Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Project: Kadey-Krogen 53

In honor of its fiftieth Anniversary in 2026, Kadey-Krogen is proud to introduce the all-new Krogen 53 project, a next-generation passage-maker that represents the very best of the Kadey-Krogen philosophy. Purpose-built for serious offshore cruising, the Krogen 53 blends five decades of experience designing long-range cruising yachts with modern innovations that enhance life aboard for today’s owner-operators. Building upon the proven legacy of the Krogen 52 and the brand’s unmatched reputation for seaworthiness, the Krogen 53 is engineered for those who believe the journey is every bit as important as the destination. Designed to cross oceans in comfort and confidence, the yacht delivers the reliability, efficiency, and onboard live-ability that have defined Kadey-Krogen yachts for generations. At the heart of every Kadey-Krogen yacht is the company’s exclusive Pure Full Displacement hull, the defining characteristic that has earned the loyalty of seasoned cruisers around the world. Developed specifically for full-displacement passage-making yachts, the PFD hull features ideal displacement-to-length ratios, a fine entry, and characteristic end-to-end symmetry, including Kadey-Krogen’s signature “wineglass” transom. The result is a ride renowned for its comfort, predictability, and efficiency in a wide range of sea conditions. Designed for extended time aboard, the Krogen 53 places significant emphasis on practical storage and operational reliability. Systems throughout the yacht are engineered for accessibility, ease of maintenance, and redundancy in critical considerations for owners planning months away from shore in remote destinations. Generous storage solutions throughout the vessel accommodate spare parts, tools, provisions, cruising gear, and everything required for extended off-grid adventures. The new 53 also introduces a new level of adaptability to suit a variety of cruising lifestyles as owners can select from multiple interior configurations, including two galley arrangements: either integrated into the salon in classic Kadey-Krogen fashion or positioned adjacent to the pilothouse, opening additional living space in the salon, while bringing the galley closer to the helmsman. Krogen enthusiasts may note cleaner lines in the interior joinery and lines of sight throughout the interior that create a more open and inviting feel. Accommodation plans include either a three-stateroom layout for family cruising or a two-stateroom configuration featuring a dedicated office, which ideal for remote work, passage planning, or additional utility space during extended voyages. The profile of the Krogen 53 has been thoughtfully updated to blend contemporary aesthetics with timeless Kadey-Krogen DNA. While the lines are modernized, the yacht remains unmistakably a Krogen, retaining the raised pilothouse profile and purposeful stance that have defined the brand since the launch of the original Krogen 42 in 1976. Enhanced stabilization systems and state-of-the-art engine technology further elevate onboard comfort and long-range efficiency, while maintaining the quiet, confident ride expected from a true passage-maker.

Monday, July 6, 2026

New Model: Selva 920 Center Console

During the 2025 Genoa boat show Selva debuted its new 920 Center Console model.  At nine meters in length, the 920 Center Console is the current flagship and largest offer of Selva's boat manufacturing section. Able to be powered by twin engines up to twin 300hp outboards, the first Selva 920 Center Console was powered by twin Selva 200hp and reached speeds up to 47 knots with an idle cruise of 25 knots.  The Selva 920 Center Console also surprises for it's comfort and even tough it is a full and pure walk-around offers a cabin space with a double berth. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 9 m (29.6ft)
Beam - 3 m
Displacement - 2600 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 500 l
Water Capacity - 100 l
Max Persons - twelve
Accommodation - two berths in cabin
Engines - 2 x Selva Sei Whale 200XSR E.F.I 200hp, up to 600hp
Propulsion - outboards
Speed - 47 knots max, fast cruise 35 knots, 25 knots optimum cruise
Certification - CE C
competiton = Jeannean Cap Camarat 9.0 CC Serie2

