February 26, 2010

Improve-it = Hatteras 60 Motor Yacht

Hatteras continues the year-long celebration of its 50th Anniversary by making a stunning design debut at the 2010 Miami Boat Show. Already a popular model, the Hatteras 60 Motor Yacht underwent an intensive design review this past year. With input from dozens of Hatteras customers plus owners of competitive products, Hatteras totally redesigned the interior spaces and added square footage in the galley and salon with an innovative approach to layout and construction that makes this boat among the largest in its size motor yacht. The unique design theme that flows throughout the boat combines exotic woods with dual tone wall coverings and padded panels. This creates a continuous and open environment that leads you gracefully from the aft deck all the way to the full-beam master and beyond. These sweeping changes do not stop at the salon door. The Hatteras design team created a fresh new look for the exterior with minor tweaks to the window lines, and the elimination of the engine room vents in the hull side. The flybridge is also improved with a tinted windscreen and a modified deck layout to maximize entertainment space up above. The 60 Motor Yacht can now also be ordered with an extra of 270hp thanks to more powerful optional Cats C18 1135hp engines.

February 25, 2010

New Model: Fairline 44 Targa Open

Fairline's 44 Targa Open model is the rethinking of the 44 Targa GT launched in 2007. The 44 Targa GT was much acclaimed during its launch by the British builder for its two year testing in order to make the best of Volvo IPS pods. Strangely two years after its presentation Fairline gives the 44 Targa GT a propulsion change, now with stern drives, a new cockpit design which favours a longer settee, and gets added with a new Open no hardtop model version. While many questions may arise mostly regarding the propulsion change what it certainly did was to make the 44 Targa Open, a more competitively priced Fairline model in this size range. Apart the now more competitive edge the other benefits are a more sportier also cheaper no hardtop version, and an exterior aft deck which gives more settee place for entertaining. The interior with twin double cabins, two heads, saloon and galley is the same. Worth to note here is the clever second guest shower head which unlike most of the competition stands outside of the guest cabin. The split level exterior is also unchanged in its other areas like the well sized wet bar, and L-shaped settee to port of the helm station. The stern drive propulsion change apart discounting the price give also better economy and speeds with less power, achieving a 35 knots with the largest twin 370hp optional choice.
Technical Data:
LOA - 13,68 m (44.9ft)
Hull Length - 13.12 m
Beam - 4.04 m
Draft - 1.01 m
Displacement - 11.12 t dry
Fuel Capacity - 996 l
Water Capacity - 320 l
Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths
Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 300hp, D6 370hp
Propulsion - Volvo stern drive
Speed - 32 knots max with D4 300hp, 35 knots with D6 370hp
Hull - deep forward section with nineteen degrees deadrise aft
Construction - hand laid gel coat fiberglass, polyurethane foam core for deck
Project - Fairline Design Team, Bernard Olenski hull

February 24, 2010

Project: Nordhavn 78

Nordhavn follow up their two latest innovative designs, the 56 Motorsailer and the 75 Expedition Yachtfisher, Pacific Asian Enterprises Inc, has once again stretched the boundaries of their trawler line with the introduction of the 78 project, a long-range, contemporary-styled yacht. The Nordhavn 78 will serve to fulfill the needs of the class of boater who wants the proven ocean crossing capabilities of a Nordhavn combined with the sleek lines comprised by typical European style yachts. Key to the design is the emphasis Chief Designer Jeff Leishman has placed on outdoor living, starting with the flybridge. The 78 flybridge will feature a Jacuzzi, wetbar, barbecue and a large open deck area perfect for entertaining. Meanwhile, the foredeck a typical lounging hotspot on most European boats has been designated to be an ideal outdoor chilling space. The cockpit of the 78 has been opened up, too, further enhancing entertaining possibilities. Another draw of the new 78 is that it better segregates the crew from the owners and their guests. Like the entire Nordhavn range with the exception of the 120, the 78 is intended to be operated without a captain. However, Leishman has designed engine room access in the transom so that employed crew can enter the area without impacting company on board. The Nordhavn 78 will come equipped with twin Cummins 425hp engines, have ocean crossing capabilities with a range of three thousand plus of miles and superior fuel efficiency. The interior will feature an updated, modern design aesthetic that includes sumptuous owners’ accommodations and two superb guest rooms all with ensuite heads; crew quarters and off-watch quarters. Although the lines of the N78 will have a European flair, Nordhavn feels the yacht will appeal to international and American markets alike. The project is currently underway with the first hull scheduled to complete in early 2011.

