December 10, 2019

Project: Otam 70 HT

Otam announce the sale for a new 70 HT model, a new project coming from BG Design Firm from Tuscany.  The new project, reinforces Otam’s reputation for high-quality, one of a kind full custom construction aimed at discerning owners looking for unique and personalized solutions based on deeply engineered technical platforms and hull shapes for outstanding efficiency and rare high performances.  Based in Tuscany BG Design Fim is specialized in custom yacht design, from tenders to superyachts. The team of designers is also remarkably influenced from a long experience in the world of exclusive extremely customized hypercars, Interior design and architecture, reason why Otam has decided to create the new 70 with them. The aggressive profile and refined detailing of the new Otam 70 HT are strongly inspired by luxury automotive and aeronautical design, which combined with the instantly recognizable design DNA and slippery new hull lines by Umberto Tagliavini, the result is a high-performance output of engineering. The practicalities of onboard living have not been overlooked, however. With an overall length of 21 meters and a beam of over five meters, the Otam 70 HT offers limitless custom options. Unrivalled space and comfort for a fast cruiser of her size as well as a transom tender garage, the stabilization system and certainly the Otam’s business card for a large volume and functional engine room.  Already sold to a final client and under construction right now the Otam 70 HT will make her international debut at the 2021 Cannes boat show in September.

December 9, 2019

New Model: Seanfinity T4

During the Summer 2019 a new brand Seanfinity entered into the scene with the launch of its first T4 model.  Seanfinity is to a certain extent a new name but behind it are naval architects Gianluca Caputi and propulsion expert Vincenzo Tuccio.  Caputi for those in the know of the Italian scene, in particular that of the South of Rome, in a town called Gaeta, is a family which owned Italcraft from the mid nineties till 2006, and founded Cantieri Navali dell Golfo in 1982.  This last got more a name in building military patrolling and law enforcement craft then pleasure boats over the years, but its yacht legacy is also important especially with the Ipanema series designed by Galeazzi launched in the late eighties and produced till late nineties.  Vincenzo Tuccio founded the surface drive company Top System in 2005 and today this has established itself as one of the top suppliers in this propulsion system type set up.  The Seanfinity T4 is a sport cruiser with a size of over fourteen meters catered mostly to be a tender for a villa in use as a day cruiser, or as a chase boat for a super yacht.  But the T4 as the first tests by Seanfinity have shown and the important 1500 litres capacity has a capability beyond that, having in the Summer made important tests up to the Balearic islands and back.  The Seanfinity T4 is first for this alone a modern sport cruiser with important day boat capability, and transformation technologies, from the must have up and down aft bathing platform, to the opening side bulk heads aft.  Below deck the Seanfinity T4 is offered with two layouts, a Limo version with a dinette which can convert to double berth, or the cabin version which offers a two plus two layout.  The Seanfinity T4 is also varied in its engine choice from more economic to run twin Volvo 400hp stern drive version, to high performance twin diesel with surface drives, or triple and quadruple Mercury 400hp outboard set up.   
Technical Data:
LOA - 14.80 m (48.5ft)
Hull Length - 13.2 m
Beam - 4.40 m
Dispalcement - 6500 kg without engines
Fuel Capacity - 1500 l
Water Capacity - 200 l
Accommodation - two plus two berths, or two berths
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 400hp, Mercury Cummins 550hp, FTP 575hp, outboard with triple or quadruple Mercury 400hp petrol gas 
Propulsion - Volvo dual propeller stern drive, Top System surface drives, outboard triple or quad installation. 
Speed - 35 knots with Volvo 400hp, 60 knots with quadruple 400hp Mercury outboard 
Hull Shape - deep Vee with 23 degrees deadrise aft
Project - Gianluca Caputi naval architecture and design, Top System for propulsion set up 
Certification - CE B, ISO 8666 for data

December 8, 2019

Project: Hatteras M98 Panacera

During the 2019 Fort Lauderdale boat show, Hatteras presented the M98 Panacera project.  This latest super yacht enters into the Hatteras motor yacht lineup, and sets a rewed standard for comfort and luxury on the water. Featuring spacious bow seating, a large aft deck and a beach club for storing all of your water toys, the M98 Panacera is built to entertain. Inside, signature skylights and panoramic windows fill the stunning open-concept living areas with light, and every area is customized to reflect an owners personal style and preferences. The Hatteras M98 will feature a four double cabins layout, with an owners stateroom located at midships.  To aft will be the crea area with two cabins and with a crew lobby in between.  The Hatteras M98 Panacera will be powered by twin Cat 1600hp engines.

