Propulsion: ZF Pod 2800

ZF Marine Group introduces a revolutionary new approach to Pod drive and joystick control technology in small pleasure craft applications, which extends its availability to a larger segment of the pleasure boat market. In conjunction with SeaVee boats, ZF Marine has developed a complete propulsion system solution around a center console sport fishing application that will offer joystick control and maneuverability while employing the pleasure craft industry’s first single Pod drive line. The heart of the propulsion package from ZF Marine incorporates 3 main components. The ZF 2800 Series Pod drive rated at 480hp. This Pod has been redesigned to offer 180 degrees of total movement, 90 degrees of rotation to both port and starboard from the cent reline. The ZF 185 AC Thruster that introduced to the market at last year’s Fort Lauderdale show. The ZF 185 Thruster is designed to offer proportional thrust, 30 minute continuous duty cycle, and smooth, quiet operation thanks to a patented thruster tube design. ZF Marine’s proven SmartCommand controls with Joystick. The joystick system is engaged when the Easidock feature is activated via a button touch on the SmartCommand control head. During normal at sea operation the 2800 Pod drive is restricted to 30 degrees of movement in either direction from center. This restriction of movement is released in Easidock mode and the POD now has full 180 degree movement. The ZF 185 AC Thruster is also brought online at this time. As the vessel operator directs the joystick in any direction or combination of directions the joystick system incorporates POD thrust and varying amounts of thrust from the bow thruster. Proportional control of the thruster means smooth engagement, and only as much thrust as needed to move the vessel in the desired direction. Proportional thrust, combined with an electronic compass tied to the main JMS control unit means there is no vessel yaw during sideways movement. ZF Marine’s patented iAnchor station keeping functionality is also included in the Single Pod System. With the press of a button, iAnchor will compensate for wind and current holding the vessel’s position to as little as a 3 foot radius.
www.zf.com

New Model: Sunseeker 54 Predator

Officially presented about a year ago Sunseeker have been very slow in promoting the 54 Predator. This model is basically a redesign of the 2005 53 Portofino model which it now replaces. Rumour has it that the slow promotion is due to the fact that there is some 53 Portofino Mk.II unsold models around the globe, so this model has been kept a little bit under warps since launched a year ago, even tough in my opinion it is one of the most valid recent Sunseeker's. The hard top design follows a very open feel, and the cockpit just as the bigger 60 feels quite large. The 54 Predator can also accommodate two personal water craft, from a rib in the stern garage to a jet bike on the hydraulic up and down bathing platform. Accommodation is a three double cabin interior with a layout identical to the replaced 53 Portofino. Owners stateroom to fore, and two double cabins to mid ship. Obviously furnishings and living areas as the galley and saloon have been redesigned now feeling more spacious. Hull one of the 54 Predator had a very cool white oak with black wood trimming fit out. Power is a max up to twin 865hp Cat engines with shafts which should give a top speed of up to 33 knots. Future options should also include pod drives which Sunseeker seems to have embraced fully in recent times, but so far there is no speed data for this choice.
Technical Data:
LOA - 17.76 m (58.3ft)
Waterline Length - 13.19 m
Beam - 4.54 m
Draft - 1.38 m
Displacement - 25400kg full load
Fuel Capacity - 2140 l
Water Capacity - 500 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x 865hp
Propulsion - line shaft, or pod drives
Speed - 33 knots max, 27 knots cruise
Construction - hand laid GRP with vinilester resin, balsa cored hull
Project - Don Shead, Sunseeker design
Certification - CE B
www.sunseeker.com

Haines New Web Site

Haines Marine from the United Kingdom presents its new virtual online showroom. This UK builder is at the moment a bit unique in its country for a few reasons. Most important is that it is still owned by its founders Bob and Mary Haines who established the company in 1980. But other important reasons are that Haines is one of the few British builders who designs its boats around British weather, and also has an inland waterways or offshore hull choice for some of the models making its cruisers ideally suited for river cruising. In its successful history Haines has also received the prestigious Motor Boat Monthly Customer Service Award. Located in Norfolk on the East Coast of Britain, today Haines builds a total of six models which start from the 31 Sedan, and end up with the just introduced 400 flagship. Haines new website takes you around with the following buttons; About Us, The Range, The Experience, Stock Boats, News, Owners, and Contact Us.

