May 24, 2024

New Launch: Van Der Valk Pilot 34m Hull no. WV0140

Wim Van Der Valk continue to launch interesting and innovative custom super yachts in thirty meters plus sizes build of alloy. This latest launched super yacht hull number WV0140 comes in a 34 meter size, for for a new custom-series called Pilot. Designed by Cor D. Rover, this contemporary explorer has an exceptional for its size 294 Gross Tonnage of volume. The client for this bespoke build extended the length to maximize interior space and create something unique in her size. Blending robust and masculine proportions with an abundance of curves, this three-deck superyacht has a self-contained pilothouse and raked bridge windows reminiscent of a commercial vessel. Together with the car-inspired air grills, this first Pilot is a tribute to the skill of Van der Valk’s alumimium shapers and welders.  Large windows and a glass ‘eye’ on the bridge deck are united with partitions and black-painted superstructure surfaces that look like glass. The rest of the livery is in a castle tan and stark white palette chosen by the owner. Van der Valk talented exterior paint crew ensured perfect straight lines on a perfect curved shape on the first vessel we’ve delivered under American Bureau of Shipping rules. Note too the large balconies for the main deck master and lower deck VIP. The aft platform also has two foldout balconies that double the area close to the water and make it into a nice beach club. A transformer platform and full aft lazarette for a Williams tender and three-person wave runner will boost the watersport fun.  This Van der Valk custom Pilot 34m offers an abundance of outside deck space. The aft deck features a large dining table and circular seating, each easily accommodating ten people. A large wet bar with BBQ is located on the bridge deck aft, with sacrificial air conditioning installed for use in the hottest climates. Twin MTU 1946hp give the Pilot 34m a top speed of 21 knots, with a fast cruise up to nineteen knots. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 34.04 m (111.6ft)
Waterline Length - 33.3 m
Beam - 7.62 m
Draft - 2 m
Displacement - 294 gross tonnage *volume
Fuel Capacity - 25,000 l
Water Capacity - 2600 l
Accommodation - eight guests in four cabins, six crew in three cabins
Engines - 2 x MTU 12V2000 M99L 1946hp
Propulsion - line shaft with five bladed fixed pitch propellers
Speed - 21 knots max, nineteen knots cruise
Hull Shape - fast displacement round bilge
Construction - H321 alumimium 4.5mn for hull and super structure
Project - Cor D. Rover exterior and interior, Ginton and Diana for naval architecture
Certification - ABS A1 yachting service, AMS  

May 23, 2024

Abandoned Classic Hatteras Beaches in Breezy Point

An unattended classic Hatteras convertible off about eleven meters in length beached out in Breezy Point, New York on the morning of 23 May.  Fire Department New York, aviation section of New York Police Department, Point Breeze Fire Department, Rockaway Point Volunteer Fire Department were on the scene to asses the situation.  An investigation is ongoing on how the classic boat ended in this situation.  This boat was still beached on Breezy Point beach up till early June.
The classic Hatteras in this beaching is a 37 Convertible as designed by Jack Hargrage and produced from 1977 to 1982.  The 37 Convertible came out as a replacement to the 36 Convertible Series I and was replaced by the Hatteras 36 Convertible Series II.

One Man Injured in Boat Fire at Wayne County Marina

One 65 year old male was injured in Oak Park Marina, Huron, West County for a boat fire which started around 09:15 morning of Thursday 23 May.  The man was flown to Strong Memorial Hospital as he suffered burns from the fire, which also spread to three nearby boats.  Six Wayne County Fire departments responded to the blaze which started first with an explosion as the man was cleaning the cabin area of the boat.  The fire totalled two of the four boats, as the cause of the what started the blaze is under investigation.
The totalled boat in this fire are two classic Wellcraft from the eighties, and a Bayliner 305 SB Cruiser also sustained some damage.

