Project: Octagon i54 PC

Octagon is a German shipyard which just appeared in the scene with a modern looking power catamaran project, the i54PC.  This Octagon catamaran combines design and functionality in a special way: with the shipyard and designers setting themselves apart for months with the project before starting the construction.  May be this is shown for the more futuristic lines, and design of the i54 PC. The salon, with its circular seating arrangement and the functional galley configure the main deck while below we have space for four cabins with separate shower heads.  Seems amazing for sixteen meter even for a catamaran.  Octagon say other versions are available for the layout, with larger owner's cabin choices dedicating a full hull as well.  A highlight in the i54 PC is also the opening hardtop, this leaving the flybridge dry, even when the large roof is securely closed.  Standard engines will be twin 370hp suggesting a moderate medium speed under 20 knots.  Still no performance data as yet so this is just speculation from my part.

www.octagon-yachts.com

New Model: Frauscher 1017 GT

The Frauscher 1017 GT represents a consistent advancement of this Austrian so called motor yacht fleet. A special kind of a top-class gentlemen racer with an exclusive interior and more space as never before. With the typical Frauscher brand characteristics: exceptional design, outstanding quality and impressive driving characteristics. Fraucher also promises a good stable rough sea ride characteristics.  Engine power is up to twin 430hp in petrol or 300hp diesel format.    

Technical Data:

LOA - 10.17 m (33.3ft)

Hull Length - 9.99 m

Beam - 2.99 m

Displacement - 3900 kg
Max Persons - 8
Accommodation - 2 + 2 berths

Engines - 2 x 300hp, 2 x 430hp gas petrol only
Speed - 60 knots max with twin 430hp

www.frauscherboats.com

Project: Palm Beach PB55 Flybridge

Just as it did with all its models Palm Beach presents a Flybridge version to its latest 2011 new model the PB55.  With this model Palm Beach adds an extra entertainment area up top, along a second helm station.  So far Palm Beach is not showing layouts for the flybridge on the site although customer choice may be available also here. The PB55 is indeed available with five different layouts for main deck, and three for the cabin area this being two or three cabin versions.  Power should mirror that of the express of twin Volvo 700hp engines with IPS900 dual propeller forward looking pods.

www.palmbeachmotoryachts.com

New Model: Cranchi M44 ST

Cranchi showed good spirit in the fall of last year presenting four new models in all sizes aiming to upgrade its range to clients new demands.  The M40 ST has been one of the most awaited new models from Cranchi for its size, and comfort.  The M40 ST fills an important hole in Cranchi's sport cruiser range left empty since the demise of the 41 Mediterranee stopped in production in 2002.  The M40 ST impresses for its comfort which is also helped by an overall length which measures 44 feet.  But spaces in the M which stands in fact for Mediterranee and ST for Soft Top abound everywhere; outside and inside.  The interior is spacious in this size and style of sport cruiser offering sleeping for five in two cabins, with an owners room to fore plus two extra berths in the convertible C-shaped saloon.  Cranchi did not follow trends of offering a midships owner room but took the route to offer a three berth cabin here.  Below is also space for a spacious L-shaped galley, plus two heads one of which en-suite for the owner. Standard power is from twin Volvo 330hp with stern dual propeller propulsion which gives a 33 knots max speed.

Technical Data:

LOA - 13.7 m (44.9ft)

Hull Length - 12.01 m

Waterline Length - 9.90 m

Beam - 4.06 m

Draft - 0.96 m

Displacement - 9500 kg

Fuel Capacity - 1000 l

Water Capacity - 300 l

Accommodation - 5 + 2 berths

Max Persons - 12

Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 330hp

Propulsion - Volvo dual propeller stern drives
Speed - 33 knots max, 26 knots cruise

Project - Aldo Cranchi hull, Cranchi Research Development Lab 

Certification - CE B

www.cranchi.it

Project: Jongert 500 LE

In cooperation with Azure Naval Architects and Guido de Groot, Jongert developed the LE 500, a 50 meters long motor yacht with a gross tonnage of slightly less than 500 GT. The LE 500 is equipped with a hybrid diesel electric propulsion system using Lithium-ion batteries. If desired the yacht can be equipped with fully wheelchair accessibility and/or a lift. One of the many special facilities on board is the telescopic anchor system. This system allows the yacht to be moored quickly and easily in any place up to 15 meters depth. The first two yachts will be built as a special “limited edition”.  Construction is all in aluminium deck and super structure for the 500 LE what is a three decks super yacht.  Top speeds are up to 20 knots.

www.jongert.com

New Model: Back Cove 34

With the 34 Back Cove builds on upgrading the 33 model.  The new Back Cove 34 sits in the middle of its three model line up of traditional looking down East cruisers which from 30 to 37 feet.  Needless to say the hull lines are the same but Back Cove sought to improve in important areas as the cabin now having an island double berth in replacement to the convertible Vee shaped saloon, and new extended aft deck.  With the 34 Back Cove stays as all its past and current models to a single engine with a Cummins 480hp unit and shaft line propulsion.  Although I always think that with this they are loosing market share, but for hull design this makes a better sense.

