Project: Bluefix Boatworks NorthCape 48

Big things are happening at Bluefix as construction has started for a NorthCape Custom 48, designed specifically for sportfish professionals Bryan Toney and Jason Long with a heavy dose of next-level performance and rip-snorting capabilities.  The NorthCape 48 is a model which sits between the recent launched Bluefix NorthCape 43 and NorthCape 51 models.  With two high profile fishermen endorsing the NorthCape Custom 48 she will feature many unique design features.

www.bluefixboatworks.co.nz

Two Boaters Dog Rescued as Aquila Catamaran Sinks Off Georgia Coast

Two people and a dog were rescued as a fourteen meter power catamaran titled m/y Pisces was sinking off St. Simons Sound, near Brunswick, off Georgia on the afternoon of Monday first May 2023. The boaters sent for assistance via a Mayday call and were assisted by the US Coast Guard who sent a helicopter from its base in Air Station Savannah.  The saved two boaters and dogs were then transported to Hunter Army Airfield, and did not suffer any injuries.  The cause of the power catamaran sinking was not reported, as the power catamaran eventually sank in the ocean.

The power catamaran in this sinking is an Aquila 48 as designed by JandJ and produced from 2013 to 2018.  The 48 was Aquila second power catamaran following the charter based 38, and its most important build as it cemented its position in the segment.  The 48 was replaced by the Aquila 50.

New Model: Italyure 50

Over three years in the making the Italyure 50 is finally here. A project of Maurizio Marzocca who has designed all the Italylure's thus far, the 50 was first announced as a 45 in 2021, and then evolved to what it is in early 2024. Marzocca with the Italyure 50 brings on the ideas of the smaller 35 and 38 center console walk around models, with more spaces and confort on offer. As walk around center console the Italyure 50 offers all length easy to use spaces fore to aft, a distinctive feature is the large C-shaped settee forward, which is followed by a bench settee looking forward, and a sun-pad on top of the cabin coach roof. To aft is the usual layout of the European center console of a central sun-pad, dinette with opposite settees, galley wet-bar, and an offset to port side helm station. Down below the Italyure 50 is offered in two layout options. The standard Open version which has a forward double berth, a relaxing settee L-shaped sofa to starboard and a second enclosed cabin to port side, served by two heads. The optional cruise version offers three cabins, with the forward cabin being enclosed and a third cabin replacing the sofa to starboard. The Italyure 50 is powered by FPT 630hp engines and line shaft propulsion, with options for Volvo 550hp and IPS pod drives also being available.

Technical Data:

LOA - 15.67 m (51.4ft)

Hull Length - 13.7 m

Beam - 4.81 m

Draft - 1.50 m

Displacement - 16 t half load

Fuel Capacity - 1200 l

Water Capacity - 600 l

Accommodation - four berths in two cabins, or six berths in three cabins

Engines - 2 x FPT Cursor 90 630hp, Volvo D8 550hp *with IPS

Propulsion - line shaft, or Volvo forward looking IPS700 pod drives

Speed - 34 knots *estimated with line shaft engines

Construction - resin infused fiberglass, carbon fibre also used

Project - Maurizio Marzocca

Certification - CE B

www.italyure.com

Three Boaters Saved as Flybridge Cruiser Goes Ablaze in Fano

Three boaters were saved as a ten meter flybridge cruiser went ablaze just about half a nautical miles from the Fano harbour, on the Adriatic side of Italy, at about 10:00 morning time of Saturday 31 May.  The three boaters were rescued by a nearby rib, as the Port Captaincy and Vigili dell Fuoco fire fighters from nearby Ancona, Fano, and Pesaro bases rushed to the scene to fight the blaze.  Ultimately the flybridge cruiser was destroyed by the fire, with people on the beach saying they heard a big noise before seeing the boat catching fire. 

The flybridge cruiser in this fire is a Dellapasqua DC10 Fly as produced from 1984 to 1989.  When released the DC10 Fly was a new addition to sit in between the DC9 and DC11 which were both updated in 1983.  The DC10 Fly was also offered in a DC10 Open version, with the model replaced by a second generation Dellapasqua DC10.