New Model: Broom 450 Mk.II

British Broom continue to update and redevelop its models, presenting the second generation of the 450 with the new Mark.II series launched during the London boat show. The new Broom 450 Mk.II is recognizable in the outside thanks to all round frame less windows. Inside Broom sticks to the very British aft cabin concept but took also the opportunity to present a new look interior, redesigned seating arrangement for the aft deck, and control position. The 450 Mk.II follows its predecessor offering one of the most spacious for a thirteen metres motor cruiser interior with a twin or triple cabin choice, featuring a spacious aft located master stateroom difficult to find in similar sizes. Standard interior furniture fitting is in pale teak. The 450 Mk.II can be powered by engines from small Volvo D6 310hp a choice ideal for canal users, up to the more sea friendly optional of twin 500hp.
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.7 m (45ft)
Deck Length - 13 m
Waterline Length - 11 m
Beam - 4.6 m
Draft - 1.2 m
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 909 l
Water Capacity - 590 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 310hp, D9 500hp, Yanmar 6LYE-ETP 480hp
Propulsion - line shaft

February 23, 2010

Projects: Austin Parker AP52 Open, Austin Parker AP62 Fly, Austin Parker AP72 Fly

Austin Parker are back with an ambitious project for three bigger models, all following the brands return with the AP42 Open in the fall of last year. These bigger projects will complete Austin Parker Traditional lobster looking line from 42 to 72 feet. Pictured above is the smallest of the new projects, the AP52 Open. This new model is presently under construction, and as the new Austin Parker's carries the signature of renowned yacht designer Fulvio de Simoni, who continues his inspiration as seen with the new 42 of a Lobster Yacht with modern architectural elements. Accommodation in the AP52 offers a three double cabin plan, with a crew berth aft. Interesting here is the owners suite to fore, with queen sized double berth looking to the side makes use of the bow flair, to add size and space similar to that of a full beam suite. Living area will be on the main deck with a C-shaped saloon, and galley just upon the entrance from the patio door. Power will be from twin 800hp MAN engines. The second of the new projects is Austin Parker AP62 Fly which marks the builder entry into the flybridge world. Again designed by De Simoni the new AP62 Fly continues the cross over elements between tradition and modernity. The tradition shows off with the long forward deck, light flare bow, and shear line. While modernity sticks out with the big view windows mid ship, the aft deck which is quite high for lobster pots collection, and the curved topsides. Accommodation is for a three cabin head plan, with full beam owners stateroom located to midship. A single berth crew cabin with private shower head and separate aft deck entrance is located infront of the engine room. Power is from twin 900hp MAN engines. Similar in looks to the AP62, the AP72 Fly projects resembles its smaller sister in the shown renderings displaying similar concepts inside and outside. Bigger more spacious is featured in every environment and this is expected with the AP72 Fly being three metres more in length, and one metre in beam to the smaller sister. Apart the size what the plans show are the four cabin head layout, bigger full beam owners suite with walking wardrobe, and double crew cabin located aft. Power for Austin Parker future flagship will be from twin 1360hp MAN engines.

New Model: Cigarette 46 AMG


Announced at the beginning of the year Cigarette 42 AMG was actually a bigger model based on the 46 Rider, and looks to be less revolutionary as the shown renderings in January. Here is a summary of the press release from one of the worlds premier powerboats brand. The Cigarette name has been built on a reputation for quality and performance, but as it approached its fourteenth year, the company dug deeper into its collective soul to discover how it could become better. President and CEO, Skip Braver, a Mercedes AMG customer, looked to his counterparts in the performance and luxury automotive world for inspiration and he found it. Mercedes-AMG was simultaneously working on its new SLS AMG super sports car designed and developed exclusively by the high performance and motor sports division of the German auto maker which features lightweight aluminum space frame chassis, hand built 563hp AMG V8 engine, and signature Gull wing doors. Teamed with a long-standing professional relationship, revolving around mutual respect and product admiration, Mercedes-AMG shared information and materials that Cigarette could use to upgrade one of its top models, the 46 Rider. Representatives from both companies visited their respective factories and Braver took some pointers from his colleagues on paints, processes, engineering, and materials in the pursuit of performance and exclusivity. The masterpieces unveiled together at the Miami International Boat Show on February 11 showed a commitment to performance and exclusivity. Mercedes-AMG, Cigarette Racing Team and Mercury Racing share that philosophy and the collaborative effort is demonstrated in the new AMG-inspired Cigarette. The boat features many innovations including: AMG Mercedes Alubeam paint, special upholstery, zero-effort digital instrumentation, direct air induction engine hatch, propulsion control module electronic management, latest Mercury power and drives. Cigarettes new 46 AMG is powered by Mercury newest powerful engine drive combination with the new twin QC4v 1350hp engines, and M8 stern drive combination.
Technical Data:
Length - 13.71 m (45.7ft)
Beam - 2.43 m
Draft - 1.21 m
Fuel Capacity - 1150 l
Accommodation - 2 berths
Engines - 2 x Mercury QC4v 1350hp
Propulsion - M8 stern drives
Speed - 112 knots (130 mph) estimated

