Project: Luhrs 37 Open

Luhrs continues on its course to introduce ever-improving sport fishing boats, and now upgrades the range with a new upcoming model, the 37 Open scheduled for its first appearance in Fort Lauderdale. With a length of over 11 metres and weighing in at 13 t, the 37 Open leaps ahead in the market with innovative improvements and an intelligent rugged design. The 37 Open features a sharp entry hull, wide Carolina flare, and custom-style stern tumble home. The cockpit is open, spacious and has many thoughtful design elements. The bridge deck seats 8 and an optional bridge deck air conditioning is available. To port lies a huge tackle, dive tank stowage area that runs for nearly 10 feet with 4 feet of depth. To starboard is an available summer galley equipped with a gas grill, stainless sink, and refrigerator freezer. Astern, the transom sports a removable insulated cooler seat. Below, the 37 Open features the first ever guest stateroom in an open fish boat under 40 feet. This full size aft stateroom, which features dual single berths, is paired with a standard aft bonus utility room that can easily be upgraded to a guest head. All this extra room comes courtesy of the standard Volvo IPS diesel power. Forward, the main salon and galley are roomy yet functional, with designer touches such as curved cherry cabinetry, Mannington laminate wood floors, and Karadon solid surfaces that have the look and feel of granite. The forward berth is outfitted with a center line queen island bed that folds to provide additional salon seating. Storage is plentiful throughout. A professional interior designer was retained to create an upscale interior utilizing custom fabrics throughout the spacious area. When its comes to power, Volvos 500 IPS system is offered for the latest in advanced propulsion, giving you better fuel economy with less noise and exhaust than comparable traditional inboards. Fishing features that are expensive options on most boats are also standard on the 37 Open, including a tower, bait prep centers with live well and tackle storage, fresh and saltwater wash downs, and even the rod holders. With the 37 Open, Luhrs introduces a custom-styled fish boat at a production boat price. The new Luhrs will also be available with a triple Yamaha 350 hp outboard option, aimed at those who want to go at impressive speeds.

www.luhrs.com

New Model: Bruno Abbate Primatist G53 Aerotop Pininfarina

Presented during the Genoa Show last week, is the Bruno Abbate Primatist G53 Aerotop Pininfarina, latest and much expected model from the Como builder. Born as the recent models with the collaboration of renowned design house Pininfarina, the new G53 represents another important step being completely produced in the new modern Bruno Abbate production yard located in Arbatax, Sardinia. G53 positions itself between the flagship G70 and top selling model G46, of which it also takes similar exterior line characteristics which make it surely seen as a Primatist Pininfarina yacht. Exterior lines is not only the identification of the new G53, with other technical characteristics being a recognition of latest Primatist Pininfarina models like the Aerotop hardtop with electric hydraulic opening, deep side decks which allow for safe passing from aft to fore, and galley on the main deck under the hardtop allowing for maximum cabin space in the lower deck. The standard interior lower deck layout offers 3 cabins, 3 heads, a saloon and a crew cabin with head, all finished in top class refined materials. A notable appreciated feature is the scissor double berth in the VIP cabin forward, transforming from a double to twin single berths, a very appreciated solution. Speed for the G53 is a respectable 38 knots max, achievable with 2 x 800hp diesel engines with conventional shafts. The new G53 Aerotop Pininfarina represents an important step in the upgrading of the Italian builder, locating it on the top list for owners looking for a modern hard top Sport Yacht of 16 metres in length.

