May 10, 2011

Project: Toy 51 Fly

As has been in various traditional down East lobster yachts over fifty feet, Toy presents the project for a flybridge version of the 51 model.  The Toy 51 Fly designed by Nauta should follow the lines of the standard model, but gets added with a second helm station, and lounging area up top.  Access to the flybridge will be from a ladder to port side.  The flybridge layout is for a central helm, L-shaped settee to starboard, and an aileron radar arch located centrally.  Inside a layout as that of the 51 should follow with a garage for a tender aft, and an interior living having a galley, and saloon on the main deck.  The lower deck is a two cabins layout, with owner room to fore, and a double guest to starboard.  Both rooms have spacious shower heads.  A one person crew cabin to port, and an utility room to starboard are located to mid ship. A further option also exists to have the owners room with a two singles berths instead of the queen double.  Standard power of the Toy 51 is for twin Cummins 715hp which give a very good 34 knots top speed. 

May 9, 2011

New Model: Ferretti 720

Ferretti Yachts presented the new 720 in the town of Rapallo late past April month. This innovative model was developed by the today tried and tested working relationship between Studio Zuccon International Project, the Ferretti AYT, and the Centro Stile.  This new model should replace the 700, a very succesful Ferretti in production since 1998 with various names each representing a small development as 681, 680 and 68.  The Ferretti team from company owner Norberto to designer Gianni Zuccon all say the 720 represents the continuation of what has been shown in the 800 launched also about a year ago, with large view windows and an interior with light colored grey oak wood showing the latest trends from the World famous North West side of the Adriatic sea based yacht builder.  As is standard in this size the 720 is a four stateroom motor yacht with a master room located to midship, VIP suite to fore, and two double cabins in between.  All cabins have private en-suite heads, and the VIP room also has a seperate shower room.  A crew cabin sleeping two or three and also having an utility room and direct access to the engine room is located aft.  The main deck is a split level area wih saloon upon entrance, dining table for eight, seperate galley to port side, small dinette to starboard, and an impressive central seat helm station. An intelligent solution in the main deck is a sliding door which can separate the guests saloon and dining area with the working part of helm and galley. The flybridge follows the usual Ferretti style of layout with a helm to starboard and C-shaped dinette.  The fore deck also follows tradition with a sunbed layout. No settee or dinette as are the latest trends. Power is from twin MTU 1381hp standard, or optional 1524hp.  The optional choice should give about 33 knots top speed.  The 720 also features ZF SteerCommand as standard, with Joystick Manovring System.    
Technical Data:
LOA - 21.79 m (71.6ft)
Hull Length - 21.48 m
Waterline Length - 19.56 m
Beam - 5.70 m
Draft - 1.85 m loaded
Displacement - 56,900 kg loaded, 48,000 kg unloaded
Fuel Capacity - 5000 l
Water Capacity - 990 l
Max Persons - 20  
Accommodation - 8 guest berths in 4 cabins, 2 or 3 crew berths in 2 cabins
Engines - 2 x MTU 10v2000 M92 1381hp, 10v2000 M93 1524hp
Propulsion - line shaft with ZF SteerCommand
Speed - 33 knota max 30 knots cruise with 1524hp engines Estimate
Range - 320 nm at 28 knots with 1381hp engines 
Hull Shape - variable geometry with 12 degrees deadrise aft
Project - Zuccon International Project, Ferretti AYT, Ferretti Centro Sitle
Certification - CE 2003/44 A, B+F+Aa (sound emmision) RINA Certification Modules

May 8, 2011

Projects: Vicem 46 M Vulcan Tri-Deck, Vicem 35 M Vulcan Tri-Deck, Vicem 32 M Vulcan RPH

Vulcan presents the Vulcan Line a three model range which continues to establish the Turkish builder into the the Super Yacht world, of 24 plus meters in size.  The new series is thrillingly represented by the 46 M Tri-Decl, 35 M Tri-Deck, and 32 M RPH.  All the three models come from the design tables of renowned Dutch Naval Architect Frank Mulder and the award-winning firms of Art-Line Interiors, Wetzels Brown Partners and Ken Freivokh. Pictured above is the 46M which is built in a state-of-the-art facility in Antalya, Turkey. The 46 M is to be built in composite materials, applied with resin infusion and sandwich techniques, here chosen to achieve the best in strength-to-weight ratios.  The result: a 200 ton yacht, powered by twin 3650hp MTU engines, that delivers 25 knots top speed and efficient ocean crossing range at reduced econmic cruise. Her three decks plus Sundeck design provides outstanding elegance for a knowledgeable owner, and five cabins for the guests.  A signature design of the 46 M Vulcan Tri-Deck is the open Atrium which provides 45 feet of unbroken natural lighting, from the very top of the Sundeck all the way down to the lower deck. The main deck’s master suite uses every inch of this yachts thirty foot beam, and includes a CEO’s office and a private gymnasium. A graceful wraparound entry way leads to an inviting Jacuzzi and an arcing full-width head. Far aft is the galley, a dining area for ten, relaxing lounge, and a spacious upper lounge area.
The Vicem 35 M Vulcan Tri-Deck is a super yacht with a five stateroom layout, two of which are full beam layout.  There is a captain’s cabin on the main deck and two double crew cabins with a lounge and galley in the crew quarters. The double bed captain’s cabin is behind the wheelhouse on the third deck. The tender is hidden in the foredeck and there is additional garage storage aft, with a fold-down beach club. Designed outside by Frank Mulder this is a very sleek yacht for its length with no tenders visible.  The 35 M Vulcan Tri-deck is under construction in Vicem’s new facility in Tuzla, Turkey.  A more sleek 35 M Vulcan RPH should be available in the near future.  Watch this space for renderings.
The Vicem 32 M Vulcan RPH is a five stateroom epoxy with Corecell constructed to a Frank Mulder design super yacht. Frank Mulder has designed a totally unique yacht with easy access to the foredeck from the deck on the port side with the main deck on the starboard side, creating a full beam, on-deck master stateroom. In addition to five guest staterooms, the yacht has two crew cabins with en suite heads which has access from the galley. The main tender is on the flybridge deck, and there is space for two wave runners in a transom garage.  Power is from twin 1900hp Cat engines with top speed estimates of 23 knots. 
www.vicemyachts.com

