Project: Grand Banks 54 Heritage EU

Grand Banks Yachts marked the opening of the world's biggest boat show with an announcement of the newest and biggest model in its iconic Heritage Series lineup, the  54 Heritage EU, a "Europa-style" trawler motoryacht with a powerful blend of luxury, seaworthiness and fine craftsmanship.  This new project will launch in spring of 2012. Like other "new-generation" Heritage models, the 54EU features a modified-V hull designed to achieve better performance at higher speeds, while still delivering solid fuel economy, stable cruising comfort and longer range at displacement speeds.  An expansive main deck provides a very generous amount of living and entertaining space that flows smoothly on one level from its helm back through the galley, dining area and salon, then out to a large cockpit that extends the living area outdoors with its built-in settee and teak dining table.  Up top, an extended flybridge deck boasts plenty of room for family enjoyment, with two settees facing a teak dining table, an optional sun pad with adjustable reclining backs, and plenty of built-in storage with options for a wet bar, ice maker and BBQ. A standard Stidd helm seat sits on the center line before a large flybridge helm console, with a second optional Stidd to starboard. Space aft can hold a four meter tender and the standard davit. A flybridge hardtop is optional.  Down below, the standard lower-deck layout features three staterooms, all generously sized for a 54-foot vessel. The forward VIP cabin with queen-size berth has en-suite access to a head with shower, while a second guest cabin sits to port. The large master stateroom sits amidships with a queen-size berth, abundant closet and drawer storage, and a head with twin sinks and separate shower.  Even more storage plus room for a separate washer, dryer and other optional features can be found in the utility room that sits just aft of the master cabin and forward of the well-designed engine room. This space can, at the owner's option, also be configured as quarters for a crew of two.  On the main deck, dual settees in the salon provide ample seating for lounging or viewing the standard LED television. A well-equipped galley sits comfortably behind the helm and across from an efficient L-shaped dinette, well situated for dining together even when underway.  New for the Heritage Series, the 54EU foredeck features built-in seating around a teak cocktail table, adding yet another gathering space or comfortable hideaway for taking in the sun and air.  The new 54EU is built on the same Grand Banks designed hull as the 53 Aleutian RP, which has garnered worldwide acclaim for its dry and stable handling in rough seas and across a wide range of speeds. Standard twin Cummins 600hp diesel engines can power the 54 Heritage EU to a top speed of over 18 knots, or can cruise at a sedate 8 knots for well over 1100 nautical miles on a single tank of fuel.

www.grandbanks.com

New Model: Absolute 40 Fly

Absolute presents the 40 Fly, the entry level model of its flybridge line which was launched last year with the 50 and 43, and so far already features four models.  The Absolute 40 Fly is a very interesting flybridge cruiser featuring a very airy main deck with opening side door, fully open aft patio doors joining the interior saloon to the aft cockpit, and a spacious flybridge which can make bigger boats jealous.  The flybridge motor cruiser also has an up and down hydraulic bathing platform with quite a wide space for a tender.  A note here that there is very few flybridge boats which offer it in this size.  The new Galeon 400 and Azimut 40 come to mind. Below is space for a two cabins both with en-suite, and a galley.  The owners room is to fore, with large view windows to both sides. Power for the Absolute 40 Fly is twin Volvo from 300 up to 370hp in IPS or stern drive propulsion.  For a flybridge I suggest IPS all the way, because if the joystick goes bust it surely would be easier to manoeuvre then with stern drive.

Technical Data:

LOA - 12.05 (39.5ft) 

