Project: Absolute 52 Fly

Italy's Absolute yachts continues to present interesting new projects, with this updating its range to the latest trends.  Now Absolute presents a project for a 52 Fly which in my book should replace the 53, a further evolution of the 50, which in last year's fall also evolved as 55.  On the outside this new 52 Fly does not follow the design of these models but goes to a similar look at what Absolute is showing with its bigger 72, and soon to be launched 64.  That is a more motor yacht look with a flybridge also looking higher, mostly thanks to the more upright angled radar arch.  Inside the 52 Fly will offer three double guest cabins, with an en-suite bathroom for the full beam amidships owners room, and a guest shower head.  The main deck goes with a single step split level saloon with the forward part being dining and relaxing areas, and the entrance having the L-shaped galley to port side.  The outside of the 52 is full of spaces and interesting solutions, from the aft deck this continuing Absolute principle of offering a sun pad, and the flybridge which in my book at least on plan looks to be one of the most spacious in this size, at least to what seating and sunbathing areas are concerned.  That is saying something nowadays, would be interesting to match the square meters area of the models and what they offer.  Engines have not been announced by I can imagine it to be twin Volvo with IPS pod drives.
www.absoluteyachts.com

New Model: Delta 33 Open

In early March 2013, Delta unveiled its second model of the Open family the 33, what the Swedish yacht builder calls a cross over offer of day cruiser, walk around and family boat. The 33 Open is again a design to Ted Mannerfelt who was also responsible for the 26. Delta 33 Open offers great social spaces outdoors in a well-tailored cockpit. Inside the 33 offers an owners cabin in the bow with plenty of stowage space, a toilet with separate shower located on the starboard side, and aft we find a generous mid cabin with two berths. Up on deck we find a well-planned and space efficient longitudinal kitchenette. Aft is dining space for up to ten people. Same seating folds easily into a sun bed and then measure the entire 6 square meters. Delta 33 Open is built with the most modern vacuum technology with vinylester and divinycell using Diab core infusion technology and carbon fibre reinforced floors. In combination with cross step hull shapes Delta is promising low fuel consumption; estimated at 1.6 l nm at 30 knots.

Technical Data:

LOA - 10.7 m (35.1ft)

Hull Length - 10 m

Beam - 3.10 m

Displacement - 3800 kg

Fuel Capacity - 550 up to 800 l

Accommodation - 4 berths

Engines - 1 x Volvo D6 400hp, 2 x Volvo D3 220hp

Propulsion - single or twin Volvo duo prop stern drive

Max Speed - 43 knots

Range - 250 nm 

Construction - Infused resin with DIAB core, vinylester resin

Project - Ted Mannerfelt

www.deltapowerboats.se 

Improve-it = Pershing 115

The tenth hull of Pershing 115', flagship of the brand's fleet, who is among the leading manufacturers of high performance open motor yachts from 15 to 35 metres, was launched in the last few days at Marina dei Cesari, in Fano, Italy. The new launch represents an important result for the historic seat of the brand, the Mondolfo shipyard: the super sport yacht of 35 metres, representing the brand at its best, is characterized by refinement and performance. As a mark of the tradition which has made Pershing 115 a timeless model, hull number ten is characterized by sinuous, but decisive external lines with extraordinary performance, thanks to the collaboration between the architect Fulvio De Simoni, Advanced Yacht Technology and& Design, and the team of engineers and designers of the Ferretti Group.  Among the technological innovations it is worth mentioning in particular the highly innovative on board entertainment and domestics system, which can manage the audio, video and lighting systems directly from connected Apple devices – such as the iPad and the iPhone – and also makes it possible to monitor the utilities and the systems on board. Pershing 115 hull ten is a unique yacht of its own kind and it is worth noting the innovative slide in the stern garage that facilitates launching manoeuvres and the storage of a tender and the new type of opening from the bow hangar, which is in line with the family feeling of the Pershing ships: characteristics that contribute to making this new 115 a perfect balance between the traditional elements and some of the new innovations of the most recent models. Pershing 115 hull ten has a layout with four cabins; an Owner's suite and three guest cabins, which can host a total of ten people, and three crew cabins with five beds. A distinctive feature of every Pershing 115 is the personalisation that contributes to making the flagship of the fleet a unique product, varying from one model to another and which can be customized according to the Owner’s needs.  The peculiarity of this model is the elegance that distinguishes its interior design, characterized by the essence of a texture with grey tones, which combines well with the classic metallic outdoor areas and the hull, creating continuity among the various areas of the yacht. Distinctive are also the numerous Alcantara fittings, with sandy and ecru tones, present in the roof, wall and door finishes, which make Pershing 115 hull ten a vessel with an extremely contemporary style.  The boat is motorized by two MTU 3510 mhp engines combined with the applied thrust of two Kamewa hydro-jets.
www.pershing-yacht.com

