March 17, 2009

New Model: Monterey 280SCR

Monterey Boats continues to grow their cruiser lineup with the new 280SCR Sport Cruiser. The new cruiser, one of three 2009 debuts, has an overall length of 29 feet and an expanded, spacious and comfortable beam of over 9 feet. Monterey has also added the popular option of sun island aft seating, in addition to the standard box seating configuration. You can plot a course for your destination in Monterey’s new 280SCR Sport Cruiser thanks to the gel-coated gray dash housing all of the necessary instrumentation at the ergonomically-designed helm station, along with a comfortable companion seating arrangement featuring flip-up thigh rise and a convenient fiberglass storage compartment underneath. The helm also stays cool thanks to an extraordinarily designed air duct that feeds from the cabin. The cockpit also features an expanded entertainment center with optional refrigerator. Access to the engine compartment is a breeze with electronic engine hatches, and plug-and-play wiring makes service hassles a thing of the past. A home away from home is the best way to describe the cabin, which can accommodate thanks to its ample space, storage and sleeping arrangements throughout. Cook meals with the fully-appointed wood-trimmed galley and enjoy them at your dinette table, which easily stores back away into its dedicated storage compartment. You can also enjoy the optional Sirius Satellite stereo package, monogrammed linen and dinette set with silverware and 15” TV/DVD player.
Technical Data:
LOA - 8.8 m (29ft)
Beam - 2.8 m
Draft - 1.07 m
Displacement - 3719 kg
Fuel Capacity - 341 l
Engines - 425hp max
Hull - vee shape with 17 degrees dead rise

March 16, 2009

Boat Review: Galeon 440 Fly

Presentation
Launched in 2004, the 440 Fly by Galeon was the continuation of quality improvement from this Polish builder, as started in the turn of the new millennium. Trusting in renowned boat designer Tony Castro, the 440 Fly was an important player in the quest of up scaling its line not only in size, but also in finishing and space. Delivered in 75 examples as of January 2009 the 440 Fly has also other interesting stuff, like a 7 berth 3 cabin 2 head interior, top speeds up to 35 knots with the bigger engine options, and a good looking exterior line taking bits and pieces from other renowned European builders but still looking a Polish Galeon all the way.
Accommodation
The 440 Fly offers an interesting accommodation package, with its 7 berth lower deck unique for a 13 metre flybridge motor cruiser. Upon entering inside via the stainless steel patio door one is welcomed on the main deck saloon with a c-shaped settee to starboard, opposite is another settee, and forward of this a double seated lower helm station. To port side, and up two steps one finds the raised galley which presents itself in a welcome airy environment and is also among the most spacious for a boat this size.
Below not loosing a millimetre of space is all reserved to night accommodation offering none the less 3 cabins 7 berths, and 2 heads. Example to this is the forward ensuite owner cabin with its queen island berth offering a relaxing 2 person couch on the starboard side. In the central part we have the two guest cabins, offering a double berth, two sister berths and an extra bunk berth. To starbaord in the middle one finds the guest head with cubicle shower.
Outside the offer is for a big settee on the aft deck. While on the flybridge we have a c-shaped settee for 5/6 persons looking aft to starboard, forward to this is a dual seated helm station, and to port looking forward we have a double seated sun pad. The forward deck part is reserved for a vee shaped sun lounger.
Performance
3 engine options are offered from Galeon with all giving important 30 knots plus performances. The engines for the 440 Fly are located centrally, propelled with direct shafts, and in tunnel propeller pockets, giving in all this an on the plane speed of eighteen knots. The top performance is from the biggest twin D9 575hp which give 35 knots max, making the 440 Fly among the fastest flybridge motor cruisers in its size . For not so speed lovers the other options are the smaller D9 of 500hp, and the efficient D6 435hp, this later choice giving also an impressive speed of 32 knots thanks to unbeatable weight to power ratio. Hull design is by Tony Castro renowned for his offshore designs. Here Castro presents a planning warped shape with deeper forward-Vee and moderate aft sections for better comfort at low speeds. An IPS propulsion option is also on the works and we wait for Galeon to disclose more information about this.
Positive
7 berths
Galley
Negative
Small aft deck
Competition
There is a lot offer in the thirteen metre size although the past players who dominated this market section, the Italians and British builders don't offer much and when they do it does not have any 3 cabin option. If looking for below accommodation is your aim I think the 440 Fly should be among the first to view list first for its unique 7 berths, and second for the spacious owners cabin forward. Beneteau 13.80 Antares - fly and saloon is not big, but 6 berths are no bunks
Carnevali 130 - quality, 3rd bunk cabin option will loose big galley though
Dellapasqua DC12S - 13 metres overall, seaworthy Hunt hull
Doqueve 43 - three cabins, airy minimal interior
Intermare 43 - third bunk cabin option, spacious aft deck
Majesty 44 - Dubai built, spacious fly and saloon with dining area to fore
Nord West 420 - IPS or stern drive option, no bunks, fuel efficient
Prestige 42 Flybridge Line - third cabin bunk option, good compromise in all
Raffaelli 47 Calima - biggest here, looks good too, CE A
Rodman 44 Muse - IPS only, De Simoni makes it among best looking
Sealine F42/5 - third cabin bunk option, expandable aft deck
WILD CARD: Broom 450 - UK aft cabin live aboard, big 3 cabin interior
Conclusion There are two types of customers in this size those who trade up and those who are starting there boating adventure. The first are usually looking for more cabins and berths, and the second usually attract themselves to the luxury. So far the 440 Fly seems to hit both these, offering a non superfluous rich boat with substance. Meaning it does not sacrifice accommodation berths, speed, and not well positioned engines. Yes engine position which the more located at the perfect part of the hull the more a sea keeper and lower planning a boat it is, offering better rough weather solutions. As for those who are trading up from a smaller size the three cabins seven berth interior is enough for them to rethink of the Tony Castro designed Galeon 440 Fly.
Technical Data
LOA. 13.72 meters (45ft)
Beam. 4.10 meters
Draft. 0.94 meters
Displacement. 14.990 kg light, 18.220 kg max load
Fuel Capacity. 2 x 750 liters
Water Capacity. 460 liters
Max Persons. 12
Accommodation. 7 berths in 3 cabins
Engines. 2 x Volvo D6 435hp, D9 500hp, D9 575hp
Propulsion. direct drive shafts with tunnels for propellers
Speed. max 35 knots, cruising 30 knots with D9 575hp
Hull Shape. V-shape planning
Project. Tony Castro
Certification. CE B
Picture Copyright Galeon. Data Galeon.

