November 11, 2012

Project: Horizon EP 115

The Horizon Group is pleased to announce that a new EP series 115 foot expedition yacht, which is still under construction, was recently sold to an owner in Singapore. The 115 foot long-range explorer yacht is scheduled to deliver to the new owner in March 2013 and will become the largest luxury yacht Horizon has delivered in the Singapore yacht market.  The solid yet stylish 115-foot expedition yacht is the newest addition to the Horizon EP series and has a full-displacement steel hull with a bulbous bow and fiberglass superstructure.  The EP 115 is the second Horizon yacht built with a steel hull, with the EP148 being the first, and is the first to feature a composite superstructure.  To ensure the safety and stability of the vessel, the new 115-foot Horizon expedition yacht is built and certified to Bureau Veritas Classification Society Rules yacht and steel ship standards and features double rudders and ABT thrusters for easy maneuvering. In addition, the new 115-footer is powered with twin MAN 1100hp engines and at ten knots has a range in excess of 3000 nautical miles. The Horizon design team worked closely with the new owner to customize some certain areas and aspects of the yacht, ensuring that the new 115-footer luxury yacht will be perfectly suited to his requirements.  It will also features include a custom interior décor, extended cockpit for fishing, customized dive area with a commercial dive compressor and modified bow area to store a 19 foot dive tender and 14 foot rescue boat.  The new 115 EP is the first long-range expedition yacht Horizon has built and delivered in her size range, and she will make her world debut at the 2013 Boat Asia Show.

November 9, 2012

New Model: Austin Parker 36 Natante

Austin Parker show its very attention to the market when presenting the new 36 Natante, this last word meaning small craft on the Italian registration.  Since presenting its new course with the 42 Open, Austin Parker has always looked at larger models expanding its size up to the 72 launched in 2010.  Now seeing the big U-turn in the economy and the fiscal benefits in the smaller sizes, Austin Parker was fast to react presenting a smaller new entry level model the 36 Natante.  Designed as all the line by famed Italian Fulvio de Simoni the 36 Natante definitely strikes for its sweet contemporary classic lines, which apart looking awesome also work very well and keep the unique family feeling of the line.  The layout of the Austin Parker seems to keep well with a mix of down East lobster looks with Mediterranean users practicality offering a cockpit deck with three L-shaped settees and a wet bar, and a lower deck with an open layout offering a V-double berth to fore, L-shaped saloon, galley, and a separate shower head to port side. Austin Parker makes a big statement with the the 36 Natante that smaller does not mean cheaper. Power is twin Volvo 300hp with IPS pods giving a max speed up to 34 knots and a cruise of 30. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 11 m (36ft)
Beam - 3.75 m
Displacement - 8 t
Fuel Capacity - 740 l
Water Capacity - 220 l
Max Persons - 10
Accommodation - 2 + 2 berths
Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 300hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward looking dual propeller pods
Speed - 34 knots max, 30 cruise
Range - 320 nautical miles
Project - Fulvio de Simoni
Certification - CE B

November 8, 2012

Project: Baja 35 Outlaw GT

Baja shows its project for its new largest model the 35 Outlaw GT which presents mix head-turning looks with high speed performance. The 35 Outlaw boasts an aggressive design that matches its performance on the water. This project according to Baja comes with innovative hydro testing, wind tunnel technology and carbon fiber construction all these made to make drag up to a minimum. Comfort is also of major importance in Baja new large 35 Outlaw model, with an expansive cabin; enlarged head and optional air-conditioning. Plenty of amenities and room for eight passengers and sleep accommodation for three guests.  Power choices are four starting from twin Mercruiser gas petrol at 380 up to 565hp engines.  