Project: Galeon 435 GTI

Following the North American success of the 435 GTO, Galeon presents the 435 GTI version, the I instead of the O meaning for inboard power, targeting the same platform for the European market where diesel power are for the most part what buyers usually choose above eleven meters in size.  So far Galeon is not very detailed on specifics, but rumor is it will be powered by twin Volvo 480hp with IPS pod drivers.  So if speed is your thing, then the GTI is going to be slower to the GTO, which is powered by twin 600hp up to quadruple 500hp Mercury outboards, but consuming much less fuel on the cruising side of things.  The Galeon 435 GTO debuted at the start of this 2024 year in the Miami boat show, a hard-top sport cruiser walk-around hybrid with useable all around features thanks to the uniqueness of a fully enclosed hard top which can open all during entertainment time and be closed during not so nice weather.  The Galeon 435 GTI should offer the same sleep four lower deck with a forward cabin, and a full beam midships cabin with double bed to port side, with large shower head to starboard and furniture unit in between the two cabins.  

May 22, 2024

New Model: Dale Classic 37

The vision to build a new Dale classic styled model started to become more than just an idea back in early April 2020 when discussions and sketches between Mike and designer Arthur Mursell resulted in drawings flying back and for in earnest. At first the Classic 37 was named as Classic 36, with the project becoming larger and a gap filler in space and comfort between the Classic 35 and Classic 45 models.  Enters the Dale Classic 37, which based on the hull shape of the 40, with the wider beam helping to give more accommodation to that of the 35, with a choice for a galley down one cabin layout, or galley up two cabins single head.  The Dale Classic 37 is also very versatile for power fit out, coming with started twin 230hp engines for a semi-displacement ride up to eighteen knots, and or optional engines up to 440hp.  Hull number one was fitted with the large engines option, putting a top speed just one knot shy of the declared magic thirty knots number.    
Technical Data:
LOA - 12.25 m (40.2ft)
Hull Length - 11.4 m
Waterline Length - 11m
Beam - 3.72 m
Draft - 1.12 m
Displacement - 10 t dry
Fuel Capacity - 1380 l
Water Capacity - 440 l
Accommodation - two berths in one cabins, or four berths in two cabins
Engines - 2 x 230hp, 320hp, Yanmar 6LY 440hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - eighteen knots with standard engines, thirty knots with 440hp
Range - 230 nautical miles at twenty knots and with Yanmar 440hp
Hull Shape - semi displacement
Project - Arthur Mursell TT Boat Designs
Certification - CE cat A 

May 21, 2024

Improve-it = Maritimo M55

Maritimo introduces a series of updates called the Black Edition to some of its Motor Yachts, with this starting on the M55 model. These enhancements are designed to add yet another level of refinement and style to the M55, born from Maritimo’s objective to constantly perfect and improve even a best-selling model, and will be recognized by the painted Black Edition mark.  The M55 Black Edition refines the cockpit with several practical and stylish improvements. A whole new re-designed larger transom island separates the main cockpit from the swim platform and now incorporates an upgraded lounge and expanded BBQ area, providing both elegance and functionality.  The new layout now includes a convenient lazarette access door alongside a built-in fridge and redesigned BBQ and sink. Access to the newly redesigned forward facing cockpit lounge is through twin integrated side gates.  The class leading upper cockpit area has even more space than before and this area can now be configured in several ways, including a fixed table along the aft long and the optional additional L-shaped seating with storage underneath with fixed table, and a convenient wet bar to the port side. The doors connecting the adjacent galley can either be slide or bi-fold to best suit the exterior seating arrangement.  The aft galley location, provides convenient access for activities outdoors in the cockpit, inside to the salon, and up the adjacent stairwell to the flybridge. The Black Edition galley has taken this successful formula and combines this to offer increased counter space and functionality while maintaining excellent storage capabilities.  The fully equipped galley offers several enhancements, including more bench space on the starboard side without losing space for the hot plates, oven, and necessary storage. Combined with the upright existing fridge/freezer location is space for a new large overhead cupboard above the counter.  There is now the option for a wine fridge to be conveniently located in the island bench or underneath the stairs on the port side of the galley. Plus, the ability to store drinks and glassware in the cupboard facing forward into the salon area.  Within the enclosed flybridge the Black Edition helm brings the enhanced styling and layout of the flagship 75 into the new models. The low-profile dash features a totally redesigned multifunction and engine screen pods, with even better ergonomics for easy access to all the necessary controls, added with upgraded fully electric helm seats.  The Black Edition also upgrades the existing cabinet to a two and three-door wet bar, and a whole new lounge seat with storage options, adding comfort, functionality and even more style to the Skylounge.  The Black Edition increases the capabilities of the forward deck, taking cues from the expansive 75 deck with a new larger optional sun pad with adjustable backrests, dual drink holders, and hand rails on both sides. Combined with an additional forward-facing bow lounge it creates the perfect place for lounging and sunbathing. This area can also be converted for tender storage, equipped with a crane davit and removeable chocks. 