December 7, 2019

New Model: ISA Yachts Extra 93

In the end of August 2019 ISA Yachts launched the Extra 93, a new 28.5 meter triple deck super yacht and confirms Palumbo Superyachts determination to build something special and unique. The new Extra line first debuted in 2018 with the entry-level 76 model, a 24 meter explorer yacht developing a new cruise concept.  The Extra range, that as well as the 93 today comprises also the 76, 86, 86 Fast, 120 Alloy and the flagship 130 Alloy models, gives its guests the thrill of living in full contact with nature, creating an intense feeling with the sea both in navigation and at anchor, thanks to the maximum comfort offered by the large internal and external volumes.  Thanks to the distinctive style of Francesco Guida, who took care of both the exteriors and the interiors, the captivating design of the profile expresses its marked personality, immediately distinguishing itself for its uniqueness.  Among the main objectives of Extra 93 there is to further raise the standards for yachts below the thirty meters, especially in terms of volumes, comfort, live-ability on board and reduced consumption.  Made of composite, in compliance with RINA standards and CE certifications, this yacht the Extra 93 offers impressive volumes and unique livability.  Below deck there are four guest cabins: two VIP cabins with central bed and two cabins with single beds, all with en-suite bathroom. On the same deck, the crew quarters with three cabins and two bathrooms, dinette and laundry.  Thanks to a maximum beam of over seven meters, the master cabin located on the main deck forward is the widest in the category of boats under thirty meters. Provided with a large separate wardrobe, it has been designed to guarantee maximum privacy to its occupants.  The large living room with spectacular C-shaped sofa and occasional armchairs is the ideal place to relax and socialize.  The pantry is located amidships, is large and spacious and provides separate access to the crew area.  At the stern, the cockpit includes a C-shaped sofa that can be transformed into a large sunbathing lounger.  The upper deck is laid out as a large, open-air living area thanks to the retractable windows able to create a single large area with the cockpit, furnished with sofas, chaise-lounges and a 12-seater dining table.  A second relaxation area, with maxi sunbathing facilities was created in the bow. On the below deck, we find the 4,35 meter tender. Bridge and galley, each with separate access, complete this deck.  The sun deck, with two sunbathing areas and a living, offers a privileged vantage point to fully enjoy cruising in total comfort and privacy.  The Extra 93 features a semi-displacement hull shape and is powered by triple Volvo 1000hp engines with IPS pod drives which push the triple deck super yachts up to speeds of 18 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 28.5 m (93.5ft)
Beam - 7.5 m
Displacement - 115 t
Accommodation - ten guests in five cabins, six crew in three cabins
Engines - 3 x Volvo D13 1000hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS pod drives
Speed - 18 knots max 15 knots cruise
Hull Shape - semi displacement
Project - Francesco Guida exterior and interior
Certification - RINA, CE

December 6, 2019

Project: Wider 180

 
During the 2019 Monaco yacht show, Wider presented two new projects, one which involves for a new 180 flagship model.  During this press conference Marcello Maggi, Philip Zepter and Tiziano Giovannetti revealed to the press what they were working on for months. This was their first official public appearance after the Wider acquisition in July 2019.  The 54 meter super yacht Wider 180 project has already started and the first cut of the hull is planned at the beginning of 2020 with a delivery foreseen for February 2022.  Andrea Vallicelli have designed clean and essential lines and created huge volumes for a yacht of this size. The beach area, a distinguishing feature of the all Wider models even the small 42, in the the 180 model will open up for a space up to 160 squared meters, offering an incredible space to sunbath and relax, with a seawater swimming pool, a spa and a gym. Moreover, thanks to its Floating Launching System, the area can recover a ten meter tender making entry and exit maneuvers considerably easier for the crew in launching and recovering procedures.  Wider 180 represents a step further forward in the constant company evolution towards full electric technology. The Wider 180 is to be equipped with one main generator with an emergency back up generator leading to a weight reduction and consequently less consumption and maintenance expenses.

December 5, 2019

New Model: Belize 66 Daybridge

Belize launch the other Daybridge version of its new 66 flagship which was launched in Sedan variant at the end of 2018.  Designed by 4D Designs in collaboration with the Riviera and Belize design team, the Belize 66 presents itself as a traditional down east lobster boat inspired motor yacht. The Belize 66 welcomes guests aboard via double transom gates into a large, teak-laid cockpit with tender garage beneath, or through the side bulwark doors. The spacious saloon area which can be personalized with select fabrics and bespoke finishes, offers an astern U-shaped galley, forward dining area and free-standing lounge layout. Lower deck choices exist for a standard four cabins layout, or two three cabins Presidential layouts.   The three cabins layout makes the master stateroom eat space from the fourth cabin located to starboard, for an office space in the Grand Presidential layout, and the bathroom of this moving to midships in replacement of the storage space room.  The Belize 66 Daybridge is powered by twin Volvo 1000hp engines with IPS pod propulsions set up.
Technical Data:
LOA - 21.12 m (69.3ft)
Hull Length - 18.3 m
Beam - 5.45 m
Draft - 1.64 m incl props
Displacement - 38515 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 4500 l
Water Capacity - 700 l
Accommodation - eight berths in four cabins, or six berths in three cabins, one crew cabin berth
Engines - 2 x Volvo D13 1000hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS1350 dual propeller pod drives
Project - 4D Design, Riviera/Belize design team

December 4, 2019

Project: Tornado 50S HT

Tornado present the 50 HT project.  A Dynaship project of architect Franco Gnessi, this option on the new 50S model, is presented with a three part enclosed hard part making for a more protected environment central cockpit.  The HT for hard-top version adds to the other two options for the Tornado 50S, that for a T-Top version, and the classic original fully open version.  The Tornado 50S is a project of Francesco Guida, and Pierluigi Mimmochi, with the original standard project launched in 2009 and then updated as S in 2018 with most modifications concerning the upper and main deck. 