November 7, 2012

New Model: XL Marine 51 HT S

 
After showing us the renderings of the 51 HT back last year in 2011, XL Marine finally launch and put this latest model into the water this summer 2012.  Unlike the announced project the first of the 51 HT was also an S version, which means it is equipped with the high speeds surface drive propulsion, increasing top end performance by around fifteen per cent.  Always very custom in its details so far in all the models produced the 51 HT S also featured some distinctive details, as a sofa to port in replacement of a wet bar in the cockpit, and an aft crew cabin.  For the lower deck the owner of the XL Marine 51 HT S decided for the standard more traditional layout with owners room to fore, VIP cabin to port, and a twin berths cabin at starboard, with an L-shaped saloon and galley in between the cabins.  Two shower heads serve the cabins to forward, one en-suite for the owner to port, and the other for the guests opposite.  Finishing for this launch is in white sprayed wood, with floor and table tops in Wenge.  Power for this model is from the large choice of twin MAN 1000hp with Arneson surface drives propulsion giving max speed of 45 knots, and 40 of cruise.  Worth to note that in the initial test with larger propellers and a light load the XL Marine 51 HT S achieved 49 knots top end, but the central Italian boat builder decided for a more conservative choice delivering also better lower planning speeds.   
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.54 m (50.9ft)
Hull Length - 14.35 m
Beam - 4.50 m
Draft - 1.40 m
Displacement - 20.5 t
Fuel Capacity - 2600 l
Water Capacity - 600 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, 1 crew cabin berth
Engines - 2 x MAN 8v 1000hp
Propulsion - Arneson surface drives ASD12 with 5 blade props
Speed - 45 knots max, 40 knots cruise
Construction - Vinilester resin infused, single skin bottom, foam cored sides and upper structure. 
Certification - CE A

November 6, 2012

Project: Cheoy Lee 76 Alpha Express Flybridge

Launching the 76 Alpha Express model a year ago Cheoy Lee follows it with the Flybridge version, adding a second helm up top, and other important changes inside.  Built as the more sport sister in resin infused and sporting a design by famed architect Michael Peters, as in anything Cheoy Lee shows again it means serious boat building pedigree.  The 76 Alpha Express flybridge presents a three double cabins lower deck plan with a cabins being served with own peronsal shower head,and having a full beam midships owners cabin also having a walk in wardrobe.  A crew cabin is located behind the owners cabin.  The 76 Alpha Express Flybridge is also presented with two important changes inside; the galley is now on the main deck from below and located astern to better serve the aft deck, and the helm station relocated to starboard. Power is standard twin MTU 1200hp engine with ZF pods.

November 5, 2012

New Model: Magazzu MX-13 Coupe T-Top

Magazzu is a very interesint boat builder from Sicily, Palermo who specializes its construction mostly in Rib, but also builds a range of motor boats, and sail craft.  The Mx-13 Coupe is one of Magazzu's 2012 new models and focuses to present a big day rib cruiser with sleeping accommodation for four, and max people capacity of 24.  The rib is available as picture above in T-Top hard top covered center console, or full open version.  Its accommodation layout consists of a forward double berth, L-shaped dinette, galley, and seperate small shower head.  The Magazzu MX-13 Coupe shows a lot of performance dedication not only in looks but also below the waterline featuring a two step hull, and in its carbon fiber with epoxy resin construction.  Power is engine capability of up to twin 700hp with surface drives or stern-drives available as propulsion. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 13 m (42.6ft)
Beam - 4.4 m
Fuel Capacuty - 2 x 470 l
Water Capacity - 360 l
Accommodation - 2 + 2 berths
Max Persons - 24
Engines - 2 x 700hp
Propulsion - stern drives, or surface drives
Speed - 55 knots max
Hull Type - two step deep Vee hull
Construction - carbon fiber with epoxy resins
Certification - CE B