May 20, 2024

New Model: Hardy 50DS

Hardy part of the Cockswell Group since 2020 has delivered the first unit of the new 50DS, a fifteen meter explorer yacht. Inspired by the original Hardy 50, this striking Category A sea-going explorer yacht, designed by Andrew Wolstenholme for spirited all-weather cruising, is a smaller version of the traditional 65DS and now incorporates many new features. Unlike most Category A motor yachts, the new Hardy 50DS is capable of speeds in excess of 25 knots but is equally comfortable at 8 knots with a range of more than 1500 miles. Combining the practicality and performance of a rugged, go anywhere cruiser with contemporary finishes, fittings and internal styling, this design also incorporates the very latest technology, not to mention all the comforts of a home from home. As well as delivering a double-berth en-suite owner’s stateroom; two double berth guest cabins with shared heads and shower, a vast deck saloon and large protected cockpit area for reclining and dining in luxury, this particular Hardy 50DS also includes the option of a fantastically spacious flybridge, complete with open helm and aft deck, to enable al fresco dining beneath the stars, outdoor relaxation in the heat of the sun or an idyllic vantage point from which to admire the view. A full-beam bathing platform enables you to dive into the blue with ease as well as store a 3.8m RIB. A spacious lazarette beneath the cockpit sole provides ample space for the Seakeeper 6 gyro stabilizer and any number of water toys, bicycles and pieces of deck equipment.
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.8 m (51.8ft)
Hull Length - 14.8 m
Beam - 4.9 m
Draft - 1.4 m
Displacement - 25.7 t dry
Fuel Capacity - 3016 l
Water Capacity - 735 l
Accommodation - six berths in three cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D11 725hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 29 knots max, eight knots long range
Range - 1500 nautical miles at eight knots
Project - Andrew Wolstenholme
Certification - CE A

May 19, 2024

Seanfinity New Web Site

Seanfinity presents its new web site. Seanfinity is rather young having been founded in 2019 by brothers Vincenzo and Alessio Tuccio both of which are mechanical engineers, and naval architect Gianluca Caputi.  Although young its founders though have decades experience in the sector. The Tuccio brothers founded the Top System in 2005 and in the last decade has been the leader in the selling of surface drives propulsion type systems.  Gianluca Caputi family has on the other hand founded Cantieri Navali dell Golfo in 1982, and in 1996 bought the legendary Italcraft which they will sell in 2006, although Gianluca will remain as the naval architect and technical director till 2010.  Seanfinity debuted with the T4 model in 2019, which was followed by the slightly larger T5 in 2021, and also debuted a Rib range in 2020 which launched with the R4 model in 2020.  Currently Seanfinity offers two ranges of Ribs and Yachts for a total of nine models which start at nine meters with the RS3 and R2 ribs and goes up to the still in project twenty meters T7 model.  In 2021 Seanfinity also showed project for a new Y9 Fastexplorer project, though this model has never been announced officially.  Seanfinity new web site takes you around with the following buttons; Homepage, Models, Dealers, Gallery, and Contact.  Seanfinity is also on social media with top left buttons taking you to its Facebook and Instagram pages.
Production History;
T4 2019- *TS48 project
R4 2021-
T5 2021-
R3 2022-
R2 2023-
RS3 2024-

