New Model: Cranchi 53 Eco Trawler LD

It's definitely one of Cranchi's most announced and awaited novelties, and also an unedited new direction for the World famous North Italian family run boat builder.  The 53 Eco Trawler LD is Cranchi's answer to a segment of the market which have seen a high renewed interest from boaters since fuel costs have started to increase more or less about a decade ago.  What's interesting about Cranchi new Explorer yacht is that in it come a lot of the ideas featured in the latest planning yachts; astern galley, full beam owner midships stateroom are here, fore deck settee, as well as IPS pod propulsion to help improve economy, giving more buck to the mile are all features of this entry in the long distance segment.  An interesting part of the 53 Eco Trawler LD layout is also the four option choice to the third cabin below.  You can have have this third cabin space in various utilities; twin berths, dinette with no bulk head, storage and two bunk berths, and last as a separate office.      

Technical Data:

LOA - 17 m (55.9ft)

Hull Length - 15 m

Beam - 4.95 m

Displacement - 18,200 kg dry

Fuel Capacity - 2700 l

Water Capacity - 810 l

Max Persons - fourteen

Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, or 4 berths in 2 cabins

Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 435hp

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS pods

www.cranchi.it 

PowerYachtBlog Best of 2013 Nominated

Project: Galeon 560 Skydeck

Based on the 550 Fly, Galeon and designer Tony Castro present the project of the 560 Skydeck, a sports flybridge motor yacht aimed to hybrid two styles of users in one.  Galeon already did a similar experiment with its 420 series presenting the 430 Skydeck, and after good input from the customers offers the same concept on its much admired 550 series.  The 560 Skydeck is in fact an identical yacht in the interior layout of the 550 bar its flybridge and its window shapes here looking more aggressive.   The flybridge of the 560 Skydeck is indeed of a more sports nature and here Galeon offers a layout from a sports boat with a central helm with two side guest settees and large sun-pad to aft.  The flybridge is also moved more backwards for the reason that the 560 Skydeck has a part, the one above the interior helm which is an opening tinted glass hard-top. The aft of the 560 is also different offering a large sunpad with a moveable back rest which transform this settee in various needed uses, from looking forward for dining or aft to chill by the water. For the remaining the 560 Skydeck offers what made the 550 a very impressive yacht; three large cabins below, large double two single beds crew quarters aft, and one of the best astern galley in the category.       

www.galeon.pl

New Model: Uniesse 49 Open

 

It is always a challenge for a boat builder to re-invent or replace a successful model in its line up which has been long standing for over a decade.  This is the case for this new Uniesse 49 Open, which in reality does not replace but updates the appreciated, respected and the since its launch in 1996 has been called the timeless 48.  The 49 is in nearly all details the same sport cruiser, inside and outside layout, exterior line giving a tribute to the Carolina sportfishers as designed by Fred Hudson nearly two decades ago. And really why should they change much, the 48 Open was as close to perfection you can get in superb US European style mix, being its sea keeping quality as are its construction standards, as its well appointed interior which offers good accommodation for a sport cruiser measuring fifteen meters. But look skin deep and the Uniesse 49 Open show its new elements; smaller engine power with more speed on tap thanks to ZF Zeus propulsion, an added comfort to its guests aft with an up and down bathing platform, and legal change thanks to less length on ISO rules.  Uniesse has always been a conservative builder, and with the 49 Open, it shows that it still has that important spirit at heart.  Surely the 49 Open updates the 48 with the important propulsion change the ZF Zeus pod drives, giving a more spirit lively handling as well as better economy at the pump.  This reduces engine horse power needs from 715 to 600hp while still reaching a top speed of 38 knots, important to note plus two nautical miles per hour versus the standard shaft choice power.  For those still looking for a traditional line shaft set up Uniesse still offers the 49 Open with this set up, from a standard Cummins 715hp or optional MAN 800hp units. The length change marks also a significant change to the Uniesse 49 Open as with this new dimensions the 49 Open comes under the fourteen meter tax rules as amended in Italy past June.  Yes the Uniesse 49 Open does not replace the 48 it just makes it better.  

Technical Data:

LOA - 15.86 m (51.9ft)

Length - 13.6 m

Beam - 4.62 m

Draft - 1.12 m

Displacement - 17,100 kg full load

Fuel Capacity - 1850 l

Water Capacity - 580 l

Accommodaiton - 6 berths in 3 cabins

Max Persons - 14

Engines - 2 x Cummuns Zeus 600hp, Cummins 715hp, MAN 800hp

Propulsion - ZF Zeus aft looking pods with Cummins 600hp, line shaft propulsion

Speed - 38 knots max with Cummins ZF Zeus pods 600hp, 36 knots with Cummins 715hp

Construction - hand laid fiberglass; vinilester and isoftalic resin, unidirectional and woven fiberglass.  Airex sandwich core for topsides.