November 4, 2012

Cabo Yachts New Web Site

Cabo Yachts presents its new virtual showroom. Founded in 1991 on the West side of the USA Cabo has seen a surge in market success since its inception, to become among the most respected medium to large size sportfish boat builders in the market today. The actual Cabo adventure starts in 1988 when Henry Mohrschladt and Michael Howarth sell their sailboat company, Pacific Seacraft Corporation, and set out to build a top Sportfish Cruiser. Time passes and after some time the company find its premises location in Adelanto, California a small town in the high desert, and what is an unusual West side of the USA location for a sportfish builder. After three years of market research, design, and consultation, Howarth and Mohrschladt in 1991 present there company Cabo and its first model the 35 Flybridge. Designed by Louis Codega, Cabo's first model redefined the quality standards of the period with beefy custom hinges, gelcoated bilges, and a spacious for a Sporfish Cruiser interior. The 31 Express launched in 1995 is the second Cabo, which sets a continual line up expansion till we arrive to the most recent 40 Hardtop Express launched in early 2011. Bought by Brunswick in 2006 today Cabo offers six models from 36 to 52 feet in Express, Flybridge and Hardtop Express models. Cabo says its models are unique for a cutting edge hull, flawless engine rooms, custom electrical systems, absolute fishability, refined accommodations, and attention to detail. Since 2001 Cabo has also changed its designer with World famous Michael Peters taking hull shape duties from Codega. In 2010 Cabo also relocated to New Bern in North Carolina. Cabo's new website takes you around with the following buttons: Current Models, Heritage Fleet, News and Reviews, About Us, Cabo Cargo, Locate A Dealer, Request Brochure, Featured Inventory, and E-Newsletter Signup.  Cabo also features direct link to its official social network hubs; Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. 
Production History:
35 Flybridge 1991-2000  Lou Codega design era
35 Express 1994-2000
31 Express 1995-2004
45 Express 1997-2009 (100+)
35 Express 1999-2009
47 Flybridge 2000-03
35 Flybridge (ii) 2001-08  Michael Peter design era
35 Express (ii) 2001-08
48 Flybridge 2003-08
43 Flybridge 2003-08
40 Express 2003-08
40 Flybridge 2004-08
32 Express 2005-12
52 Express 2005-12
38 Express 2007-10  Brunswick ownership
38 Flybridge 2008-12
52 Flybridge 2009-12
36 Express 2009-13
44 Hardtop Express 2009-13
40 Hardtop Express 2011-13
40 Express 2012-13
44 Express 2013
41 2019-21

November 3, 2012

New Model: Moonen 42M

Moonen has launched the 42 metre custom motoryacht named Sofia for a repeat client. As well as being the largest superyacht launched to date by the Moonen yard, Sofia will also make waves with her unique three-seater submarine. After sea trials and final delivery in November, the displacement yacht will head across the Atlantic for an extended cruise in the Caribbean. The owner of this brand-new Moonen travelled to the yard in person for the launch and expressed his delight at how the specific requirements for this fully custom motoryacht had been brought to fruition. This is the third major motoryacht that he has built at Moonen and during a short acceptance speech the owner confessed he was already considering possibly ordering an even larger project sometime in the future. With plans afoot to increase the building capacity at Moonen, Sofia may not hold the size record for very long.  Any leading shipyard that offers owners a genuinely tailor-made superyacht must always be open to new ideas, and Sofia serves as a testimony to the flexibility available at Moonen. Not long after construction began the owner decided to extend the yacht by a further four feet in order that she could carry a submarine capable of seating three passengers instead of the originally specified two. This involved the creation of a unique launching system which, like the rest of the superyacht, has fully met all the requirements for Lloyd's and MCA classification. No other luxury motoryacht in this size range has a submarine that can take three people to depths of one hundred metres.  Another key aspect of a high-end project such as Sofia is the way in which the yard cooperates with the other leading players involved in the superyacht build. Stolk Marimecs was responsible for the naval architecture of an elegant design by Rene van der Velden and the Moonen design team which synthesises rugged adventurous looks with modern superyacht style elements. The interior has an exceptionally bright and open feeling, with large windows bathing the living spaces with light. Art-Line Interiors has created a very special overall style featuring oak wood, Zabrano and Concetto marble. Sofia's atrium, executed with a custom piece of Concetto art made and supplied by Ceaser Stone in Israel, is truly spectacular. There are many high-tech highlights on this sophisticated motoryacht including an integrated foil bridge, a full Kaleidoscope video server with multi-room control via i-Pad, a galley equipped with professional stainless steel equipment, a thermal camera in the top mast, and an MOB system with personal tracking.
Technical Data:
LOA - 41.78m (137ft)
Waterline Length - 38.6 m
Beam - 8.9 m
Draft - 2.45 m
Displacement - 360 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 43000 l
Water Capacity - 10000 l
Accommodation - 10 guest berths in 5 cabins, 7 or 9 crew in 5 cabins
Engines - 2 x Cat C32 DI-TTA Acert Mk.III 1015hp
Propulsion - line shaft with five blade propellers
Speed - 14 knots max, 12 knots cruise, 9 knots economic long range
Range - 5000 nm at 9 knots
Hull Type - displacement round bilge long range
Construction - Grade A stainless steel hull, aluminium super structure, Awl Grip Paint
Project - Rene Van Der Velden Design, Stolk Marimeks naval architecture, Art Line Interior
Certification - Lloyds RS 100A1, SSC Yacht Mono G6 LMC

