Project: Palm Beach PB52 Flybridge

As is usual with Palm Beach motor yachts from down under Australia, the builder presents a Flybridge version of its latest model, the PB52.  Flexibility is key to this latest Palm Beach traditional yacht, available with both IPS or shaft line propulsion, and three layouts for both the lower and upper deck with two or three cabin options. The PB 52 Flybridge will have a sport-fishing style helm at the back of the flybridge with entertainment areas located at the forward part. Adding tradition to the part the PB52 will also feature a central mast as a radar arch. 

www.palmbeachmotoryachts.com

New Model: Sea Ray 400 Sundancer

Sea Ray is proud to introduce the new 400 Sundancer, featuring a fresh and exciting design coming from the big sisters of the large yacht L-class range.  The 400 Sundancer will make its official debut in November at the Fort Lauderdale boat show.  Entertainment comes naturally on-board the 400 Sundancer, with an open floor plan main deck that creates generous, connected social zones throughout the boat. The spacious and airy salon features large windows and a power-actuated sunroof that lets in abundant natural light. Plush seating, including an L-shaped lounge, accommodates up to eight people, and a triple-pane entry door and retractable cockpit SureShade extend the entertainment space outdoors. The bow lounge brings comfort to a new level as well, with multi-position sun-pads and an optional shade system for all-day comfort.  The living area below opens to two full-beam staterooms. The master stateroom comes with an expansive closet system, or an optional second head and shower. The aft stateroom sleeps three and features a settee and sliding bunks that convert to a double bed when preferred.  Richer materials and finishes from elegant hardwood floors to smooth solid surface counter-tops enhance the aesthetics and comfort of all interior spaces. The galley area is sleek and luxurious, with high-end appliances and plentiful storage, and the cleanly designed helm station features joystick control from the double-wide helm seat.  Aft, the 400 Sundancer’s optional hydraulic swim platform features innovative self-deploying boarding steps that allow for effortless interaction with the water.

Technical Data:

LOA - 13.2 m (43.6ft) with extended bathing platform, 12.2 m without extended platform
Beam - 4.0 m
Draft - 1.75 m
Displacement - 12935 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 1211 l
Water Capacity - 378 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 2 cabins
Engines - 2 x Mercruiser 8.2 Mag HO Ect 430hp, 8.2 Horizon ECT 430hp (petrol gas)
Mercury 4.2l TDI 370hp, Cummins QSD 6.7 480hp
Propulsion - stern drive, or V-drive
Hull Shape - modified Vee with 17 degrees dead=rise aft
Certification - CE B, USCG, ABYC, NMMA

www.searay.com

Project: Horizon FD85

Horizon is pleased to announce the FD85 fast displacement motoryacht as a new model to the company’s luxury yacht line-up. Developed by renowned yacht designer Cor D. Rover and Horizon’s in-house naval architecture team, the FD85 features a vertical bow design, which has been tested with Computational Fluid Dynamics; that not only offers the desired fast displacement performance criteria but also increased hull volume for 25% more spacious living spaces, including a five guest stateroom layout. Built with twin Cat 1136hp engines, the new Horizon FD85 performs high efficiency from a slow cruise of 10 knots to a faster cruise of 16 knots, ensuring a more comfortable and versatile use of operating speeds. The FD85 has just completed one of her main construction stages, joining the hull and superstructure, and is scheduled to debut at the 2016 Taiwan International Boat Show in March.  The new Horizon FD85 provides five en suite guest staterooms; a full-beam master stateroom on deck and two mirrored VIP queen staterooms as well as two twin guest staterooms below deck.  Crew quarters are found just forward of the engine room. The main salon and formal dining room incorporate sections of floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a design feature that is carried into the Master stateroom as well and dramatically increases natural light in these areas. In the FD85’s pilothouse, a large windshield also adds natural light and maximizes visibility; however Low-E glass is utilized to reduce the amount of heat entering the yacht, and the windshield’s forward-angle design minimizes reflections on the navigational instruments.  Horizon focused on both function and entertaining when designing the FD85’s outdoor spaces. An abundance of aft deck space incorporates built-in and loose seating as well as accessibility to the raised foredeck from the starboard side deck; the twin staircases from the aft deck to the flybridge provide a stylish design feature that is also practical. Crew quarters are reachable from a staircase on the port aft deck and from the swim platform. On the flybridge, the FD85 offers an outdoor helm, full bar, two adjacent L-shaped dinettes, space for sunbathing, and a hot tub ideal for enjoying the outdoors; an interior helm is connected to the flybridge for easy transition between helms.  The Horizon FD85 fast displacement blends contemporary interior and exterior styling and functional design with flexible performance capabilities, ensuring this new yacht will successfully compete in today’s multi-faceted yacht market.