May 7, 2011

New Model: Italian Yachts 92 Jaguar

Italian Yachts presented its new flagship the 92 Jaguar at a private party in Monaco on the month of April.  The new 92 Jaguar flagship from Italian yachts follows latest trends of having an invisible flybridge second helm on top of the hardtop.  For the 92 Jaguar, long time famous Italian designer Paolo Caliari followed more traditional Italian open hard top looks similar to those of the 80, and now stopped in production 76.  But Italian Yachts also used innovation by testing the design in a wind tunnel which resulted in producing a lower to the usual height for this size of Super Sport Yacht.  The lines of the 92 are not as revolutionary and aggressive as the 72 Jaguar which was launched in the middle of last year, but the idea of the fore peak deck with a settee and sunpad follows the inspiration of the smaller model. The 92 Jaguar surprises for its amount of accommodation  inside with a main living deck area which can nearly compete with those of a traditional full flybridge motor yacht.  Sleeping accommodation for guests is for four double cabins, with owners stateroom to midship, a VIP room to fore, and two double guest cabins in between.  Having a separate entrance and located to mid ship is a galley, crew lobby, and two crew cabins.  Power is for twin MTU 1920hp engines with surface which give a top speed of 35 knots, and 27 at cruise.   
Technical Data:
LOA - 28.00 m (91.8ft)
Waterline Length - 22.7 m
Beam - 6.50 m
Draft - 1.10 m
Displacement - 56 t dry, 68 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 8500 l
Water Capacity - 1300 l 
Max Persons - 20
Accommodation - 8 guest berths in 4 cabins, 2 crew cabins sleeping 4
Engines - 2 x MTU 12v2000 M94 1920hp
Propulsion - ZF Searex surface drives, line shaft
Speed - 35 knots max, 27 knots cruise with surface drives
Hull Shape - Vee with medium ten degrees aft, 28 degrees to midship deadrise
Project - Paolo Caliari hull, Roberto Angel and Jaguar Yachts interior
Certification - CE A, modules B+F+Aa Sound Emissions RINA

May 5, 2011

Project: Grand Banks 46 Eastbay FB

Grand Banks present the project for the 46 Eastbay FB, a flybridge iteration of the Zeus-powered 46SX launched just one year ago.  This new model was announced during the Miami show in February, and is the third to be propelled by ZF pods in the Grand Banks fleet.  The 46 Eastbay FB, should replace the shaft powered 47 FB model. Like its predecessor, the 46FB combines a proven cruising platform, including again a C. Raymond Hunt Associates hull that has earned wide acclaim to the Eastbay Series, which is why the famous firm does design all the range.  On her lower decks, the 46FB is much like the "SX" model, with superior visibility from the helm, two or three stateroom layout options, class leading amenities and Grand Banks signature hand craftsmanship throughout.  Up top, the large and well-designed flybridge features a center line Stidd helm seat and room for an optional second one to starboard. A large L-settee surrounds a hand-made teak table, and the flybridge overhang provides a good measure of protection to the cockpit below, while still leaving plenty open to enjoy the sunshine. Power for the 46 Eastbay FB although not yet announced is to be similar the hard top 46 SX version with twin Cummins SX, ZF Zeus pods which are combined with easy joystick manoeuvring. 

May 4, 2011

Alex Chueh 1930 - 2011

It is with great sadness that the management and staff of Ocean Alexander regret to announce the death of Alex Chueh, founder of Ocean Alexander. Alex Chueh passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 3rd, after a long battle with terminal illness. Born on October 19, 1933, in Fujian, China, Alex pursued a career with the military early in his life. He graduated from Taiwan Military Academy and enlisted in the Army until he retired from full service in 1970.  Alex started Ocean Alexander in 1978, with the 50 Mark I as the first vessel. In just over 5 years from start-up, his yard built Nighthawk, a 70’ motor yacht, one of the largest yachts ever produced by an Asian yard in 1985. Alex will be remembered as one of the pioneers of the Asian yacht industry, successfully establishing a market in the US for his boats. During his lifetime, over 1,500 Ocean Alexander boats were completed and over 40 new models introduced as the company grew with his vision and the continued vision of his son, John Chueh.