Project - Fred Hudson

Certification - CE B

www.uniesse.com

Project: Jarrett Bay 84 Sportfisherman Hull #60

It's been a great year for Jarrett Bay and after delivering its largest ever build the 77 feet hull number 56, the company sets out the construction of an even bigger boat.  This time Jarrett Bay extends its size by seven feet, and starts the construction of an 84 Sportfisherman set to be delivered in three years time, that is 2016.  This new super sportfish yacht comes from the new 77 owners, who will have to wait three years for the new custom build to be completed.  Jarrett Bay 84 Sportfisherman will feature a four double guest cabin plan, plus a two berth crew room amidships this also having a direct access to the full height engine room. Other interesting details are the day head on the main deck, a laundry room, storage room, and a midships located owners stateroom.   

www.jarrettbay.com

New Model: Cantiere Delle Marche 96 Darwin Class

Its been one of the most talked new models coming from Italy this Summer, the new 96 Darwin Class titled ‘Stella di Mare’: a 30 meters Explorer yacht with rugged US ocean trawler and working tug-boat inspired looks designed by Sergio Cutolo and built by Cantieri delle Marche.  The yacht maintains the Darwin series features, but it differentiates from the previous 86 models of the same line particularly for the increased on-board volumes resulting in the possibility to dedicate more spaces to the crew, to the technical areas and to the guests.  For example in this hull one of the 96 the VIP suite has now almost the same volumes as the owner’s stateroom, and the main deck is considerably extended, as well as the guest cabin and the sun-deck this being enlarged up to fifty squared meters. Another example is the garage itself also ten squared meters bigger than the one on the 86 Darwin, and contains also 4 bikes, 2 of them electric, with their recharge battery station.  The Darwin 96 has a steel hull and a light alloy superstructure that can guarantee the maximum strength and durability, also considering the intense usage a super yacht like this is designed to undertake.

Technical Data:

LOA - 28.95 m (95.9ft)

Waterline Length - 26 m

Beam - 7.43 m

Draft - 2.30 m

Displacement - 235 t full load

Fuel Capacity - 42000 l

Water Capacity - 4000 l

Accommodation - 8/10 guest berths in 4 cabins, 3/4 crew in 2 cabins

Engines - 2 x Cat C18 596hp

Propulsion - line shaft with skeg protection, 5 balded propellers

Speed - 13 knots max, 12 knots cruise, 10 knots economic

Range - 5900 nm at 10 knots economic cruise

Construction - 8 mm and 12 mm in reinforced areas steel for hull, 5083 allumunium for super structure

Project - Sergio Cutolo from Hydrotec, Pierluigi Floris interior

Certification - RINA Grade A

www.cantieredellemarche.it

Project: Hinckley T43 Talaria

In the eve of the Newport International Boat Show, Hinckley president and CEO Jim McManus announced the Talaria 43, its third new powerboat model in as many years. And the company chose a unique setting in which to do so, from the cockpit of the full-scale mock-up of the new model.  The timeless good looks of the Talaria line are readily apparent in the new boat, as is Hinckley’s penchant for evolution through design and technological innovation. Several notable new features distinguish the T43 design from her sister Hinckley models and other boats in the marketplace.  An impressive new element on the Talaria 43 came about through listening to current Hinckley owners. The boat will feature a technological first: a glass pilothouse rear enclosure, with door, that completely disappears with a touch of a button.  A a patent is pending. This enclosure will satisfy those owners who like the openness of an express boat, but like the sense of security afforded by a solid enclosure for inclement weather. Other boat companies have offered retracting windows but Hinckley is the first to make the door retract fully as well. The T43 is to be powered with standard twin Cummins 715hp and Hamilton jet propulsion, with the option as introduced this year in some other Hinckley boats of Volvo 435hp engines with forward looking IPS pod drives.  With either drive system, the T43 is expected to cruise at 30 knots with a top speed of 35 knots.  For the accommodation layout the cockpit features wonderfully sociable seating and a hospitality bar with refrigerator and sink. The boat’s full galley is carried to port on a mezzanine level for easy access. Two Stidd seats are fitted at the helm station. A large windshield and glass nearly all around at eye-level make for excellent visibility. Below decks is a queen master stateroom forward, a double guest cabin to starboard and a head with stall shower opposite. Like all her Hinckley sisterships, the T43 comes very well equipped with an Awlgrip-painted hull in a full range of colors, electronics, upper and lower A/C units, and the little niceties like cabin sole covers, fitted sheets and elegant Kahlenberg trumpets. She is built in the stiff, yet light, DualGuard laminate with Corecell coring, E-glass and carbon fibre. And like the rest of the fleet, the boat comes with the support of the company’s network of service yards, three days of on-board training, a lifetime hull and deck warranty, and the company’s signature bright-work and prized Hinckley profile.  Already five T43 Talaria are in order from the drawing board of the model.

www.hinckleyyachts.com

New Model: Tiara 50 Coupe

Its an interesting story at the moment if you are a customer looking for a sport cruiser or yacht around the fifty feet length and with pods drives, as the market has in the last couple of months been filled with offers from some quality renowned builders, three of which have never offered such a package in this size.  Tiara a high quality labelled production builder from the USA presents this great looking new 50 Coupe, featuring an unmistakable conservative yet contemporary styling outside.  I am loving that flared bow for example, but also the design of the coach roof and the hard top has a certain simplicity which tells you to keep looking for ever.  In this new 50 Coupe Tiara shows meticulous planning for the boater; huge bathing platform with wet-bar, large aft cockpit, fully enclosed interior main deck with full all around panoramic views, and astern galley.  Down below the intelligence of the 50 Coupe layout not only for featuring a full beam owners room a standard in cruisers of this size nowadays and more so in IPS powered yachts, but most important for the choice of having a wash-room or this to be replaced by a third bunk cabin.  Last and not least is the details which surprise in this Tiara 50 Coupe like the saloon sofa, or aft deck settee which have a quality style home grade look and feel. Standard power for the Tiara is Volvo 600hp or optional 725hp, with both engines propelled with IPS forward looking pod drives.      

