Project: Grand Banks 53 Aleutian RP

Grand Banks presents the project of the new 53 Aleutian RP set to replace the 52 Heritage EU. The 53 will be the entry level model for Grand Banks bigger Explorer Yacht Aleutian range. While this will be the smaller Aleutian ever built, expect to see similar standards of the bigger models offering comfortable live aboard spaces on the main deck, and large cabins below. The standard layout is a three double cabin plan, with owners cabin being a full beam mid ship affair, VIP cabin to fore, and third double bunk cabin to port. A double cabin layout is available offering also a salon in the owners suite, and a shower in replacement of the third cabin. Worth to note is also the two separate entrance stair cases for the cabins: one for the owners suite located mid of the main saloon, and another next to the pilot house for the guest quarters forward. There is also the option of a crew cabin which in standard plan is an utility room. Main deck saloon is also available in two plans, as is the flybridge deck. Power options are three engine choices with the smaller being twin Cummins QSC8.3 593hp, and the bigger Cats C12 Acert 715hp. Max speed is over 22 knots with the bigger choice, and range which is ever important for a Grand Banks owner is always over 700 nautical miles, with a displacement speed of about nine knots.

www.grandbanks.com

New Model: Atlantis 40

The new Atlantis 40 is a further development of the 39 model, adding to it a nice integrated hard top, a total cockpit redesign, and an extended bathing platform. These improvements will make this model a further hit in the market as it filled what was missing to make the 39 a good boat from a great one, plus the bonus of the integrated hard top. The cockpit now offers a clever redesign with a c-shaped settee to port, l-shaped wet bar opposite, and further sun lounger under the wind screen. Obviously the 40 will keep the grandeur interior the 39 offered which is among the best in its size and style of boat, offering two spacious en-suite cabins, plus the bonus of a convertible saloon. Power is from twin Volvo engines with three different choices, starting from the smaller 300hp for a top speed of 35 knots, to the larger 370hp, which give wide open throttles of 39 knots.

Technical Data:

LOA - 12.63 m (41.4ft)

Beam - 3.87 m

Fuel Capacity - 800 l

Water Capacity - 200 l

Max Persons - 12

Accommodation - 4 + 2

Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 300hp, D6 330hp, D6 370hp

Speed - 39 knots max, 35 knots cruise with D6 370

Project - Michael Peters hull

www.azimutyachts.com

Project: Viking 76 Convertible

Breaking new ground is a Viking trademark and at the company’s 810,000 square-foot facility on the Bass River in New Jersey, a short hop from Atlantic City. Another emerging chapter is underway with the construction of the new 76 Convertible, slated to premiere at the 2009 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. To be sure, the 76 Convertible has some big shoes to fill considering 45 Viking 74 Convertibles have been delivered since its introduction in 2004. With even a cursory glance, the Viking 76 Convertible’s profile is reason to pause. The raked stem is aggressive and its mission becomes instantly obvious. Similarities to the 82 Convertible, like its dramatic sheer line, the flush foredeck and a pair of fixed port lights which match lines of the hull are sweeping design statements that merge form and function. The wrap around black metallic mask provides a distinctive and distinguished look, which accents the flowing lines of the flying bridge. The 76 Convertible will be built as has been Viking experience in 22 years with fine end grain vacuum baged balsa, which is also included in the running surfaces i.e. bottom minus the through hull areas which will be solid glass to avioud corrosion. Inside the 76 Convertible will have two layouts, a standard double five cabin with heads plan, and an optional give cabin but with an extra double cross over berth to fore. Power is from twin Cats or MTU engines, which with the higher powered choice should give a max of about 40 knots, and a mid thirty cruise. Like all Vikings, it will be manufactured to order and provide its owner a one-of-a-kind sportfishing yacht built to the New Jersey builder exacting design to fish and cruise in comfort, luxury and safety.

