Boat Review: Nord West 420 Flybridge

Presentation

A total different flybridge cruiser under the waterline, this is how Nord West set to build its 420 Flybridge model launched in the fall of 2005. The start for the launch of this model could not have been better being awarded Boat of the Show at Stockholm, Scandinavia in 2005, and two years later to this taking Motorboat of the Year Flybridge under 50ft for twice in a row in 2007, and 2008. So far no other boat has managed to take the IPC Awards from Motor Boat and Yachting and Motor Boats Monthly twice since they started them in 2000. The revolution of the 420 Flybridge is its accommodation, handling, economy to run, and very good top speed thanks to efficient Volvo stern drive or IPS pods propulsion. Many will tell you that stern drive are not good for flybridge but thanks to its length, good hull efficiencies, and new technologies Nord West managed to over come this obstacle and create a unique model in this size. This uniqueness in the 420's hull which was also the first flybridge boat to be equipped with IPS pods, and thanks to this also created a three cabin interior with all the berths being non bunk. Something still hard to find today and impossible in 2005 for a boat measuring thirteen meters.

Accommodation

Interior comfort is a big selling point to any motor cruiser, and thanks to its propulsion use Nord West creates unique spaces in the lower deck of the 420 Flybridge. But cosiness is predominant in all areas here, is also part of the Nordic nature of the 420 Flybridge. Welcoming you with a huge bathing platform aft where is possible to stow a large tender, two steps up lead you to a very cosy cockpit where an L-shaped settee is to be found to port side. To starboard is an integrated stairway which leads to the extended flybridge which has a central helm station with two co-pilot seats at both sides, and a spacious again cosy U-shaped settee aft. Worth of note is the luxurious unusual wood fitting out found in the exterior with the thick teak railing and toe rails aft being a feature of the Nord West 420 Flybridge.

Going inside into the main deck living area you find the saloon which is entered via a two part stainless steel patio door. Here natural light is abundant thanks to the all around windscreen windows which makes well for interior driving as well to create a nice atmosphere with the rich selected and varnished mahogany wood finishing. A C-shaped dinette to port, galley opposite with hidden wash basin and hob, entertainment area with flat TV on top, and the lower interior fully equipped helm station to starboard makes for the inside plan of the main deck.

A central corridor with three steps leads from the main to the lower deck, this having the three double cabins, and two heads. Forward is the owners suite; which features a central island double berth and personal shower head. Looking to aft and located to mid ship are two identical double cabins; which impress for the size, headroom and comfort. A guest second shower head with cubicle shower which is identical in size to the owners en-suite completes the spacious cabin sleeping area.

Performance

A big selling point for the Nord West 420 Flybridge is its performance which is to say the least, efficient, fast, and handles like a dream. This is so thanks to a different propulsion choice for what concerns a flybridge motor cruiser, and a lightly narrower to the usual beam. Two engines, and two propulsion choices characterize the 420 Flybridge. You can have it with Volvo D6 370hp in stern drive or IPS pod drives, or D6 435hp in IPS600 version only. Being a flybridge I would prefer the IPS version versus the stern drive especially for what concerns close quarters marina manoeuvring. Although latest generation modern stern drive which feature joysticks giving independent movement, and a powerful bow thruster will surely make things easier with this configuration, and some gains at the pump. The fastest and most efficient choice is the stern drive twin 370hp which gives a top speed of 36 knots, and a best cruise of 26 knots giving 345 nautical miles of range. My preferred 435hp IPS600 choice with 65hp more horses per engine gives a one digit less 35 knots top speed and a best economy cruise of 24 knots giving a 301 nautical miles range. The IPS500 370hp top speed is still fast giving a 32 knots, and a very efficient best cruise at 26 knots giving 298 nautical miles. Handling of the Nord West 420 Flybridge is impeccable and if you want a sports boat steering on a flybridge its very hard to do better then this.

Positive

Performance and Handling

Three cabins interior

Cozy well protected exterior areas like aft deck and flybridge

Fitting out

Negative

nil

Competition

Surely if I did the review for the Nord West 420 Flybridge in 2006 the list below will be a lot less and will only feature shaft driven cruisers with a third bunk cabin. But in the last two years some builders are following Nord West putting IPS on flybridge models, and this is creating some interesting competition. Criteria here is for a flybridge motor cruiser measuring over all thirteen meters and with three cabins.