Sunday, July 5, 2026

Grady-White New Web Site

Grady-White presents its new web site.  Grady-White was founded by Glen R. Grady and Don F. White in 1959, two persons of different backgrounds yet similar inspirations.  Glen Grady was a boat builder who made his apprenticeship at Thompson Boats, working first with Racine Boat Works, he will move to Chris-Craft and then at Cruisers Inc in 1953.  Don White started up as a hardware store owner, he expanded into automobile dealerships, then in real estate development building the Holiday Inn in Greenville, and then becoming a boat dealer.  The boat dealership and Don becoming a Cruisers dealer will eventually set a meeting with Glen Grady.  From this first meet things will evolve and in 1958 GandW Boat Inc is created with Don White as President and Glen Grady as the boat builder. In a very short time GandW Boat Inc will become Grady-White Boats as it begins its business in the old Star Warehouse No. 2, a former tobacco storage facility on Albemarle Avenue in Greenville, South Carolina.  As Glen will move from Oconto he will bring Ronald Peterson an alumni at Cruisers as designer and engineer, with Grady-White debuting with the clinker built 17-foot Hatteras, and the 16-foot Pamlico runabouts.  The first four models produced were the 17' Hatteras sold in February 1960, and by that year the company employed 38 persons, launching the 20-foot Atlantic offshore capable boat by the year end, and set up a plan to produce up to one thousand boats a year.  By 1965 Grady-White will be building thirteen models up to the 3300 Caribbean Custom Cruiser, it's biggest model for some decades.  Following financial difficulties in 1968, Grady-White is purchased by Eddie Smith Junior.  In that year Grady-White also debuted its first fiberglass boat with the Capri, a seventeen foot trimaran, this is followed by the 21 Chesapeake and the 21 Nassau.  The seventies are all about transformation for Grady-White as it fully switches to fiberglass construction, with focus staying on entry level runabout fish boats added with integrated creature comforts in the design.  Worth of note Grady-White will in 1978 introduce the Tarpon 190, the first dual-console boat.  In the eighties Grady-White expands its cabin feature sportfish cruising boats, and in 1989 presents the SeaV² hull as designed by Raymond C. Hunt.  For building a bigger boat to the ten meters 3300 Caribbean from the mid sixties Grady-White will have to wait four decades and till 2005 as it debuts the Express 360, overtaken by its evolution the Express 370 in 2014, and its current flagship the Canyon 456 in 2019.  As dual console's boats Grady-White will not only introduce the genre to boating in 1978, but also make it as important as its gets building the biggest dual console with the Freedom 375 in 2014 and the Freedom 415 in 2024.  Today Grady White offers thirty models, divided into five lines; Center Consoles, Dual Consoles, Walkaround Cabins, Express Cabins, and Coastal Explorers with the line starting from the Fisherman 180 and goes up to the Canyon 456, with its latest model being the 321 Coastal Explorer which debuted in early 2026.  Grady-White new website takes you around with the following buttons; Models, Build, Why Grady, Owners, and Locate Dealer.  Grady-White is also on social media with bottom page buttons taking you to its Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and YouTube pages.
Production History; *cabin boats only
20 Atlantic 1960- *Ronald Peterson design *wood clinker build
22 Chesapeake- 1961-
27 Catalina 1965-
28 Gulfstream 1965-
3300 Caribbean Custom Cruiser 1965-
1968 Eddie Smith Jr ownership
21 Chesapeake 1969- *fiberglass build 
21 Nassau 1970-77
204 Overnighter 1975-1992
240 Offshore 1980-90
Seafarer 226/228 1982-92
255 Sailfish 1986-89
Gulfstream 232 1987-2018
280 Marlin 1989-94 *Raymond C.Hunt design
255 Sailfish (ii) 1990-92
244 Explorer 1992-95
208 Adventure 1993-
Seafarer 226/228 (ii) 1993-2011
272 Sailfish 1994-2000
268 Islander 1995-2001
Tournament 223 1995-2002
Marlin 300 1995-2018
248 Voyager 1996-2002
F-26 Tigercat 1997-2000
265 Express 2000-05
270 Islander 2001-05
Express 330 (i) 2001-07
Sailfish 282 2001-08
258 Voyager 2002-08 *258 Journey project
Express 360 2005-13
Express 305 2007-15
Express 330 (ii) 2008-14
Canyon 336 2008-
Chesapeake 290 2009-15
Freedom 307 2009- *Tournament 307 project
Canyon 366 2010-14
Freedom 335 2013-
Express 370 2014-
Freedom 375 2014-
Canyon 376 2015-24
Express 330 (iii) 2015-25
Freedom 325 2018-
Canyon 456 2019-
Freedom 415 2024-
Canyon 386 2025-
Express 340 2026-
Grady-White third model is the 20 Atlantic, it's first cabin boat