www.vikingyachts.com

Abati Yachts New Web Site

Italian builder, Abati Yachts presents its new website. Founded in 2004 by Alessandro Patrizi, Abati started as a story of the past. Looking for his own boat, Patrizi chooses a lobster looking Traditional Cruiser from Austin Parker, and its top of the range 42 model. Hearing in a later stage that the Tuscany Austin Parker was in financial trouble decides to take over the building premises, but to leave the brand name to the owners mostly because of his idea in constructing bigger boats. The first model from Abati was the 55 Portland, a traditional looking model but still having innovations, like the all separated three cabins, which is still a unique feature in its size. The second which was the 46 Newport took a more modern approach. The yard is preparing the launch of three further models the 58 Eastport, an extended flybridge version of the 55, and the upcoming new flagship of the range 64 Freeport which will be available in HT and Fly versions. New Abati showroom has a black background and is available in Italian and English language. The web site has ten main tabs being: the choose, collection, dealer, buy, abati life, owners club, customer care, contact, news, and press.

www.abatiyachts.com

Production History;

55 Portland 2005-14

46 NewPort 2006-14

58 Eastport 2010-14

64 Freeport HT 2010-14

64 Freeport Fly 2011-14

60 Keyport 2014

New Model: Sunseeker 130 Predator

Sunseeker unveiled its current new flagship, the 130 Predator at the Southampton boat show to high acclaim. The new 130 Predator is also the flagship of the Performance Motoryachts range, overlooking the second sized model in this range by about 22 feet. There are many impressive design elements for the new big two deck and a half Sunseeker. Surely the most amazing of all are the four balconies located on the main deck, two on both sides of the owners cabin to fore, and other two located to mid ship in the main saloon. The standard interior plan offers five double cabins, with the owners suite on the main deck. Crew space is for eight members located to fore of the lower deck. Engines options are twin MTUs starting with the smaller 3140hp up to the bigger 4185hp option. The bigger engine choice should push the Super Sport Yacht 130 Predator to a max speed of 30 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 38.6 m (126ft)
Length Waterline - 30.8 m
Beam - 8.0 m
Draft - 1.50 m full load ex props
Displacement - 165t
Fuel Capacity - 20000 l
Water Capacity - 4500 l
Accommodation - 10 guest berths, 8 crew berths
Engines - 2 x MTU 12V4000M93 3140hp, M93L 3460hp, 16V4000M93 4185hp
Propulsion - direct inline shafts in semi tunnels
Design - Don Shead hull, Sunseeker

www.sunseeker.com

New Model: Sessa 54 Sport Fly

Another exclusive preview from PowerYachtBlog, this time presenting the Sessa 54 Sport Fly just as it debuted at Cannes. This Italian builder has really upgraded itself in the last years, and when one thinks it arrived to the limits, it presents a new model pushing the borders of design and quality a step further. Christian Grande in his first flybridge Motor Yacht for Sessa takes a lot from the smaller open hardtop cruisers and yachts, giving it very sporty looks with a family feeling representing the range. Secondly Sessa also offer easy and fast handling in the marina and not, thanks to the 54 Sport Fly being equipped with the second generation of the larger Volvo IPS II drives, in this case the 900 series powered with 700hp engines. This should push the 54 Sport Fly to an estimated 37 knots max speed. Inside the 54 Sport Fly offers a three double cabin interior which is filled with natural light thanks to the huge windows and the furnishing used. Sessa also says that the 54 Sport Fly is unique for offering two real galley dining areas: being on top of the flybridge, and inside in the main deck saloon.
Technical Data:
LOA - 16.4 m (53.8ft)
Length - 16.1 m
Length Waterline - 12.4 m
Beam - 4.70 m