December 3, 2019

New Model: Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 Sedan

Beneteau present the new Swift Trawler 41 Sedan which offers this explorer cruiser also to customers looking to cruise eventually even into inland waterways with ease thanks to a reduced air draft.  Designed by Andreani the Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 follows design ingenuity as proposed with the 47 model launched in 2018.  The Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 offers a three cabin lower deck layout, with a forward owners cabins, twin berth cabin to port side, and a single berth to starboard.  The main deck is an astern galley layout and C-shaped dinette to port side, and helm station and entertainment unit to starboard.  The Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 is powered by standard Volvo 270hp or optional 300hp engines with line shaft propulsion, which give top speeds up to 23 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.43 m (44.1ft)
Hull Length - 12.5 m
Beam - 4.20 m
Draft - 1.15 m
Displacement - 10520 kg light
Fuel Capacity - 1170 l
Water Capacity - 400 l
Max Persons - 8
Accommodation - five berths in three cabins plus two berths in convertible saloon
Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 370hp, D4 300hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 23 knots, 16 knots cruise, 10 knots economic cruise
Range - 180 nautical miles at 16 knots
Project - Andreani interior exterior, Beneteau naval architecture
Certification - CE B8, C10, D10

December 2, 2019

Project: Palm Beach GT60

Hot on heels of the success and raving reviews of the GT50 Palm Beach is set to release one of the fastest and most fuel efficient motor yachts in the world with this GT60 project set to launch at the 2020 Miami boat show.  In 2019, Palm Beach launched the GT series coming from the vision of CEO Mark Richards for a high technology light weight build and highly efficient hull shape and propulsion, aimed at the buyer who appreciates a more contemporary design, accompanied with high speed, and fuel efficiency that provides a lower carbon footprint.  The GT range has quickly established itself as a new family under the Palm Beach brand, with a third model, the GT70 planned in the not too distant future.  The GT60 is set to cruise at a true 40 knots, at half load, and has much more in reserve for top speed. The first hull is still undergoing final testing so top speed is yet to be confirmed, though indications are showing the mid-forties.  The GT60 is constructed with a high-tech vacuum-infused carbon fiber deck and structure that delivers twice the strength of E-glass but at half the weight. A closed-cell foam core constitutes the main structure of the bulkheads, a high-tech method that further reduces weight while enhancing durability of the yacht. Palm Beach uses vinylester modified-epoxy resin for all its infusion, which is another tell-tale of the brand’s commitment to quality and durability in construction.  Thanks to the amazing new GT60, Palm Beach now has a 60 foot power boat with a four hundred nautical mile range at a cruising speed of 40 knots.  The GT50 and GT60 are designed to appeal to a global market, and are built with the painstaking attention to detail, and to the incredibly high quality standards that people have come to expect and trust in the Palm Beach brand.  

December 1, 2019

Stock Market Float or Not

During the Cannes boat show 2019 pleasure motor yacht and super yacht builder Ferretti Group, which is today made of eight brands; Ferretti, Ferretti Custom Line, CRN, Itama, Mochi, Pershing, Riva, and Wally announced that by the end of the year it was gonna float in the Milan stock exchange.  Ferretti Group is possibly the largest Group as in versatility existing in the yachting market offering a diverse product range from flybridge motor cruisers and yachts, super yachts, sport cruisers and yachts, super sport yachts, traditional cruisers and yachts, and now even performance sailing craft with the purchase of Wally in 2018.
This decision to float was reverted and cancelled less to a month after announcement, with Ferretti Group saying that deteriorating market conditions in the stock market as the prime reason of cancellation.  The Ferretti Group has been very healthy in recent years and onward from 2014.  The Ferretti Group received a 250 million Euros cash injection in 2019 by its major share holders; Chinese Weichai Group, and F Investments of Piero Ferrari.
This decision might have also surprised other boating brands as Princess, Sanlorenzo, and Sunseeker all being rumoured to be interested in floating in the stock market in the near future.  It will be interesting to see if any of these will follow on the plan, or will cancel it completely.  To be fair I think boating and the stock market are a very difficult proposition, due to the volatility of the boating industry, from performing beyond expectations in good times, and going really negative in bad times.  
It is also true though that some have done it with success for many years as Beneteau Group, and Brunswick, and also giant USA boat dealership MarineMax.  But lets be fair, the portfolio of the three above is mostly geared toward the entry level sector of the market where a boat has the price of a medium sized sedan car.  Ferretti Group, Princess, Sanlorenzo, and Sunseeker are into the luxurious part of the market, where some of the entry level models cost you the price of a new luxurious sedan car just for general maintenance in a year.