June 29, 2008

New Model: Ferretti Custom Line 33 Navetta

Presented during the Ferretti Privilege days, celebrating 40 years for the World renowned yacht builder is the new Ferretti Custom Line 33 Navetta. Flagship of the Navetta line, the semi displacement offer from Ferretti Custom Line, the new 33 follows the modern ship lines of the range with it's imposing three decks and chimney like radar arch, a trademark and always part of the Navetta Heritage. As the 26 introduced a year ago the new 33 follows the big windows in lower deck cabins area, allowing for fantastic views and maximum natural light to flow in the cabins. Standard layout accommodation is for a 5 cabin version with owners cabin on the main deck, an alternative layout B is available allowing for a bigger galley area and spacious separate dining area on the main deck in replacement of the main cabin. Performance for the 33 Navetta with the big MAN 1550hp engines option is a comfortable 19 knots maximum and all time cruising speed of 16 knots cruising giving an unstoppable range of 780 nautical miles. 
Technical Data: 
LOA - 32.62 m (107ft) 
Waterline Length - 27.40 m 
Beam - 7.00 m 
Draft - 2.30 m 
Displacement - 125 t 
Fuel Capacity - 15000 l 
Water Capacity - 3000 l 
Max Persons - 14 
Engines - 2 x MAN V12 CRM 1360hp, V12 CRM 1550hp 
Speed - 19.5 knots max, 16.5 knots cruising 1550hp option 
Range - 780 nautical miles @ cruising speed with 1550hp 
Hull Shape - semi displacement 
Construction - fiberglass
Project - Zuccon design Ferretti Engineering 
Certification - RINA 100-A-1.1Y

June 27, 2008

Boat Review: Sogica 55 Openbridge

Presentation
This months review is on the Sogica 55 Openbridge, a very modern boat presented in early 2007 and making most of the competition in this size segment take a new look at the future. The Sogica 55 Openbridge takes on a competitive size of the market formed mostly of renowned and World famous builders, but this Sports Yacht shows it has a lot to offer and that it is not just about a trendy design spin, but also a very comfortable boat with an accommodating upper and lower deck arrangement offering 3 spacious cabins in high comfort. The other expected bonus, which is launched by the exterior sport curves calling speed, is the 50 knot performance with superb handling thanks to the water jets propulsion which if desired will make her 26 tons plus spin on its own size.
Accommodation
The 55 Openbridge put a lot of priority to the comfortable side and once on board this feeling is transmitted immediately. The welcoming upper deck is reserved for pure entertainment thanks to a big central located sunpad, 2 spacious L-shaped settees in separate areas outside and inside under the hardtop, and a central located modern design helm station.
The lower deck is fully dedicated to the two or three cabins and a spacious galley. At mid-ship we find the owners cabin, forward is the VIP and to starboard we find a double guest cabin. An alternative layout offering a single crew cabin with private head in replacement of the guest cabin is available. The entrance for the crew cabin is from the galley, allowing for maximum privacy. In the crew cabin option the owners cabin gets also the addition of more space with a more spacious head and a breakfast table with sea view to port.Performance
If you want the best handling on the water, jet propulsion should be on the top of your list, offering unbeatable turns and stop and go manoeuvres unthinkable with other drive systems. Jet drives also offer the advantage of high efficiency at the topper end of the speeds usually associated with this type of boats. The 55 Openbridge top speed is of 50 knots with the big engine option of 2 x 1360 hp MAN. Go for the lower engine option and still you have respected speeds of about 45 knots. Cruising speeds are 45 knots with the MAN 1360 hp engines and 40 knots for the smaller 1100 hp standard version.
Positive
Patio door on upper deck
Spacious cabins with 3 heads
Jet Propulsion giving great handling
Negative
Not much in free space on upper deck
Crew cabin option takes space for third cabin
Competition
Surprising enough the 55 Openbridge competition is hard to find and to be honest it is a bit of a wild card in its own right. Think of the the following bonuses for a 17 metre sport yacht: 40 knots plus performance, patio door upper deck and full beam owners cabin and the competition is decreased to near nothing. Here is what to have a look for:
AB 58 - likewise jets give 50 knots, great handling, no patio door owners cabin forward
Baia 54 Aqua - surface 40+ knots speeds, no patio door owners cabin forward
Rizzardi 55 Incredible - clever guest cabins transformation, no patio door, surface option
Pershing 56 - full beam owners cabin, surface drives 48 knots, no patio door
Prinz 54 Coupe - patio door, declared speeds of 38 knots with little IPS hp, competitive
Sunseeker 55 Predator - surface version of Portofino giving 46 knots, small third cabin
Tiara 5800 Sovran - US take, slower 33 knots max with 3 IPS, patio door full beam cabin
WILD CARD: Itama FiftyFive - timeless classic, no HT, 3 cabins spacious galley
Conclusion
The Sogica 55 Openbridge is really taking it to heads with respected builders, competing with companies who have changed how the boats in this size look, gaining a great fame and reputation over the years, offering a high quality product. The Sogica is on the higher price bracket in this size, still it manages to have its unique distinctive features in a very competitive segment which manages to set her apart in her size. If you are looking for a 17 metre sport yacht with great performance but don't want to sacrifice your interior space the Sogica 55 Openbridge should be among the first of the list.
Technical Data
LOA. 17.80 metres (58.4ft)
Hull Length. 16.90 metres
Beam. 4.50 metres
Displacement. 26 t loaded
Fuel Capacity. 3200 litres
Water Capacity. 500 litres
Max Persons. 14
Accommodation. 3 cabins with 3 heads
Engines. 2 x MAN 1100hp, 1360hp
Propulsion. 2 x Water Jets Kamewa FF50S
Speed. 50 knots max, 40 knots cruising with bigger MAN engine option
Project. Quarto Stile, Sogica
Certification. CE with standard safeties for 8 persons
www.sogica.it
Picture Copyright Sogica. Data Sogica.

