Project: Aquastar 85 Azure

Aquastar have built a fabulous track record of their award winning 74, and 80 semi-displacement long range fuel efficient yachts. Now the Guernsey builder challenges the market with its biggest project to date presenting the good looking 85 Azure. The 85 Azure is the most modern looking Aquastar to date, and is the second model from to go above the eight foot mark offering what is also referred to an entry level super yacht. It will be powered by twin Cats C18 1500hp each which will give her a cruise in the ten to eighteen knots range. Aquastar thoughts are to offer a live aboard long range four cabin traditional planned lower deck, with crew accommodation for three members aft. Main deck is a spacious split level with the welcoming area aft featuring a large saloon, and dining table for eight persons. Up one step you get to the fore part which has the pilot house, and a separate galley. Interior is a semi custom plan giving the owner free hands with layout and decor with input from the Aquastar team as required. Designed by Aquastar own team the 85 Azure will have a semi displacement hull which to UK builders say will be second to none in its sea-keeping, and good engineering from construction standards up to the smoothest navigation giving a quiet smooth ride.

www.aquastar.gg

Buoy vs Bertram

Update 2. Friday 22nd January 2010

Bertram has sent a new letter to its friends saying the following that the caption accompanying underwater photographs posted on one website (Yachtforum) claims that the images were taken from a video of the boat shot on November 11, just a few days after the sinking. These photos depicting dramatic damage to the sunken boat have been used to cast doubt on the possibility the sinking was caused by a collision and to support a number of negative theories about the quality of Bertram.  The fact is the sunken boat was not even located until two weeks later on November 24 by a crew contracted by the owners.  It was found 1.5 miles from the point of its sinking.  Between the date of the incident and when the images were captured after November 24 there was a significant tropical storm in the area with very strong winds and violent currents with the strength to toss such a wreck about and move it some distance from where it sank.  Bertram also added damage to the yacht depicted in the underwater photographs taken after 24th November is totally inconsistent with the detailed description of the sinking boat provided by the captain during an interview after the incident of 6th November. The plaintiff also stated its first public statements on 14th January confirming that the Sportfish Yacht was pre-purchase surveyed, that they where the first retail owners, that MarineMax arranged for the yacht delivery from New York to West Palm Beach, that the Captain denies hitting an object, that before the sinking speed was at 25 knots with three to four foot following seas, that upon entering a wave the bow of the vessel folded back in catastrophic failure making an abrupt halt, that the boat sank in twelve minutes with the crew making four mayday calls before they abandoned ship, and that unlike the video or photos the Captain reports the transom was intact before the sinking.  The plaintiff marine surveyors and naval architects indicate that the post casualty photographs show manufacturing defects which caused or contributed to the loss of the vessel.  The plaintiffs also offered to avoid litigation and offered Bertram to give a comparable replacement vessel.  Bertram did not give any replacement and offered to sell a demonstrator 630 with 800 engine hours for 1.8 million US$.

Update 1. Friday 18th December 2009

On YachtForums they posted exclusive images of the wreckage taken from the owners legal defence video.  It is very interesting, and seeing this the 630 looks to have considerable damage.  Still this video was taken with the Sportfish Yacht about a month in the water, and apart the damage which is considerable, my point of view is that with this alone is very difficult to say if the boat was hit or had a hull failure.  Bertram President Michael M. Myers also posted some new pictures of the buoy, more recent to the accident date, and stated QUOTE Examination of the buoy showed matching paint, some damage from impact, and an apparent propeller cut END QUOTE.  To be correct we posted the new picture from the boat builder.  The Bertram President also said the following about some court rumours QUOTE We also would like to point out that the on-line suggestion that the owner’s attorney had to get a court order to keep us from salvaging the boat is entirely false END QUOTE.  Another rumour circulating is about the buoy and here we have the technical data of same as posted on The Hull Truth forums: FIGURE 1, SCDNR, 200# with REFLECTOR height: 161.0” diameter: 24.0” visibility: 125.0” weight: 200 lbs. Features:• Durable ABS plastic outer shell• Closed cell Polyurethane Foam filled• Internal and external radar reflector• colour: yellow.

