June 8, 2009

Improve-it = Jet Tern Selene 36

Exciting news from the continuous design improvement at Jet-Tern Marine. A new cruiser stern has been added on Selene 36 model. Selene-3631 is the second boat fitted with this new stern design with the first one already being delivered to a Russian customer in early 2009. Selene 3631 was tested at a marina nearby Jet Tern Marine’s Dong Guan shipyard. From these water tests the cruiser stern increases the water line length therefore improving the boat trim by locating the additional ballast to the far end. Other benefits include larger wet area storage and better manoeuvring at the quarter wave and an overall increase in the boat’s displacement. These subtle improvements will ultimately enhance Selene 36/40’s offshore cruising performance. A larger rudder has also been designed for this new boat providing better tracking course through the water due to the larger wet surface area.

New Model: Oyster OM43

The new OM43 is a further development of the successful Oyster LD43, which the renowned British sail yacht builder brought to the market three years ago. While the LD43 had lots of space, Oyster was increasingly aware that some owners wanted the ability to take friends and family on their cruises, which promoted for a new configuration giving more live aboard accommodation, while maintaining the fun appeal and unique style of this boat. By bringing the galley into the upper saloon level, Oyster has created a good-sized second twin or double berth cabin. The saloon features a U-shaped seating area, offering a panoramic outboard vista when seated at the table. Innovative use of the new twin navigator’s seat means there is plenty of space for six people to dine in style. The cockpit offers lots of space for outdoor living with a host of subtle improvements. Power is by two new generation fuel efficient Cummins 480hp motors, while most importantly the OM43 retains the two Hamilton waterjets linked to the unique Blue Arrow control system. The pinpoint control achieved with the Hamilton "MouseBoat" provides true single-handed control, making even the tightest marina berth a carefree and simple manoeuvre, whatever the wind and tide are throwing at you. The waterjets means also the OM43 has a draft of just 0.68m with no propellers, so allowing the OM43 to dry out for a beach party and offer shallow water exploring The absence of propellers also means there is extra safety around bathers, and removes the worry of fouling on nets or lines at sea, giving peace of mind for the safety conscious boater.
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.26 m (43.6ft)
Beam - 4.09 m
Draft - 0.68 m
Displacement - 10,400 kg
Fuel Capacity - 1660 l
Water Capacity - 340 l
Engines - 2 x Cummins QSB5.9 480hp
Propulsion - water jets Hamilton 292
Speed - 31 knots max, 25 knots cruising
Construction - hand laid GRP with Kevlar carbon fibre laminates and vinylester resins
Certification - CE B

June 6, 2009

Project: Ferretti Custom Line 124

The new Ferretti Custom Line 124 design, created as all the range by architect Giovani Zuccon togather with Ferretti AYT marks renewal in the yard's history. With the design of this new planning flagship Ferretti is broadening its horizons but remaining faithful to its tradition, combining a forward looking philosophy undermining a harmonious blend of elegance, performance, and innovation. The exteriors of the new Custom Line flagship displays sleek and elegant lines typical of this range with extensive large sweep windows and innovative fold down doors creating exclusive terraces above the sea. The new 124 offers generous spaces, with a saloon measuring 50 metres with absence of supports allowing for uninterrupted views. Large windows and natural light is a predominant factor and with the new glazed doors create unity between interior and exterior spaces. Doors looking on the main deck can be fixed or allowed to open depending on the chosen layout. Two standard layouts are available offering different configuration for the saloon living area. The first is two l-shaped sofas with coffee tables, and second is a three settee arrangement in a horse shoe shape with a low table in the centre. Galley is located amidships. Owner area lies forward and includes an office with personal head, sleeping area, and head with double facilities. Four guest cabins are located on the lower deck: two VIP and two twin cabins to fore. The upper deck of the 124 shows the difference from the previous smaller Custom Line's displaying a lounge area up top, providing a scenic saloon exploiting the full beam of the yacht. The flying bridge is an area dedicated to open air relaxation with a deck house forward featuring a large sun pad. There is also another relax area to fore on the main deck with settee, allowing a private area especially in harbours. Power will be from twin MTU 3154 or 3510 units.