Saturday, July 4, 2026

New Model: AvA Yachts Kando 85

AvA Yachts is proud to announce the successful launch of M/Y V, the first hull in the new Kando 85 series, at its shipyard in Antalya Free Zone, Türkey. The launch marks another important milestone for AvA Yachts and its growing portfolio of long-range explorer yachts. Designed for owners seeking the perfect balance of capability, comfort, and style, the Kando 85 combines robust engineering with exceptional interior volume and long-range cruising performance. Built in steel and aluminium, the Kando 85 offers spacious living areas, generous storage capacity, and the reliability required for extended voyages. Staying true to the philosophy of the Kando series, she has been designed to take her owners further while providing the comfort and luxury expected from a modern explorer yacht. Following the launch, this first Kando 85 will undergo commissioning and sea trials before delivery to her Owners. The first Ava Yachts Kando 85 will then make its World debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival, where visitors will be able to experience first-hand the exceptional volume, long-range capability, and explorer spirit that define the Kando 85. With the Kando 85, AvA Yachts continues to expand the Kando line which debuted with the 110 model in 2019 and shows its commitment in building pocket exploring super yachts that combine long-range capability, exceptional interior space, and bespoke craftsmanship for owners who dream beyond the horizon.
Technical Data:
LOA - 25.70 m (84.9ft)
Beam - 7.50 m
Draft - 2.30 m
Displacement - 200 gt *volume
Fuel Capacity - 25,000 l
Water Capacity - 5700 l
Accommodation - eight guests in four cabins, four crew in two cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D11 510hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - twelve knots max, eight knots cruise
Range - six thousand nautical miles at best cruise
Construction - hull in AH36 steel, deck in Alloy Almg 5083 H321
Certification - CE A
competition = Bering B88

Friday, July 3, 2026

Four Saved as Maxi-RIb Goes Ablaze in Vouliagmeni, Greece

A maxi rib of thirteen meters in length with four persons onboard went ablaze off the coast of Vouliagmeni, to the South of Athens on the morning of Friday third July.  The burning rib was assisted by the Hellenic Coast Guard who first rescued the four persons; a 63 year old and three 22 years old, and then fought the fire.  The four boaters were transferred to the Coast Guard station in Palaia Fokaia.  Ultimatelty the maxi-rib was wrecked by the fire and sunk.  The cause of the fire are not reported, with the four boaters reported to be uninjured and in good health.

Project: Sanlorenzo SL80A

Sanlorenzo present the SL80A project, a replacement to the SL78 as entry level to the SL range and now introducing the asymmetric architecture in its smallest size to date and in all the range.  Designed by Zuccon who is responsible for both exterior and interior, Sanlorenzo is calling the SL80A the ‘First Icon’ meaning as the smallest of the SL range.  The SL range is the expression and evolution of the original Sanlorenzo DNA and Mediterranean yacht style heritage, which today the Italian builders offers in seven models from 24 to 36 meters.  Throughout this fifty years plus of evolution Sanlorenzo became the conservative Mediterranean yacht in a consistent stylistic signature, which was started by Paolo Caliari then evolved by Della Rolle, and then in the last decade by Zuccon as each new model was built on the lessons learned of its predecessor, refining a recognisable language that balances elegance, proportion and functionality.  This heritage and lineage next step is now distilled into the SL80A, a yacht shaped by the defining traits of Sanlorenzo’s signature interpreted in a pocket 24 meters super yacht side.  Thanks to the Asymmetric layout the SL80A will bring twenty per cent more volume inside, this translated in a living, dining, galley on the main deck, and four double cabins lower deck layout.  Two crew cabins for three or four persons with direct connection from the galley located forward on the main deck complete the accommodation spaces.  Other unique details of the SL80 are a mezzanine located between the main and flybridge deck helm station, and a stylistic part hidden internal stair case which connects the saloon to the fly deck.   The Sanlorenzo SL80A is to be powered by twin MAN 1800hp engines for top speeds up to 29 knots, and a cruise 0f 25.  The first unit of nine sold is set to launch in mid-Summer and is to be finished in Thai walnut, selected for its soft tone and natural dialogue with the exterior teak surfaces, and is added with the “Azteca” parquet as designed by Cadorin.

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Carver Boat Ends Aground at Hereford Inlet, New Jersey

A ten meter Carver motor cruiser ended aground at Hereford Inlet in North Wildwood, New Jersey on the afternoon of Wednesday first July.  Sea Tow Cape May who shared the story on its Facebook page assisted the boat, by putting it back in deep water, and then towing in safe waters for inspection.  The boat was reported to have ended aground due to a very low tide, and challenging rough conditions.
The boat in this accident is a Carver 36 Mariner as produced from 2004 to 2012.  The 36 Marine was a soft improvement to the 350 Mariner.

