November 6, 2009

Project: Back Cove 30

Announced in the company blog, Back Cove is set to replace its 29 with the above 30 project. The 29 started the company and propelled it to a success of delivering over four hundred plus of boats in five years time. The 30 will replace the first Back Cove as of coming late Spring of next year. Unlike the 29 the new 30 will be offered standard with hard top, Yanmar 315hp engines, molded-in cockpit seating and a transom door. The interior seating, and head unit take a lot from its predecessor, with the exception in the improved galley storage and the manner in which the salon transforms into a berth. Here Back Cove used a concept to use the berth cushions which lay along the hull side, which can be deployed athwart ships to create a cozy environment in which to relax below decks. In the main deck inside the saloon Back Cove also raised the seating so that everyone has the same view as the helmsman while underway. The interior accommodation plan is presented with an L-shaped saloon settee to starboard of the main deck, with a settee opposite, single helm chair to starboard, and a double passenger seat to port. Down three steps take you below with a shower head to port, opposite galley, and vee shaped saloon to fore which transforms to a double berth. The cockpit follows the concept of the new Back Coves with molded-in seating and the easy access through the transom door.

November 5, 2009

New Model: Azimut 74 Magellano

Announced vaguely in recent years by Azimut Benetti Group president Paolo Vitelli in his interviews, the 74 Magellano has finally been presented in real form at the Genoa Show. My Voyage is the title given to this bold important step for Azimut, although not a completely new one, as the Italian company has been offering long range yachts with Benetti since it took over this brand in the eighties. The innovation but is part of the DNA of the Italian company in all the things it does, and the 74 Magellano reinvents a completely new line and challenges the Explorer Yacht segment with a different philosophy. Yes we can and you too with us, that is look modern, futuristic and explore the whole planet earth. 74 Magellano was also built in the new Arbatax facility, the second yacht to come from Sardinia after hull number one of the new 100 Leonardo. Design is at the hands of Ken Freivokh and Bill Dixon. The designers present an innovate like U-shaped hull design, which reaches top speeds of 25 knots with twin 1015hp Cat engines and at its most efficient cruise should allow a range of about 4000 nautical miles. Azimut also says the innovative design reduces consumption to similar boats, and unlike other displacement, semi planning hulls handles following seas with extreme facility. Interior the 74 Magellano offers a modern main deck with super views, a comfortable open space, and an astern galley. Here the theme is to enjoy passages in extreme comfort and having the feeling of a home while underway. Again challenging Explorer Yacht which for the most part echo tradition inside with a more cosy closed environment, here the 74 Magellano having a style used more by medium range faster type boats. Accommodation below offers three double cabins with a full beam owners suite that has an office, VIP fore cabin, double guest, and crew quarters for a single member astern. While the Magellano is full of admiration for what it offers on the aesthetic and technical front, high safety is a big concern for long passage yachts so the Italian builder will give a good trip test of over one thousand nautical miles to the Azores and back, with the return leg to be done by renowned Dag Pike. Last recent spy rumours also says that a smaller 48 is also in advanced planning stages and should be in the water next year, meaning that we might soon see a full Azimut Magellano line up in a couple years time.
Technical Data:
LOA - 22.66 m (74.4ft)
Hull Length - 22.6 m
Beam - 6.20 m
Draft - 1.70 m  
Displacement - 56 t
Fuel Capacity - 7400 l
Water Capacity - 1500 l
Accommodation - eight berths in four cabins
Engines - 2 x Cats C18 1012hp
Propulsion - line shaft 
Speed - 25 knots max 21 knots cruise, twelve knots long range
Range - 1100 nautical miles at twelve knots
Hull Shape - semi displacement U-shaped with 10.1 degrees dead rise aft
Project - Bill Dixon, Ken Freivokh
Certification - UNI ISO 8666

November 4, 2009

New Model: Judge 37 Oxford

The newest addition to the Judge line of boats is the new 37 Oxford. With this latest addition Judge yachts now offers fifteen models from 22 up to 42 feet. The Judge 37 Oxford offers all the modern day amenities of a cruising boat, together with a unique traditional down east cruiser lobster boat looks which completely stand alone. The accommodation of the 37 Oxford is spacious and practical featuring a queen berth, more than ample forward storage, large shower with separate head, huge couch covered with ultra leather upholstery, and a well sized galley. Speed and performances are unbelievably good with the ability to cruise up to 28 knots at 18 gallons per hour which makes it equivalent to sixty eight litres. This speed reached in whisper quiet and unique comfort makes the new 37 Oxford one of the fastest, and most efficient power to weight boat of its size and style.
Technical Data:
LOA - 11. 27 m (37ft) Waterline Length - 9.49 m
Beam - 3.65 m
Draft - 0.73 m
Displacement - 5669 kg
Fuel Capacity - 598 l
Water Capacity - 113 l
Engine - 1 x Cummins QSB5.9-M 480hp
Propulsion - in line shaft drive
Speed - 28 knots cruise
Construction - composite