June 26, 2008

Project: Cabo 36 Express

Projected for debut the coming fall, is the new 36 Express, a sport fisherman express cruiser from renowned USA builder Cabo, part of the World biggest boat group Brunswick and sister company to Hatteras. The new mid size Cabo will replace the 35 Express and aims in improving the living of two nautical themes, that of an express cruiser and that of a sport fishing machine. Improved styling and a more comfortable accommodation is the theme for Cabos new model, with added advantages for the angler and cruiser alike. Interior accommodation is a spacious 5 berths, and a host of new features like a hiding table and a single piece windshield are other important stylistic improvements announced. Standard power comes from 440hp Cummins.

June 23, 2008

New Model: Riviera 61 Enclosed Flybridge

The Riviera 61 Flybridge brings many new and exciting innovations to Riviera’s flybridge range, especially a magnificently crafted unobtrusive internal staircase that leads you from the saloon door up to the flybridge level. As well as providing dry, safe and easy access to the flybridge, this design also affords the luxury of incorporating a hinge-up awning window in the saloon aft bulkhead, opening the saloon up to the cockpit. On this model, the awning window concept is further extended to include the same format on the flybridge level, opening up the already expansive flybridge to include the aft-facing lounge. The Riviera 61 Flybridge is a four cabin, three bathroom boat with the master stateroom amidships, a second stateroom forward and two cabins to starboard. An alternative accommodation design of three cabins includes a lounge area below decks. The running surface and chines, designed in consultation with internationally renowned naval architect and superyacht designer Frank Mulder, have been optimised for a soft and dry ride. Tunnels incorporated into the aft running surface provide reduced draft and propeller shaft angle for better performance and efficiency while an underwater exhaust system helps to reduce fumes and engine noise. The engine room air vents in the hull are fully integrated into the hull sides for a smooth, clean look while also reducing routine maintenance. Exterior styling has been significantly enhanced with new deck and flybridge style lines. An angler-friendly cockpit includes a new non-skid dot pattern on the floor, innovative recessed toe-kicks, and optional live bait well. A large removable storage bin is fitted into the cockpit floor for ice, fish or storage. This is insulated and includes pump-out ability. A second matching storage bin can be added to the cockpit floor if desired. Other features here include a mezzanine level with an aft-facing lounge with built in drink holders. Built in under the mezzanine lounge is a eutectic freezer and concealed engine room access. Another insulated ice box can be found under a hatch by the entrance to the saloon. The cockpit also includes a garbage bin, sink with faucet and cover and a hand held cockpit shower (hot and cold). The huge engine room houses all of the systems on board, including tankage, water heater, air conditioning handlers and compressors, bilge pumps, filtration and pumps, genset, battery chargers, inverter and fresh water system manifolds. In the fully enclosed and lockable flybridge, a new ergonomically designed, lowered helm station has been fitted to provide maximum forward visibility. The enclosed flybridge provides seating up to six adults on a sweeping L-shaped lounge to port, upholstered in luxurious leather. The skipper and companion are seated on two high quality Pompanette helm chairs. Both chairs swivel to improve communication with guests in the flybridge. The skipper’s chair is electrically adjustable. A folding wooden table, conveniently located stainless steel grab rails, a wet-bar, a refrigeration drawer, an aft-facing external lounge with ice-box capabilities, overhead feature panels and a sliding sun-roof add the final touches of elegance and practicality. Standard engines are two Caterpillar C18s rated at 1015hp .
Technical Data:
LOA - 19.63 m (64.5ft)
Length Hull - 18.60 m
Beam - 5.40 m
Draft - 1.58 m
Weight - 30.500 kg (dry)
Fuel Capacity - 6550 l
Water Capacity - 1000 l
Accommodation - 7 berths
Engines - 2 x CAT C18 1015hp
Project - Riviera, Frank Mulder hull