New Model: Azimut 80 Flybridge

Reinventing the wheel how cruisers and yachts look and function has always been part of what Azimut does, and this is why this large private owned builder still as at today even in these hard times creates trends which other builders will eventually follow.  The Italians are inventive in there nature but Azimut clearly deservers a big recognition for what it did in the motor boating world in the past thirty plus of years.  The Azimut 80 for its length brings a fresh new approach turning what other builders do, making a big boat look more compact without it being smaller.  Take a picture of the 80 from a distance and many would tell you she is a sixty footer, or that it is the Azimut 64.  Go close to it and you will say different, as indeed the Azimut 80 has an overall length of over 25 meters.  On the layout terms the Azimut 80 Flybridge offers a traditional four cabins layout with a large full beam owners room amidships, VIP to fore and two double cabins in between.  Two crew cabins sleeping two and sharing a head are located aft.  Still Azimut brings nice features in this size from a Jacuzzi bath on the flybridge, to a day head on the main deck.  Azimut is also offering two stabilization options on the 80 from Seakeeper Gyros, or active CMC fins.  Hull one was build with the CMC fins.  Power is from twin MAN 1550hp engines which give a top speed of 30 knots max.   

Technical Data:

LOA - 25.2 m (82.8ft)

Hull Length - 23.7 m

Beam - 5.96 m

Draft - 1.67 m including props

Displacement - 61 t loaded

Fuel Capacity - 6000 l

Water Capacity - 1100 l

Accommodation - 8 guest berths in 4 cabins, 2 crew berths in 2 cabins

Engines - 2 x MAN CR V12 1550hp

Propulsion - line shafts

Speed - 30 knots max, 26 cruise

Hull Shape - planning Vee with 16.6 degrees dead rise aft

Project - Stefano Righini exterior styling and concept, Salvagni Architetti interior

Certification - CE A

www.azimutyachts.com

New Model: Mulder 1300 Cabrio

Mulder Shipyard in the Netherlands has delivered a new member of the renowned Favorite range. This latest Mulder 1300 Favorite Cabrio is the first convertible model in the series as well as paying tribute to be completed at the brand-new shipyard in Zoeterwoude. The classically lined Mulder 1300 Favorite Cabrio is based on the successful line reintroduced by Mulder Shipyard in 2010 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of this cruisers line which brought so much success in the past. The new entry level in all the Mulder and the Favorite line, the 1300 Cabrio was developed in close cooperation with Guido de Groot Design and Vripack Naval Architects. Characteristic features of the modern classic include the nearly straight bow and the sloping transom stern. The 1300 Favorite Cabrio is a distinctive yacht with recognizable retro lines, designed for family sailing. The custom-built 1300 serves as the perfect day-cruiser but is also very suitable for longer stays on board. The elegant 1300 Favorite Cabrio has a functional layout and provides the highest level of luxury and comfort. With her spacious cabins, light saloon, large open cockpit and subtle tender storage making it a true all-rounder.  The electrically operated convertible roof of over twelve square metres creates a unique ‘open experience’. The raised seating area in the saloon, elongated windows on both sides and glass sliding doors with electrically operated sliding windows provide unobstructed views all around. The Favorite 1300 Cabrio has an aluminium hull and superstructure.  Hull one was powered with standard twin 110hp Volvo engines and features a round-bilged hull with propeller shaft propulsion.  Optional power up to twin Volvo 330hp is available.