Technical Data:

LOA - 16.6 m (54.6ft)

Beam - 4.85 m

Draft - 1.37 m

Displacement - 21,418 kg dry

Fuel Capacity - 2649 l

Water Capacity - 757 l

Accommodation - 4 berths in cabins, or 6 berths in 3 cabins, optional 1 berth crew cabin aft

Engines - 2 x Volvo D11 600hp, D11B2 725hp

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS800 or 950 pod drives

Speed - 35 knots max   

Hull - modified Vee with 14.8 degrees dead-rise aft

Construction - Hand laminated solid fibreglass bottom with balsa cored sides and closed cell for topsides. Gelcoat outer layer and premium resins used.

www.tiarayachts.com

PowerYachtBlog Best of 2013 Nominated

Project: Sea Ray 350 SLX

Sea Ray shows details for its new 350 SLX project redeveloping the bow rider into an entertainment boat for up to an over crowded eighteen people seated outside, with the option of a small cuddy double berth below.  For thr 350 SLX Sea Ray shows attention for the outside and for having settee from bow to sterns all of which can be sun protected during your hot summer days with extendible and retractable biminis. The 350 SLX is in the end a Summer day boat, with a little thinking for an overnight stay if you want that. The nice part of the layout is the L-shaped settee with opposite galley amidships, which looks to be a nice area to cook, eat and chill.  Another interesting detail of the the SLX flagship comes also for having a high low bathing platform making tender storage a breeze, as well for being relaxed in the water more easy.  Power is from twin stern drive Mercruiser 350hp gas, or Cummins diesels of the same output.  

www.searay.com

New Model: Sunseeker 68 Predator

Sunseeker has been always a builder which re-invents itself and the Predator series has always been its most daring innovative side.  This 68 Predator follows suit on the latest designs by the British, Poole based boat builder, with large view windows being the main design topic outside, and a living on the main deck the theme inside.  Accommodation offers three spacious guest rooms, with an owners stateroom amidships having very nice features as a beauty desk, lounging sofa, and a walk in wardrobe.  The galley is located in between the cabins below, to port side of the descending stair which bring you from the main deck. Two crew berths featuring L-shaped bunk berths are located astern.  Power is twin engines up to a total of 3244hp which give a top speeds up to 33 knots maximum.

Technical Data:

LOA - 21.7 m (71.2ft)

Waterline Length - 16.42 m

Beam - 5.09 m

Draft - 1.58 m

Displacement - 37,300 kg half load

Fuel Capacity - 3500 l

Water Capacity - 800 l

Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, 1 crew with 2 berths

Engines - 2 x Diesel power max total of 3244hp

Propulsion - line shafts in propeller tunnels

Speed - 33 knots max, 24 knots cruise with the large engine choice

Range - 300 nautical miles at cruise

Construction - hand laid fiberglass, Vinilester skin coat with powerder pound mat, balsa-cored hull sides, PVC foam-core for superstructure

Certification - CE

www.sunseeker.com 

The Best

When people are building boats, which costs many thousands and or millions of $$$ it is very normal that everyone claims his product is to be among the best.  But at the moment there is one such builder that is claiming this and its very interesting the perspective they give.

In the fifty years birthday video which Viking from New Jersey USA is celebrating the coming 2014 year, the company claims to be the best semi-production boat builder around.  This is some big talk but if you go marina hoping in the US you will see that there is more facts to this then meet the eye, and many captains, crew, and yacht service repair man want stay much away to back this claim.  
It is true that Viking has shown a proficiency and product development and improvement since the nineties that many in the industry can learn a few things from.  Viking has gone from good, better, and best, raising the bar for itself and those who follow.  But in many ways you view the Viking performance one can see it is complete in many regards from the research and design which goes in the production of a new model, to its service departments located in the US where most of its market is. 

From a certain point of view it can be luck also that Viking builds for the most part sport fishing yachts, where engineering details are as much important as the furnishing and fittings.  But it can also be luck for the competition! Viking is developing a new yacht series with a 75 scheduled for launch for 2014.  Will be interesting to see how this will review, not only when new but after a couple of years.  

Viking has raised the bar, and its interesting also in the corporate fifty years video, how not only the Healy family still nurture there firm, but how the management staff has been long standing with the company not for a couple of years, but most of them for decades, and some of them since the founding.  

This shows that being the best after all is just about people!