February 22, 2010

Project: Galeon 385 HT


Polish premier production boat builder Galeon continues its march to fill its range with competitive and diverse products. Coming from the successful launch of the 340 Fly in Dusseldorf, Galeon looks ahead at presenting its next step with the new 385 HT. This project is a size evolution of the 325 Open and HT model but with a bigger size offering wider and larger spaces. Just as all the recent Galeon models the 385 HT is designed by Tony Castro, who presented similar looks to the 325 for the much competitive eleven metre stern drive powered hard top sports cruiser. The main deck of the 385 HT follows recent trends of a flush floor. Here Castro and Galeon concentrated to offer diverse living spaces from the C-shaped settee, chaise lounge, wet bar exterior galley, and helm station. Accommodation lower deck features an L-shaped galley, L-shaped saloon, owners suite to fore, and double cabin aft with private bathroom. The Galeon 385 HT designed by Tony Castro also follows recent client demands not only in the always more wanted all weather more boat use hardtop, but also in big side view windows, and sky screens for the fore deck.

February 20, 2010

Project: Palmer Johnson PJ 170 Sports Yacht

Palmer Johnson present the project of a new flagship with the PJ 170 Sport Yacht retaining the instantly recognisable similar identities to the 105 first of the series, 120, 135, and 150 semi-custom built super sport line. All the Sports Yacht series as many recent Palmer Johnson are designed by Italian Venetian firm Nuvolari Lenard. The stylistic refinements and modern technology of the new PJ 170 are very similar to those of the smaller sisters, although with the larger size here, expect a bigger better feel in many of its elements. As the bigger of the range, the 170 demands attention for combining strong, substantial lines without losing sleek sophistication. Providing more space, the 170 will make the owner experience even more luxurious, and comfortable with the foredeck swimming pool, and lounge area being one example of the sheer indulgence this model has to offer the discerning owner seeking the definitive Super Sport Yacht. Power for the new PJ 170 Sports Yacht will be from twin MTU 16v series 4000, and building will be with welded aluminium. Unless someones beats off Palmer Johnson, when launched the PJ 170 Sports Yacht will be the biggest Super Sport Yacht build as at today.

February 19, 2010

Improve-it = Aicon 64 Fly

Aicon decides to update and improve the 64 Fly model showing attention to its clients demands and at the same time maintaining the characteristics which have determined its success since being launched. The model displayed at this year’s boat shows has been enhanced with details which make it unique. Enriching details, from the teak ceiling of the cockpit as in the larger models of the Aicon range to the teak inserts which refine the exterior, upper part of the fairleads on the wale side, to the gold coloured inserts which characterize the two sides of the cockpit up to the ample flybridge now using all its space for entertainment, and the bathing platform equipped with tender lift. The Aicon 64 was designed by the company Style Center and Marco Mannino offering the owner and his guests sailing with relaxation thanks to a rational and harmonious use of space, in both the interior and the exterior. The Flying bridge, which has been made even more spacious and elegant, the saloon, dining area, galley are independent, and luxurious cabins are equipped to satisfy the needs in total comfort. The elements of design, such as the large, rounded, openable portholes, the elegance of the furnishings and the prestige of the details combine to define and exalt the livability of space aboard the Aicon 64 Fly. One of the most successful models in the Aicon fleet, the 64 Fly has proved popular thanks to a three or four guest cabins choice, nice exterior lines, and thirty knots performance.

February 18, 2010

Propulsion - Volvo IPS1050, IPS1200

In 2005, Volvo Penta’s pioneering IPS system created a completely new marine segment, so-called pod installations. With forward-facing and efficient propellers, the IPS system is the undisputed market leader in pod installations, and has created an alternative to traditional shaft installations. The first stage of the IPS system was based on Volvo Penta’s 4 and 6-litre diesel engines. Last year, two new power classes were launched with larger drive units based on Volvo’s 11-liter engines. This year, Volvo Penta is launching a third stage based on the Volvo Group’s 13-litre engines. The two new IPS drive packages generate the equivalent of 1,050 and 1,200 horsepower, respectively, compared with conventional inboard installations. This means that Volvo Penta can now offer the IPS system for boats all the way up to 100+ feet. The engine for the new power classes is Volvo Penta’s 13-liter engine equipped with dual-stage turbo technology, the D13, developing 800 and 900 horsepower, respectively. This 13-liter engine has been developed and designed with the help of ultramodern diesel engine technology.