Displacement - 23000 kg loaded, 19500 kg empty
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 1000 l
Water Capacity - 2 x 300 l
Max Persons - 14
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo IPS900 700hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS II forward looking duoprop pod drives
Hull - vee poliedric shape 14.5 degrees deadrise aft
Speed - 37 knots estimated
Design - Christian Grande lines, Massimo Radice hull

www.sessamarine.com

Project: Ferretti 740

The new Ferretti 740 will make its worldwide debut at the Genoa boat show next month, and will be a replacement but also a further updated development of the 731 model. Result of the cooperation between Advanced Yacht Technology of Ferretti and Studio Zuccon International Project, the 740 is a yacht with strong personality, created with spacious interiors and a design decor where warm tones and precious materials predominate. The main noticable difference from the 731 is the new design larger windows feature on the lower deck for all the cabins. As it is habit for Ferretti the 740 features a classical style but with elegant, contemporary stylistic touches. The external profile of the 740 is sleek thanks to the graphic lines of the windows featuring three distincitve small shark fins to join with the natural element of the sea. In addition to the open view windows of the owners cabin, two new typologies of windows have been inserted in the hull: a window that features an oval shape with two portholes in both the double guest cabins, and an additional one at bow in the VIP cabin with a wider porthole that can be opened. These new windows have been designed to enhance the presence of natural light in every guest zone. On the stern bathing platform there is still the comfy sofa bench which becomes like a mezzanine on the water thanks to an electro-hydraulic movement system transformation. The cockpit, with teak floor, is furnished with a sofa, big table and chairs. On the left, the stairs give access to the flying bridge where the pilot station is placed further back and in a central position to give a broader view for navigation and piloting the yacht. The pilot seat has a 360 turning circle, allowing it to turn round and join with U-shaped dinette behind. Ferretti 740 will also be available in hard top version with electric opening of the bimini top, a further novelty versus the 731. Inside the 740 welcomes you with a wide salon, that maintains the structural line of the previous 731 model but featuring a new layout, plunged in natural light and offering a cosy atmosphere created by the tones of the materials selected for the furniture and the bleached walnut, used for the first time onboard Ferretti yacht. The interior manages to join living and dining area but keeping a harmonious continuity of space without view interruption. On the left, a wide sofa in a L shape and a comfortable armchair are positioned around a low table. Starboard, there is a TV with pop-up system and an additional sofa for three followed by the stairs to the flying bridge. The dining area separated from the living through wood furniture, features a tempered glass table and chairs for eight guests. The dining zone opens to an access area that connects galley, pilothouse, the exterior and the lower deck, making more easy the access for the crew. The galley is located in a strategic position, between the dining area and the pilot house, in order to let the crew move without disturbing the guests. Once more, the shipyard chose the top of made in Italy with a fully-equipped Ernestomeda galley, with glossy lacquered furnishing in to enhance the light of this area. A sliding door give access to the exterior. At bow is located the pilot house with dinette/charting zone and extendable table. On the lower deck, the Ferretti 740 cabins are distinguished by unique details: bulkheads and walls are covered in light-coloured fabric framing the windows, which allow in plenty of light. The beds have wood structures and have decorated bed-heads. All the cabins have a private bathroom equipped. The full-beam owners suite is located in the centre of the boat, with walk-in wardrobe and bathroom with wenge floor where dominates a wide semicircular shower. Further to fore one finds the two double guest cabins, and at bow is located the VIP cabin. The 740 will be be powered with twin MAN 1360hp or more powerful optional 1550hp units. Both the motorization push the yacht to a max speed over 30 knots.

www.ferretti-yachts.com

Improve-it = Nord West 370 Flybridge

In the beginning of Summer Nord West launched a first boat the 370 SportsTop with a new system called Stern drive Joystick. Similar to the IPS this new drive system has electrical steering, and manoeuvring in harbours can be done very easily thanks to easy to use joystick control. Nord West was among the first users of Volvo IPS system as well as being among the first to make a special designed hull for the propulsion. Every boat can be installed with a maximum of 4 joystick controls. With the new system stern drive with joystick Nord West adds as promised an other fourth model with this easy to use option, the 370 Flybridge following the 370 SportsTop, 370 Coupe and 420 Flybridge, The 370 Flybridge now offers easy to use joystick control added with the efficiency stern drives offer. This option actually makes sense in the 370 Flybridge as much as it does on the bigger 420 Flybridge due to the difficulty stern drives usually offer in marina manoeuvring.
www.nordwest.se

