New Model: Vicem 78 Cruiser

Presented in the Cannes show the new Vicem 78 Cruiser epitomizes the three values upon which this Turkish boat builder is building its success; classic looks, craftsmanship, and total customization. Following the 92, the 78 Cruiser is the second model to launch in this line, and with a model designation of 78, but overall length of 82 feet it sits to the doorstep of Super Yacht size. Like any Vicem the 78 Cruiser is cold molded constructed that means total customization for the owner. For example on hull number one the interior was finished with satin-finish mahogany, accentuated by neutral-coloured fabrics and the discerning use of leather appointments. Other news for the first 78 Cruiser are large view windows in the guest cabins, situated in the full beam owners state room and the two guest rooms. Interior accommodation offers four double cabins, and three crew berths are located aft. Of particular big size are the flybridge, and the aft classic styled teak finished bathing platform. Power is twin MAN 900 or optional 1100hp engines.
Technical Data:
LOA - 25 m (82ft)
Hull Length - 23.77 m
Waterline Length - 22.80 m
Beam - 6.40 m
Draft - 1.75 m
Displacement - 62.5 t
Fuel Capacity - 8206 l
Water Capacity - 1628 l
Accommodation - 4 guest berths, 3 crew
Max Persons - 12
Engines - 2 x MAN V8 CRM 900hp, V10 CRM 1100hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 25 knots max, 21 knots cruising with MAN 1100hp
Range - 460 nm at 21 knots cruise
Hull - planning hard chine Vee with eight degrees deadrise aft
Construction - cold molded mahogany wood with West System Epoxy
Project - Vicem Design Team
Certification - CE RINA
www.vicemyachts.com

Project: Hunton 50 Barracuda

Its very rare today to see a boat builder stick to its roots, but this has always been the spirit at British company Hunton, who has always concentrated in building fast sport power boats. Now this famed powerboat builder presents it largest project to date with the fifty feet Barracuda. The Hunton 50 Barracuda challenges similar fast boats from Europe or USA, and will feature a single stepped Vee shaped hull. So far we have no accommodation details but Hunton is promising a well laid out super yacht finished plan. Project Barracuda by Hunton is also promising a comfortable exterior having a full wrap around style protective cockpit, with helm and crew pods equipped with shock absorbers for the best comfort while underway. This is followed by cockpit seating, loungers and generous storage outside. Power is to be from triple Cummins 480hp engines with NXT performance stern drives which according to Hunton should deliver speeds around the 70 knots mark.
www.hunton.co.uk

New Model: Maritimo M53 Cruising Motoryacht

Surprising its clients and fans Maritimo unveiled the M53 Cruising Motoryacht by surprise at the mid year August held Sydney boat show. This new model continues Maritimo Cruising Motoryacht evolutionary looks which take a bit from the sportfish convertible models outside. But the M53 Cruising Motoryacht as is actually all this line from Maritimo are more a yacht then anything else. Maritimo for the M53 Cruising Motoryacht basis itself again on safety features which make cruising more comfortable to the guests; as the walk around deck with deep safe side walk, two entrance extended bathing platform, and internal stair case to the raised enclosed flybridge. Interior wise the M53 Crusing Motoryacht offers a three double cabin interior with two shower heads, one of which en-suite for the owners room. Power is from twin 715hp Cummins.
Technical Data:
LOA - 17.6 m (57.7ft)
Hull Length - 17.6 m
Beam - 5.20 m
Draft - 1.35 m
Displacement - 27000 kg
Fuel Capacity - 3850 l
Water Capacity - 800 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Cummins QSM11 715hp
Propulsion - line shaft
www.maritimo.com.au

Project: Hinckley T48 Talaria

Some names always create a stir when they launch a new project, and definitely Hinckley is one of those. This since 1928 founded company presents the project for the new T48 Talaria which builds on the eight model Traditional down East lobster boat looking range, and sits just behind the T55 flagship model. Built for an owner operator who cruises with the family the T48 will have a two double cabin interior, with a guest stateroom complimenting the master suite, with its own private head, shower and generous storage. Her living main deck with cockpit and salon are tailor made for entertaining with a split level, but fully opening patio doors joining the two areas seamlessly. For a company who built down East traditional boats all its life the T48 Hinckley is promising gorgeous proportions, with her waterline, sheer and tumble home all in perfect harmony. Her hull continues what we saw with the other new generation since the nineties motor Hinckley's with a redefined Vee shaped hull capable of challenging open water, yet with a draft of only just over two feet. Power is from twin 715hp diesel engines linked to Hamilton water jets which will produce cruising speeds of 30 knots and a top end in the mid 30s. The T48 will also be available in a flybridge configuration.
www.hinckleyyachts.com

