November 26, 2009

New Model: Sunseeker 60 Predator

Sunseeker launched the 60 Predator at the Southampton boat show, where British largest production powerboat builder presented itself with five new models, three of which super yachts over eighty feet in length, and including with them also the current 130 Predator flagship. The new 60 Predator finds me in a friendly complain with Sunseeker as so far the British builder has always been clever in its history to differentiate its models with names and numbers from previous ones. The 60 Predator is the same name as given to a Sunseeker model from 1999 to 2001. Spaces are key to the new 60 Predator, which also goes back to the basics of the open Mediterranean Sport Yacht outside capturing an attention for big open areas, like the large cockpit which feels that of a much bulkier boat, and a spacious three cabin lower deck. Its main deck is pure entertainment having a sun pad aft under which is a tender garage, two opposite looking L-shaped settees, L-shaped wet bar, and a front row dedicated to the helmsman in his three person settee to port, and two person passenger seats to starboard. Below are the three cabins, galley and C-shaped settee. The owners suite as the big view hull windows suggest is a full beam mid ship affair. The other two cabins are the VIP suite located to fore, and a double singles to port. Power is for twin engines up to 1267hp each which should give top speeds of 37 knots. Choice is also a virtue of the 60 Predator with a no hard top open alternative, an option I think we want see much of it around, and propulsion of traditional in line shafts standard or extra cost surface drives.
Technical Data:
LOA - 19.92 m (65.4ft) includes pulpit
Length - 19.37 m
Waterline Length - 14.67 m
Beam - 4.95 m
Draft - 1.49 m
Displacement - 33500kg full load
Fuel Capacity - 3000 l
Water Capacity - 700 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x 1267hp
Propulsion - in line shaft, surface drives
Speed - 37 knots max, 28 knots cruise
Construction - hand laid GRP vinlester powder mat, balsa core sides, PVC core top
Project - Sunseeker Design, Design Unlimited interior
Certification - CE B

Project: BlueGame BG40

Italian builder BlueGame continue to present new projects based on its concept of large center consoles, but have much more within and are suited for various uses like cruising, fishing, launch boat, or big tender for a super yacht or a sea side villa. The BG40 is the smallest project so far to come from BlueGame and designer Lou Codega, and company owner Luca Santanella, present a forty footer which represents a similar layout outside and inside to the BG47 but all in smaller spaces. Example of this can be found in the interior which has a similar layout to the bigger sister with two cabins located mid ship, and living area with separate head and C-shaped salon located to the fore part. The cockpit also follows the unique deck layout as seen on the large BlueGame's with full deep wide walk around decks, sun pad aft, and a protected C-shaped settee just behind the helm station. BlueGame has so far presented no options for the outside and inside with only one T-Top version for the exterior fittings, one for the deck, and one for the inside. Codega for the new small Blue Game choose a deeper medium vee of seventeen degrees, versus the twelve of the bigger 47 and 60 models. The novelty for the BG40 is the use of pod drives here the Italian builder choosing ZF Zeus system with Cummins engines. Power is for a standard twin Cummins QSB 380hp or optional 425hp from the same maker. Speed is a max of 32 knots with the standard power, and of 34 knots with the bigger choice.

New Model: Absolute 64

Absolute continue to follow its wave thinking always offering more innovative sport cruisers and yachts. This new 64 from the Italian builder also uses Volvo forward looking IPS pod propulsion, offered on seven out of eight Absolute models. As expected the new 64 has design stints that follow what the 70 flagship presented last year, with only size and spaces making the difference to a similar three cabin, galley below layout. Externally the 64 is also more aggressive looking sport yacht then to the flagship with elegant minimal squarish touches. Taking away the size difference of about a metre and a half in length and one foot at beam, there is not much dividing the two big Absolutes on the lower deck, with all three cabins having there personal en suite heads on the 64, and an L-shaped galley below. You also get a single crew cabin with shower head located at mid ship. The saloon main deck on the 64 is but conservative on layout, offering a C-shaped settee to starboard upon entrance inside and followed by a two person helm station. For the aft deck Absolute also went for a more Mediterranean layout with big sun pad aft, and an integrated L-shaped settee, while to fore for those looking for more privacy in a marina is a five person settee with table. Propulsion continues Absolute use of three or more engine pods, with the Italian builder being the first to experiment with a triple IPS propulsion set up back in 2005 as on its at the time 56 flagship. Just as the bigger 70 the new 64 is powered by quadruple IPS600 D6 435hp, and so far Absolute seems to not offer alternative to this set up, which I am a bit surprised considering Volvo new bigger engine pod series release.
Technical Data:
LOA - 20.40 m (66.9ft)
Length - 19.80 m
Beam - 5.15 m
Fuel Capacity - 3000 l
Water Capacity - 650 l
Accommodation - 6 berths, 1 crew berth
Max Persons - 16
Engine - 4 x Volvo IPS600 D6 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward looking dual propeller pods
Design - Absolute Research and Development Lab
Certification - CE B