June 5, 2009

New Model: Sea Ray 230 Sundancer

Sea Ray presents its new baby for its Sport Cruiser line, with the new 230 Sundancer. This is an easy to own and operate boat sleeping four people in a fore convertible vee berth and mid-stateroom. It also features a social exterior cockpit layout with a cleverly designed portside lounger that doubles as a conversation area, with the help also of the retractable helm chair. The 230 will replace the 240 Sundancer, which has sold a remarkable 734 units during its production life. The 230 Sundancer comes out with a standard MerCruiser 5.0 MPI 260hp gas petrol engine propelled with Bravo I sterndrive. Further engines up to 320hp for petrol gas are available, and surprising its competition a diesel power option is available this time going to a Japanese Yanmar 220hp.
Technical Data:
LOA - 7.92 m (24.6ft)
Beam - 2.59 m
Draft - 0.95 m
Displacement - 2537 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 234 l
Water Capacity - 75 l
Engine - 1 x Mercruiser 5.0MPI 230hp, 350 Magnum 300hp, Yanmar 6BYZ 220hp
Propulsion - stern drive Mercruiser Bravo I, Bravo III
Hull Shape - vee with eighteen degrees deadrise
Certification - USCG, ABYC, NMMA

Propulsion: Volvo Penta OceanX

Volvo Penta introduces OceanX, a new sterndrive with revolutionary new coating and sensor technology that greatly improves the corrosion resistance of the aluminum drives. This exciting new drive offers technological innovations for increased performance, environmental care, safety and easy maintenance. OceanX is designed for select Volvo Penta gasoline and diesel engines. The OceanX uses state-of-the art electro-deposit to apply a titanium-ceramic coating that greatly improves the corrosion resistance of the aluminum castings making it perfect for the salt water environment. This highly durable and flexible coating covers the entire drive for maximum protection. It is chromate free and environmentally friendly. This new process allows Volvo Penta to continue to its commitment of care for the environment. The OceanX drive also includes two new features never before incorporated on a sterndrive package. A new sterndrive oil sensor warns the boater when drive oil is low or contaminated with water and another sensor mounts in the universal joint bellows between the OceanX drive and the boat transom. This sensor sounds a warning if water has entered that critical area and may lead to failure. Engines for the new OceanX drive are 5.0 GXi, 5.7 Gi-300, 5.7 Gxi, 8.1 GI, 8.1 GXi for Petrol Gasoline, and D3-130, D3-160, and D3-190 for the diesels.

June 4, 2009

Improve-it = Ocean Yachts 37 Bill Fish

Ocean Yachts improves its 37 Bill Fish after two years since its introduction. Much appreciated since introduced in 2007 for its classic looks representing sportfish boats of days gone by, this smart sportfish cruiser entry level of the Ocean Yachts range gets added with a new Volvo IPS propulsion engine option. Following recent trends, the much acclaimed 37 Bill Fish now is available with twin Volvo IPS600 435hp each engines. This option replace the shafts, rudders and propeller pockets of the original version with Volvo's forward looking IPS pod drives, and with this adds the easy to use joystick too. Easy to say that the 37 Bill Fish looks classic outside but is all modern schematics inside, from the finishing touches of the cabin, engines, and to the control stations of both helms.

Project: Bavaria 28 Sport

Bavaria introduces the 28 Sport project, a new entry level addition set to be launched in September 2009. This new entry level Sport Cruiser from Bavaria will be second motor boat which comes from the BMW DesignworksUSA collaboration, a subsidiary of the BMW Group, as seen for the new 46 Deep Blue launched in January 2009. It is standard here to see more of the clear lines and innovative design as seen for the new Bavaria motor boat flagship, and while it shows similarities with the Deep Blue the new 28 Sport will not be as aggressive looking as the bigger sister, but more of a hybrid design between this and the other models of the range. The 28 Sport wants also to be an all-rounder offering a sportive outside and inside associated with a family cruiser. The exterior cockpit deck will feature a sun lounger aft and seating area for five people to port side of the helm station. Inside the sleeping accommodation is for four people with a separated double mid ship cabin offering generous spaces. A spacious head, galley and a convertible vee berth settee to fore completes the interior accommodation. This new Bavaria 28 Sport will replace the current 27 Sport.