New Model: Azimut 48

Azimut presented the new 48 at the Genoa show. This new model is one of the many modified presented in this year's fall boat show season, and builds on the fortunes of the famed 47. The new 48 is on many aspects the same to the model it replaces but has been added with an extended hydraulic moving bathing platform aft, and different view by three vertical shaped windows in the mid ship guest rooms. Azimut for the 48 did not fiddle with the three cabins plus crew and the main deck layout of the interior, and the exterior looks are the same minus the changes mentioned. Which is fair enough considering that the 47 has always been said to have one of the most balanced design and layout.
Technical Data:
LOA - 14.9 m (48.9ft)
Hull Length - 14.3 m
Beam - 4.50 m
Draft - 1.40 m
Displacement - 19.5 t full load
Fuel Capacity - 2000 l
Water Capacity - 590 l
Accommodation - 6 guest berths in 3 cabins, 1 crew berth
Engines - 2 x Cummins QSC8.3 600hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speeds - 32 knots max, 27 knots cruise
Hull - Vee shape keel with 14 degrees deadrise aft
Construction - vacuum infused resin fiber glass
Project - Stefano Righini exterior, Carlo Galeazzi interior
Certification - CE B
www.azimutyachts.com

Projects: Arturo Stabile 43 Stama, Arturo Stabile 33HT Stama

The Italian, from the Island of Sicily Arturo Stabile builder presents two important projects set to complete its Sport Cruiser range. Pictured above is the totally new 43 Stama. At thirteen metres this project sits between the 50 Stama launched in early 2009, and the today long standing 37 HT Stama. Design for the 43 Stama project has been entrusted again just like the 50 flagship to Tommaso Spadolini with help coming from the family with Maurizio Stabile. The two designers presented a hard top sport cruiser with low height super structure. So far few details are given about accommodation plan but a three double cabins with a total six berths are to be found with owners room to mid ship. The hard top will be with a patio door which with the assumption that two large cabins are located below should provide a living area; galley and saloon with dining facilities on the main deck . Power and propulsion choices have also not been announced but a range of options from a total of 600 to 900hp is to be featured. The second project from Arturo Stabile is the 33HT Stama, which builds on the features of the standard open top 33 Stama sport cruiser and adds a hard top. So you get the two double cabins below, convertible dinette, and the galley. The cockpit which is a split level area with three L-shaped settee gets novelty thanks to the cover of full weather protection offered by the hard top. The hard top covers half of the aft deck which means the raised area is now protected from rain or too much sun. Unusual for a builder Arturo Stabile is also offering to retro fit the hard top to previous produced, standard 33 Stama open models. Power is for four choices all with stern drive propulsion. The smallest is a twin 200hp diesel choice, going up to a 310hp petrol gas. 

www.cantieristabile.it

New Model: Prestige 400 Flybridge

The Prestige 400 is a new model which builds around the past year presented 39 model, and updates it on the exterior styling. Garroni and Jeanneau design team update concerns the window design of the coach roof now leaner, and the flybridge which also offers sportier looks with a more stream lined radar arch. For the rest the 400 Flybridge is the 39 in more provocative eye catching clothes and keeps the well laid out two cabin two shower heads interior, as the famed Michael Peters designed under water hull which should give good sea keeping in rough conditions.
Technical Data:
LOA - 12.15 m (39.9ft)
Hull Length - 11.87 m
Beam - 3.90 m
Draft - 0.85 m
Displacement - 8500 kg
Fuel Capacity - 800 l
Water Capacity - 400 l
Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths, in 2 cabins
Max Persons - 10
Engines - 2 x Cummins QSB5.9 380hp, 425hp
Propulsion - direct line shafts in semi tunnel props
Project - Garroni super structure, Micheal Peters hull underwater shape
Certification - CE B9, C10
www.prestige-yachts.fr