Absolute 43 Fly - new in 2010, Med modern minimal looks, fixed hard top on fly

Astondoa 44 Fly - shafts or IPS, spacious main deck, Med looks

Carnevali 130 - shafts, more a two cabin boat, third cabin option is bunk

Dellapasqua DC12 SL - three or two cabin, classic deep Vee hull, feels big

Galeon 440 Fly - shafts or IPS, Tony Castro hull and design, fit out options inside

Intermare 43 - 3 or 2 cabins choice, third cabin bunk, spacious aft deck

Majesty 44 - Middle East offer, bunk third cabin, shafts

Prestige 440 - shafts, two or three cabins, third bunk cabin, Peters hull

Rodman 44 Muse - IPS pods, modern looks by Fulvio De Simoni

Starfisher ST45 Cruiser - flagship from this Portugal builder, IPS

Storebro 435 Commander - 2 or 3 cabin, spacious living, internal stair case, shafts

WILD CARD: Viking 42 Convertible - sportfish, ZF pods, 2 or 3 cabins

Conclusion

When Nord West set the project for the 420 Flybridge a lot of input and research was carried out by the Swedish builder in order to present a top of the class flybridge motor boat. The results are for all to see and the Nord West 420 Flybridge apart scoring points for its handling and accommodation layout with the dedicated press and taking three prizes in this feat, also took great care to offer an economic to run flybridge motor cruiser. Considering its performance which translates in less fuel at the pump and the comforts it offers at less length the 420 Flybridge real winner here is the customer who chooses this very clever Benny Martinsson project.

Technical Data

LOA. 13.5 metres (44.2ft)

Hull Length. 12.8 metres Waterline length. 10.5 metres

Beam. 3.90 metres

Draft. 1.20 metres

Displacement. 13 t

Fuel Capacity. 2 x 600 litres

Water Capacity. 500 litres

Max Persons. 15

Accommodation. 6 berths in 3 cabins

Engines. 2 x Volvo D6 370hp, D6 435hp

Propulsion. Volvo DP dual propeller stern drive, IPS 500, and IPS 600 forward looking pods

Speed. 35 knots max, 31 knots cruise with IPS600, 36 knots max with 370hp stern drive

Range. 301 nm at 24 knots with IPS600, 345 nm at 26 knots with 370hp stern drive

Hull Shape. planning Vee shape

Project. Benny Martinsson

Construction. fiberglass sandwich construction with Divinycell core

Certification. CE B

www.nordwest.se

Picture Copyright Nord West. Data Nord West.

