Fountaine Pajot presents 2 project models set to increase its Power Catamaran range in size and in offer. The first of these is the new flagship 55 Queensland, build on the experience gained with the 46 Cumberland, current biggest model. The 55 Queensland includes everything you could think in a boat of much bigger dimensions most of all as any catamaran is the immense salon combining lounge, dining room, galley and navigation room all this in a refined, luxurious atmosphere. Outside living areas continue the feeling of space with a huge flybridge combining outdoor galley, salon, sundeck, and the helm station. Fountaine Pajot also says of impeccable sea keeping for the new flagship with good waves absorption at speed, but also no rolling at beam seas or at anchor, easy manoeuvrability with dual engines, and last advises a 40% reduction in fuel consumption thanks to careful wet area study. Giving example of this are the power numbers which with twin 2 x 435hp Volvo D6 engines give a range of 1300 nautical miles at 11 knots, with this reduced to 460 nautical miles at the maximum cruising of 20 knots. If one desires more power a bigger engine option of twin 670hp D11 Volvos giving a max of 26 knots is available. 55 Queensland lower deck is a three cabin head version, with full starboard hull use for the owners cabin, and a crew cabin forward on the port side.
The other project model is the 40 Summerland, which will sit in the middle of the range between the 35 and 46 models. Designed for cruising, this new project wants to offer great comfort in terms of navigation and life on board. Its open spaces free of obstacles, sheltered cockpit and direct access to the flybridge make for easy sailing. The flybridge offers a sundeck, wide seats and an outside helm. Lower deck continues the theme for an open environment with light and comfort, with a saloon offering a dining area for 8 persons, and an easy access galley. Two passageways on both sides take you to the lower decks. The starboard side has the owner cabin fitted with a bed across and view out to sea, desk, dressing table and a private bathroom. To portside, two other fine guest cabins with double beds or twin beds, a shower and storage spaces. 40 Summerland also benefits from the incredible autonomy and range of what Fountaine Pajot calls the trawler catamarans, I would say not much trawler accept for the range and a lot of catamaran for the extra space. Performance data with twin Volvo D3 160hp is an 18 knot maximum speed, and top cruising of 13,5 knots. Range is an impressive 1000 miles at 7.5 knots burning less to 11 litres per hour.
Delaware custom Sportfish Yacht builder F and S Boatworks presents two interesting 54 feet express boat projects titled 54 XPW and 54 XWS. Pictured above is the 54 XPW and the first thinking that comes to sportfish custom build followers is that this project seems to break the usual traditional rules thanks to an usual innovative modern looking upper deck design by Applied Concepts. It would be interesting to know if this wheelhouse is closed or not and what sort of propulsion and engines will the 54 XPW offer.
The 54 XWS is the second project and is based on the same lines as the 54 XPW, but carrying a stylish raised upper helm tower for big game fishers. Now many towers don't look stylish but here seems that the Delaware custom builder, and again Applied Concepts are on a roll, and if for real this will look good as the picture above it really can put some steam to some creativity in the express sportfish market. Good news is that one of these 54 Express has been sold with scheduled delivery for later on this year. She will be hull no.15 and will be the third to be named True Grit, which seems to be a hard following owner to F&S and Jim Floyd custom cold molded builds. 
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