Technical Data:

LOA - 13.5 m (44.2ft)

Beam - 4.30 m

Draft - 1.10 m

Displacement - 14 t

Fuel Capacity - 1500 l

Water Capacity - 600 l

Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins

Engines - 2 x Volvo D3 110hp, D6 330hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 12 knots max with Volvo 110hp
Hull Shape - round bilge

Construction - full aluminium

Project - Guido de Groot, Vripack Naval Architects

Certification - CE B

www.muldershipyard.nl 

Project: Viking 42 SC

Creating a model within a model has been a successful path for Viking as demonstrated by the 42 Convertible and Open, which share the same hull with uniquely different deck and interior arrangements. The popularity of these new models has encouraged Viking to expand this theme with a pair of new 42s with striking profiles and special features that showcase Viking’s ability to broaden the appeal of this versatile hull.  Using its five-axis profile, Viking designed and built a plug and a female mold to create a rakish fiberglass deck house module, fully open to the cockpit while incorporating stylish convertible window lines, and the roof overhang and cabin trails. Here comes the 42 SC which has a distinctive New England flavor and includes a choice of a custom fiberglass mast for the radar and other antennas, or a customized radar arch. Each model can be further personalized with dramatic paint schemes to add ones own signature.  The 42 SC sport the familiar twin mezzanine cockpit of the 42 Open, along with the practical and feature full bridge deck and a center console station with the available teak finish helm pod, flanking lounge seating, and an inviting interior with teak joinery, a master stateroom forward, and twin berths aft separated by the salon, the head, and galley. The Viking 42 SC is powered by 600hp Cummins diesels with ZF Zeus pod drives.

www.vikingyachts.com

New Model: VanDutch 55

For the its new flagship VanDutch 55 made its course of action very simple, follow the lines of the much praised 40 model. Designed again by Frank Mulder the office of the Dutch naval architect follows the silhouette of the smaller VanDutch inspired by classic sport boat lines; see the straight bow inspired by the U-boat, or the flash fore deck.  Benefiting from the extra size now at 55 feet, the new Van Dutch flagship offers many more amenities, including its immense sun bathing area in the aft exterior deck, an exterior retractable dining zone perfectly protected by the expansive windshield, and the new addition of an electric bimini.  The extra size of the VanDutch 55 versus its smaller sisters also transforms into an open yacht  able to accommodate four or six guests for a couple of weeks cruise.  Power is from twin Yanmar 900hp engines which give max speeds up to 38 knots.

Technical Data:

LOA - 16.76 m (54.8ft)

Waterline Length - 15.5 m

Beam - 4.50 m

Draft - 1.10 m

Fuel Capacity - 2500 l

Water Capacity - 600 l

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

Engines - 2 x Yanmar 8SY 900hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 38 knots max, 24 knots economic fast cruise

Range - 400 nm at 24 knots cruise

Project - Frank Mulder, VanDutch interior

Certification - CE B

www.vandutch.com

Project: Prestige 720 Yacht

It was a question of when it will happen, that Prestige launched a new flagship and extend the size from what its current largest model the 620.  The Prestige 720 extends the French brand part of the Beneteau Group by ten feet and presents also a new set of looks and an innovative interior layout.  From a certain point of view designers Garroni, and JandJ try to keep modern classic in the 720, a Prestige teem since the brand was part of Jeanneau, but then the side view window just under the shear line give a touch of current times.  Who knows may be this window will also give a new position to the owners room in the 720?  The main deck layout of the 720 follows what Prestige is also doing in its smaller models following latest trends of locating the galley, and also dining area in this case astern.  Forward to this is a more relaxing area, and a helm to port side just as in smaller yachts comes in front to this, with no dividing partition. Below the design team and Prestige get creative putting the owners stateroom in an unusual position in this size and a higher altitude to fore, with the rest of the three guest cabins located behind it and to a lower level.  Unusually the VIP suite in the 720 is a full beam amidships cabin.  A crew cabin sleeping two is located to aft.  Power is from MAN engines and start at 800, 1000, or 1200hp options.  Max speeds estimated are 28 knots.       