Class 1 - Dubai Preview

With the 2010 UIM Class 1 World title already decided, teams now turn their attentions on the Edox Pole Position and Middle East Championships in the final qualifying session and two races of the season at this weekend's Emirates/Dubai Duty Free Dubai Grand Prix. Welmax's Kolbjorn Selmer and Jorn Tandberg will be looking to end their season on a high as they bid to become the first ever all-Norwegian pairing to win the Pole Position Championship and the first Norwegians to win a major trophy since Tandberg's European title success in 2008. They go into the final qualifying session of the year in an almost unassailable position with a 15-point lead over World Champions Fazza, knowing sixth place will give them the title. But 'playing it safe' is not written in the Selmer-Tandberg racing manual, with the Norwegians likely to maintain their flamboyant, marauding style as they go after a fifth consecutive win in qualifying and their first 'recorded' race win of the year. Having already secured the 2010 UIM Class 1 World and European Championships, Fazza's Arif Al Zafeen and Nadir Bin Hendi now focus their attentions on trying to successfully defend their Middle East title. But to do so they will have to come from behind and overhaul rivals and neighbours Team Abu Dhabi who, after two of four races, lead the Middle East title race by a slender four points. The Fazza pairing has dominated this season, their seven race wins moving them onto 19 career wins a piece, to climb above multiple World Champions Saeed Al Tayer, Ali Nasser and Khalfan Harib to become the most successful partnership in the history of the Victory Team. With the news from Victory Team that they have very sportingly thrown their resources behind helping to repair Negotiator - their main rival in the fight for the runners-up slot in the World Championship - and by doing so confirm that Skydive Dubai, the boat that collided with Negotiator, will not race - the battle for the remaining podium place in the overall World Championship standings looks to be a two-way fight between four Italians. Negotiator's Luca Fendi and Giovanni Carpitella grabbed third place on their debut outing together in race 1 in Abu Dhabi and currently hold third spot, 16 points adrift of Skydive Dubai. Assuming their boat is repaired and ready to race, they should be able to defend their 26-point advantage over Guido Cappellini and Giampaolo Montavoci in GSG Ceramic Design, and look the most likely of the two outfits to finish in the top three, and possibly steal second place from Skydive Dubai. Cappellini and Montavoci, podium finishers in the season-opener in Brazil, will be looking to erase the memory of a torrid and frustrating last Grand Prix beset by technical issues and will be looking to get back on track in Dubai. Whilst a top three finish in the World standings, to add to his second place in the Europeans, would be a remarkable achievement by Carpitella in a season that has seen him team-up with four drivers in two different boats. Zabo Racing go into the last Grand Prix of the season full of confidence and looking to build on their last performance after it all came good for the team in Abu Dhabi. A solid qualifying session and fourth place in race 1 was eclipsed by a simply brilliant drive in race 2 by Paul Gaiser and Christian Zaborowski in Relekta, which gave the Norwegian outfit their first podium of the year, putting them third overall in the Middle East standings. Fresh from their famous first win together in race 1 of the their home Grand Prix, Team Abu Dhabi's Rashed Al Tayer and American race-ace John Tomlinson will be determined to end their season with a flourish and a title. Since teaming-up in Italy they have developed a formidable partnership and will look to cut out the costly errors that lost them podium places in Italy and Abu Dhabi, as they defend their slender lead in the Middle East Championship. After a promising first outing for GiorgiOffshore's Nicola Giorgio with Sandro Sardelli, picking up valuable points in both races in Abu Dhabi, a last minute change of driver sees Tomaso Polli return to partner Giorgi for the second time this season. Mohammed Al Marri and Giorgio Manuzzi enjoyed an eventful first race weekend together in the new Victory design, Victory 2010, grabbing a podium in race 1 and then spectacularly crashing out at the start of race 2 in Abu Dhabi. With the boat fully repaired the Italian-Emirati duo are likely to be up at the front challenging for podium places, but will now run in the colours of the sidelined Skydive Dubai. The action starts with first practice on Thursday afternoon, a second practice on Friday morning is immediately followed by qualifying in the Edox Pole Position and Race 1 - 51.07Nm, 12 laps including one long lap.Ā A final practice on Saturday morning is followed by Race 2 - 68.56Nm, 16 laps, including two long laps.
UIM CLASS 1 WORLD POWERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 5 of 6, race 10 of 12
1. Fazza - 172pts

2. Skydive Dubai - 114pts

3. Negotiator - 98pts

4. GSG Ceramic Design - 72pts

5. Welmax - 56pts

6. Relekta - 43pts

7. Team Abu Dhabi - 42pts

8. GiorgiOffshore - 38pts

9. Victory 2010 - 15pts

10. Foresti & Suardi - SCAM - 11pts

11. Welmax Alianza - 10pts
MIDDLE EAST CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 1 of 2, race 2 of 4
1. Team Abu Dhabi - 29pts

2. Fazza - 25pts

3. Relekta - 21pts

4= Victory 2010 - 15pts

4= Welmax - 15pts

6. GiorgiOffshore - 14pts

7. Negotiator - 12pts

8. Skydive Dubai - 4pts

9. GSG Ceramic Design - 0pts
EDOX POLE POSITION CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 5 of 6
1. Welmax - 95pts

