Project: Fairline 75 Targa Gran Turismo

Billed as one of the most exciting models developed by Fairline to date, the 75 Targa Gran Turismo is due to be completed in late 2014 ahead of her world debut during the 2015 show season. Combining exceptional levels of exterior and interior space plus high performance and style, the new 75 Targa GT will showcase Fairline at its very best. As with all Fairline models, she will be developed and constructed using some of the most advanced technology available, and will be completed at the manufacturing facility in Oundle.  Boasting a beautifully appointed spacious saloon, she will offer luxurious seating, a TV with surround sound system along with Fairline’s renowned levels of refinement and quality. In the cockpit owners will enjoy an extended outdoor entertaining area including a wet bar, spacious lounging areas, a vast triple sun pad and a tender garage suitable for a Williams diesel jet tender. A submersible bathing platform is provided which can also be used to launch the tender. A first for Fairline, the foredeck offers a further entertaining area with seating, sunbathing and optional hot tub.  The 75 Targa Gran Turismo is available with a three or four cabin arrangement all with en suite. Each option enjoys a fabulous full-width master stateroom with feature windows to port and starboard, a king-size bed, dressing room, lounging area and bureau. This is complemented by a beautiful full beam master en suite with large walk-in shower, twin washbasins and toilet in separate compartment.  If the three cabin option is selected, owners will enjoy a grand galley below deck with integrated wine cooler, as well as washer and dryer. Those opting for the four cabin arrangement will also enjoy a beautifully appointed galley and will have the addition of a utility area in the aft cabin for white goods. Both options come complete with American style fridge freezer with icemaker, dishwasher, microwave oven, hob and plentiful storage space. The new Fairline Targa range flagship will be available with a comprehensive choice of interior and exterior upholstery fabrics, hand-crafted joinery and panels. She will be offered with twin Caterpillar C32 engines, with power options of 1622, 1825 and 1925hp, and is expected to reach speeds in excess of 32 knots with the base engines or towards 40 knots with the highest power offering.

www.fairline.com

New Model: Cranchi 53 Eco Trawler LD

It's definitely one of Cranchi's most announced and awaited novelties, and also an unedited new direction for the World famous North Italian family run boat builder.  The 53 Eco Trawler LD is Cranchi's answer to a segment of the market which have seen a high renewed interest from boaters since fuel costs have started to increase more or less about a decade ago.  What's interesting about Cranchi new Explorer yacht is that in it come a lot of the ideas featured in the latest planning yachts; astern galley, full beam owner midships stateroom are here, fore deck settee, as well as IPS pod propulsion to help improve economy, giving more buck to the mile are all features of this entry in the long distance segment.  An interesting part of the 53 Eco Trawler LD layout is also the four option choice to the third cabin below.  You can have have this third cabin space in various utilities; twin berths, dinette with no bulk head, storage and two bunk berths, and last as a separate office.      

Technical Data:

LOA - 17 m (55.9ft)

Hull Length - 15 m

Beam - 4.95 m

Displacement - 18,200 kg dry

Fuel Capacity - 2700 l

Water Capacity - 810 l

Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, or 4 berths in 2 cabins

Max Persons - 14

Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 435hp

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS pods

www.cranchi.it 

Project: Monte Carlo MC4

Really nice lines in this Monte Carlo MC4 project, fresh from what most of the competition is offering outside.  Fair to say this has been the line followed by Monte Carlo Yachts, guided by Carla Demaria who has presented interesting looking and original craft in the high end motor yacht line from Beneteau Group since its inception more or less for over five years now. But lets also say it to the designers, Nuvolari and Lenard from Venice who have again over done themselves, something they do very well since the nineties.  I have a couple of projects in my mind from Nuvolari Lenard which are classics not only for me but for the motor yachting community in general.  This new MC4 which those of you who have been in Cannes or Genoa might have seen for real is the smaller sister to the MC5 presented earlier on in 2013.  It brings the same features of a nice flybridge motor cruiser, looking sports, classic see the bow, and at the same time handsome.  Practical features are packed all over from a full opening three part patio door joining the living of the main deck with the aft cockpit.  Interesting is also the flybridge, nearly invisible in the above rendering if it was not for the forward wind-shield, reached from a steel stair case to starboard it offers a spacious environment from a C-shaped dinette, forward looking settee plus a small sun lounge to port, and helm with a wet-bar behind it opposite.  Down below the MC4 offers two large cabins; full beam owners amidships, and VIP to fore.  Fair to say this layout is not a friendly one for a family, something which seems to be common in most Beneteau Group models of this size.  A scissor movement in the forward cabin bringing the double to two singles would definitely improve this.  Power comes from twin Volvo 300 or 370hp with IPS pod propulsion.

www.montecarloyachts.it

New Model: Uniesse 49 Open

 

