Improve-it = Rio Daytona 45

For the 2025 season Rio presented a line shaft option of the large models of the Open and Coupe Walkaround range.  The Rio Daytona 45 which is available with Yanmar stern drive diesels and or triple Mercury outboards has now been added with a twin Yanmar 370hp line shaft option.  According to initial test the Rio Daytona 45 with line shafts reaches top speeds up to 35 knots with the twin Yanmar 370hp on line shaft.  The Daytona 45 is a design of Marino Alfani debuting in mid 2023.  The Daytona 45 is a walk around sport cruiser with T-top, and a lower deck sleeping four in an open plan double berth forward, and two berth cabin at midships.  A spacious head with enclosed shower box, and an opposite galley to port side completes the lower deck layout.

www.rioyachts.net

Super Sport Yacht Ends Aground Near Emerald Bay Marina Inlet, Exuma

The 36 meter super sport yacht titled m/y Double Shot ended aground just one hundred meters off to Emerald Bay's Marina Inlet, Exuma in the Bahamas for an accident which happened at around the early 02:00 hours of Tuesday 23 December.  The super yacht was entering the marina in what is reported a very difficult inlet to enter even in good conditions, let alone at night and in rough conditions.  To make matters more difficult the Northwest channel light at the marina entrance is also reported missing.  The number of people on board when the accident happened are not advised, but no injuries are reported from the grounding.  Salvage operations are being organized, although these are a bit difficult as the yacht is reported to have an important hull damage, and also breached its fuel tanks.  

According to some reports the same yacht also ran aground at Highbourne Cay Marina, in the Exumas on the same day but was towed away by a tug.  This grounding probably was on a soft sandbar, with the yacht probably sustaining little to no damage, as the distance between the two places is about ninety nautical miles, which is not a trip you would do if you have some important stuff broken.  

The super sport yacht in this accident is a 2011 build Tecnomar 36 Velvet as designed by Luca Dini and produced from 2008 to 2011 in three units.  The 36 Velvet was a replacement and evolution of the Tecnomar 35 Velvet, with a one meter one-off and larger 120 Velvet also being produced in 2007.

Classic Hatteras Ends Beached in Double Creek Channel, New Jersey

A thirteen meter Hatteras sportfish cruiser ended aground in Double Creek Channel, New Jersey for a story shared by Sea Tow New Jersey Central New Jersey on Sunday 21 December.  The vessel was reported taking on water as Captain Walt and Dan responded to the grounding, conducted an assessment, and successfully re-floated the vessel.  The Hatteras sportfish cruiser vessel was then escorted to Holiday Harbor Marina.  According to comments on the Facebook page, this channel was recently dredged, and markers are currently removed, though it appears that dredging is not complete.

The sportfish cruiser in this accident is a Hatteras 43 Convertible Series I as designed by Jack Hargrave and produced from 1978 to 1983.  The 43 Convertible Series I was a replacement to the 42 Convertible, and was replaced by the 45 Convertible Series II.

New Model: Intrepid 50 Evolution

At the 2025 Palm Beach boat show Intrepid debuted its new 50 Evolution, a replacement to the 477 Evolution after six years of production and new flagship to its cabin line which currently features three models from 41 to fifty foot.  A fifteen meter hard-top sport yacht the 50 Evolution comes with a lower deck cabin offering two cabins and a convertible dinette forward.  Welcoming you aboard with a twin level cockpit as found in most sport fishers, a three side hard-top of full-height glass with opening side windows encloses the upper more lounging area, which serves guests with abundant seating; two L-shaped loungers settees looking forward, dual seat helm station to starboard, and a single companionway settee to port side.  The aft deck offers a drop down balcony to starboard complimented with aft and port side settees.  Down below is accommodation for six; four in two cabins with double berths at midships, U-shaped dinette forward which converts to an extra double berth, all this complimented by a well sized galley to starboard, and a head with enclosed shower stall to port side.  The Intrepid 50 Evolution is powered by triple Mercury 600hp for top speeds up to 46 knots and a cruise of thirty giving a range of 276 nautical miles. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 15.39 m (50.6ft)