New Model: Nimbus 31 Nova S

Nimbus unveiled the new 31 Nova S during the company Open House. The 31 Nova S is a further development of the popular 30 Nova S, which has topped Nimbus sales charts in recent years. The new Nimbus 31 Nova S increases the length but a similar beam suggests the same hull its being use.  The 31 Nova S unlike its predecessor, offers a different exterior with a generously proportioned L-sofa and table fitted to the aft deck and which can quickly be transformed into a large sun bed. Another new feature is the new and innovative fender stowage at the transom. The focus in this new 31 Nova S is on providing more socialising space and features. The interior features a two cabins plan with owners room to fore, guest double cabin room to mid ship, and a shower head to starboard side.  A galley is located on the main deck to star board behind the helm station. Power is for engine choices from single stern drive Volvo engines from 260 up to 330hp.
Technical Data:
LOA - 9.60 m (31.4ft)
Beam - 3.10 m
Displacement - 4220 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 300 l
Water Capacity - 130 l
Accommodation - 4 berths
Engine - 1 x Volvo D4 260hp, D4 300hp, D6 330hp
Propulsion - Volvo Penta dual prop DPH stern drive

May 3, 2011

Project: O.B.P. S55 Altura

Another project from Italian builder O.B.P. which sees the Storm 55 in the third Altura version for this model.  The S55 Altura is the full sportfish version which characterizes aggressive hull lines, with a very expressive bow flare and a dramatic reverse shear line creating unique looks to this model.  A very sports tower and a free aft deck with two mezzanine seats to both sides are what makes the difference in this new Altura version on the outside.  But difference from the two other S55 Granturismo are also to be found inside with an interior being similar to what a US build sportfish yachts offer having two cabins, two shower heads, galley, and an L-shaped saloon settee.  This is the standard plan but O.B.P. does promise huge customisation to its builds, so interior choice is to a minimum of three plans available if you add the two other plans available for the other S55s.  Innovative hull lines are again the main feature of this O.B.P. S55 both above and below the water line, with underwater shapes having an Ax-Bow, with keel this hiding the option of having a third wing engine which is to be used for fishing from two to ten knots.  Main power is from twin 1200hp engines.

May 2, 2011

New Model: Beneteau 44 Swift Trawler

Beneteau new 44 Swift Trawler which was launched in the fall of 2010 replaces the 42 model which presented this explorer cruiser and yacht range of the French boat building company back in 2004.  Today the Swift range from Beneteau features a total of four models up to 52 feet, two of which are a different version of the entry level 34.  The new 44 Swift Trawler designed by Joubert and Nivelt builds on classic looks with modern elements thrown in like larger view windows on the main deck, and in the owners suite to fore.  As is expected the 44 Swift extra two feet add more space, but the designers also deliver a modern touch in every area to the successful model that was the 42.  Immediate visible improvements are to be found in the aft deck which is now more spacious, and also features an L-shaped settee, a second shower head down below serving guests, and a co-pilot seat in the flybridge helm.  Power is from twin Volvo 300hp diesel engines with speed estimates so far not being announced.    
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.88 m (45.8ft)
Hull Length - 12.17 m
Beam - 4.25 m
Draft - 1.05 m
Displacement - 10895 kg light
Fuel Capacity - 1400 l
Water Capacity - 640 l
Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths
Max Persons - 12, 14 
Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 300hp diesel engines
Propulsion - direct line shaft in moulded semi tunnels
Project - M.Joubert, B.Nivelt, Beneteau Power, interior Piere Frutschi
Certification - CE B12, C14

May 1, 2011

Season On

Finally after much wait for us in the Northern hemisphere the Summer season is on its way, and with it the boats in the water starts to double or even triple to what they where a couple of months ago.  It is impressive how the passion comes to you when the first sunny, calm sea day starts to appear and with it a film in your mind starts again to remind you of the great times a boat normally gives. But with this comes also a reminder of what you wanted to do, or what needs to be done for your pride to be that extra better for the coming season.
Another interest for any new season will surely be for the new buyers who choose the pride during the Winter shows and will take on the water for the first time.  How will their experience be for a first year in the water?  Will it be up to expectations how it showed in the catalogue of the chosen brand, or is it to be the nightmare sometimes said that the best two days in a boat owners life is of purchase and the sale.  Personally I don't agree with this statement and I am not the only as most boats listed in Brokerage are for owners who want to change to something bigger, different or smaller.  I also think that owning, maintaining and doing yourself jobs on a boat is also satisfactory and an always learning experience.  But whatever the case if ever in doubt I do suggest a charter to experience how a life on board really is, and better then that would be to navigate a couple of days with a friend so that to understand better the cost of keeping and running a boat similar to his.
So now that the season is well on its way happy navigation for Summer 2011, even tough the one hundred plus dollars of oil want make it very cheap for this year.  But about this we speak next time.