It is always a challenge for a boat builder to re-invent or replace a successful model in its line up which has been long standing for over a decade.  This is the case for this new Uniesse 49 Open, which in reality does not replace but updates the appreciated, respected and the since its launch in 1996 has been called the timeless 48.  The 49 is in nearly all details the same sport cruiser, inside and outside layout, exterior line giving a tribute to the Carolina sportfishers as designed by Fred Hudson nearly two decades ago. And really why should they change much, the 48 Open was as close to perfection you can get in superb US European style mix, being its sea keeping quality as are its construction standards, as its well appointed interior which offers good accommodation for a sport cruiser measuring fifteen meters. But look skin deep and the Uniesse 49 Open show its new elements; smaller engine power with more speed on tap thanks to ZF Zeus propulsion, an added comfort to its guests aft with an up and down bathing platform, and legal change thanks to less length on ISO rules.  Uniesse has always been a conservative builder, and with the 49 Open, it shows that it still has that important spirit at heart.  Surely the 49 Open updates the 48 with the important propulsion change the ZF Zeus pod drives, giving a more spirit lively handling as well as better economy at the pump.  This reduces engine horse power needs from 715 to 600hp while still reaching a top speed of 38 knots, important to note plus two nautical miles per hour versus the standard shaft choice power.  For those still looking for a traditional line shaft set up Uniesse still offers the 49 Open with this set up, from a standard Cummins 715hp or optional MAN 800hp units. The length change marks also a significant change to the Uniesse 49 Open as with this new dimensions the 49 Open comes under the fourteen meter tax rules as amended in Italy past June.  Yes the Uniesse 49 Open does not replace the 48 it just makes it better.  

Technical Data:

LOA - 15.86 m (51.9ft)

Length - 13.6 m

Beam - 4.62 m

Draft - 1.12 m

Displacement - 17,100 kg full load

Fuel Capacity - 1850 l

Water Capacity - 580 l

Accommodaiton - 6 berths in 3 cabins

Max Persons - 14

Engines - 2 x Cummuns Zeus 600hp, Cummins 715hp, MAN 800hp

Propulsion - ZF Zeus aft looking pods with Cummins 600hp, line shaft propulsion

Speed - 38 knots max with Cummins ZF Zeus pods 600hp, 36 knots with Cummins 715hp

Construction - hand laid fiberglass; vinilester and isoftalic resin, unidirectional and woven fiberglass.  Airex sandwich core for topsides.

Project - Fred Hudson

Certification - CE B

www.uniesse.com

Project: Jarrett Bay 84 Sportfisherman Hull #60

It's been a great year for Jarrett Bay and after delivering its largest ever build the 77 feet hull number 56, the company sets out the construction of an even bigger boat.  This time Jarrett Bay extends its size by seven feet, and starts the construction of an 84 Sportfisherman set to be delivered in three years time, that is 2016.  This new super sportfish yacht comes from the new 77 owners, who will have to wait three years for the new custom build to be completed.  Jarrett Bay 84 Sportfisherman will feature a four double guest cabin plan, plus a two berth crew room amidships this also having a direct access to the full height engine room. Other interesting details are the day head on the main deck, a laundry room, storage room, and a midships located owners stateroom.   

www.jarrettbay.com

New Model: Cantiere Delle Marche 96 Darwin Class

Its been one of the most talked new models coming from Italy this Summer, the new 96 Darwin Class titled ‘Stella di Mare’: a 30 meters Explorer yacht with rugged US ocean trawler and working tug-boat inspired looks designed by Sergio Cutolo and built by Cantieri delle Marche.  The yacht maintains the Darwin series features, but it differentiates from the previous 86 models of the same line particularly for the increased on-board volumes resulting in the possibility to dedicate more spaces to the crew, to the technical areas and to the guests.  For example in this hull one of the 96 the VIP suite has now almost the same volumes as the owner’s stateroom, and the main deck is considerably extended, as well as the guest cabin and the sun-deck this being enlarged up to fifty squared meters. Another example is the garage itself also ten squared meters bigger than the one on the 86 Darwin, and contains also 4 bikes, 2 of them electric, with their recharge battery station.  The Darwin 96 has a steel hull and a light alloy superstructure that can guarantee the maximum strength and durability, also considering the intense usage a super yacht like this is designed to undertake.

Technical Data:

LOA - 28.95 m (95.9ft)

Waterline Length - 26 m

Beam - 7.43 m

Draft - 2.30 m

Displacement - 235 t full load

Fuel Capacity - 42000 l

Water Capacity - 4000 l

Accommodation - 8/10 guest berths in 4 cabins, 3/4 crew in 2 cabins

Engines - 2 x Cat C18 596hp

Propulsion - line shaft with skeg protection, 5 balded propellers

Speed - 13 knots max, 12 knots cruise, 10 knots economic

Range - 5900 nm at 10 knots economic cruise

Construction - 8 mm and 12 mm in reinforced areas steel for hull, 5083 allumunium for super structure