New Model: Bavaria 28 Sport

Bavaria´s new 28 Sport, was world premiered at the Norwegian Boat Show in Oslo on 2 September 2009. The new 28 Sport, is designed by BMW Group DesignworksUSA, and was unveiled by Bavaria´s CEO, Andres Cardenas, in front of the builders representatives, dealers, and the Norwegian press. Mirrored throughout the design elements are excellently equipped and feature generous spaces balancing comfort, and practicality all with a high-quality finish. The 28 Sport offers a lot of space for its size, starting with the spaciously designed and well-laid out cockpit area, offering a wide variety of sitting areas ensure there will be a favourite spot for everybody on board. And to ensure there is even more space, there are many storage possibilities. The feeling for space continuous in the lower deck reserved for the accommodation, where here a comfortable height in the salon makes working in the galley enjoyable, while the vee shape saloon to fore a group of at least six people can sit comfortable. Sleeping accommodation is for four guest berths, in a convertible vee shaped settee to fore, and separate cabin aft which has also a nice lounger. Power is from five different Volvo options which includes single or twin engines in both petrol or diesel formats.
Technical Data:
LOA - 8.95 m (29.4ft)
Hull Length - 8.50 m
Beam - 2.99 m
Draft - 0.90 m includes props
Displacement - 4000 kg
Fuel Capacity - 520 l
Water Capacity - 100 l
Max Persons - 6
Accommodation - 4 berths
Engines - 1 x Volvo 5.7GXI 320hp, 2 x Volvo 4.3GXI 225hp Petrol
1 x Volvo D4 260hp, D4 300hp, 2 x Volvo D3 160hp
Design - BMW DesignworksUSA
Certification - CE B

www.bavaria-yachtbau.com

Boat Review: Cabo 52 Express

Presentation

Launched in 2005 the Cabo 52 Express represents the US, California, Adelanto builder way of keeping up with clients who always request a bigger Sportfish Yacht, having at the time upgraded from the 45 Express. Designed by Cabo with Michael Peters, the 52 Express is still as at today the bigger sized boat from the 1991 founded company, sharing its flagship status with the 52 Flybridge launched earlier on this year. Further on, the last fall of 2008 the 52 Express has also been upgraded with a new three cabin layout, putting this open express Sportfish Yacht a tad above its competitors, along with the fittings which have a fame from the many of being a benchmark in the current production boat building offer. The 52 Express makes also its job of a big game sportfish yacht to perfection offering plenty of space on the aft deck, forty knots performance with excellent sea keeping qualities, and a spacious well laid below decks for long days fishing or cruising.

Accommodation

Welcoming you onboard in its huge aft cockpit, all free spaced for the fisherman minus the fighting chair in the middle. Here it is full with fishing amenities finding a bait prep center with covering lid, a rigging board, ice box with refrigeration plates, voluminous tackle storage, and a fifty gallon circulating bait tank with a large drain molded into the transom. Move more forward to this and the comforts for the guests start to appear in the form of an L-shaped settee to port, and a wet bar opposite. The helm station is located centrally for optimum visibility in every part with its central adjustable Stidd seat, and two further companionway seats. Command station console has plenty of room for a complete array of modern marine systems, engine electronic controls, color digital read outs, plus an array of custom switch panels with warning lights, and Palm Beach pod mounted single lever electronic controls for responsive easy maneuverability.

On the central starboard side is the entrance to the lower cabin deck available in three different versions. The first two are very similar minus the fore cabin, welcoming you with an l-shaped saloon settee to port, spacious l-shaped galley opposite, and day head to starboard just by the stairway. Cabins on the standard version are an en-suited owners stateroom with a central queen sized berth, and a twin bunk to port. The other version distinguishes itself for being what I call a buddies boat having the owner stateroom to fore replaced with three single berths in a vee shape. The new third cabin version changes most of the layout below from the standard version, offering a C-shaped galley, and L-shaped saloon all to starboard. To port side is the three cabins, starting with a double berth, guests shower head, and the double bunk cabin. To fore is the master en-suite with central double queen sized berth which does not loose much in size from the actual two cabin version accept in its en-suite head, which is slightly smaller.