www.hainesmarine.co.uk

New Model: Benetti Class 93 Delfino

The new 93 Delfino by Benetti, which starts in size this years introduced semi custom Class range concept builds on the 2007 introduced 85 Legend model with modification to the upper deck and most of the window profile and design. These changes makes the two decks and a half 93 Delfino look totally different with architect Stefano Righini taking a more classic approach in the exterior, and considering that the name comes from a past Benetti model it does have to be like this. Interior is a spacious five double cabins for guests with the owners suite on the main deck. The living main deck is a three split area having in the entrance the relaxing and dining area, a middle part with day head and galley, and the fore peak reserved for the owners suite. Tender stowage is located to aft in a garage housing a Rib, and jet bike. Power is two choices, standard being the Cats at 1001hp each which give a 14 knots max, and 13 knots cruise.
Technical Data:
LOA - 28.5 m (93.6ft)
Beam - 7.03 m
Draft - 1.81 m
Displacement - 121 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 16000 l
Water Capacity - 2600 l
Accommodation - 10 guest berths, 3 + 1 crew
Engines - 2 x CAT C18 Acert 1001hp, MTU 8v2000 M72 965hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 14 knots max, 13 knots cruising, 12 knots economic
Range - 1500 nm at 12 knots
Project - Stefano Righini exterior, Carlo Galeazzi interior
Certification - RINA Class of Malta Hull, Mach Y, MCA Compliance
www.benettiyachts.it

Project: Intermarine 85

Intermarine 85 is the fourth project set by this Brazilian boat builder new course, and unlike the other models here design is entrusted to designer Luiz de Basto who is also responsible for the ten feet smaller 75. So for its four models from 55 to 85 feet coming up in 2011 Intermarine has used three different designers. Measuring 88 feet overall the 85 flagship will launch last of the new four models and is set to be in the water for the fall of the coming 2011 year. Just as in the smaller 75 Luiz de Basto takes a very European approach in the looks with a very sporty low profile lines. Surprising elements are the jacuzzi on the fly which is still hard to find under one hundred feet, the large glassed windscreens which reaches up to the flybridge deck, and very large bathing platform. Inside new ideas continue to come up and interesting is the compact L-shaped settee by the helm station good for the guest to entertain during trips or for the captain to make his charts course, spacious crew room aft, large full beam owners stateroom, and two heads VIP suite. Down below is space for four double cabins all with private shower heads, but the owners room really surprises for having two bathrooms one of which the one to port-side having a bidet and full bath, and a full walk in wardrobe. Power will be from twin MTU 1800hp engines with speeds estimates being a fast 34 knots for this sixty ton yacht.
www.intermarine.com.br

New Model: Cranchi Sixty 6 Flybridge

Cranchi basing itself on the hull of the first model of the new Yacht Class the Sixty 4 HT presents a new flagship with the Sixty 6 Flybridge. As usual to Cranchi good engineering and well planned interior and technical areas make the difference in its models. Unusual characteristics for a flybridge but found in the Sixty 6 are the wet bar galley in the aft deck, the sunpad settee conversion to stern, and the jockey style raised helm station inside. Accommodation is a three double cabins plan plus a single berth crew cabin aft, and as the large window suggests there is a spacious full beam owners stateroom at mid ship. The galley is located below, and although the layout plan shows it being a bit enclosed I still think an option for a main deck choice should be included in this size. The interior main deck saloon looks also a bit less in size versus the competition but large windows and a lot of natural light will give the impression that it is actually bigger, although you do get a larger aft deck for this. The flybridge is again smallish for a twenty meter yacht but then again you have a free area aft which can be used how you want it. Some details also leave me confused in the new Cranchi Sixty 6 Flybridge like the stainless steel radar arch or the support pillars for the overhang of the extended fly. Nothing wrong in these but from a certain point of view they do look a bit economic, and less clean to the lines of the Sixty 6 Flybridge. Power is from twin MAN 1400hp which give wide open throttle speeds of 33 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 20.85 m (68.4ft)
Hull Length - 18.65 m
Beam - 5.10 m
Draft - 1.52 m
Displacement - 38.3 t loaded, 33.5 t unloaded
Fuel Capacity - 3600 l
Water Capacity - 770 l
Accommodation - 7 berths
Max Persons - 16
Engines - 2 x MAN D2862 V12 1400hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 33 knots max, 29 knots cruise, 24 knots economic
Range - 295 nm at 24 knots economic cruise
Certification - CE A
www.cranchi.it