Engine: FPT C90 620hp

FPT introduced the new C90 engine, in 620hp at the 49th Genoa International Boat Show. This product, which is at the top end of the market in terms of specific power, reduced consumption and emissions, will demonstrate, once again, how Fiat Power train technology is at the cutting edge. The C90 620hp benefits from the recent progress made in the automotive sector and the development of heavy transportation engines. The C90 620hp will have a new 8.7 litre engine featuring the most up to date technology, such as E.C.R. (Electronic Common Rail), which improves efficiency and reduces the impact on the environment, and integrated fuel system under the tappet cover in order to allow all the high pressure ducts to be kept inside the engine with improvements in terms of safety. The C90 follows FPT features of excellent performance, compactness, lightness, reduced consumption, low running and maintenance costs and low gas emissions and noise pollution. These features make it one of the best on the market in both the pleasure sector, with the 13 and 16 metre motorboats and yachts and in the commercial sector for heavy duty craft applications. The C90 is also an amalgam of modern technology with its six in line cylinders and mono bloc reinforced by a ladder frame allow installation even on sports boats that are exposed to extreme stress conditions produced by speed and waves. The steel crankshaft has integrated fracture split type, steel connecting rods and counter-weights. The aluminium pistons, the high turbulence combustion chamber and the four valves per cylinder contribute to improving combustion and maximising thermal and mechanical efficiency. The timing system with overhead camshafts is governed by a control located in the rear part of the mono bloc with a drastic reduction in noise in the boat cockpit. The E.C.R. injection system, with high operating pressures and the electronic control of the injection, guarantees perfect timing and precise fuel metering, with a considerable reduction in consumption and emissions. The E.C.U. Engine Control Unit is the electronic nerve centre of the engine, carrying out essential functions such as the excellent control of the fuel injection in all operating conditions, the protection of the engine against over-revving and overheating, stopping the emission of fumes, the fault diagnosis of the electronic and mechanical components, the recording of any faults and the management of the safety programme to return to port at low speed in the case of a malfunction. New production processes, with robotised assembly techniques and the numerical control of the matching tolerances, has resulted in a reduction in vibrations and lubricant consumption. The latter advantage means that the intervals for checking and changing the oil are longer compared with other Fiat Power Train engines and this results in a considerable reduction in maintenance costs and time saving. Designed to satisfy specific requirements of high performance with a low impact on the environment, noise pollution and gas emissions, the C90 620hp satisfy all the main international regulations for the sector.

New Model: Queens Yachts 54

Strong of the success gained in the last seasons and by a consolidated position of the Queens Yachts brand, the Italian shipyard continues to extend its range by offering its fifth model which completes further more the offer in Sport Yachts style boats. Queens 54 is the result of form and function resulting in a synthesis of elegance. Designed as all the line by architect Alessandro Inno who again presents a sports yacht with aggressive outside lines associating them with an interior comfort which is at the same level of a similar sized flybridge boat. The futuristic shape of the deck structure gives the yacht an aggressive and rakish look. The 54 welcomes you onboard with a cockpit layout which features a central U-shaped dining area aft, and a fully-fitted galley. Inside the spaces of the new Queens give a sense of spaciousness, thanks to large windows which capture natural daylight in all areas of the yacht. The main deck interior welcomes you with its saloon which revolves the concept of this area with an elegant dinette and comfortable chaise lounge. The lower deck is reserved for the three guest cabins and the galley, with natural light again playing a big part. A fully equipped L-shaped galley with a large window on top welcomes you to the lower deck. The layout for the cabins is a modern affair with owners stateroom to mid ship, fore VIP suite, and double guest cabin. Below Queens yachts uses the latest in sliding door systems in order to take advantage of every possible space. An optional single person crew cabin with private head is available aft. Power is from twin MAN 800hp engines which guide the performing variable deep vee twenty degrees hull in reassuring ability. The future owner for the 54 gets also a wide choice in what regards the furnishing, bulkhead lining, ceilings and cabinets finishing.
Technical Data:
LOA - 17.24 m (56.5ft)
Hull Length - 16.02 m
Beam - 4.74 m
Draft - 1.40 with props
Displacement - 21 t
Fuel Capacity - 2200 l
Water Capacity - 600 l
Accommodation - six berths in three cabins, one crew cabin berth
Engines - 2 x MAN R6 800hp
Propulsion - direct shaft drive
Hull Shape - variable deep vee twenty degrees dead rise
Design - Alessandro Inno