Beam - 4.17 m

Draft - 1.30 m

Displacement - 

Fuel Capacity - 2839 l

Water Capacity - 378 l

Accommodation - four berths in two cabins, plus convertible V-berth

Engines - 3 x Mercury Verado V12 600hp

Propulsion - triple or quadruple outboards

Speed - 46 knots max, thirty knots cruise with triple 600hp

Range - 276 nautical miles at thirty knots

Hull Shape - single step modified medium Vee with 19.2 degrees deadrise aft

Certification - CE B

www.intrepidpowerboats.com

Project: Van der Valk 48m Project ZEN

With the keel laid and construction underway Van der Valk preview it's largest build to date, the 48-metre Project ZEN Yard no. WV0149. Designed by Guido de Groot for exterior and Van Oossanen who do naval architecture, Project ZEN is to be an all aluminium build to RINA class standards and comes from a desire of a highly experienced owner, and is slated for a mid 2028 delivery. Guido de Groot and the owner inspired himself to sports cars, presenting a streamlined profile with a volume of over 499 Gross Tonnage This efficiency along with an impressive performance will be achieved by deploying Van Oossanen Naval Architects fast displacement hull form. An aft-mounted underwater foil called a Hull Vane will significantly reduce drag and fuel consumption while ensuring a transpacific range of over 4,400 nautical miles. The main aft deck flows to a large sea terrace with fold-down bulwarks opening on three sides. Retractable self-levelling swim stairs ensure easy access to and from the water. Electric sliding doors lead to a spacious toy store, fully equipped with eFoil boards, Seabobs, wakeboards and more. As befits a family yacht, a generous bow lounge offers a serene spot to enjoy the breeze underway or at anchor, while a spa pool is perfect for a sunset soak. The bow deck garage will house a MOB tender, with a 6.25-metre Williams DieselJet and jetski stored in a lower deck garage. An expansive split-level sundeck includes dedicated aft area for sunbathing and socialising. Beneath the hardtop forward is an open-air lounge with wet bar, grill, seating and alfresco dining. This emphasis on relaxed family living continues on the main deck, where the aft main salon flows into a welcoming country kitchen. The main deck offers a generous forward full-beam owner’s suite as well as a unique surprise: a full-beam wellness area featuring a gym to port and a yoga room to starboard. Other highlights in Project ZEN are the way large windows maintain a close connection to the sea, and the wide, gently sloping staircases. The interior style will be homey and casual chic with practical finishes. Van der Valk is to be powered by twin MAN 1450hp for top speeds up to seventeen knots and a cruise of sixteen.

www.vandervalkshipyard.com

New Model: Riva 112 Dolcevita Super

The name is a promise of superior well-being and comfort, combined with a deep sense of connection with the sea, here comes the new Riva 112’ Dolcevita Super, a flybridge super yacht that offers a new concept of life on board. An evolution of the Riva 110’ Dolcevita, one of the most highly acclaimed yachts in recent years, the 112’ Dolcevita Super is produced in La Spezia's Riva shipyard, where models from 21 to forty meters are produced. Like all Riva creations in the past thirty years, the 112 Dolcevita Super is designed by Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta of Officina Italiana Design. the studio that designs all Riva boats on an exclusive basis working in partnership with the Strategic Product Committee led by Piero Ferrari and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department. With a length over 34 meters, and a beam super to seven meters, the new 112’ Dolcevita Super has the sleek and assertive profile featured on all the latest the Riva flybridge yachts.  Redesigned spaces and increased dimensions: the numerous innovative solutions introduced on board are designed to provide guests with maximum functionality, extraordinary liveability and an increasingly emotional connection with the sea. The main strengths of the 112 Dolcevita Super in line with growing demand from owners, are the expansive outdoor spaces, where the concept of connection with the water finds its ultimate expression. The beach club in the stern, where an ultra-low 35-square-metre platform offers direct and easy access to the water, enhanced by two large bulwarks that swing out to form side terraces, increasing the size of the beach-club area. The central section of the beach club contains an extra-large sofa for lounging in the sun, with a ventilated storage space created behind it for the safe storage of two Seabobs, while the large garage under the sun pad can house a tender and a jet ski. The spacious 24-square-metre cockpit can be personalised across the board according to the owner’s tastes. Designed as a relaxation area overlooking the sea, it features two large sofas and is rounded out with freestanding furniture and a built-in unit. In the bow, as well as a large C-shaped sofa and an oversize sun pad, the owner can choose between another sofa or a Jacuzzi. The flybridge furnishings have been completely redesigned to maximise comfort: in the stern, the generous living area is decorated in a welcoming and versatile style with freestanding furniture, while in the central area a cocktail bar with stools and a TV with a hi-lo system face a large sofa with a low table. The interior spaces have also been optimised in a radical restyling. On the main deck, the lounge can be configured with two different layouts: the first, chosen for hull one, has the dining area aft and the lounge midships, while the second layout is more traditional, with the lounge area and generous sofas in the entry area and the dining area in the centre, a design solution that Riva 112’ Dolcevita Super shares with her three meter smaller sister 102 Corsaro Super. The master suite has been made even more special by original details, including a new wardrobe in the entry area and larger windows that let light flood in and offer a magnificent panoramic view. The dominant wood used in the interiors is high gloss rosewood, paired with decorative elements in the black hammered leather featured in the main lounge and master cabin detailing. There was a special focus during the design process on guests’ acoustic comfort. On the lower deck, for example, the bulkhead separating the crew area from the guest area; where the four VIP cabins with en suite bathrooms are located has been reinforced, and the flooring has been completely redesigned to further reduce vibrations and slamming. The standard version of the new Riva 112’ Dolcevita Super is fitted with two MTU  2638hp giving a top speed up to 25 knots and a cruise of 23 knots.  The same MTU can be optioned for with an SCR system for nitrogen oxide NOx reduction. Three dashboard configurations are available: standard with four Hatteland 19-inch monitors; premium with four 26-inch monitors, or twin 49-inch Boening monitors. Riva 112’ Dolcevita Super is equipped with two zero speed and underway stabilizer fins and Humphree interceptors.

