Propulsion: ZF Pod 4000

A third pod new propulsion system from ZF with the 4000 model, suitable for large yachts powered by engines up to 1200hp. The new large ZF pod unit has been jointly developed by ZF Marine, Azimut-Benetti Group and Lazzara Yachts. The system has been successfully tested on a 62S from Azimut and is about to be installed as triple configuration in the new 120 foot super sport yacht from Lazzara Yachts. The system comprises a standard transmission mounted to a steerable pod unit with twin, counter-rotating propellers. The ZF Pod 4000 is compact and lightweight and represents the latest evolution of podded drives already on the market, from which it distinguishes itself by an innovative and patented system which keeps the vessel at a given position. The advantages of this third member of the ZF Pod are numerous, particularly regarding the performance. The superior efficiency of the ZF Pod, compared to traditional propulsion systems, results in increased cruising speed of up to 15% with the same installed power. This improved performance is accompanied by up to 20% reduction in fuel consumption, with corresponding environmental benefits. Concerning the maneuverability when docking, the ZF Pod is controlled by a joystick which is connected to an integrated electronic control system. All functions are therefore controlled simply and intuitively, for easy and safe handling of the vessel. Each pod unit is independently steered, guaranteeing excellent stability when executing turns. When cruising, maneuverability is exceptional, thanks to an electronically controlled steering system which actuates the Pod either for comfortable cruising, or more aggressive driving. The ZF Pod 4000 is suitable for large yachts from sixty to one hundred twenty feet powered by engines up to 1200hp each. The system has many advantages, in particular higher efficiency compared to traditional systems, increased maneuverability, more comfort on board with more space available for accommodation and a significant reduction of noise and vibrations. These are all benefits which are appreciated by owners of today's luxury yachts. The standard ZF Pod comes complete with a GPS position keeping system, whereby controlled actuation of the pod units enables the vessel to automatically maintain a set position, even in the presence of wind and currents. Also, regarding safety, the ZF Pod has significant advantages because the body of the unit itself protects the aft facing propellers from floating debris. The compact dimensions of the unit significantly increase the available space on board and the anti-vibration brackets, connecting the ZF Pod to the hull, greatly reduce vibration and noise. On board comfort is naturally an important factor when choosing a yacht, and according to the latest developments in the market, an ever more inviting and comfortable environment is demanded, to increase the enjoyment of cruising. The introduction of ZF Pod's third version underlines the commitment of the ZF Marine Group to offer the most advanced technological solutions, today more oriented towards energy saving, reduced environmental impact and improved comfort on board. The performance and advantages of this new innovative propulsion system have convinced also the Beneteau Group to chose the ZF Pod 4000 for a new line of their yachts.

www.zf-marine.com

New Model: Ocean Alexander 54 Trawler

Beyond expanding more into the Super Yacht market with its new Megayacht Series, Ocean Alexander proposes a new Trawler Series line for 2009. The Taiwan US builder proposes three new models for 2009, of which two will be into this newly introduced Explorer Yachts Trawler Series. This new range will also be the entry level line into Ocean Alexander range which has a total of fifteen models which start from this 54 Trawler up to the project of the 145 Megayacht. This new 54 Trawler is a two cabin boat, with a lower deck offering a full beam mid ship owners cabin, VIP guest cabin to fore, and a large utility room to aft behind the master stateroom. The main deck is made for on board living offering a sociable welcoming saloon with L-shaped settee, a galley, and a raised pilot house which features also an L-shaped dining settee just behind the helm station. Performance and the ever important for an Explorer Yacht range figures from the single 300hp John Deere engines have not been announced.
Technical Data:
LOA - 16.56 m (54.4ft)
Waterline Length - 14.73 m
Beam - 5.10 m
Draft - 1.39 m
Displacement - 31751 kg
Fuel Capacity - 5300 l
Water Capacity - 1134 l
Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins
Engine - 1 x John Deere 6081AFM M2 300hp
Propulsion - in line shaft

www.oceanalexander.com

Improve-it = Bruno Abbate Primatist G46 Aerotop Pininfarina

Bruno Abbate Primatist keeps updating and improving its models, in order to win customers attention to its Sport Cruiser and Yachts. The Italian lake Como based builder is always researching to constantly propose, innovate, change, and improve in order to keep its market leadership. Now Bruno Abbate looks deeper into one of its best selling models, the G46 Aerotop Pininfarina, which went to the Genoa show with some important changes to its lower deck. This updated improved version titled Cruise Edition for the Pininfarina designed G46 which was launched during the same event in October 2006 now is offered with a new lower deck plan featuring a large L-shaped galley below. The new well sized Cruise Edition galley takes the place of the saloon settee to starboard side of the original version, which in the original version transforms itself into a fully private third double bunk cabin thanks to hiding slide doors in little time. This new Cruise Edition version makes it ideally suited for customers who cruise more personally, needing less berths, and want to use more the boat, and desiring a full gourmet style galley able to make any chef happy.

www.primatist.it

New Model: Azimut 40S

Basing itself on one platform Azimut was wise and economic enough to create two different models on the exterior, and hitting with this to different client bases. This is the story for the 40S which has an identical hull to the 38 Flybridge launched a few weeks ago in Southampton. Azimut is not new to this concept having done the same with the 43 model in the recent past. The 40S steals the hull and interior plan of the flybridge sibling, but has a redesigned top side with the more lively and sporty super structure of the S range. The S range concept launched in 2003 is all about offering the living and comfort of a flybridge boat, but in a more aggressive looking and performing platform. It is worth to mention that this has been a huge success for Azimut from the start with the 68S the first model of the range receiving fifty orders in less then a year after its launch. Not bad for a sport yacht which at the time had a price tag of close to two million Euros. The 40S keeps the same 38 Flybridge well laid, luxury fitted twin cabin interior with huge view windows in all parts of this sport cruiser. Reflections and comparisons with the 38 do not stop on the design, but go on in the performance department too, with the 40S delivering a 4 nautical mile per hour faster 36 knots top speed, thanks to 125 extra horses per engine of the shaft propelled twin 480hp Cummins. An innovative feature which is not to miss are the two solar panels integrated in the hard top which charge the batteries during day time without the need of an external generator or shore power.
Technical Data:
LOA - 12.02 m (39.4ft)
Hull Length - 11.58 m
Beam - 3.8 m
Draft - 1.10 m
Displacement - 12.4 t
Fuel Capacity - 1100 l
Water Capacity - 390 l
Accommodation - 4/5 berths in 2 cabins
Engines - 2 x Cummins QSB5.9 480hp
Propulsion - direct inline shaft
Speed - 36 knots, 28 knots cruise
Design - Stefano Righini exterior, Carlo Galeazzi interior
Hull Shape - vee with 17.9 degrees deadrise aft
Construction - GRP
Certification - UNI ISO 8666

www.azimutyachts.com

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