November 3, 2009

Improve-it = Galeon 330 Fly

Polish builder Galeon has done the last years improving its range to always better standards in size, and quality. Galeon comes from a decade of successes in all its line that helped upgrade the size of its offer adding it again with the just presented 700 Raptor flagship, six feet more to 2008. The Strasyn builder but continues to look forward and update its products to be more competitive with more models in the works for the near future, and also by improving its current line to higher standards. Poland's top selling motor cruiser the 330 Fly, is now offered with a new more modern interior option. As has been done in other models in the range, Galeon updates them following feedback and requests from its clients. Shown above is a new option for the already unique ten metres motor cruiser offering three cabins that is the 330 Fly, which now adds more to its speciality by being offered with a modern and stylish oak wood interior. This choice apart representing the latest trend of modern wood essence such as oak, gives also the impression of further added spaces due to the natural lighter color it has versus cherry or mahogany. As all Galeon's the oak will be of veneer type, meaning a real sheet of wood adhered to natural density fibreboard, offering a quality feeling of a solid texture but at the same time reducing weight.

November 2, 2009

New Model: Jeanneau 10 Merry Fisher

Jeanneau continues to upgrade its Merry Fisher range with the addition of the 10. The new 10 Merry Fisher is also the flagship of this entry level motor cruiser range, which now offers a total of nine models. With the 10 Merry Fisher, Jeanneau and designer Garonni successfully evolve the friendly concept of a multi purpose economical flybridge motor cruiser, with modern design hints accented by a traditional form. Garonni and Jeanneau integrate all the latest features like big view windows in the forward owner cabin, togather with a seaworthy, comfortable and secure hull. The big 10 Merry Fisher accommodation plan offers a four plus two berths layout, a separate shower head, and a galley on the main deck. The two cabins are located on the lower deck, with the owners to fore, and the second guest with two bunk berths to port. An additional extra two berths can be gained in the saloon by transforming the C-shaped settee on the main deck. For power Jeanneau takes a traditional economical route offering a single direct in line shaft single engine of 260hp.
Technical Data:
LOA - 10.22 m (33.6ft)
Hull Length - 9.07 m
Beam - 3.33 m
Draft - 1.07 m
Displacement - 4562 kg
Fuel Capacity - 400 l
Accommodation - 4/6 berths
Max Persons - 8
Engines - 1 x 260hp
Propulsion - direct shaft drive
Design - Garonni, Jeanneau
Certification - CE B

Projects: Nord West 430 Sports Top, Nord West 430 Sport

Nord West is proud to present two projects which will be the new 2010 models from Sweden's most rated power boat builder. Nord West follows the success train of their unique 370 range, which on its own is quite a distinctive project offering from a single hull four different type models and two propulsion choices. Now the Vindon builder launches a larger 430 Sports Top, and 430 Sport similar but bigger to the 370 series of the same model names but taking full advantage of the longer and wider multi award winning 4-series hull, the one used for the 420 Flybridge. This Benny Martinsson design has also won acclaim world wide and now becomes available as a full size sports cruiser. Pictured above is the 430 Sports Top offering the alternative of an easy to use rain or shine electrically folding roof. Benny Martinsson Nord West team continues his concept of diversity, and takes it on another level by offering a wide choice of options below decks with three different accommodation layout from two cabins with two en suite heads, five berths three cabins two heads plan, and the family orientated six berths three cabin single head plan. The choice is yours! The innovative cockpit offers both high and low level seating, an innovative wet bar area, and a double helm seat with lifting bases which allows for two people to either sit or stand behind the helm. Angles for the placement of all instruments have been carefully calculated to give perfect visibility and anti-glare finish to the console area to avoid distracting reflections. Opposite the helm to port is a large safe and supportive upper seating area designed to be at windscreen level for those choosing to sit here, alternatively there is room for this to be utilized as a sun berth with rounded head cushion. The lower seating area can also convert to a full sunbathing bed by lowering the electrical operated table, which in settee format accommodates up to eight people for eating or enjoying a sociable drink. Power choice is from twin Volvo D6 370hp, or more powerful 435hp available in two propulsion choices from Volvo, in DP stern drive or IPS forward looking duo propeller pods. Above is the rendering image of the open version of the 430, named as was the case for the similar 370 sibling Sport. The Nord West 430 Sport is in all identical to the Sports Top minus the hard top, offering more aggressive looking exterior looks provided by the forward facing radar arch. Not to worry but if you prefer a head in the air driving experience the 430 Sport is only aggressive looking outside offering the luxury of the Sports Top and its all important choices, as the three versions for the lower deck, and Volvo IPS pod or DP stern drive option. Performance data has not yet been communicated but expect figures in the mid thirty knots with the bigger choices from both propulsion's, with the stern drive being faster and more economic, and the IPS easier to handle in a marina. Excellent performance coupled with high standard of finish and new levels of excellence are Nord West welcoming tickets which is also confirmed by the fact that orders have already been signed by clients for the new 430 in both versions. 