June 22, 2008

Project: Cerri 102 Flyingsport

A year to go, for the launch of the new big Cerri 102 Flyingsport, which follows the success obtained by the 86 Flyingsport delivered in 10 examples in a 4 year production period. Announced about 2 years ago, the project for the new 102 was followed with great curiosity by the people in the business and passionate people alike, due to the great innovations launched by the 86, which still manage to surprise you as at today. The 102 Flyingsport renews the 86 model innovations and customization but in higher spacious environment. The plan for the interior shows a spacious main deck with a big entertainment zone and a dining area with a table for 10 people. The lower deck has a standard plan of 4 spacious cabins, with 2 similar sized VIP cabins, a 2 single berths guest cabin and very spacious full beam owners cabin. There is also a small saloon for socializing on the lower deck. Crew accommodation is for 4 total berths, with 3 berths forward and 1 berth midship next to the galley and crew entertainment area midship. Performance is an estimated 40 knots top speed, thanks to the latest 2 x 2400 hp MTU engines and surface drives propulsion pushing the 80 tonnes of the 31 metre superyacht.

June 20, 2008

Projects: Astondoa 116 Steel Explorer, Astondoa 185 Steel

The renowned Spanish builder enters the Steel building Super Yacht market with a line dedicated for this type of vessels with 3 different sized models of which one just launched. This project of a 35 metre displacement 116 Steel Explorer model will feature three decks, offering luxurious accommodation for 10 or 12 guests in 5 or 6 cabins. She will be powered by twin 650hp Caterpillar engines, which Astondoa is estimating will give top speeds of 14 knots and a cruising of about 13. Very good is the range which will be 4000 nautical miles at a relaxing pace of 10 knots. The biggest super yacht project from Astondoa resumes what the new steel line of this builder wants to offer. Standing at 185 feet or 56 meters the four deck 185 Steel, will be the biggest super yacht ever build from Astondoa. She will have the best luxurious accommodation for 12 guests. Crew accommodation is for 12 or 13. Propulsion power is provided by twin MTU 2035hp which will give maximum speeds of about 15 knots and cruising of 13. Range is estimated around the 4000 nautical miles.

June 17, 2008

Interview - Marco Pennesi from Powerboat Endurance Team Metamarine Corse Veneta Marina Racing

PowerYacht presents a special about the Powerboat P1 2008 season interviewing the racers and protagonist of the series in both classes. As a start to these special interviews we talk with Metamarine Corse Veneta Marina Racing, interviewing team boss and driver Marco Pennesi. Metamarine after the third round and sixth race of Malta is in third place in the Evolution Class at 330 points, 100 points away from current class leader and 2007 Champion Fountain Worldwide. The 60 GFN Gibellato boat is also one of the two Evolution boats with diesel power.
Questions PY. PowerYacht, Reply MP - Marco Pennesi

PY. A strong preparation from your side for this season, are you satisfied with the results achieved so far?
MP - Yes we're very satisfied with our boat, we've to tweak it better but we have dominated three Poles, and that's a great satisfaction.