November 25, 2009

Project: Galeon 780 Crystal


Just coming from the launching of its new current flagship the 700 Raptor, Galeon continues to upgrade its range to bigger dimensions with the introduction of the 780 Crystal project. Another eight feet plus in size for the Polish Strazyn builder, and only two feet away of what is often referred to as a pocket super yacht. This expansion to bigger sizes has been impressive for Galeon in the last two years with the 640 Fly launched in 2008, followed by the 700 Raptor for this year. So far Galeon is very tight lipped on details for its future flagship, although we can say that the hull mould is in a near to a completed construction phase. If all goes well I give a maximum of two years for this project to be presented for reality. Watch this spot for more.

November 24, 2009

New Model: Ocean Alexander 68 Pilothouse Motoryacht Series

Ocean Alexander continue to expand its Motoryacht series line by launching the new 68 Pilothouse, which offers a design echoing modernity with a classic touch. Coming from two important novelties in recent times that of launching its important Megayacht Series on the upside scale, and also presenting its entry level Trawler Series explorer yachts range which challenges other famous builders in this new challenging and growing segment. The 68 is a mid range motor yacht which feels like a small ship, and has a semi planning hull which should give medium speeds in the twenty knots region. Inside the 68 Pilothouse Motoryacht layout is a three cabin, with an owner suite located mid ship featuring a separate entrance stair case, and full view circular windows on both sides. A VIP suite is located to fore, and another double guest cabin also with its own bathroom is located to port side. A single crew cabin with single berth is located aft. The saloon is a split level offering an entertaining saloon on the lower level welcoming area, and an open galley, a dining table for six and central located pilot house in the raised area. Worth to note that everything on the 68 feels like coming from bigger sized yachts from the mooring cleats to the feeling large flybridge area which is covered for half of its space by a fiberglass hard top. Power is from twin standard MTU 825hp, up to a more powerful optional choice of 1200hp also by the German engine producer.
Technical Data:
LOA - 21.81 m (71.7ft)
Waterline Length - 18.16 m
Beam - 5.64 m
Draft - 1.52 m
Displacement - 46000 kg
Fuel Capacity - 5300 l
Water Capacity - 1134 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, 1 crew cabin
Engines - 2 x MTU 825hp, 1200hp
Propulsion - in line shaft
Construction - hand laid fiberglass with solid bottom, and Airex PVC core on side

Propulsion: Steyr Motors EDS System

This sophisticated mechanical device gives the boat owners the opportunity to engage a mechanical rack mover by a shifting cable in case of emergency. This can be for example a complete breakdown of the board electric system including engine, and engine control panel. Finally the Steyr engine will run the boat home on a safety mode. For the time being there is no other electronically controlled marine engine besides a Steyr Diesel on the market which offers this feature. The EDS guarantees the highest safety standard and makes you independent from any other complicated additional propulsion system. This Steyr option has been developed specifically to satisfy the highest requirements of life and rescue boat builders for their SOLAS related products. There is also a high demand and many inquiries from leisure boat builders and blue water sailboat owner who want to offer the maximum safety available on the market. EDS Mechanical Energy Drive System is worldwide unique and available for the whole range of Steyr Marine Diesel 4 and 6 cylinder engines, based on Mono block and High Pressure Unit Injectors fully developed its own engineering department. It is representing the most innovative and professional backup solution for all kind of applications for commercial and leisure boat operation.

New Model: Fountaine Pajot 40 Summerland

French Catamaran specialist Fountaine Pajot presents the 40 Summerland, its third power model to go into production. Designed for cruising by Joubert-Nivelt also the designers for the previous two power catamaran models to come from the French builder, the new 40 Summerland offers great comfort in terms of navigation and life on board, featuring open spaces, a sheltered cockpit, and direct safe access areas which make for easy relaxing trips. The flybridge of the 40 Summerland offers a full relaxation area equipped with a sundeck, wide seats and helm station to starboard. Entrance to the interior is through a patio door, here all being flush level with the exterior, making for easy communications with the aft deck outside, and the inside living area. The saloon in the 40 Summerland has well defined areas where you will find the light and comfort of bigger boats, and features a dinette to port which can accommodate six persons, a fully fitted galley opposite to starboard, and the central located main lower helm station. Privacy is a key element for the lower deck of the new medium sized power catamaran Fountaine Pajot. The owners suite located to starboard has a fully independent entrance with its double berth positioned to the beam, a beauty desk, and a private shower head. To port side are two separate guest cabins which share a shower head located in between. The two cabins are a twin single to fore, and a double VIP to mid ship. Standard power for the 40 Summerland is twin Volvo D3 150hp engines, with a higher rated D6 260hp available as optionals. The standard engines give a top speed of 18 knots and a cruise of 13 knots. Fountaine Pajot has also some super numbers for its new medium sized Power Catamaran, which at its best economic 7 knots cruise consumes only 10.6 litres per hour and totals 1000 nautical miles on a tank.
Technical Data:
LOA - 12.19 m (40ft)
Beam - 5.35 m
Draft - 1.04 m
Displacement - 12 t unloaded
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 700 l
Water Capacity - 598
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D3 150hp, D4 260hp
Propulsion - in line shaft
Speed - 18 knots max, 13 knots cruise with D3s 150hp
Range - 500 nm @ 13 knots, 1000 nm @ 7 knots
Design - Joubert-Nivelt, Coste Design & Partners