www.horizonyacht.com

New Model: Tiara Q44

Tiara has in recent years took itself into new product ranges, first with the Down-East lobster boat inspired Coupe series, and now this, the Q44 which is a big walk around style day cruiser offering overnight accommodation for four.  Nonetheless the Q44 is all about comfort outside and in contact with water, an innovative product Stateside, but of which we have seen of similar concept in Italy as the Blue Game range of boats.  Based on the 44 Coupe hull, the Q44 is an interesting all season adventure cruiser, which brings new meaning to the term outside space in thirteen meters with three lounging areas available; aft, midships and bow all being easily connected and reachable thanks to the safety of the walk-around side decks.  Powered by twin Volvo 435hp the Q44 has a top speed of 32 knots, with a cruise of 27.

Technical Data:

LOA - 13.87 m (45.6ft)

Beam - 4.54 m

Draft - 1.18 m

Displacement - 11340 kg

Fuel Capacity - 1324 l

Water Capacity - 446 l

Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins

Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 435hp

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS pod drives

Speed - 32 knots max, 27 knots cruise, 23 knots economic cruise

Range - 250 nm at at 23 knots

Hull Shape - modified Vee with 18 degrees deadrise aft

Construction - hand laid fiberglass with premium resins and gelcoat, balsa cored shipsides

Certification - ABYC

www.tiarayachts.com

PowerYachtBlog Best of 2015 Nominated

Project: Storm X-44

Meetings with clients and owners have led Storm yachts to the development of a new project at the lower end of it's production size range: the X-44. From a distance this project is clearly identifiable as true Storm yachts, and even with a limited hull length of just over thirteen meters, the model will still offer everything that makes the brand unique in the market.  The X-44 supplements the range in the shortest length. With strong lines and a masculine appearance, it is an eye-catching day cruiser. Yet, as applies to all Storm, noblesse oblige! The combination of the FDHF hull with Volvo IPS pod propulsion system ensures a superior performance and optimal maneuverability, comfort and ease of operation for a premium boating experience.

www.stormyachts.com

New Model: Salpa 38x Laver

Salpa went to the 2015 Cannes boat show with an important new surprise model, that of the new 38x Laver.  Returning from the past is the famous Laver signature, famous for the 30 model from the early eighties designed by Italian deep-Vee hull legends and gurus Sonny Levi and Franco Harrauer. It will be interesting how much of that design is actually going into the 38x hull, but the bow as the picture above is all classic Laver style.  I am sure more interesting for many will be the deep Vee underwater shape, which Salpa although not making use of the designers themselves has always made good use of. The 38x is also in its size a big challenge to the competition, with a couple important features being not only interesting for a sport cruiser of eleven meters, but also rare to find as the flat floor on the main deck, and a second head serving the guest cabin at midships. The Laver 38x is powered by twin Volvo 300hp with stern drives.  

Technical Data:

LOA - 11.95 m (39.2ft)

Hull Length - 9.95 m

Beam - 3.85 m

Draft - 0.9 m

Displacement - 7250 kg light, 9250 kg loaded

Fuel Capacity - 2 x 350 l

Water Capacity - 250 l

Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins, + 2 convertible berths in saloon