2. Fazza - 80pts

3. Skydive Dubai - 42pts

4. Negotiator - 35pts

5. Team Abu Dhabi - 24pts

6. Relekta - 23pts

7. GSG Ceramic Design - 19pts

8. GiorgiOffshore - 15pts

9. Victory 2010 - 9pts

10. Welmax Alianza - 7pts

11. Foresti & Suardi SCAM - 5pts
www.class-1.com

Project: Island Pilot 335

Island Pilot presents the 335 project what will be the entry level for this range. The 335 will be Islands Pilot third model adding to the upcoming 535 flagship launching in 2011, and the successful 435 model. For this new project Island Pilot is promising less is more features with the same high end build quality and outfitting shown with the 435. Accommodation for the 335 will be an owners stateroom to fore, C-shaped galley, separate shower head room, and a convertible saloon. Power will be from twin Volvo pods IPS350 as standard, or 400 as optional. www.islandpilot.com

New Model: Cabo 44 Hardtop Express

Cabo presented an innovative take on a new model with the 44 Hardtop Express in the Fort Lauderdale show. Replacing the 45 Express, the new Cabo 44 Hardtop Express takes a better look to the pleasure market, and splits a good division between the often separated two boating worlds. Cabo is not the first here as the Australian Riviera has since 2007 already presented two models with a similar concept. But with all the attention going for the all weather three part covered hardtop, the 44 Hardtop Express still challenges the fisherman's with what the builder says is the largest aft deck of the category. If this is bigger as Cabo says to the 45 Express it replaces, then it is surely one of largest as the American builder is known to have among the largest cockpits in size category. The 44 also improves interior offering below, with more space and berths to the old 45, with a two stateroom plan. Hull design continues Cabo partnership with renowned underwater specialist Michael Peters, who presents a medium Vee sixteen degrees aft shape. Power is four choices from a standard Cummins 715hp up to twin Cats 1150hp engines.
Technical Data:
LOA - 14.5 m (47.7ft)
Hull Length - 13.5 m
Beam - 5.02 m
Draft - 1.09 m
Displacement - 19595 kg
Fuel Capacity - 3028 l
Water Capacity - 378 l
Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths
Engines - 2 x Cummins QSM11 715hp, MAN R6 800hp, Cats C18 1015hp, Cats C18 1150hp
Propulsion - line shafts in semi tunnels
Hull - 16 degrees dead rise aft
Construction - fiberglass, vinylester resin with solid bottom, core vacuum backed chine to sheer
Project - Cabo Yachts, Michael Peters hull
www.caboyachts.com

PowerYachtBlog Best of 2010 Nominated

Project: Buddy Davis 58 Express

After being announced for quite some time Buddy Davis present some pictures for the 58 Express project. This express Sportfish Yacht should capture the qualities of the smaller 48 and 52 Express models and add to them more levels of comfort. A split exterior aft deck characterizes the plan outside with a sea level cockpit being made perfect for the game fisherman. On the raised deck will be the relaxed area with an L-shaped settee, exterior galley, and a central helm station. Below is a two stateroom plan, with a forward owners en-suite cabin, L-shaped saloon, and galley. To my knowledge the 58 Express should share its hull with the flybridge 58 Sportfish, with the usual Carolina flare upfront, and tumble home stern as designed by renowned architect Donald L.Blount.
www.buddydavis.com

New Model: Tornado 50

Tornado presents its new important flagship the 50 Classic, a big fully open sport yacht. The new big Tornado takes similar characteristics of its most successful model, the 38 and puts them in a fifteen meter size. But Tornado and head designer Franceso Guida did not only follow outside lines but also the practical elements, and the economic way of the entry level Tornado. Lets say the economic ways of building and running the 38 are all part of the new 50 Classic. That means not only Classic for looks but also the running and a more simple way of going on the water. Tornado does also not exaggerate on the accommodation front by keeping sleek lines a fundamental characteristic to this new flagship. Down below space is a two cabins, with an owners room to fore, a twin berth cabin to mid ship, a convertible dinette which adds two extra berths, and a head with separate shower room. A well spaced airy L-shaped galley just opposite the saloon completes the lower deck. Power is to be from twin Volvo 435hp with IPS pods which give a fast 37 knots top speed.
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.10 m (49.5ft)
Beam - 4.36 m
Draft - 0.96 m
Displacement - 13 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 1600 l
Water Capacity - 500 l
Accommodation - 6
Max Persons - 12
Engines - 2 x Volvo IPS600 D6 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo dual propeller forward looking pod drives
Speed - 37 knots max
Construction - gross reinforced plastic with fiberglass
Project - Francesco Guida
Certification - CE 94/25 B
www.tornadoyachts.it