Technical Data:

LOA - 16.12 m (52.8ft)

Length Waterline - 13.52 m

Beam - 4.95 m

Draft - 0.97 m

Displacement - 22.000 kg

Fuel Capacity - 2000 l

Water Capacity - 500 l

Max Persons - 14

Berths - 6 in 3 cabins, 2 extra in convertible saloon, 1 crew cabin

Engines - 2 x 800hp

Speed - 38 knots max

Project - Pininfarina

Certification - RINA CE B

www.primatist.it

Project: Viking 46 Convertible

Slated for its premiere showing at the Viking Yacht Company’s VIP Miami Boat Show Preview in February 2009, the Viking 46 Convertible promises to set new uncompromising standards in its class. Built to deliver top quality and performance, the new convertible showcases Vikings commitment to excellence, starting with an all new hull and running surface. The performance and sea keeping qualities of its stable mates validate Vikings design, engineering and production teams World wide recognition for outstanding quality and achievements to higher levels. The new 46 Convertible follows this overwhelming success in a slightly smaller size making it an ideal choice for the owner operator seeking the USA builder 44 years of boat building expertise. The Viking 46 Convertible will easily set itself apart from the competition with its performance, thanks to new running surfaces offering clear benefits derived from a convex deadrise shape with an aggressive raked entry and sharpened waterline sections which adds form to the bottom matching the wide beam, which carries well aft, increasing lift motion in a head sea. This buoyancy combined with the sea parting ability of the convex hull delivers a noticeable softer and dryer entry, resulting in a big boat ride despite a modest overall length. Running strakes along the bottom, as well as the knife-like waterline sections will make spray a distant memory. Performance is further enhanced with the inclusion of weight saving features including vacuum bagged end grain balsa in the bottom, laminated end grain balsa in the hull and top sides, as well as resin infused fiberglass fuel, freshwater and holding tanks. Noted that Viking designs its own tankage, with each cell designed to fit low in the hull structure for better stability and maximum capacity. Prop pockets in the new hull reduce the draft to four feet and a half. With standard twin MAN V8 900 hp common rail diesels, it provides 30 knot cruising speeds and a range of over 350 nautical miles. Also available are 1100 hp V10 MANs. Sleeping accommodation includes two staterooms and two heads. The master stateroom features a queen-size walk around berth and a guest stateroom to port offers the convenience of comfortable upper and lower bunk berths along with the second head and stall shower. Available is a stacked laundry center located in the companionway. Taking advantage of the yacht’s generous beam, the new 46 Convertible has a warm salon, inviting, and fully accented with beautiful teak joinery in either high gloss or satin finishes. The layout outshines anything in its class with a roomy island and twin bar stools in the walk-through galley, a plush L-shaped sofa to port with rod stowage below and a dinette forward. The outside cockpit is perfect for cruising or fishing, with 121 square foot ready for action and fun with its observation mezzanine. In the engine room, Viking’s industy famous engineering benchmark continues in this smaller model with engines mounted to powder-coated structural steel web frame beds that are secured to vacuum bagged composite bulkheads, which ensure drive train alignment for silky smooth trolling and minimal vibration. The engine room is painted in bright white Awlgrip for easier maintenance and all daily engine fluid checks are inboard for accessibility.

www.vikingyachts.com

New Model: Salpa 50.5

The much waited new flagship of the Salpa range has been presented during the Cannes show last September. A much expected model from Salpa at over 50 feet, the 50.5 makes the Naples builder break into the yacht category, but also enters into the modern design philosophy thanks to a fully enclosed hard top with patio door, the use of Volvo IPS propulsion and also modern infusion building technology for the hull and GRP parts accept for the hardtop, which is hand laminated in Kevlar for minimum weight. Inside the Salpa 50.5 also features what has been the design revolution of modern opens, offering a lower deck dedicated all for the three double cabins and two very spacious heads, and a living upper deck saloon with galley opposite. The aft deck features a c-shaped settee which becomes a sun lounger by lowering the table. Salpa 50.5 beats also most of the competition for a double personal water craft stowage, offering a garage and a bathing platform with up and low movement.