PY. As you point out, you have dominated so far every Power Pole and won a race on the table in Italy, what is missing for the 60 GFN Gibellato to win a race? Is it really as the rumors say a fuel weight problem?
MP - We have no fuel problem rather we noticed a low fuel consumption on our boat. The bad start was caused by a not well working engine.

PY. Yes the bad starts have also been a characteristic of Gibellato so far, with some people arguing the fact that if boat 60 goes up well at the start it can win the race. Are these rumors correct? When one notes that you have the opportunity to choose your lane as Power Pole winners, giving another advantage. What is has been the problem at the start?
MP - We have no problem with the start, we won every pole position so our boat can win every race. Our boat just need an engine tweak cause we're the only one using such kind of Seatek engine, and there's some work to do in order to fix the sx turbo-charged engine.

PY. Rumor has it that 60 GFN Gibellato prefers the rough sea thanks to the diesel power, 46 feet size and extra weight. But once the race gets going it seems not to be much difference as was the case in Italy with not much of waves in there. What type of weather suits best to the boat and what is your preference?
MP - The 60 GFN Gibellato doesn't have a preferred sea or weather, it's racing very well in every G.P., and we haven't got any hull damage since now as many of the other team had. I personally prefer rough sea, it's more enjoyable for a pilot!

PY. Fountain Worldwide won the 2007 season in the final race. When one notes that you Metamarine had an improved package and OSG a new outfit, did you think to find the English USA team so much a step ahead in the first part of the P1 2008 season?
MP - We don't think Fountain is unbeatable, furthermore considering that the capability of a boat is expressed well during the pole position, with open sea and clear way, and we won all the 3 Pole Position. We just need to tweak our boat in order to beat Fountain

PY. Which of the new teams will give the biggest competition for the title? (Italcraft, Cigarette, and Honeyparty) Any why do you think they are tough to beat?
MP - I dunno which may be more competitive for us, we won all the pole and we're third in the P1 standing. We'll see what happen in the next G.P. Of Tunisia

PY. We saw a great comeback in Malta from the OSG Racing Team. After Malta they seem the team to beat at least in the racing. Do you think that the rough seas could have been to there advantage or the OSG package is complete?
MP - Yes, OSG for sure found a perfect sea and weather for their boat, and they did a nice race.

PY. Petrol vs Diesel! You are so far one of two teams gambling on diesel in Evolution, with the heavy fuel last winning the P1 championship in 2005 with Wettpunkt.com. Analyzing the races now after the third race would you make the same choice? Do you still think diesel can beat petrol?
MP - Diesel Engine is clearly better than Petrol, we've 3 time the torque than a Petrol engine and that allow us to move faster from a buoy, furthermore the three Pole win state our boat concrete superiority.

PY. In the real nautical World most boats over 10 meters are sold with Diesel power. I think P1 is pushing more for Petrol power due to the bigger show thanks to the noise that they make, but if competitions should be used to push technology forward in the real World, they would do the opposite. What is your idea about this?
MP - Petrol Engine make for sure more “show and noise”, but as u said diesel motor is the most used power system in the real world; furthermore considering the low consumption, the great torque power. We think that Diesel engine are the future, we work totally on diesel engine and we're looking to introduce the Metamarine way of boat construction.

PY. In your opinion are the rules from the P1 between diesel and petrol engines fair? Would you change improve some things?
MP - P1 rule are fair. The organization just need to check better the boat, in all it's part, looking for water tank or some other device prohibited by the rule.

PY. Was the calendar start for the 2008 season with 3 races going on 2 weeks after each other too close? Did it affect if anything your preparation.
MP - It affected a lot my preparation due to the low time we had to prepare and tweak the boat, considering also the work I have constantly to do in my shipyard and workshop.

PY. You have won the 2004 Supersport Championship. Did you find the transition from Supersport to Evolution difficult?
MP - It wasn't difficult, we found it more gratifying and enjoyable for our team.

PY. The standards from 2007 to 2008 in Evolution seem to have made a big leap forward, are you satisfied with the improvements?
MP - I'm not completely satisfied, looking to the future there's a lot of work to do.