Technical Data:

LOA - 34.38 m (112.9ft)

Hull Length - 34.2 m

Waterline Length - 29.4 m

Beam - 7.27 m

Draft - 2.07 m

Displacement -  150,000 kg loaded, 130,000 kg unloaded 

Fuel Capacity - 15,300 l

Water Capacity - 3000 l

Max Persons - twenty

Accommodation - ten guests in five cabins, four crew in two cabins

Engines - 2 x MTU 16V 2000 M97L 2638hp

Propulsion - line shafts

Speed - 25 knots max 23 cruise

Project - Mauro Micheli and Sergio Berretta of Officina Italiana, Ferretti Group engineering

www.riva-yacht.com

Project: BB Yachts 66 Custom

Debuting in 2024 with the 44 Ischia and 44 Panarea models, BB Yachts shows it wants to grow and presents projects for smaller and larger models.  Here we are presenting the project for the 66 Custom, which brings bow rider-dual console features on a super sport yacht measuring over 21 meters in over-all length.  Thanks to this the BB Yachts will bring a main deck which connects outside with the hard-top covered inside, for an endless space of 21 meters.  The lower deck is reserved to the three cabins; which will offer a full beam midships located master stateroom.  A crew cabin for one person is located forward, while to aft will be twin garages for a jet-rib and jet-ski.  Other options for the BB Yachts 66 Custom will be for a sport bridge up top; this offering a central helm station with forward sun-pad.  The BB Yachts 66 Custom is to be powered by twin MAN 1200hp as standard, with options coming for twin 1300hp, and or 800hp with hybrid set-up.  In all cases the propulsion will be traditional line shaft, as offered on the well received 44 models.

www.bb-yachts.com

Tiara Yacht Ends Aground Near Port Salerno Florida

A sixteen meter in length Tiara sport yacht ended aground on the Sandsprit sandbar near Port Salerno, Florida for an accident shared on Captain Retriever Facebook page on Wednesday seventeen December.  Captain Retriever from TowBoatU.S. actually shows a video as the Tiara yacht is passing at the wrong side of the marker and ends aground on the sandbar.  He later assists, removes and tows the Tiara yacht off the sandbar and into deep water, who then leaves with its own power.  The cause of the grounding was passing on the wrong side of the marker.

The yacht in this accident is a Tiara 56LS which was has started production in 2025.  Tiara introduced the LS Luxury Sport in 2017 debuting with the 38LS, and today offers five models from 34 to this 56LS, what is Tiara largest outboard build yacht.

New Model: Ad Astra 60

Announced in 2024, Ad Astra has in 2025 debuted its first 60 model, a modern looking down East inspired traditional yacht as designed by Francesco Guida.  The Ad Astra 60 comes packed with modern features and amenities; aft sun-pad with underneath garage, fully enclosed with patio door hard-top, and up-down tender lift bathing platform.  The Ad Astra 60 features a three double cabins layout; with a traditional forward owners stateroom two guest cabins at midships cabin layout.  The living all on the main deck has a C-shaped saloon to port side, and a counter-top galley to starboard behind the helm station.  A two cabins, galley on the lower deck optional layout is also available.  The Ad Astra 60 is powered by twin MAN 800hp for top speeds up to 32 knots.  

Technical Data:

LOA - 17.86 m (58.5ft)

Hull Length - 16.7 m

Waterline Length - 15.4 m

Beam - 5.75 m

Draft - 1.21 m

Displacement - 24.7 t loaded

Fuel Capacity - 2900 l

Water Capacity - 1000 l

Max Persons - twelve 

Accommodation - six berths in three cabins, or two cabins four berths, one crew cabin berth

Engines - 2 x MAN i6 800hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 32 knots max 25 cruise

Project - Francesco Guida for exterior, interior, and naval architecture

Certification - CE B module B

www.adastrayacht.com

Project: Tasman Boats 11.6

Following the success of the Tasman 8.0, the down under boat builder founded by Jason Hutchins and Paul Bury follows it with a larger eleven meter project.  Very similar to its smaller eight meter 8.0 sister, the Tasman Boats 11.6 brings also similar amenities, a sportfishing boat with a work-boat look, but optionable to be a cruiser.  The Tasman 11.6 will offer four plus two berths accommodation; double berth forward, bunk cabin to starboard, and a convertible dinette on the main deck.  A main deck galley located behind the helm station to starboard, and a shower head completes the accommodations.  Outside the Tasman 11.6 offers a free aft deck, with options improving cruiser amenities being an aft bathing platform aft, and the choice for a coupe opening hard-top or flybridge also available.  In case of the flybridge this will offer a central helm station, passenger settee to port, and a mini shaped J-shaped lounger to starboard.  The Tasman Boats 11.6 can be powered by twin or single engines from Cummins, Yanmar, and or Volvo all with direct line shaft propulsion.

www.tasmanboats.com.au