Technical Data:

LOA - 16.15 m (53ft)

Beam - 4.54 m

Displacement - 15 t

Fuel Capacity - 1100 l

Water Capacity - 500 l

Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, 2 heads

Engines - 2 x Volvo IPS600 435hp

Speed - 36 knots max, 30 knots cruising, 28 knots economical 100 lph consumption

www.salpa.com

New Model: Apreamare 82 Maestro

Another new Maestro, the innovative and different range of motor yachts inspired from ships by renowned Traditional Gozzo builder Apreamare. An important dimension for Apreamare at 82 feet, the new flagship puts the Campanian builder into Super Yacht status, but is also a legal length where if desired one can helm the boat himself. The new 82 designed by Zuccon, follows the innovation seen for the Maestro range now having three models in its range, all projected from the renowned designer. Inside the new big 82 Maestro has an upper deck with a single level saloon, with a traditional Italian layout, welcoming saloon, dining area, and separate galley. Move more to fore and going three steps up you find the interior bridge station, with l-shaped settee to port which coupled with the huge view windows forward make for perfect guest entertainment underway. The lower deck, reserved all for the accommodation, has four double cabins all with private en-suite bathrooms, with a central full beam owners cabins which includes a changing room and a spacious bathroom which offers sea views thanks to its side positioning. Aft we have the crew quarters, with 3 berths and private shower head. Speeds of the 82 Maestro is 29 knots max with double 1823 hp MTU engines, giving a range of 370 nautical miles at 26 knots.

Technical Data:

LOA - 24.15 m (79.3ft)

Length - 23.99 m

Length Waterline - 19.95 m

Beam - 6.51 m

Draft - 1.96 m

Displacement - 66 t unloaded, 78 t loaded

Fuel Capacity - 7400 l

Water Capacity - 1320 l

Max Persons - 20

Engines - 2 x MTU 12V 2000M93 1823hp

Speed - 29 knots max, 26 knots cruising

Range - 370 nautical miles

Design - Zuccon

Hull Shape - warped vee with 16 degrees dead rise

Certification - CE 2003/44 A

www.apreamare.it

Projects: Abacus 52, Abacus 86

The new Abacus 52 is a very interesting project from the young Sicilian builder, in a challenging size at 16 metres in length, what will be its new entry level model. From the design plans we can say that Abacus and renowned architect Fulvio De Simoni seem to have made much research offering a very well projected yacht, especially for what regards the interior accommodation. In fact the new Abacus 52, at 16 metres in length will have three spacious double cabins with no bunk and two heads. In all this one will also find the much desired full beam owners cabin, centrally located and with an en suite shower head, featuring also a bidet. Also interesting as shown in the projected plans is the main deck with a two level saloon offering the welcoming c-shaped settee, a spacious galley and a 4 person dining table, a much appreciated feature this last one especially for people who use there boats in all seasons. The flybridge of the new Abacus looks also spacious with an l-shaped settee aft and a sun lounger forward. Now its just to see how this 16 metres motor yacht, works out for real, but this can be a great model feeling much bigger then it actually is.

A much waited project from Abacus Marine the new flagship of the range, the 86 model. Announced to great acclamation a year ago, the 86 follows the steps of its smaller sister and is designed by renowned architect Fulvio De Simoni, who presented a luxury and modern super yacht with a aggressive lines but a classic personality. The 26 metre Abacus combines care for detail with a choice of materials joined with a modern design. Inside the Abacus flagship follows the theme of recent builds, with plenty of natural light achieved with the use of numerous open view windows, which manifests itself to a greater extent in the owners cabin where one can enjoy full 360 degree views of the sea thanks to the use of the Besenzoni Sipario windows. The forward and aft areas are large and spacious, while interior spaces have been designed with space in mind. Sleeping accommodation all in the lower deck is for four double guest cabins all with private bathroom. Powered by twin CAT at 1825 hp each, the Abacus 86 has a top speed of 33 knots and a continuous cruising of 30 knots. Interesting to note about the new 86 is the construction method used, being built with the latest innovative DIAB infusion technology, which improves the boat’s structural quality, cuts down on polluting emissions and ensures better operating conditions for the workers.