For the technical heads this is a real dream boat, offering an engine room with its entrance on the main deck just behind the fighting chair, featuring an impressive seven feet of height, all ultra labelled systems from electrics to hydraulics, and machinery to make many engineering rooms look empty. Performance

Cabo entrusted the underwater sections to renowned hull designer Michael Peters, who offered a modified vee with a deep entry forward, and a medium sixteen degrees deadrise aft. The medium vee compromise is good to flat rough six foot seas going upwind, and give also a comfortable less rolling slow speed beam seas ride. Performance figures are actually impressive, thanks to the lighter weighted cored construction and very big MAN, MTU, and Cat engines. Standard engine is twin MAN V12 1360hp, with options going for MAN V12 1550hp, Cats C32 1570hp, and the bigger C32 1675hp. With Cats C32 1570hp the top speed is forty knots, and a 36 knots all time cruise. MAN V12 1550hp are very close to this being two knots shy away with a top speed of 38 knots. The MANs but do give a better 557 nautical miles range at twenty knots, versus the 452 miles of the Cats C32 1570hp.

Positive

three cabin option

seven foot height in engine room

systems thought out

Negative

cockpit to side deck stairs

no mezzanine

Competition

Cabo did hit the competition when on the fall of last year it presented a three cabin optional version to its 52 Express. Most similar in terms of looks and concept is surely the Viking 52 Open, followed by the Carolina flared Buddy Davis 52 Express. Competitively priced with more economic to run smaller engines is the Riviera 48 Offshore Express. A similar sized custom build currently in construction is FandS Hull.15 54 which looks good, although if you can wait for minimum a year a handful of builders located on the East Coast would be glad to build you one. Competition criteria is for a sixteen metres open express Sportfish Yacht.

Buddy Davis 52 Express - Carolina flare with two en-suited cabins

FandS 54ft Hull 15 - cold moulded fully custom build, variable deadrise hull

Riviera 48 Offshore Express - sixteen metre, 3 versions hardtop, targa, open

Viking 52 Open - similar outside but has mezzanine, twin cabin interior

WILD CARD: Gagliotta 52 - 3 cabins, no real sportfish but has some utilities aft

Conclusion

Cabo has been a welcome addition to the sportfish boat market since its inception in 1991. It started its path by launching a 35 Express, challenging the East Coast builders of Carolina and Florida back in those days. While the purist may have overlooked it at the time, Cabo did create what today has become a benchmark of quality being it a sportfish boat or not. This West Coast boat builder is also among the few sportfish builders who does not shy away from modernity, being one of the first of fully coring its boats, and so far according to the company the records did prove them right having no blister related complain in its eighteen year building history. The 52 Express stands at the top of Cabo's ladder being today its largest build, and it does represent a top choice in engineering, attention to detail, and superior accommodation layouts. High performance which can never miss in a Sportfish Yacht is also there offering speeds of thirty knots plus with the smaller engine choice, and over forty with the bigger options.

Technical Data

LOA. 16.4 metres (54.9ft)

Length. 15.8 metres

Beam. 5.45 metres

Draft. 1.25 metres

Displacement. 25378 kg

Fuel Capacity. 5299 litres

Water Capacity. 757 litres

Accommodation. 4/5 berths in 2 cabins + 2, 6 berths in 3 cabins + 2

Engines. 2 x MAN V12 1360hp, 1550hp, Cat C32 1572hp, C32 1675hp

Propulsion. Direct Shaft with 5 bladed propeller

Speed. 40 knots max, 36 knots cruise with Cat C32 1572hp

Range. 557 nm at 22 knots MAN 1550hp, 452 nm at 20 knots Cats C32 1572hp

Hull Shape. warped vee with sixteen degrees dead rise aft

Project. Cabo, Michael Peters

Construction. vacuum bagged fiberglass with core, vinilester resins

Certification. NMMA with ABYC standards

www.caboyachts.com

Picture Copyright Cabo. Data Cabo.