www.prestige-yachts.com

New Model: Overmarine Mangusta 94

The first unit of the brand new Overmarine Mangusta 94 model was launched on Sunday 26th May, during the morning. The event took place at a private ceremony in the presence of the owner and his wife, the shipyard management team and all those who played a part in building this new super sport yacht model in the renowned Overmarine fleet.  Mangusta 94 measures just under thirty metres in length, respecting dimensions of standard European marinas and it’s a completely new model. She is the natural next evolution in the Righini designed status symbol Mangusta maxi open yachts, perfectly combining traditional but sport lines with new features that allow greater usability of the external areas and even more comfort.  Said features include a flybridge with large cushions and a bow cockpit, where besides the sundeck, there is also a dining area with a table and divan. Another important new feature is installation of the gyroscopic stabilizers. Natural light on board is of primary importance and comes in both through the four skylights in the ceiling of the main saloon and the large window in the part of the hull by the owner area where there are also two portholes which can be opened. The side windows in the hull will become a distinctive feature on all future Mangusta models. The interior layout featuring just two cabins and the style and decoration perfectly represent the shipyard’s personalisation philosophy having been made to measure according to the Owner’s instructions and requirements. The timeless elegance of the interiors has been created by prestigious New York architect Peter Marino: the decorative abundance of rosewood, the ivory tones and the brown shades of the coverings and furnishings create a truly unique atmosphere. The second unit will already be in water in June. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 28.72 m (94.2ft)

Beam - 6.6 m

Draft - 1.6 m

Displacement - 90 t half load

Fuel Capacity - 8800 l

Water Capacity - 1400 l

Accommodation - 2 guest cabins sleeping 4, 3 crew cabins sleeping five

Engines - 2 x MTU 16v2000 M94 2600hp

Propuslion - Kamewa 56S3 water jets

Speed - 36 knots max

Range - 280 nm at cruise speed

Project - Sefano Righini exterior, Peter Marino architect PLLC interior, Overmarine Group Design Department

www.mangustayachts.com

blogger - Sealine

On 1st May the famous British boat builder Sealine went bankrupt and the company ceased activity.  It is always a sad news to see a boat builder go down, being it a popular name as in this case, or that which is more to heart to aficionados.  Sealine was founded officially in 1978 although its founder Tom Murrant starting building boats six years before when he built the 23 feet Continental.

The story of Sealine has been of two ownership changes in the past decade, from boat building giant Brunswick who bought it in 2001, to US investment house Oxford two years ago.  I think Brunswick never worked well with Sealine and always restricted the brand to European sales alone, in a time where Euro design in boats was booming in the US.  Oxford Investments had two little time and much things to do with the current difficult economy and nautical market not helping much in this.

Considering that Sealine has been a huge success since its inception, especially for entry and middle sized cruisers, I personally think that the market is currently giving some signals to the boat builders; where it wants to go and most importantly what people are asking for.  Surely customers are more conservative nowadays and they want a boat which looks good in about a decade time, the time of excesses from a certain point of view is over. Another important trend is also customization, an abused word in the industry used a lot on super yachts nowadays taking a more important meaning not only under eighty feet, but also under fifty size. Basically offering a single layout and a couple of material choices is not good anymore even sub fifty feet size.   

Can production boat builders manage to do this and still remain competitive? Now that will be the trick for those who want to ride this never ending storm in better condition.