PY. Rules change with no speed limits ensure the superiority of the Evolution Class, but also a race separation is also good. It was said that after winning in Cowes and disqualified cause of the speed limit you where among the first who raised this issue. How much is there truth in this rumor?
MP - We got a disqualification from a UIM judge, and the judgment was clearly unfair. We constantly work in order to improve the rule for a more safe and enjoyable Championship.

PY. What would you like to see P1 improve in?
MP - P1 is doing a nice job, and we always try to help as much as possible in order to improve the rule, the championship and the whole organization.

PY. You have raced in Class One, fast offshore catamarans last year. What is your idea about Class1 and how does it compare to P1?
MP - Class One is the most gratifying sport. No other sport give u the adrenaline and the fun u can have from a Class One race, and it's not comparable to P1 race.

PY. Will we see you racing in Class One again?
MP - If the rule change I will be the first in line! The actual rule doesn't allow me to race fairly.

PY. Managing also a boatyard and building the Metamarine 46 TNT Replica which is based on the 46 Corsa racing boat used in the P1, do you think that competition like P1 helps technology move forward?
MP - For sure! We race in P1 championship for passion and in order to improve the advanced technology of our boat, evolving our TNT 46 Corsa in a perfect pleasure craft, the TNT 46 Replica. We are very proud of our technological boat solution.

Thanks for your time and acceptance of the PowerYacht interview. Best of luck for the 2008 season and all your future racing success.

June 13, 2008

Projects: Horizon 160 Premier, Horizon 115-125 Yacht, Hoizon 68 Elegance

The soon to come new flagship of the Hoizon line, the project of the 160 Premier follows the launching this company did with the 130 Premier model. Little information is as yet available! But so far we know that it will be an imposing three deck super yacht, will have from 6 to 9 guest cabins, 5 crew cabins and will be powered by 2 Caterpillar 2680 hp engines. This new Yacht line will replace the Dynasty line offer by Elegance of the same size. The new Yacht line will be a European styled yacht offering an aggressive profile with two and half decks. As was the case for the Dynasty yachts it will be offered with the same hull in three different lengths of 115, 120 and 125 feet, with the main difference in the stern area, with a wide variety of options, going from a big bathing platform to a huge garage option for various usage and stowage of different type of watercraft from tenders to water toys. A nice edition to the Horizon Elegance line will be the new 68, standing at 20 metres it stands in the middle of the offers of this renowned company. The new Elegance 68 will be offered in a 3 or 5 cabin version of which 1 for crew. The 68 will also boast a tender garage as standard, a much sought feature in the smaller of the Elegance yachts, which is much appreciated, as it leaves the use of the outside areas reserved for pure entertainment.

June 12, 2008

Project: Fiart 4Seven Genius

The project of new Fiart 4Seven Genius, follows the Italian builder philosophy of offering conservative but innovative designed boats, updating the current line with each new model presented. New 4Seven Genius will use modern trends as the hard top similar to the flagship 50 Genius Top Style also build with carbon fibre. The new Fiart will follow the current elements which have given the Genius Sports Cruiser line the desired success in a much competitive market as: excellent interior space with 7 berths, flexible spacious exterior spaces, sea worthy balanced hull, excellent power to weight ratio, infusion building technique and the use of Volvo IPS propulsion as used on the 50 Genius.

June 10, 2008

New Model: Galeon 530 HT

Based on the hull of the current Galeon flagship the 530 Fly, the new 530 HT model adds versatility to the Polish builder offer. The new 530 HT retains all the other elements which characterize the fly version minus the second helm flying bridge up top, which is replaced with a stylish glass hard top. Upon entering inside we find the dual raised saloon, with the c-shaped settee welcoming guests upon entering from the patio door, a galley on the raised area and a second C-shaped settee. On the lower deck, reserved all for accommodation we find the three forward cabins, with full beam owners suite, VIP forward and a 2 berth bunk cabin. Aft is an extra spacious crew cabin which can also be used for the guests, thanks to its extra space. Performance wise the Galeon 530 HT, can reach speeds of a maximum of 32 knots with 2 x 800 hp engines.
Technical Data:
LOA - 16.20 m (53.1ft)
Beam - 4.70 m
Draft - 1.05 m
Weight - 26.400 kg loaded, 21.700 kg light
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 1000 l
Water Capacity - 600 l
Max Persons - 12
Engines - 2 x 615hp, 2 x 800hp
Speeds - 32 knots max with 800hp