New Model: Ferretti 740

Ferretti presents the new 740, a revised version of the 731 launched in 2004. The new 740 presented in Genoa few weeks ago adds larger view windows to all the four cabins below, has a revised interior main saloon layout which goes for a more traditional Italian style plan, and is available if desired with a hard top option as pictured above. Changes in the main saloon are back to the past with this new layout gaining more space versus the minimal orientated plan of the 731. The change in the new version is that now it has a C-shaped settee to port, three person sofa opposite, eight person dining table located to port side, and revised guest view settee in the helm area now postioned along the beam. Galley is the same as for the previous model. Glassed view surfaces play a big part in the new 740 now more aggressive and angled in the main deck, and all big view windows which open up in all of the four guest cabins. Power is from twin MAN V12 engines of 1360 or optional 1550hp. Top speeds are for 31 knots for the standard choice, and 33 knots with the big optional.
Technical Data:
LOA - 22.68 m (74.5ft)
Hull Length - 22.38 m
Waterline Length - 19.40 m
Beam - 5.84 m
Draft - 1.86 m
Displacement - 48600kg unloaded, 57600kg loaded
Fuel Capacity - 5500 l
Water Capacity - 990 l
Max Persons - 20
Accommodation - 4 double guest cabins, 1 double crew cabin
Engines - 2 x MAN V12 1360hp, 1550hp
Propulsion - direct in line shaft
Speed - 33 knots max, 30 knots cruise with 1550hp option
Range - 360 nautical miles
Hull Shape - variable geometry vee with spray rails, twelve degrees dead rise aft
Construction Material - multi axial fiberglass Design - Zuccon, Ferretti AYT hull
Certification - 94/25 CE A safeties for 12 persons

November 1, 2009

Back to Used

I have decided to start doing this monthly think tank called Blogger, what is a sort of editorial if you want to call it so. Blogger will be featured at the start of each month, hoping this to be also an interesting read for you. This new monthly column starts with a nagging to the editorial of Italian magazine Nautica, written by Lucio Petrone. Now the editorial of Nautica if you can read Italian is always interesting, with an intelligent summary of the market and where it needs to improve. The editorial of October though went a bit off track in its suggested problem solving for the huge number of used boats staggering the market in recent years. Mr. Petrone went on to say that in order to reduce this problem which is slowing the selling of new boats, the Italian government should introduce scrapping incentives similar to those offered in the car industry. His reasoning was that more to cars, building new boats is always profitable for the companies and the state. Yes lets scrap those old boats so the builders keep enjoying the boom enjoyed in the last years!
Now to start comparing boats with cars is never good in all cases. For this is that unlike an automobile, a boat represents usually a second home, in certain circumstances it can also be the first, and the value of it is also to the minimum much more compared with the road vehicle, in purchase and maintenance costs. A boat buying decision is also more or less derived from a passion with many owners doing huge sacrifices to keep there hobby going. Now that the market is full with second hand boats is a fact, that half of these are for sale from passionate owners wishing to upgrade or change is also the other face. I am sure that these owners will be thinking to invest somewhere else if they had the gut feeling that they are buying scrap!
As the other dark side to the boom period of the past years which helped double production to most of the builders, some of these and there dealers over valued trade ins for part exchange with a new boat. Now the builders which did this find themselves in a reduced cash flow and a yard full of used boats. Not an easy situation! For these builders survival will surely be more difficult to those having no liquid capital as are used boats, but instead of waiting for a full blown production to come back soon, what they have to do is to integrate new services as renovation to old models, a concept some builders like Hatteras are doing for example. If they have over flooding of used boats for sale in stock, rumour is that some have about a hundred craft, I think an auction sale system should be introduced by these especially with those models sitting in the yards for a huge period. The market sooner or later will get back in balance and may be this slow down is a bit of a blessing in disguise, as it reduces new boat production, and puts back the fact that a used boat can represent a huge opportunity for a buyer. I think suggesting the scraping of used boats whatever the age just puts more pressure to the second hand market which is as today in its historical lows, although some boats in the past months have been moving.