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This above is the Bill Perry Reef buoy in South Carolina, and subject to verification might have put down a 2006 built Bertram 630 titled m/y Absolutely on November sixth.  The crew of two managed to survive without any harm, but the persistent rumour on the US boating forums discussing this, is that this 630 which was a stock demo from MarineMax who just found its first owner had structural damage in the bow sections which sank the twenty metre Sportfish Yacht in just ten minutes, stopping its delivery trip to Florida for shipping.  Still Bertram President Michael W. Myers also declared that this buoy seems to have been hit by something, and the starboard side propellers and rudders on the wreckage which lies eighty feet at sea bottom show a damage.  The above photo was taken some time after the sinking by the owners investigation team, and if this is the buoy being hit, looks to be small to damage and sink a blue water forty ton twenty meter Sportfish Yacht.  At this point in time we can't say any more but lets stay tuned on more developments, and honestly for such a great legendary brand name as Bertram which built its fame on sea capability and strong construction, I hope this is not a repeat with worse tragic consequences then the 2008 delaminated model.  If this was the case more bad news would be that the US builder Italian managed company also promised a big recheck to all its boats when that delamination happened to that 2008 model.  Something which apparently had not been done on all Bertram's.

New Model: Posillipo 90 Technema

Posillipo new 90 Technema, was presented at the recent Genoa show. This was the first double deck design from naval architect Carlo Galeazzi for the Posillipo range prior to the raised pilot house styled 95 Technema his first job for the renowned Italian builder, and the 120. This design has received so much positive feedback that it was immediately followed by the 75 Technema also launched this year. Posillipo and Inrizzardi challenge to Galeazzi was to create diverse volumes and define a new equilibrium of continuity in evolving the formal design language of earlier 95 and 120 Technema, but also to follow on the Zuccon 80, 70, 65 Technema's. Following these philosophies the 90 Technema has superstructure lines that are soft, taut and angular at the same time enhancing dynamism and the functionality of interior spaces, with large aft and forward windows expanding horizontally in opposite directions to overlap centrally. The standard interior layout is a classic four cabin plan with all rooms having a personal en-suite head. The 90 Technema has also a day head on the main deck just behind the pilot house. Crew quarters has two cabins located mid ship, with this area having direct access to the engine room. As has become a constant theme in new yachts over seventy feet the 90 Technema features a forward dinette on the fore deck. An other cool but unseen feature is the availability to offer two large C-shaped settees on the flybridge with one for dining and another for lounging. Hull number one of the 90 Technema had also some optional features like an up and down bathing platform aft, an integrated hard top, and a free area on the flybridge which is used to sit four free moving chaise loungers. Performance as all Posillipo Technema is always fast with MTU choices of 2000 or 2400hp giving top speeds of 31 and 33 knots respectively.
Technical Data:
LOA - 26.75 m (87.7ft)
Beam - 6.50 m
Draft - 2.05 m with props
Displacement - 69 t empty, 80 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 9500 l
Water Capacity - 1800 l
Accommodation - 8 / 10 guest berths in 4 cabins, 3 crew in 2 cabins
Max Persons - 18
Engines - 2 x MTU v16 2000M91 2000hp, v16 2000M93 2400hp
Propulsion - direct in line shaft
Speed - 33 knots max, 29 knots cruise half load with MTU 2400hp
Range - 380 nautical miles at cruise
Project - Carlo Galeazzi
Certification - R.I.N.A. CE A

www.posillipoyachts.com

New Model: ISA Yachts 480

Based on the design of the 470, is the new International Shipyards Ancona 480. The new ISA Yachts 480 adds half a metre of length to the 470, but keeps the same beam, and similar exterior looks, designed by Walter Franchini. The architect for the 480 does not change much in substance and keeps the aggressive looking descending stern, with an elegant side profile and high rise bow. Built of a steel hull, with an aluminium super structure to most strict class rules, the ISA 480 offers a standard interior plan for the three decks plus flybridge super yacht with four double guest cabins on the lower deck, and an owners suite on the main deck. Crew accommodation is for ten members, with the captains cabin on the third deck next to the pilot house. Power is from twin MTU 2479hp engines which give top speeds of 16.7 knots minus .3 knots to the 470, which has also less power. Range is for 2250 nautical miles at 14 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 48 m (157.4ft)
Length Waterline - 41.20 m
Beam - 8.90 m
Draft - 2.55 m full load
Displacement - 464 t half load, 500 t full load
Fuel Capacity - 69000 l
Water Capacity - 15000 l
Accommodation - five double owners guest cabins, 10 crew berths
Engines - 2 x MTU 12V4000M71 2479hp
Speed - 16.7 knots max, 15.5 knots cruise
Range - 2250 nm at 14 knots
Construction - steel hull, aluminum super structure
Design - Walter Franchini, ISA Yachts
Certification - Lloyd's Malta Cross 100A1 SSC Yacht Mono G6 UMS, MCA Code of Practice LY2 unrestricted

www.isayachts.com

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.

www.backcoveyachts.com

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

www.azimutyachts.com

PowerYachtBlog Best of the Year 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

www.judgeyachts.com

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.

www.fptindustrial.com

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

www.queensyachts.com

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.

www.galeon.pl