Project: Intermarine 55

As announced in the past October month the largest Brazilian pleasure boat builder Intermarine, stops its agreement with Azimut and goes to build its own yacht series. This will be an interesting turn around for Intermarine and also for the Brazilian market who in recent years is showing to be a boom for the yachting industry. Picture above is the first 55 project designed by BMW Group Designworks USA, what will be the first model and is to be launched in middle 2011. Three other models a 60, 75, and 85 designed by different designers should follow in less of a two year period. The new Intermarine 55 project shows dedicated features to the local market as the extended large aft deck, and longer bathing platform. Interior wise a two level saloon welcomes you inside, but here some new features characterize the 55, as the jockey style helm station to starboard, or the three step raised part which for most part is dedicated to a large light filled airy galley. Down below we have the standard today wanted layout with a full beam midship owners stateroom, VIP room to fore, third double guest cabin with in line berths, and second shower head. A crew cabin will be located aft. Power options are for a standard twin 670hp which give an estimated max speed of 31 knots, and 27 of cruise. A faster twin 800hp choice increases wide open throttle speeds and cruising by 4 knots.
www.intermarine.com.br

New Model: Gamma 20

Gamma Yachts launches its first 20 model, and presented it officially in the fall of the season boat shows. Designed by Vripack and also built using this company registered Smart Construction trademark method, the Gamma 20 aims to look out of the crop for a builder in this size in Italy as its boat are constructed of steel. The Vripack Smart Construction is also a promise in that it reduces steel builds by half the time. Could this be the invention which increases steel builders in Italy. None the less looking a bit like the Magellano from Azimut on the main deck, but competing in a segment usually dominated by Dutch builders the Gamma 20 is an interesting proposal. It's semi custom interior is classic in style and can be fitted out in a three or four cabins layouts and a crew room. Owners room is located aft for best comfort, minimum noise, and less rolling. The main deck is a flush deck Italian style affair with a welcoming saloon upon entrance, dining area, separate galley, and private helm station. Power numbers are also interesting with a standard 650hp Yanmar giving 16 knots max, 12 knots cruise and at this speed which consumes only 52 litres per hour giving a 1270 nautical miles range.

Technical Data:

LOA - 22.10 m (73ft)

Length - 20.50 m

Waterline Length - 20.20 m

Beam - 5.90 m

Draft - 1.45 m

Displacement - 58 t

Fuel Capacity - 5500 l

Water Capacity - 2000 l Accommodation - 6 or 8 guest berths in 3 or 4 cabins

Engines - 2 x Yanmar 6SY 650hp, 6SY 720hp, 8SY STP 900hp, Volvo D11 650hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 16 knots max, 12 knots cruise Yanmar 650hp, 18 knots max Yanmar 900hp

Range - 1270 nm at 12 knots

Construction - steel 42 grade A for hull and main deck, flybrige in Alloy Almg 4,5 H321

Project - Vripack

Certification - CE A RINA Green Plus, optional MCA under 24 metres

www.gamma-yachts.it

Future?

This was apparently the question asked in recent boat shows, and most precisely in the World event that is the Genoa show. As it happens many critics wanted to see something fresh and new from the builders in Genoa, and this for 2010 it did not happen. But are the builders to blame, or may be they the Italian biggies of the Yacht building industry are victims of there success. Fair to say the Italian giants as Ferretti Group and Azimut Benetti both showed two quite revolution products in the last years. Ferretti Group showed the Mochi 23M Long Range in 2008, and Azimut the 74 Magellano last year. This was followed this year with the launching of the new 50 Magellano, which even tough smaller in size improves some of the concepts seen on the 74. Apart hybrid power all these three models have a revolutionary hull design.

To say it frankly the Italian press not the nautical one, but the standard news hammered the show as being dull and one without initiatives. The writing for them was that if the boat builders want to bring Italians back to the water they have to invent something special, which consumes less and is very cheap to run. Surely if they invent an engine working with the sea water they run on all would be good, and we have solved also a global energy crisis on call in recent years.

While sales are down in recent times I think people commenting so easy on the Boating industry don't really know the problems associated with it. Sales are simply at a stand still not because customers don't like what they see in the shows but mostly because costs continue to go up in an unmeasured taste in most of Western central Europe and the Mediterranean in recent years, and finding a berth is also very hard. Basically keeping a boat is too costly and that is why the industry cannot get back to its sales as before the 2008 crisis. Add to this the bubble created by the banks and financial institutions with the leasing schemes and easy credit, and that is why the boating world is going back to a more humble system as it worked in the nineties. Surely the picture is not sweet for the builders but I think if you are a buyer you are in a much better position compared to five or ten years ago, as the offer is also much wider which means that you have more choice.