Improve-it = Atlantis 36 Verve

A year after its debut Atlantis present the 36 Verve with a new important option, that of the Joystick for stern drives by Volvo. This continues the innovation philosophy which is at heart of the 36 Verve, that to be a technological easy to use single handled sport cruiser. The Volvo stern drive for joystick follows the principle of having each drive being independent, and thus making the 36 Verve ability to move side ways, or rotate on its own axis easily. This new option follows the 36 Verve uniqueness layout plan outside, and inside offering comfortable over night accommodation for two in a very spacious environment. Power starts from Volvo 300hp engines up till 370hp.

www.azimutyachts.com

Gianetti Yachts New Web Site

A new World wide web virtual showroom for Italian boat builder Gianetti, founded in 1978 by current owner and president Roberto Gianetti at Viareggio Italy. Roberto Gianetti maritime experience started officially in 1960 as a ship engineer, in the seventies this went on as a marine diesel engine installer in Italy and Spain, and in the end of seventies he started the boat building experience. Today Gianetti has an eleven boat range divided in an offer of three different lines; Sport Yacht, Navette, and Custom Line. Smallest entry level is the 45 Sport and largest is the recently launched 33 Motor Yacht. Gianetti new website is available in Italian and English language and takes you around with the following buttons; Home, Company, Yacht, Used Yachts, News Location, and Contacts.
www.gianettiyacht.com

Project: Gamma 24

After launching its first 20 model in the middle of this year, the Italian Gamma Yachts have immediately followed this with the presentation of two further projects. The first of the projects was a smaller 16, and following this a 24 has followed which puts Gamma in the super yacht market. Constructed by the fast innovative steel patented method by Vripack, with design by the same dutch firm the 24 is a two deck and a half 24 metres super yacht. An innovative interior plan concerns the 24, with a full main deck dedicated for relaxing, galley, and dining to fore. Below is space for the four double guest cabins, with owners stateroom located mid ship and being full beam. Crew space is for two cabins sleeping three located to the fore peak.
www.gamma-yachts.it

New Model: Mondomarine 50 Meters Displacement

Mondomarine presents its fourth 50 meter super yacht with the Displacement hull type named Streamline. Once again Mondomarine proposes the couple Cor D. Rover exterior styling, and Frederic Mechiche and Luca Dini for interior design. Constructed of steel and light alloy the 50 Meters Displacement M/Y Streamline as all the latest yachts of the shipyard has the naval architecture in house by Mondomarine. The interior zoning, very full of light and fitted out in a minimalist style, is flexible and suitable for different needs and situations. While the main deck is divided with a classic layout; salon, dining room and Owner’s suite to fore, on the lower deck there are three double cabins for guests plus an area which, according to circumstances, may be used as a double cabin or a study. The upper deck featuring the sky-lounge can easily transform into a VIP stateroom with en suite bathroom. Power is from twin MTU 2480hp engines which give a 17 knots performance, and a range of 4000 nautical miles at an economic 12 knots speed.
Technical Data:
LOA - 49.30 m (161.7ft)
Waterline Length - 40.6 m
Beam - 9.30 m
Draft - 2.60 m
Displacement - 475 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 85000 l
Water Capacity - 16000 l
Accommodation - 1 owners Cabin, 4 guest cabins, 1 Captains cabin, 4 crew cabins
Engines - 2 x MTU 12V4000M71 2480hp Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 17 knots max, 16 knots cruise, 12 knots economic
Range - 4000 nm at 12 knots
Construction - steel hull, light alloy super structure
Project - Cor D.Rover exterior, Frederic Mechiche and Luca Dini interior
Certification - Lloyds 100A1 SSC Yacht Mono G6 LMC, MCA Compliance
www.mondomarine.it