag HO DTS 420hp, Volvo 5.7L GI EVC 300hp, 5.7L GXI EVC 320hp, 8.1L GI EVC 375hp, 8.1L GI EVC-D 420hp
Propulsion - dual propeller stern drive Mercruiser Bravo3, Volvo DP
Hull Shape - deep Vee 22 degrees dead rise
Certification - NMMA
www.chaparralboats.com

Project: Ocean Alexander 65 Pilothouse

Ocean Alexander presents the project of the 65 Pilothouse. This model will be the third in the Pilothouse series range sitting in between the 62 and 72. The Pilothouse is one of four series from Ocean Alexander which build yachts from the 54 Trawler up to the 155 Megayacht designed in the US by Ed Monk Junior, and built in China. The 65 Pilothouse is not an extension of the 62, but has a new hull which is one foot slimmer to the smaller model. Interior details and arrangements has not so far been announced. Power for the 65 Pilothouse is twin MTU 825hp engines.

March 3, 2011

New Model: Delta 54 IPS

Delta launched its new flagship the 54 IPS on the fall of 2010, at the Scandinavia boat show. The 54 IPS designed by Lars Modin as previous Delta's is a model which reflects the continuity of this builder unique working pilot boat looks mixed to that of a fast planning Vee shaped hull, and yacht comfort. The interior layout is in fact a luxurious affair with a three double cabins plan located below decks; with owners suite to fore, and two identical guest cabins to mid ship. Two identical shower heads serve the guests, with the starboard side being an en-suite for the owners room. The main deck is a split level; with the lower part having L-shaped sofa, galley, and fore area having a dining table, and helm station to starboard. The helm also features a direct access door to the all around deck, making single handled manoeuvring easier. Other important features of the 54 IPS are the free space aft deck with no transom bulkhead, hydraulic up and down bathing platform, and the deep bulwark protected all around deck. Construction is also of advanced materials with the Delta 54 IPS having a vacuum infusion sandwich method which makes for a weight of about 14,000 kilograms. Power if from three Volvo's 435hp engines with IPS pods propulsion which should give a 40 knots top speed.
Technical Data:
LOA - 18.10 m (59.3ft)
Length - 16.60 m
Beam - 4.60 m
Displacement - 14000 kg approx
Fuel - 2 x 900 l
Water - 500 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo IPS600 D6 435hp, 3 x Volvo IPS600 D6 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward looking dual props
Speed - 40 knots max, 30 knots knots cruise with 3 x 435hp
Construction - vacuum infusion sandwich construction with Vinilester resin
Project - Lars Modin
www.deltapowerboats.se

Engine: Cat C6.4 505hp

Caterpillar Marine Power Systems is pleased to announce the development of the Cat C6.4, a new marine diesel engine platform for the pleasure craft industry. The C6.4 will provide industry-leading performance in the power range of 335 to 505hp with the latest innovations in high technology, including common rail fuel injection. Designed specifically for the pleasure craft industry, the new engine is a compact, powerful and user-friendly solution for customers seeking maximum performance with decreased engine noise and reduced emissions. Featuring a 3400 rpm rated engine speed, the C6.4 is a vee-configuration, 8-cylinder, 4-stroke engine with 98.2 mm bore and 105 mm stroke displacing 6.4 total liters. The C6.4 offers four “E” level ratings, including the highest rating, which is 505hp at 3400 rpm. Additional ratings available include 450hp at 3400 rpm, 380hp at 3400 rpm and 335hp at 3400 rpm. Production is targeted for the first half of 2012. The C6.4 meets current exhaust emission regulations including U.S. EPA Tier II marine recreational craft limitations, the EU 94/25/EC recreational craft directive and is IMO II compliant. The engine is also capable of meeting future U.S. EPA Tier III marine exhaust emissions requirements. Reduced engine noise is achieved through innovative design in the two-piece CGI cylinder block, combining the bed plate and block casting to provide additional stiffness and subsequently lower operating noise. The High Pressure Common Rail fuel system also provides quieter performance through the pilot injection of fuel and integration of Piezo technology to eliminate electro-mechanical control solenoids. The new engine model will be manufactured in the Wimborne Marine Power Center, located in Wimborne, United Kingdom. Standard equipment on the C6.4 includes a built-in oil cooler, centrifugal water pump, self-priming sea water pump, low profile oil pan, top access to service oil level and oil fill locations as well as a single Cat heavy-duty spin-on high efficiency oil filter. The engine is equipped with an automatic fuel priming pump, 12V DC electric accessories and a solid-mounted Cat 70-pin electric plug-in connector for yacht control harness. The new C6.4 is fully compatible with the Cat Multi-Station Control System and MSCS II components for shift and throttle integration and Cat helm displays, including the Color Marine Power Display.