June 3, 2009

New Model: Sabre 40 Sedan

A much waited model from Sabre Yachts, as the new 40 Sedan starts two novelties representing innovation and efficiency in the construction and in its propulsion. Sabre's new 40 Sedan will be built with the modern environmentally cleaner infusion method, resulting in a lighter build equaling for superior power to weight ratio, and the other novelty here is the use of Zeus aft looking pods which also give better fuel economy and more performance to traditional in line shaft propulsion. Representing traditional cruiser lobster looks, the 40 Sedan is also a spacious affair offering two separate cabins, and a spacious head with shower cubicle. Worth to note is the nice galley staying in between the lower and upper deck which is a natural light affair and does not disturb the cabins below and socializing saloon. Power is from twin Cummins 380hp propelled by the ZF Zeus aft looking pod drives, which in first testing have delivered the predicted 30 knots top speed and an all time max cruise of 27 knots. For further pictures of the 40 Sedan have also a look at Sabre's Blog linked in the official website.
Technical Data:
LOA - 12.45 m (40.9ft)
Beam - 4.27 m
Draft - 1.02 m
Displacement - 11800 kg
Fuel Capacity - 1440 l
Water Capacity - 530 l
Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths
Engines - 2 x Cummins 380hp
Propulsion - ZF Zeus 3500 Pod aft looking double propeller
Speed - 30 knots max, 27 knots cruising
Hull - modified vee shape sixteen degrees dead rise aft
Construction - vacuum infused e-glass with Airex foam core
Certification - CE B, NMMA, ABYC, USCG

Azimut Benetti Group New Web Site

The Azimut Benetti Group presents its web site, show casing this company brands and services. The story of the current World largest yacht building private owned company starts in 1969 when current majority share holder Poalo Vitelli sets up a sailing boat charter company, moving on in 1970 at his first participation in the Genoa show, and during the same exhibition signing distribution agreements with Amerglass, Powles, and Westerly. In 1975 the move into production was made with the help of Dutch firm Amerglass giving a hand for the production of the first Azimut yacht, the 43 Bali. A decade later to this the Azimut Benetti Group starts to take its shape, when Vitelli takes over the Fratelli Benetti yard in Viareggio. In 2001 Azimut Benetti buys the Gobbi shipyard in Piacenza, starting the rise of the Atlantis brand. 2004 marked the take over of top brokerage and management brand Fraser Yachts. The new millennium marked also the Azimut Benetti Group entrance into the marina business and so far building four: Varazze, Viareggio, Moscow, and Livorno on the way to completion. The Azimut Benetti Group website is available in Italian or English language and takes you in the following tabs: Mission, Group, Extraordinary Story, Wide Range of Yachts, Hi Design in Motion, At Your Side, and Yachting Gala. Underneath is also six logos which take you into all the brands websites: Azimut Yachts, Benetti, Atlantis, Fraser Yachts, Marina Di Varazze, and Yachtique Elite Yachting Services.

June 2, 2009

James 'Jim' C. Sculley 1941 - 2009

Jim Sculley, founder of Sculley Boatbuilders, passed away unexpectedly on June 1, 2009. His presence will be keenly missed within the sportfishing community. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Ingrid Sculley, his son James G, daughter Ingrid Diane Sculley, and grandson James Crespo. Born in Newport Beach, California on May 30, 1941, he was residing in Ft. Myers, Florida but with lasting ties to Virginia Beach and Wanchese on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Native to southern California, he grew up fishing alongside his father on their commercial boat. It was there he had his first encounters with the new sportfish boats and as a kid he dreamed that someday, maybe he can have one of those. After much success in the restaurant business, he was in Hilton Head, SC he befriended and fished with Virginia Beach native Captain Earl Richardson. It was this friendship that brought Jim to Virginia Beach to purchase Fisherman’s Wharf Marina and the Riverhouse Restaurant on Rudee Inlet in 1990. Jim quickly became a fixture in the local offshore fishing community and quietly made a deep and lasting impression on many.  During his years at the marina, he owned and operated a variety of sportfish, garnering a broad knowledge and experience of the best and the worst the industry had to offer. Taking that a few steps further, he started Sculley Boatbuilders in 1999 debuting with the 58 model, integrating his years of offshore experience with a vision of the best attributes of production and custom builds combined. Thanks to his vision, ten years later Sculley Boatbuilders has produced fourteen sportfishing from 54 to 68 feet.  Jim’s passion was tournament fishing, and he was at the helm whether it was a low-key home tournament or the ESPN2 Xtreme Release Billfishing Series. In addition to top honors in the 2004 Xtreme Release Series, Team Sculley won and placed in several other East Coast tournaments over the years. But a day offshore, fishing with Sculley was a treat regardless, and always memorable. He will be remembered for it all and missed deeply.