Hull Length - 9.57 m

Beam - 4.05 m

Fuel Capacity - 2 x 400 l

Water Capacity - 250 l

Max Persons - 10

Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths

Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 300hp, D6 330hp, D6 370hp

Propulsion - Volvo DP stern drive, Volvo IPS400 and IPS500 dual propeller pods

Project - Absolute Research and Development Lab

Certification - CE B

www.absoluteyachts.com

Improve-it = Overmarine Mangusta 72

Overmarine headed to this year Genoa boat show with a new renovated Mangusta 72, which updates this successful model mostly onboard in many areas from more powerful engines to a redesign of all the layout from the main to the lower deck.  A notable most important difference of the new Mangusta 72 is the back enclosure patio door, which makes the hard-top salon now completely closed.  The new patio door is made of crystal with smoked glass and features access from two sliding partitions which open the area to the aft deck. Thanks to the patio door the interior layout and design are thoroughly renovated, with the main deck now allowing for the stairs to be completely opened and accessible. The now enclosed living room is casually opulent, with the area becoming covered or open thanks to the hydraulic sliding roof, and patio door which gives a formidable flexibility to the use of this space.  Accessing the lower deck there is another salon equipped with big windows and then three cabins, each with its own bathroom. The Master is full beam with light flowing through four portholes. The Mangusta 72 also features a large galley that allows easiness in cooking as well as relax corner for the crew.  The design philosophy of this stunning yacht was to strike with a new furniture and interior style. Contemporary materials are used: Wengewood floors throughout the boat tastefully match the brown leather headboards in the rooms, as well as the Emperador dark marble in the bathrooms; while the natural oak panels and furniture are elegantly contrasted with satin stainless steel joints.   The exterior offers an array of enjoyment possibilities with a large sunbed and access to the water toys in the garage.  The Overmarine Mangusta 72 also receives new power comes from twin MTU 1600hp, an extra of 100hp to the previous set up which with the Arneson surface drives combination deliver a top speed of 40 knots. 

www.mangustayachts.com

New Model: Jeanneau NC9

One has to admire Jeanneau and the Beneteau Group, who since starting to put more effort in the powerboat sector in 2000, and a success sparkle which came from the 34 Prestige S the French boat building giant has not only increased its offer in the category but also enhanced it in all its global form.  This can be seen in the sport fishing center console line up, more luxury attitude, and lastly in the more Northern cold climate all year usage coming from the NC11 presented more then a year ago.  The NC9 is a follow up to this first model which copies the intelligent function as offered by the bigger 11 in a smaller more affordable package.  What is sure is although it measures over one meter less the NC9 does not offer much less in terms of comfort, having the same clever albeit a bit smaller two cabin design.  The NC9 which is again a design of Italy Garroni responsible not only for the NC, but also for the Jeanneau Leader line, and Prestige models also features intelligent solution to improve space in a dedicated area like the sliding aft sliding settee in the cockpit, fully opening patio door, side helm door, and moving saloon.  Power and here is again my sad note for the NC9 is from a single Volvo 260hp.  Twin power would surely have made the NC9 itching to a wider cruising boat audience, but may be this would have also affected sales to the NC11.

Technical Data:

LOA - 9.43 m (31ft)

Hull Length - 9.1 m

Beam - 3.15 m

Draft - 0.91 m

Displacement - 4830 kg

Fuel Capacity - 300 l

Water Capacity - 160 l

Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths

Max Persons - 8

Engine - 1 x Volvo D4 260hp

Propulsion - Volvo dual propeller stern drive

Project - Garroni, Jeanneau Design

Certification - CE B-8, C-10

www.jeanneau.com

Project: Sasga 32

Sasga who just recently has launched its first model the 42, presents an important entry level project the 32.  Measuring just ten meters in length the Sasga 32 follows the Spanish Llaut fishing boat design, and takes it in style to become a traditional looking cruiser.  The Sasga 32 will offer two separate cabins located below, with a living and galley on the main deck by the pilothouse to starboard side.  Huge view windows characterize the Sasga 32 from the super structure, to the below cabin deck.  Power is from twin 230hp engines, which should give a top speed of 18 knots the slowest of the Sasga range so far, as both the bigger 42 and 54 are capable of 23 knots wide open throttle performance. Cruise is from 16 to 12 knots, reminding that the slower you go the better range to gain, and also better fuel consumption to the nautical mile.

www.sasgayachts.com

New Model: Innovazioni Progetti 50 Alena

Innovazioni Progetti presents the new 50 Alena, a model which replaces the 52 of the same line. The current Alena range from Innovazioni Progetti is about fully enclosed hard top sports cruisers and yachts, and today this line offers five models from 46 to the recently launched 72 Innovazioni Progetti flagship.  The 50 Alena stands between the 48 and 56 models.  The interior of the Innovazioni Progetti 50 offers a traditional layout with three double cabins below, with an owners stateroom located to fore.  Power choices are very versatile which start from from twin 370 up to 700 hp, or triple 435hp choices.  Propulsion is always loyal to Volvo IPS pod drive units.