November 23, 2009

New Model: Linssen 25.9 Grand Sturdy Sedan

Dutch boat builder Linssen present the new 25.9 Grand Sturdy distinguished by its full hull. This creates a vast amount of space which the designers have put to good use. The separate fore cabin contains a generously proportioned French style double bed and there is also a separate head shower compartments as well as ample cupboard and storage space. The helmsman’s position and cockpit are on one level, creating a “saloon” of about eight metres squared which gives a pleasant feeling of space. It can be completely opened in fine weather and well protected when the weather is not so good (on one side when windy, if desired) using the handy open cockpit covers all around. Helmsman’s position with bench seat and “co-pilot” seat have been located centrally so that captain and partner can together enjoy a panoramic view while under way. The fully equipped galley unit behind the cockpit bench on the starboard side is positioned practically opposite the large, real leather U-bench with great book-reading position and dinette table. The interior is finished in luxury American cherry wood throughout, which creates an atmosphere of warmth and luxury when combined with the curtains and the attractive floor. Although its ease of operation and compact dimensions make it extremely suitable for short weekend trips, Linssen definitely did not develop the Grand Sturdy Sedan 25.9 as a typical day cruiser, on the contrary it is also well suited to longer stays, particularly because of good storage space availability under the cockpit floor.
Technical Data:
LOA - 8.20 m (26.9ft)
Length Waterline - 6.73 m
Beam - 3.15 m
Draft - 0.90 m
Displacement - 6000 kg
Fuel Capacity - 100 l
Water Capacity - 100 l
Accommodation - 2 berths
Engine - 1 x Vetus 4 cylinder M4.15 33hp
Propulsion - in line shaft
Hull Shape - chine
Construction - LY patented FBFS construction
Certification - CE C Coast

Improve-it = Atlantis 50x4

Following its introduction in the Azimut Benetti Group Yachting Gala in June 2008, the 50x4 from the Atlantis brand is now offered with further options and improvements to the inside for the interior, and for its power choices that is the heart of this versatile sport yacht. Atlantis proposes now the 50x4 with a new restyling of the area below decks, which concerns the décor offering more classic taste, and higher quality materials. The 50x4 has also been upgraded with new engine options, now offered with an optional twin Cat C9 575hp choice propelled with aft looking ZF Zeus pods, adding more power to the standard unit of the twin Volvo's 435hp IPS propulsion set up. Performance with this new engine option is for a 36 knots top speed, that is 6 knots more to the standard IPS set up.

New Model: Beneteau 30 Antares

For the fall of this year French builder Beneteau decided to change the Antares range with all models over nine meters having there designation change in feet size. For the 30 Antares the French builder decided for a full replacement to the nine series, upgrading and renovating it to a new model. The 30 Antares is an innovative motor cruiser, challenging a size and style of the market, that of an entry level flybridge abandoned today by most European motor boat builders. Designed by Sarazin the new small Antares has modern looks to it with an extended flybridge covering the cockpit and an elegant looking windshield. The new small Antares is also about options giving choice to the buyer of a second central helm station up top with L-shaped settee, or replaced by a fully dedicated entertainment area, with sun pad and settee table. A further S hardtop version with patio door is also in the works, and should be launched before the end of the year. Watch PowerYachtBlog for more information on this project. Inside the 30 Antares is also a comfortable cruiser offering four berths in two cabins plus a convertible extra double bed. The main deck welcomes you in the comfort zone with the C-shaped settee which converts to an additional double berth, galley, and lower main helm station. Below is dedicated to the sleeping quarters with the owners cabin to fore featuring a queen size berth, double bunk guest cabin, and a shower head. Power is by a single Yanmar 380hp, the French Group in recent times taking this more economic choice for its smaller models.
Technical Data:
LOA - 10.22 m (33.5ft)
Hull Length - 9.20 m
Beam - 3.39 m
Draft - 0.95 m
Displacement - 4960 kg
Fuel Capacity - 375 l
Water Capacity - 145 l
Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths
Max Persons - 8
Engine - 1 x Yanmar 6LY3 380hp
Propulsion - shaft line
Construction - sandwich fibreglass, polyester resin with balsa
Project - Sarazin Design, Beneteau Design Team hull
Certification - CE B8, C10