www.abacusmarine.it

Engine: VM MR 700 350hp

VM Motori from Italy launch the new MR 700 series, partnering the already proven market leader in its sector the MD700. With common rail injection system, the new MR 700 series meets the most stringent emission regulations and achieves higher power levels, lower fuel consumption and reduced noise. Having the same dimensions and weight of the MD series it is difficult to exceed the MR700 power to weight ratio. Power for the new MR 700 starts from the MR 704 LH at 210hp, up to 350hp for the MR 706 LX.

www.vmmotori.it

New Model: Portofino 11 Fly

The new 11 has been a much expected launch from Portofino Marine, a builder from Liguria, Italy. High respected Portofino, which I saw in the Genoa show a couple of years ago and impressed me with the original design, quality finishing, and for the classic looks they enjoy, but with a modern attitude of practicality and profile. New Portofino 11 Fly was announced a year ago as a project, and the surprise was it being offered with Volvos latest propulsion revolution, forward looking IPS pod drives. For a builder who all its boats, from the small 750 is in shafts that was a huge surprise. Another news for Portofino, is that of the side decks which for the 11, it abandoned the walk around deep bulwarks usually used on its models. Sleeping accommodation of the 11 Fly offered two cabins, a master cabin forward and bunk double guest to starboard. To port we have the head, enjoying a spacious shower. The welcoming upper deck features a c-shaped saloon to starboard which transforms to a double berth, a galley opposite and the interior helm station. Top speeds is 34 knots with IPS 400 engines. As announced in the project the 11 will be also available as Hard Top and open Spider variants, but so far only the flybridge was presented, so we have to wait for further news by Portofino on the different versions.

Technical Data:

LOA - 11.47 m (37.6ft)

Length Waterline - 9.48 m

Beam - 3.54 m

Displacement - 9.5 t

Fuel Capacity - 730 l

Water Capacity - 350 l

Max Persons - 10

Berths - 4 + 2

Engines - 2 x Volvo IPS350 260hp, IPS400 300hp Speed - 34 knots max with IPS400

Hull Shape - vee design 18 degrees deadrise aft

Project - A.Zagano

www.portofinomarine.com

Jim Cress 1946 - 2008

Nordic Tugs is mourning the passing of president and CEO Jim Cress, who died October eight from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident.  Born May 13, 1946 in Chicago, Cress joined Nordic Tugs of Burlington, Wash., as a sales manager in 1989. He left the company in 1993 to start SkipperCress Yacht Sales, an Anacortes, Wash., dealer for Nordic Tugs. In 1996, Cress and a small group of investors purchased Nordic Tugs and Cress has served as the company’s president and CEO for a majority of the last twelve years.  Cress is survived by his wife, Stephanie, three sons, Jeff, Allen and Steven, along with three grandchildren, and many friends and co-workers.

Projects: MOA GR 53 Platinum Coupe, MOA GR 53 Platinum Open

A new important project from Spanish builder MOA Tecnica and it's GR line of Cruisers and Yachts, which is having good market success, thanks to an interesting line of cruisers offered with a competitive price. Now the Spanish builder present its new flagship, the 53 Platinum Coupe taking MOA into the important fifty foot plus yacht category. The 53 Platinum will be a three engined IPS powered sport yacht with modern aggressive exterior lines. This is an interesting Sport Yacht which has a functional design outside and inside. It's interior welcomes you on the upper deck, which is fully enclosed thanks to a three partition patio door, dividing outside from inside. On the lower deck we find the galley and three spacious cabins, with three heads. MOA GR is estimating speeds of 31 knots for its new flagship.

Open version of the MOA GR 53 Platinum with the main difference to the Coupe, being aft on the main deck, with the feature of a sun lounger versus the l-shaped settee aft and no patio door. The 53 Platinum Open is the version for those sun worshippers liking a more open feel on there boat, while the Coupe is for those who want an all seasons yacht, being it sun or rain, thanks to the practicality of a quick closing patio door.

www.moatecnica.com