New Model: Freeman Signature 56

Freeman continue to rewrite the rules in the offshore center console power catamaran segment and present the new Signature 56 flagship.  An expansion of three meters to the previous 47 flagship which arrived in 2020, the Signature 56 is a big challenge to all sportfish center-console in this size.  Freeman is the name which put the catamaran center console in that new level of desirability, after it debuted with a 33 in 2007, it has been in an unstoppable spiral of success.  From that 33 its just been an expansion, and today Freeman is the leader of the offshore sportfish center console power catamaran segment, offering nine models from 28 to this new Signature 56 flagship.  All this confirms the Carolina boat builder leadership, but also puts into a new outlook as the Signature 56 unlike it's smaller sisters also brings cabin space, offering a lower deck sleeping four, in two single berths and a master stateroom forward in the port-side hull, while the starboard hull features a galley with day head/shower forward.  The Freeman Signature 56 is powered by quadruple Mercury 600hp for speeds up to sixty knots, and a cruise of 34 knots, with a six hundred nautical miles range being possible. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 17.06 m (56ft)
Beam - 5.02 m
Draft - 0.76 m
Displacement - 15875 kg dry, 19958 kg medium load
Fuel Capacity - 5413 l
Water Capacity - 454 l
Accommodation - four berths in two cabins
Engines - 4 x Mercury V12 Verado 400hp outboards
Propulsion - quadruple duo-prop outboards
Speed - sixty knots max, 34 cruise
Range - up to six hundred nautical miles
competition = Frontrunner 55 Catamaran

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Some Important Boating Moves in 2026

2026 has seen some important movements and company ownership changes, as some of the USA big boat groups extended their arm to big purchases.  The most important purchase was that of Malibu Boats Inc who purchased always growing Helsinki Finish boat builder Saxdor.  On the other hand Beneteau Group decided to close the Cadillac plant in Michigan and stop production for the Four Winns, Scarab Jet and Glastron brands, while Whisper Marine purchased Fountain Powerboats and NauticStar.  

The Saxdor sale to USA Malibu Boats Inc was the most unexpected, as the 2019 Finish boat builder has been a record grower since its founding.  Founded by Sakari Mattila, this highly respected figure in the boating industry has established a track record of creating successful nautical brands. Before launching Saxdor he founded Aquador in 1994, Paragon in 2004, Axopar in 2012, and co-founded XO Boats in 2008.  Saxdor was probably his fastest growing success, definitely helped by the Covid-19 boom to boating, but also for being in the good place in the right time.   With the success of Axopar in the twenty-tens, what an idea to create its biggest competitor.  

Sold to Malibu Group Inc past March, Saxdor is in good hands, considering the track record the American company has shown in recent years with brands like Cobia and Pursuit. I really like how Pursuit has been moving forward since Malibu bought it in March 2018. The Pursuit success also happened for not changing the staff inside and leaving the people of the brand do the managing, but also thanks to current President Christopher Gratz who has been with Pursuit since 2006, and climbed the ladder to Presidency step by step. If they keep the same philosophy at Saxdor, success is guaranteed.

The sale of Fountain is important for the speed record breaking famous brand, who has gone down as the powerboat genre declined in the past years.  Fountain has since then renewed itself offering center-console and dual-console bow rider but the brand is still not were it should be.  For example I think it never targeted the performance center console market, as dominated by Midnight Express as it should.  Considering the pedigree of Fountain, success might be guaranteed.

Beneteau Group selling some of its US portfolio is no surprise, today the French Group main brands; Beneteau and Jeanneau are well known in the USA.  Four Winns has potential, but the genre it used to dominate of sport cruisers is much smaller today, while Glastron heritage is not something today boaters really know of.  Do you remember the Glastron GT-150 speed boat in the 1973 James Bond Live and Let Die.  It will be interesting what the new owners will do with both these famous American names.

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

23 Meter Yacht Partly Sinks in Greek Island of Salamina

A 23 meter yacht with Polish flag and five persons onboard partly sank at Vourkari Marina in Salamina Island, the largest of the Saronic Gulf islands of Greece on the morning of Tuesday thirtieth June.  Hellenic Coast Guard launched a rescue operation, as it saved the five persons onboard, and then deployed an anti-containment pollution boon around the part sank yacht.  The yacht is reported to have sunk, sinking stern first following a sea-trial and as it was manoeuvring to its berth.  No injuries are reported from the accident.  
The yacht in this accident is a Cantieri Navali Liguri Ghibli 23 as produced in the nineties.  The Ghibli 23 was a replacement to the Ghibli 22, and was replaced by the Cantieri Navali Liguri Ghibli 24.