Project: Gamma 16

Launching the first Gamma 20 model the past Summer this Italian boat builder follows it with the project of the similar but smaller 16. An interesting challenge for Gamma and designer Vripack to themselves and to the market. So it will interesting to see how the Italian Mediterranean market reacts to a 16 metre explorer yacht build of steel. Measuring an overall length of 62 feet which comes in actual fact over eighteen meters the Gamma 16 will offer a three double cabin interior with full beam owners stateroom, VIP suite to fore, and twin bunk guest third cabin. A crew room for two is to be located aft. Power is a not so large twin Volvo 575hp engines which should give a top speed of 16 knots, and a range of about 1200 nautical miles at an economic cruise. Bigger engines can add the top speed to another 2 knots. Considering the estimates of a heavy 44 tons half displacement weight these look good estimate numbers.
www.gamma-yachts.it

New Model: Rodman 31 Spirit

In the fall of this season the Spanish boat builder Rodman with the help of Italian designer Fulvio De Simoni presented the new Spirit line launching its first 31 model. The 31 Spirit is an interesting new model from Rodman, and with it this well respected Spanish company stretches its market to Northern Europe and to those who want a boat to use all year round. While in this concept Rodman also extended there relationships with Italian designer Fulvio de Simoni who they started working since the 2006 launched 54 Muse. Even in that case it was a new range set up from Rodman which today features four distinctive models including the 74 Muse flagship. The 31 Spirit is a very versatile boat and its most distinctive feature is the circular settee in the cockpit which thanks to its movement extends and opens the size of the aft deck. But that is surely half the story as a fully enclosed pilot house with sunroof and patio door, a living in the main deck, a well sized shower head, and two double cabins complete this sport cruiser. Versatility is also key to this project and in fact the 31 Spirit can be powered for a coastal slower more economic use with a single engine in this case a Volvo 300hp, or a twin faster safer optional of two 170hp units.
Technical Data:
LOA - 9.45 m (31.9ft)
Length - 7.92 m
Beam - 3.36 m
Draft - 0.59 m ex props
Displacement - 5800 kg
Fuel Capacity - 450 l
Water Capacity - 110 l
Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins
Max Persons - 10
Engines - 1 x Volvo D4 300hp, 2 x Volvo D3 170hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 29 knots max, 25 knots cruise with 2 x 170hp
Project - Fulvio De Simoni
www.rodman.es

Project: Princess 60

Princess present the project for a new 60, which will replace the 58 model. Based on the hull of the model it replaces the 60 will feature a change and improvement in all areas from the internal layout plan offering more spaces, to a redesigned super structure, new deck arrangement, and larger windows in all areas. The most important novelty here is the moving of the galley, now on the main deck from below, and a three head layout instead of two. Finally Princess walked away from the 58 galley situated in the lower deck by the cabins, which is not so good on anything above fifty feet where luxury and comfort becomes of a certain importance. Below the owners suite, and VIP remain to a similar plan although both are larger to what was offered on the 58. Other important novelties are the hydraulic up and down bathing platform, aft deck with two transom doors, and longer extended flybridge. The flybridge is also larger now having a C-shaped settee to starboard, and sun pad to aft. Completing the new design are also latest generation Princess window profile similar to what was introduced with the 62 in 2006. Power choices are three double engines from Volvo and Cat starting from 800 up to 900hp.
www.princessyachts.com

Improve-it = Bertram 540

Listening to customers Bertram presents a new version to the 2008 launched 540, aimed at meeting the requirements of the hard core fisherman. Called the Hard Core Fishing version this 540 is recognizable from the outside for its fiberglass brow which makes away with the criticized revolutionary forward windshield, characteristic of this model launched in 2008. Whether the forward windshield was loved or hate is another question, but the truth is that since Bertram presented it we have seen other builders copy it from Riviera to Tiara, to the custom Jarrett Bay. Another change in the 540 is a new main deck layout again looking back to traditional Sportfish yacht design with a galley forward, and additional storage for essentials. Adding this new interior layout to the two previous astern galley versions with lower helm or without, the 540 now has three different main deck plans to choose from. Not bad for a Sportfish Yacht labelled as a production model. The standard 540 with forward windshield which gives a nice full view from the saloon, astern galley, and lower helm option will still be available and is now called the Recreational Version for its more cruising looks, but same sportfish yacht functionality on the aft deck, and flybridge.
www.bertram.com