November 2, 2012

Project: Tiara 3900 Coronet

Tiara Yachts of Holland, Michigan US announces the launch of the 3900 Coronet.  Unveiled at the 2012 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, and the third in the Tiara Coronet Series, the 3900 is a completely new sport cruiser, reflecting the design, engineering and construction heritage of the US builder, and offering outstanding standard features, optional equipment, and value that will enthuse all day boaters.  The new Coronet Series has been updated in the last two year by Tiara with this new impulse introducing intelligently re-imagined day boats, and sophisticated design styles. Complementing the beautiful styling, fit/finish, features and detailing, the Tiara 3900 Coronet offers two power selections: twin inboard Cummins 480 or 550hp diesels. The standard hull and deck color is fresh White, with carbon color boot line and helm console/dash. Optional custom hull and bootline colors are available, and the helm/dash is also available in sand or flag blue color. Standards include a Tiara custom composite windshield frame with tempered safety glass and opening center vent; hardtop with side enclosures and Lewmar skylight with opening hatch; molded-in fiberglass bow pulpit; and Tiara custom diamond pattern non-skid. The command station features the Tiara EZ Tilt-Away helm console with full flush mount electronics capability, stainless steel destroyer tilt steering wheel and port side navigation center.  The over sized cockpit gives ample seating, including a pedestal helm seat, curved companion lounge, and portside aft-facing lounge seat. Additional optional seating is also available, as is extra room for entertaining or serious fishing. A wet bar with storage is aft of the helm seat, and behind this is a prep center with a storage locker. Unique to the new 3900 Coronet is an optional Cruising or Tournament Fishing Package. The Cruising Package includes the Tiara exterior teak accent package;, mahogany steering wheel, companion seat, lower cockpit L-lounge dinette which converts to sun pad, cockpit electric grill, premium stereo system, cruise-style radar arch, and Tan upper/lower cockpit upholstery.  The Tournament Fishing Package features tackle drawers for prep center, gunnel rod holders, transom bait well, port side insulated flush floor storage box in addition to standard, tournament style radar arch, white cockpit upholstery, and under berth rod storage. Below deck, the 3900 Coronet offers a large comfortable retreat featuring a teak interior and Amtico dark Maple flooring.  An L-lounge dinette with ottoman high-gloss table converts to a double lower berth and single pullman upper berth, forward master stateroom, full galley, and head with shower.

November 1, 2012

Expand How Much

We live in a period where it is all about creating the impact to the media, and with this coming the justified press release with all the lights, bells and whistles.  Boat building although being a small medium sized business for the most part does not escape this syndrome. 
So following the important fall boat show season which ended with Fort Lauderdale a couple days ago, this year had to be one of the most where I have seen expanded models of a novelty presented a year, two or even four years ago.  This is not entirely bad.  I have seen it in the past and am sure will see it in the future, that a change in a model being it a larger bathing platform, new layout, or interior furnishings modification sets a course for higher sales figures.
But my question comes?  With all the experience that some builders have, how is it that sometimes a model which is like one or two years in the making needs a modification to become a success.  Especially if this model is replacing a best seller.  Cannot the feedback usually coming from the clients and the competition create the perfect model.  Or is this change coming from less to expected sales.  Are boat builders sometimes caught in the fact that they can re-change the wheel in the area. 
My personal data is that a longevity of a model also creates a following for the fact that this also keeps a better residual, and sometimes also clientele appreciation that they have the right model. Ideally a model should stay minimum four to five years produced as it is, and if it is a success ten years can also be reached.  Difficult for sure, but good things are never easy!