March 2, 2011

New Model: Viking 42 Open

Viking recent return to smaller models with the launch of the 42 Convertible, now followed by the Open sister will be an interesting move from the Jersey builder. The 42 series models both in Convertible and Open version, sharing hull and power also break new grounds for the famed production builder as it is the first Viking using ZF Zeus pod propulsion. The 42 Open is a sportfish cruiser which opens the door to the Viking family. Down below it offers two different layouts; a two cabins, single shower, galley and L-shaped settee plan, or optional three cabins two head choice. In the optional layout one looses the lower L-shaped settee located to port side, gaining an extra third cabin sleeping two and a shower head in return. Outside the 42 Open is all about fishing with its free aft deck, two mezzanine settees saying this. The raised part helm station reached via three steps has a central console style helm, flanked by two other pompano chairs to both sides, and bench settees. Power is from twin Cummins 440 or optional 480hp engines.
Technical Data:
LOA - 12.97 m (42.7ft)
Beam - 4.83 m
Draft - 1.04 m
Displacement - 14832 kg
Fuel Capacity - 1987 l
Water Capacity - 454 l
Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins, 6 berths 3 in cabins
Engines - 2 x Cummins QSB 440hp, QSB 480hp
Propulsion - ZF Zeus aft looking dual propeller pods
www.vikingyachts.com

Project: Riva 27 Iseo

Riva presents the project of the 27 feet Iseo, which is a day cruiser model set to launch in the coming Summer. As in all new Riva's of the last decades the new entry level Iseo is a project of Mauro Micheli's Officina Italian Design, who since the Ferretti Group take over in 1999 is helped by the brand AYT, and the recently formed Centro Stile departments. As was the case of the Aquariva, one of the first Ferretti produced Riva's, the Iseo recalls the history of this brand; which apart the most famous Aquarama launched a lot of similar wood constructed runabouts under thirty feet long from 1946 up till 1986 as the Corsaro, Tritone, Ariston, Scoiattolo, Sebino, Florida, Junior, and Olympic. The Riva Iseo continues the bond with these old models something seen in the uncluttered lines, extensive use of mahogany wood, and a twenty coat varnish finish divided equally in brushing and spraying. But apart celebrating the past Riva Iseo makes shouts to the future thanks to the option of hybrid Ferretti Zero Emission Mode option, and the choice of having a GPS infotainment system built for an Apple IPad platform. Another curious collection option will also be a custom Riva Iseo trailer. Power for the two berth cuddy cabin Riva Iseo will be a single diesel Yanmar engine from 260 standard, or optional 320hp, and a petrol gas Mercruiser 380hp choice. Top speeds are 37 knots with Yanmar 320hp diesel, and 38 knots with Mercruiser petrol.

March 1, 2011

New Model: Hatteras GT63

Hatteras launches the third of its new sweet looking GT Series sportfish yacht line with the presentation of the GT63 in Miami. Unlike the previous other 60, and 54 GTs, the 63 is a totally new model. A new hull which if compared with the 64 Convertible is sixteen centimeters wider, and has a less draft of 22 centimeters. The GT63 impresses for its interior spaces and choices, offering three different main and lower deck layouts. The standard plan is four cabins, eight berths, three shower head layout. The other options are an office in replacement of the fourth bunk cabin, and galley down full on entertainment two L-shaped settees saloon plan. Both the optional layouts sacrifice the fourth bunk cabin, in this case sleeping six in three cabins. The GT63 has a three choices of Cat engines from standard 1600 up to 1900hp. With the big engine choice top speed is similar as the smaller GT54, that is reaching 41 knots, with all time max cruising being one knot less at 36 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 20.4 m (66.9ft) including pulpit
LOA - 19.46 m
Waterline Length - 17.2 m
Beam - 6.10 m
Draft - 1.25 m
Displacement - 46266 kg
Fuel Capacity - 7192 l
Water Capacity - 1022 l
Accommodation - 8 berths in 4 cabins, 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Cats C32 1600hp, C32 1800, C32ACERT 1900hp
Propulsion - line shaft in semi prop tunnels
Speed - 41 knots max, 36 knots cruise with 1900hp
Construction - Isophtalic gel coat, Vinilester resin, fiberglass stringers with steel in key locations www.hatterasyachts.com

Past, Present, and Future

It is always impressive how perspective change over the years. I remember how in the 1980s I used to be blinded with big motor boats over fifty feet, having massive diesel engines which at start up and idle revving alone they use to rattle the water close to them. It was the eighties and many highly regarded US and Italian badged yachts used to have large engines in size and horsepower mostly coming from US manufacturers GM Detroit, and along with the aggressive lines the start up noise used also to play an important part in an admirer point of view. Yachts also used to look different with the Italians being particularly keen on uncluttered all around deck spaces, very fresh saloons, and on size looking bigger from the outside to what they do now.
Thinking from an engineering point of view in the last two decades the yachts have truly become whisper silent compared to the past, thanks to sound proofing, improved exhaust systems, and smoother running engines. Today the market has evolved to new generation buyers, and how motor boaters requests changed the market, following to a certain extent what is done in automobiles. But actually if you compare a yacht built before the eighties to one from the nineties onwards you can see the car influence taking shape. Go to a boat show and how silence is the boat you are looking at is surely one of the salesman tools, along with car dashboard style, and design.
Engines break through from all the major manufacturers have also helped builders these becoming smaller, with the size of the engine denominated in CC being about half to what it used to be in eighties for horsepower produced. This is surely a help to create larger interiors with bigger lady convincing cabins.
But current challenges for boating and the future of design is all about performance numbers of the hull actual distance on the water! Not only in planning boats but also in semi, and full displacement style hulls. May be even more so in the slower type hull shapes, which actually we have seen a lot of tweaks and variations since fuel started to become more expensive in the last ten years, making them more attractive in recent periods. But will it be hull design alone. Surely not, as smaller more efficient diesel engines, better propulsion inventions, along with lighter stronger building methods are have been on the push in the last fifty years, and what will be doing again its big part in the future.