March 15, 2009

Improve-it = Pershing 115

The recently launched Pershing 115 features a significant innovation which makes her stand out from other similar sized yachts as well as previous 115 builds. She has, in fact, been strengthened by a new generation Vericor TF50 gas turbine, able to create a power of over 5100hp, with a central hydro-jet thrust. The result is an improvement in both performance, with an equal overall weight, and resistance to significant stress. This technology, typical to aircraft, is rarely used on yachts due to its complexity and the cost of the individual components. In fact, its use requires special accessories, mechanical parts, and technologies incorporated in the entire system such as the titanium exhaust, and the reduction unit. Another huge advantage of this structure is that the yacht is quieter with no vibrations, even at a top speed of 52 knots! A host of other different features characterise the new yacht, making her unique. A very special wood - frise sycamore maple has been used for all the furniture, which includes an innovative LED lighting system integrated and concealed within and throughout the interior. The interior of the yacht is illuminated using warm led lighting in order to make the various environments more inviting and reducing the tiresome overheating produced by traditional halogen spotlights.

March 14, 2009

New Model: Dominator 29M

A waited debut for the new Dominator flagship, the 29M. Team 4 Design along with Dominator Engineering Department, projected the new 95 feet flagship, current biggest model from this Italian builder. Team 4 presents an interesting exterior with aggressive accents for a sporty profile, with a distinctive design thanks to the amount of big view windows, on the lower deck as well as on the upper. Other innovations for the new flagship comes for the retractable bathing platform aft which when open extends to double the size, and the opening terrace on the portside of the full beam owners cabin. The accommodation all located on the lower deck follows a conventional 4 cabins layout: full beam mid ship owner, VIP to fore, and two guest cabins in between all with en-suite heads. Though the bathroom for the owner and the position of the VIP cabin, which feels as a full beam are also a bit unusual in concept and design to the competition. Crew cabins and lobby is located midship. Another big environment for the 29M is also the flybridge area, having huge amounts of free spaces, thanks also to the tender garage located aft on the lower deck. Thanks to Jimmy the Builder who provided us with the 3rd photo from the Dubai show.
Technical Data:
LOA - 29.10 m (95.4ft)
Beam - 6.80 m
Displacement - 95t
Fuel Capacity - 16.000 l
Water Capacity - 3000 l
Accommodation - 4 double cabins, 4 heads, Crew 3 berths, 2 heads
Engines - 2 x MTU 2185hp, 2430hp
Project - Team 4

March 13, 2009

Projects: F&S 54 XPW, F&S 54 XWS

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.