Technical Data:

LOA - 10.46 m (34.4ft)

Beam - 3.66 m

Draft - 0.94 m

Displacement - 6.35t

Fuel Capacity - 694 l

Water Capacity - 300 l

Accommodation - 2 + 2 berths

Engine - 1 x Cummins QSB5.9 480hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 29 knots max, 26 knots cruise

Range - 207 nm at 26 knots cruise

Certification - ABYC, NMMA, USCG, CE

www.backcoveyachts.com

Improve-it = Absolute 40 STY

It is in sticking to client demands that the market plays at the moment, and Absolute show this with the just launched 40 STY.  At the Genoa boat show Absolute presented a new alternative choice to the stern layout of the 40STY.  Now clients have the choice to equip it with an aft sunpad like the bigger Absolute 43 or 53 STY sisters, in replacement to the standard settee.  The sunpad also transforms to a settee in a matter of seconds, giving an owner the best of both Worlds.  I am sure this alternative option comes after the launch at Cannes of the 40 STY, which showed clients preferring the sunpad as the 43 STY, but still wanted a three feet smaller size sport cruiser.   

www.absoluteyachts.com

New Model: Faeton F-300

Faeton since a couple of years part of the Astondoa Group continues to expand its Cruiser Series, inaugurated in 2009 with the 360 Fly and part of the acquisition plan.  The new Faeton  F-300 is a flybridge motor cruiser the third, and entry level model of the Cruiser Range.  As is expected from Faeton and Astondoa the F-300 takes similar looks to the bigger 360 sister all presented in a smaller size. The F-300 interiors presents itself on two levels; above a saloon, galley and a helm station. In the sleeping quarters below decks is two double cabins and an independent shower head. The boat is equipped with dual helm station, a minimalist decoration and a complete series of equipment.  Engine choices are four, single Volvo or Cummins 300 or 350hp, and twins of 220hp.  Propulsion is traditional and reliable shaft drive.

Technical Data:

LOA - 8.65 m (28.3ft)

Hull Length - 7.99 m

Beam - 3.10 m

Displacement - 5500 kg

Fuel Capacity - 400 l

Water Capacity - 150 l

Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths

Max Persons - 8

Engines - 1 x Volvo D4 300hp Cummins QSD 4.2 350hp, 2 x Volvo D3 220hp, Cummins QSD 2.8 220hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Certification - CE B 

www.faeton.es

Improve-it = Bavaria 38 SportHT

Bavaria presents a limited edition High Line version for the 38 SportHT model, and will be limited to fifteen units only including the standard full open 38 Sport. For the SportHT 38 High Line, Bavaria developed an individual and distinctive design as well as new unique features. The silk-grey exterior and the classic navy cushions have been exclusively combined for this special limited release and bestow an exquisite overall look upon this sport cruiser. High gloss kitchen units and the luxurious carpet in the cabin add to the elegance of the yacht. The high quality audio package with speakers in the cockpit as well as the salon will be standard for the High Line what is usually available at extra cost. Presented in 2010 and designed by BMW Group DesignWorks USA the 38 Sport will feature the usual Bavaria attributes of a competitive package, and five engine choices from Mercruiser and Volvo.

www.bavaria-yachtbau.com

New Model: Bertram 64

Bertram's new 64 replaces the since 2003 produced and fifty plus models delivered 630, replacement of the legend that was the Napier designed 60.  The 64 builds and improves the good qualities of the 630, but most of all it builds more on its sportfish battle wagon features thanks to huge input of Bertram president Alton Hendon.  Think of the aft deck now being the largest in this size being 194 squared feet in area, with plenty of storage for the angler being it hobby or competition.  Improved design features are a smoother shear line, with or without center line windows.  So far there is no mention of a lower helm choice, as Bertram's other recent new models as the 540, 511 and 800.  But an enclosed bridge version will be available later on, adding three tons to the weight.  Power is from three engines choices Cats or MTU starting at 1676 till 2001hp.  Cats 1925hp engines will give a fast 40 knots wide open throttle max. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 20.6 m (67.6ft)

Hull Length - 19.4 m

Beam - 19.4 m

Draft - 1.6 m

Displacement - 41t convertible version, + 3t for Enclosed bridge

Fuel Capacity - 7000 l

Water Capacity - 1363 l

Accommodation - 8 berths in 4 cabins, 6 berths in 3 cabins

Engines - 2 x Cat C32 1676hp, C32 Acert 1825hp, MTU 16v 2000 M91 2001hp

Propulsion - line shafts

Speed - 40 knots max with Cats 1925hp

Project: Giovanni Zuccon lines, Ferretti AYT

Certification - NMEA

www.bertram.com