Project - Sergio Cutolo from Hydrotec, Pierluigi Floris interior

Certification - RINA Grade A

www.cantieredellemarche.it

Project: Sea Ray 350 SLX

Sea Ray shows details for its new 350 SLX project redeveloping the bow rider into an entertainment boat for up to an over crowded eighteen people seated outside, with the option of a small cuddy double berth below.  For thr 350 SLX Sea Ray shows attention for the outside and for having settee from bow to sterns all of which can be sun protected during your hot summer days with extendible and retractable biminis. The 350 SLX is in the end a Summer day boat, with a little thinking for an overnight stay if you want that. The nice part of the layout is the L-shaped settee with opposite galley amidships, which looks to be a nice area to cook, eat and chill.  Another interesting detail of the the SLX flagship comes also for having a high low bathing platform making tender storage a breeze, as well for being relaxed in the water more easy.  Power is from twin stern drive Mercruiser 350hp gas, or Cummins diesels of the same output.  

www.searay.com

New Model: Tiara 50 Coupe

Its an interesting story at the moment if you are a customer looking for a sport cruiser or yacht around the fifty feet length and with pods drives, as the market has in the last couple of months been filled with offers from some quality renowned builders, three of which have never offered such a package in this size.  Tiara a high quality labelled production builder from the USA presents this great looking new 50 Coupe, featuring an unmistakable conservative yet contemporary styling outside.  I am loving that flared bow for example, but also the design of the coach roof and the hard top has a certain simplicity which tells you to keep looking for ever.  In this new 50 Coupe Tiara shows meticulous planning for the boater; huge bathing platform with wet-bar, large aft cockpit, fully enclosed interior main deck with full all around panoramic views, and astern galley.  Down below the intelligence of the 50 Coupe layout not only for featuring a full beam owners room a standard in cruisers of this size nowadays and more so in IPS powered yachts, but most important for the choice of having a wash-room or this to be replaced by a third bunk cabin.  Last and not least is the details which surprise in this Tiara 50 Coupe like the saloon sofa, or aft deck settee which have a quality style home grade look and feel. Standard power for the Tiara is Volvo 600hp or optional 725hp, with both engines propelled with IPS forward looking pod drives.      

Technical Data:

LOA - 16.6 m (54.6ft)

Beam - 4.85 m

Draft - 1.37 m

Displacement - 21,418 kg dry

Fuel Capacity - 2649 l

Water Capacity - 757 l

Accommodation - 4 berths in cabins, or 6 berths in 3 cabins choice, optional 1 berth crew cabin aft

Engines - 2 x Volvo D11 600hp, D11B2 725hp

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS800 or 950 pod drives

Speed - 35 knots max   

Hull - modified Vee with 14.8 degrees dead-rise aft

Construction - Hand laminated solid fibreglass bottom with balsa cored sides and closed cell for topsides. Gelcoat outer layerm and premium resins used.

www.tiarayachts.com

Project: Galeon 560 Skydeck

Based on the 550 Fly, Galeon and designer Tony Castro present the project of the 560 Skydeck, a sports flybridge motor yacht aimed to hybrid two styles of users in one.  Galeon already did a similar experiment with its 420 series presenting the 430 Skydeck, and after good input from the customers offers the same concept on its much admired 550 series.  The 560 Skydeck is in fact an identical yacht in the interior layout of the 550 bar its flybridge and its window shapes here looking more aggressive.   The flybridge of the 560 Skydeck is indeed of a more sports nature and here Galeon offers a layout from a sports boat with a central helm with two side guest settees and large sun-pad to aft.  The flybridge is also moved more backwards for the reason that the 560 Skydeck has a part, the one above the interior helm which is an opening tinted glass hard-top. The aft of the 560 is also different offering a large sunpad with a moveable back rest which transform this settee in various needed uses, from looking forward for dining or aft to chill by the water. For the remaining the 560 Skydeck offers what made the 550 a very impressive yacht; three large cabins below, large double two single beds crew quarters aft, and one of the best astern galley in the category.       

www.galeon.pl

blogger - The Best

When people are building boats, which costs many thousands and or millions of $$$ it is very normal that everyone claims his product is to be among the best.  But at the moment there is one such builder that is claiming this and its very interesting the perspective they give.

In the fifty years birthday video which Viking from New Jersey USA is celebrating the coming 2014 year, the company claims to be the best semi-production boat builder around.  This is some big talk but if you go marina hoping in the US you will see that there is more facts to this then meet the eye, and many captains, crew, and yacht service repair man want stay much away to back this claim.  
It is true that Viking has shown a proficiency and product development and improvement since the nineties that many in the industry can learn a few things from.  Viking has gone from good, better, and best, raising the bar for itself and those who follow.  But in many ways you view the Viking performance one can see it is complete in many regards from the research and design which goes in the production of a new model, to its service departments located in the US where most of its market is. 

From a certain point of view it can be luck also that Viking builds for the most part sport fishing yachts, where engineering details are as much important as the furnishing and fittings.  But it can also be luck for the competition! Viking is developing a new yacht series with a 75 scheduled for launch for 2014.  Will be interesting to see how this will review, not only when new but after a couple of years.  

Viking has raised the bar, and its interesting also in the corporate fifty years video, how not only the Healy family still nurture there firm, but how the management staff has been long standing with the company not for a couple of years, but most of them for decades, and some of them since the founding.  

This shows that being the best after all is just about people!