Max Persons - 10

Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 300hp

Propulsion - Volvo dual propeller stern drive

Certification - CE B

www.salpa.com

Project: Beneteau 30 Swift Trawler

Beneteau presents the project for a new baby 30 Swift Trawler, the smallest of the latest generation of explorer type cruisers designed by the giant French boat builder. Cut out for high seas, the 30 Swift Trawler is surprisingly comfortable and her autonomy and many fittings are reassuring, making life on board much easier. With a clear-cut combination of style and seaworthiness, you will be tempted by the energy performance of this voyager.  With hand rails omnipresent, high pulpits and a large well-protected starboard walkway, the 30 Swift Trawler maximizes the safety of movements on board. Unique on this type of boat, the panoramic view from the steering station makes for easy driving unobstructed by any obstacle. With an autonomy of around 200 nautical miles at cruising speed and large water tank capacities, the 30 Swift Trawler will take you to places where no other craft of a similar size would dare venture.  Designed for a comfortable lifestyle on board, bright but also simple and practical, the 30 Swift Trawler provides multiple modular fittings. The interior space is optimized reflecting the large open spaces you will be bound to explore. The cockpit opens onto the sea in the form of a terrace, with foldaway seats, a convertible sofa, and a well-designed table sliding beneath the seats to increase the amount of space in this reception area, and suiting all crew configurations.  One or two cabins layouts are offered below deck.  While engine options start from a single 300 or optional 370hp unit.

www.beneteau.com

New Model: Princess V58 Open

Just before the 2015 Southampton boat show, Princess launch the very nice looking V58 Open, a sport yacht which goes back to basics offering an open style main deck design, with a large aft sun-pad.  A closed deck saloon version with patio doors should be launched later on, this replacing the current V57 on which this model is for the most part based.  The V58 Open presents itself as a very sleek looking sport yacht with a three double cabin two head interior, this including a full beam midships located owners stateroom.  A VIP suite forward, and a smallish third cabin with bunk complete the lower deck overnight accommodation plan. An optional single berth crew cabin located aft can also be fitted out.  Tender stowage will be in a garage under the aft sun-pad, and on the lift bathing platform aft.  Power will come from twin Volvo 800 or 900hp engines with line shaft propulsion.     

Technical Data:

LOA - 18.42 m (60.4ft)

Hull Length - 18 m

Beam - 4.65 m

Draft - 1.27 m

Displacement - 20,500 kg medium load

Fuel Capacity - 2200 l

Water Capacity - 500 l

Accommodation 6 berths in 3 cabins, optional 1 crew cabin berth

Engines - 2 x Volvo D13 800hp, D13 900hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 37 knots with Volvo 900hp

Project - Bernard Olesinski

www.princessyachts.com

Project: Riva 100 Corsaro

During the eighties the Corsaro word made many heads turn around in a marina, as it was the model flagship name of one very admired boat builder Riva at the time standing at sixty feet in length.  Now in 2015 and headed by the Ferretti Group, Riva return this name from its history books and present the new 100 Corsaro project. For the new Corsaro Officina Italiana design of Micheli and Beretta went for a raised pilot house semi wide body project which impress for space inside but also seems to feature a rather high free board.  Unfortunately for the traditionalists the new Corsaro gives no homage to the old flagship. Impressive in the new 100 Corsaro will be the main deck with fore located owners stateroom which will be of huge spaces. Below deck will also be accommodation for four other guest cabins, and three crew cabins accommodating five berths located forward. Power of the 100 Corsaro will come from twin 2435hp MTU engines with top speeds estimates of 27 knots.   

www.riva-yacht.com

Bright Looking With One Cloud

Unlike previous recent years the start of the production year seemed to be a very positive one for many boat builders.  Most big brands went to Cannes with there accounts all on a positive mood showing the growing results they achieved so far.  And the outlook indeed looks better.

The market is looking good and the big companies are all starting to get an important feel and can now plan ahead.  It looked as of though we are ten years ago, when the outlook was all but positive. The results are speaking very good for the most. 

Ferretti Group was all into growing mode, with brands Riva, Ferretti and Pershing all doing very well. The Group has a project of unveiling thirty new models in the next two years, but brands Itama and Mochi do not seem mentioned in this. Azimut-Benetti had another growing year. Absolute advised its 2016 production is nearly sold out. Sunseeker said it ninety feet plus is doing excellent, but no news of its smaller models accept for the success the 57 Predator is enjoying.  Princess did not say much but did present some interesting projects for some coming new models. Beneteau Group advised again it is growing, and that finally sales for Europe are coming back to pre-recession levels with forecast that Italy will be topping the charts up in the years to come. 

The bad news came in recent days from Fairline with its current equity owner Better Capital deciding to pull out from the business, and just yesterday selling out to another investor.  It will be interesting where Fairline will move from now on. Surely the company is paying the price of it's little initiative in the last five or so years, something which a builder like this is not allowed to do much, especially when the others are reacting to every little momentum of the market.