May 18, 2024

Regal Cruiser Partly Sinks After Fire Saved in British Columbia

A twelve meter Regal sport cruiser with three persons onboard partly sank in Mcneill Bay, near Oak Bay, British Columbia, Canada at 13:30 of Friday seventeen May.  The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre was alerted of the twelve meter sport cruiser, that had an onboard fire in McNeil Bay, but when the Canadian Coast Guard arrived in ten minutes to the scene with the fast response craft, they found the fire extinguished with the boat now taking on water and sinking.  The Coast Guard first rescued and removed the three boaters from the sport cruiser and then towed and beached the vessel on the beach of McNeil Bay in order to avoid it from sinking.  Later in the evening a crane was brought in removing the boat from the beach.  None of the three boaters was injured, with the cause of the fire and then sinking not being reported.
The Regal in this fire is a 4260 Commodore as produced from 2002 to 2005.  The 4260 Commodore came out as a replacement to the 4160 Commodore with the addition of a T-top forward looking radar arch, and was replaced by the Regal 4460 Commodore which featured a fuller T-top and a longer extended bathing platform.

New Launch: Benetti 62m FB283

Benetti has in January 26th launched in a private ceremony FB283, a 62-meter full custom super yacht with a steel hull and an alumimium superstructure, tailor made for the owner like a bespoke suit. Signing off the entire project from a blank sheet of paper was Giorgio Cassetta, author of the exteriors and interiors, with hull lines and naval architecture by Van Oossanen. The Owner had expressed the desire for a yacht with four fundamental characteristics: speed, silence, long range and guaranteed fun for the family, and so it was: Benetti has built a yacht that makes the customer’s dream come true in every way, by tailoring it according to their desires, exactly like a bespoke suit. This was facilitated by the close and profitable relationship established between the yard, the project team, the designer and the owner, who was represented by Nicola Nicolai from Nicolai Yacht Consulting and Project Management, acting as advisor prior to the purchase and managing the entire construction process as owner’s representative and project manager. FB283’s exterior styling features extremely elegant lines, with a sleek bow and a stern sloping down towards the water’s surface, combined with the FDHF fast displacement hull meticulously researched by Benetti and Van Oossanen Naval Architects to deliver excellent performance. FB283 has a maximum speed of 21 knots and a range that makes it possible to cruise for long distances without stopping. Cassetta and his Rome based studio created a masterpiece of harmony, they have successfully conquered the art of purification to the essential and achieved the desired smoothness of surfaces. This coherence in lines can be seen as one of the studio’s trademarks. They deal away with unnecessary disturbances on the exterior design to leave the bare minimum of openings and gaps in the otherwise continuous surfaces. Seen from any angle, the yacht invites the viewer to run an invisible hand over the surfaces, smooth as a rock polished by a river. Deck fittings such as the massive oval capping rails, natural teak panels and solid wood and stone furniture give the vessel a “super yacht” feel rarely found on an Italian build of this size. Being entrusted by the Owner with both exterior and interior design, Cassetta added striking details to interface the two, such as the magnificent 6 x 2 meter uninterrupted windows on both main deck and upper deck. With a focus on comfort and conviviality, FB283 has been created with family life front and center, so there are plenty of storage areas offering space for all kinds of water toys and equipment for having fun in the water, including diving gear. Located forward on the upper deck, the garage is a veritable cathedral, with a side door and the space to contain a 10-meter tender, two jet skis and a second tender. A touch and go helicopter platform makes sure the owner and guests can reach the yacht whatever the location. FB283 construction process started during the 2020 lockdown period and as a result the yard made use of innovative and functional solutions. Thanks to the 3D technology used to develop the entire project, internal video calls to keep the owner constantly updated, and completely new working methods and timings, Benetti has once again expressed its full potential, showing that it can capitalize on its know-how and on winning production and engineering processes to breathe life into a one-of-a-kind Full Custom yacht. The capabilities and dedication demonstrated by the shipyard are the values that the owner appreciated most.
Technical Data:
LOA - 62.04 m (203.5ft)
Beam - 10.5 m
Draft - 2.95 m
Displacement - 800 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 91,369 l
Water Capacity - 16,162 l
Accommodation - twelve guests in six cabins, fifteen crew in nine cabins
Engines - 2 x MTU 12V4000M93L 3507hp
Propulsion - line shaft 
Speed - 21 knots max, twenty knots fast cruise
Hull Shape - Fast Displacement Hull Form
Construction - steel hull alumimium super structure
Project - Giorgio Casetta exterior and interior, Van Oossanen naval architect
Certification - American Bureau of Shipping A1