Project: Marex 390

Marex present the project for an upcoming 390 model as designed by VOM Creations and Alpha Engineering. The Marex is designed as an addition to the 330 and 440 Scandinavian range, offering a perfect balance of open and enclosed spaces. To ensure Marex 390 meets the real needs of boaters, all feedback from the previous Marex owners was collected, and thoughtful details were incorporated. The Marex team worked closely with VOM Creations and Alpha Engineering, taking care to create a more open and comfortable space, in the 390 which will feature a warped variable V-shaped hull, and an innovative structure that ensures superior stability, efficiency, and performance on the water.  Long, sleek windows run along the hull, giving the profile a fresh and elegant look.  Marex has always prioritised functional design, and this is seen on the 390 in the details like the swim platform benches that serve a dual purpose: from seats next to the water to expansive stowage for fenders, lines, and toys. The new cockpit transparent door lets in more light and makes docking in harbours easier, while also keeping a connection to the sea.  The foredeck’s hatch has a hidden bow sprit to be easily flipped out, making access to land from the bow easy. The sun-pad also serves as a floating toy, a feature that is very popular among families. The adjustable backrest of the mattress allows it to be used as a chaise lounge.  The Marex signature enclosure, the Smart Canopy System, remains a highlight repeated in th390.  The side curtains can be deployed in seconds, and together with two sliding roofs, the boat can be adapted to various weather conditions.  The Marex 390 offers two generous dining areas; one in the open cockpit and another in the enclosed salon. In the cockpit, a U-shaped sofa extends to accommodate an additional starboard-side seat, comfortably seating up to eight guests around the table.  Inside, the salon features a more spacious layout, resulting in a more open and social atmosphere. A reversible backrest transforms the seating into a U-shaped dining area around the table. When the backrest is positioned at the rear, it creates a co-pilot seat. A foldable office table completes the setup, offering a practical workspace.  A large sliding door combined with a retractable window allows the salon and cockpit to open up into one continuous space, perfect for socialising with family and friends.  The galley is compact but cleverly designed. It includes an induction Miele hob (with generator installed) or a gas hob, a sink with a cover, a double fridge and freezer, an optional oven, and plenty of storage, including new upper cabinets on both sides of the salon. The solar panel system, installed on the roof, provides constant power for the fridge and lights, allowing for boating away from shore power.  The accommodation on the Marex 390 is designed to deliver true home comfort on the water. Both the forward and midship cabins feature enlarged double beds with premium mattresses that improve sleeping quality. Spacious wardrobes and generous standing height add to the overall sense of comfort. In the midship cabin, a sofa serves as a cosy seating area or an additional sleeping space for children. A separate shower contributes to the home-like atmosphere, while large windows on the lower deck fill the space with natural light, creating a bright and airy ambiance.  The Marex 390 is to be powered by twin Volvo 320hp or 380hp with sterndrive propulsion, or a single 480hp on V-drive line shaft.

www.marex.no

Coming Up Dual Console

A lot has passed since Grady White presented the first dual console boat the Tarpon 190 in 1978.  Dual Console were for many till the end of the noughties a bow rider boat, with less seating and more fishing amenities.  But in recent years dual console boats started to become their own, not only bigger, but also with features that are unique to them, becoming the new boat to have in the block, especially if entertaining is as important to fishing.

It's all very interesting with dual console boats having a similar growing curve in the last five years, to that of dual console's boats in twenty-ten decade.  But I think that dual console boats have a growth curve which can even exceed that of center console especially in the bigger thirty foot or more size, and can be more enticing to the pleasure crowd, and when sizes get bigger like ten meters plus also to put more cabin comforts in them.

That is why the inventor of the dual console boat, Grady White today offers ten DC's upwards from 21 foot, and in the Miami 2024 boat show also launched the largest dual console to date with the Freedom 415, which I think is just the beginning of the genre going into bigger sizes.  Dual console's have endless possibilities as sizes become bigger, becoming even a more versatile platform to a center console boat.  Some companies like Boston Whaler, Pursuit, Regal, Sea Ray are expanding and investing in the genre, while others like Bertram, Southport, Tiara are taking a more cautious approach with a model or two offer.

It will be interesting in the future to see also a European take on the genre, just as it is with the center consoles - walk around genre today.  To be fair in Genoa boat show 2024 a new European boat builder name BB Yachts debuted the 44 Ischia, a bow rider sport cruiser with interesting cabin accommodation.  Can you call it a dual console, definitely not but she was close to one as it can get.