Technical Data:

Length - 14.7 m (48.2ft)

Beam - 4.60 m

Displacement - 18000 kg

Fuel Capacity - 2 x 800 l

Water Capacity - 1 x 420 l

Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins

Max Persons - 16

Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 370hp, D6435hp, D11 600hp, 3 x D6 370hp, D6 435hp

Propulsion - Volvo IPS500, IPS600, IPS800 dual propeller forward looking pods

Project - Michele Carnevale

Certification - CE B

www.ipyachts.com 

Improve-it = Cigarette 39 Top Gun Unlimited

Ciagarette presented itself at the Fort Lauderdale show with an improved 39 Top Gun Unlimited, an evolution of this model featuring a new top deck profile, engine hatch redesign, enhanced cockpit fittings, and more powerful engine package.  The 39 Top Gun Unlimited in fact will be powered with staggered Mercury Racing 700's and NXT drives, kicking speed up a notch. Its Mercury Racing and Garmen instrumentation stand out on a black carbon fiber dash, and the full billet package includes speaker covers, foot boards, bolster bases, swim platform and fender holders.  The striking paint design of the first model of the improved 39 Top Gun Unlimited combined matte black, bright blue and lipstick red accents on shimmering pearl white to make a sleek silhouette and a classic Cigarette. The sharp black and white Daytona style interior show Cigarette's unrelenting attention to detail; white on white double stitching and design accents in the cockpit are carried into the "Cover Girl" cabin.  The new engine hatch design is another Cigarette statement on performance. Expanding the air-intake and cooling of the higher horsepower engines inspired this hatch which includes two, 3-D stainless steel, machined panels, framing a sizable sun pad with added stainless screens for a unique flair. While acting as an air-induction system, these panels add a touch to the revamped 39 Top Gun Unlimited and maybe even a little "Tail of the Dragon" feel as the boat achieves triple-digit speeds with ease.
www.cigaretteracing.com 

New Model: Itama 62

Itama presents the new 62 model, shown for the first time at the Genoa boat show.  This model replaces the Sixty, and is an evolution of the Fifty Five which according to the official website will so far remain in production.  Just as the new 45 presented in Cannes, the 62 main difference from the Fifty Five and Sixty models will be for an aft sloop stern.  Another difference will be for three double cabins interior now finished in standard form as the old nineties build Itama's in white lacquer color woods.  Power will be for a singular choice of twin MAN 1360hp which give a 40 knots top speed, to the pure deep Vee twenty degrees dead rise hull.

Technical Data:

LOA - 19.03 m (62.5ft)

Hull Length - 17.24 m

Waterline Length - 15.03 m

Beam - 4.75 m

Draft - 1.71 m

Displacement - 22.5 t unloaded, 28.3 t loaded

Fuel Capacity - 3250 l

Water Capacity - 700 l

Accommodation - 6 guests berths in 3 cabins, 1 crew cabin berth

Max Persons - 14

Engines - 2 x MAN V12 1360hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 40 knots max, 37 knots cruise

Range - 255 nautical miles at 37 knots cruise

Hull Type - Monohedron hull with spray rails, 20 degrees deadrise aft

Project - Marco Casali, Ferretti AYT

Certification - CE 2003/44 A, modules B + F + Aa (sound emission) RINA Spa

www.itama-yacht.com

Project: Clipper 60 Orion

Clipper Motor Yachts presents a new line joining the current Cordova fleet, and recently launched Hudson Bay.  This time the down under Australia boat builder presents the Orion range of full displacement long range explorer yachts which is to be designed by Winston Pynn from Canada, and will feature two models, the 60 pictured above, and a 50 to be followed.  The 60 Orion will offer a three cabin interior with a full beam owners room.  The living main deck will be a split level area, with C-shaped saloon and galley below, and helm with dining area on top in the forward part.  A hard to find feature in this size of the 60 Orion will also be the full sized bath serving the owners stateroom.  Power for the 60 Orion will be from a single Deere engine, with auxiliary wing power.

www.clippermotoryachts.com.au

New Model: Princess 98 Motor Yacht

Princess presents the new 98 Motor Yacht launched at the Southampton show, what is a tweaking of the 95 the year ago flagship of British builder, that is before the introduction of the 32M.  Major changes for the 98 Motor Yacht versus the 95 are the additional of large view windows in the below deck cabin areas, and extension of the aft bathing platform.  Another novelty will be an interior choice for styling by Fendi Casa to the four or five cabin interior, as was the case for hull one of the 98 Motor Yacht. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 30.12 m (98.9ft) incl pulpit

LOA - 29.69 m ex pulpit

Beam - 7.06 m

Draft - 1.83 m

Displacement - 106,000 kg loaded and with MTU engines

Fuel Capacity - 11000 l

Water Capacity - 1600 l

Accommodation - 8 guest in 4 cabins or 10 guest berths in 5 cabins, 4 or 6 crew berths in 2 or 4 cabins

Engines - 2 x Cats C32A 1925hp, MTU 16V2000 M92 2217hp, MTU 16V2000 M93 2434hp, MTU 16V2000 M94 2637hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 29 knots max with MTU 2637hp

www.princessyachts.com