March 12, 2009

New Model: Princess V42

The Princess V42 goes into its third generation, what is now a complete new version for this successful sport cruiser from this renowned British builder. The V42 has 9 years of age, appearing in the year 2000 and so far until this new 2009 version was always a further development of the V39 presented in the fall of 1994. Princess now with this new V42 want to distinguish itself in many aspects to the previous 2 versions. Among the noticeable improvements one finds is the size, now wider and longer with an over all length of 44 feet, we have also a second en suite head in the mid ship guest cabin, hard top or full open version option, and last a completely redesigned cockpit offering among the top space in its size. For the new third generation V42 Princess decided to stay with efficient stern drive propulsion, offering three Volvo engine options, from the smaller D4 300hp up to the bigger D6 370hp option. Top speed is an estimated max of 38 knots with the big D6 choice.
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.56 m (44.6ft)
Length - 13.26 m
Beam - 3.99 m
Draft - 1.07 m
Displacement - 9.26 t
Fuel Capacity - 850 l
Water Capacity - 332 l
Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 300hp, D6 330hp, D6 370hp
Speed - 35 knots max with D4, 38 knots max with D6 370hp estimated
Project - Olesinski

Engine: John Deere PowerTech 6135SFM75 750hp

John Deere Power Systems announced and displayed its newest marine engine at the 2009 Miami International Boat Show, the past February. The PowerTech 6135SFM75 marine diesel engine is the newest addition to the John Deere lineup and boasts up to 559kW - 750hp. John Deere is excited about the introduction of the new 6135SFM75 because it is by far the most powerful engine produced by this US marine engine manufacturer. The next most powerful John Deere engine after this is the 6125SFM75 at 455kW - 610hp. John Deere launched this new 750hp addition after many customers requests asking for more powerful engines. The new PowerTech 6135SFM75 has 13.5L of displacement and is a 6-cylinder, electronically controlled, turbocharged and air-to-sea water aftercooled marine engine. As all recent John Deere releases the PowerTech 6135SFM75 meets EPA Tier 2, EU emissions requirements, and is MARPOL Annex VI compliant.

March 11, 2009

New Model: Jeanneau 815 Merry Fisher IB

Jeanneau 815 Merry Fisher IB is equipped with equipment that is equally well adapted to cruising and fishing, in a small entry level size. For cruising, the new Merry Fisher 815 offers two distinct living spaces: a large saloon and a forward cabin in a spacious and well-balanced interior layout. The large volume of space on the interior can accommodate four person, a family or two couples, featuring a generous forward cabin with a double berth and a saloon that converts into a second double berth. The enclosed helm station offers a bench seating.
Technical Data:
LOA - 7.74 m (25.3ft)
Length - 7.48 m
Beam - 2.99 m
Draft - 0.79 m
Displacement - 4600 kg
Fuel Capacity - 300 l
Accommodation - 4 berths
Engine - 1 x 200hp
Project - Jeanneau, Garroni
Certification - CE C-8

Projects: Fountaine Pajot 55 Queensland, Fountaine Pajot 40 Summerland

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.

March 10, 2009

Improve-it = Menorquin MY 145

Menorquin launches a new option for the interior layout of the MY 145; further expanding the shipyard’s entry into the 14 metre sector. An increased accommodation capacity by means of a third cabin, is the distinguishing feature of this variant of the Menorquin MY 145, which was first presented to the market in April 2007. This 14 metre family boat can now be chosen to accommodate one more person. To integrate the third cabin the Spanish builder made a redistribution of the interior space which emphasizes the MY 145’s vocation as a family cruiser, outstanding for its elegance and the endurance of its classic lines. The result is a spacious cruiser which is truly comfortable with the added bonus of a further cabin. To achieve this the dinette has been transferred to the upper deck, this allowing for a sleeping capacity of 7 people: 5 fixed berths and 2 convertible berths, whilst in the standard model the sleeping capacity is 6 people: 4 fixed and 2 convertible. Keeping the qualities Menorquin are renowned for, this new layout option for the MY 145 is also available to both the Hardtop and Flybridge versions. www.menorquin.com