Boat Review: Italcraft 95 Maxi Drago

Presentation

The 95 Maxi Drago is the first new model from the legendary Italcraft brand, presented under the belts of the new owners, the Inrizzardi Group. Italcraft is the nautical brand which in it's history in the seventies and eighties presented some of the most important technical innovations for motorboats, which to this day have become standard design fixtures. Innovations like tunnel propellers, surface drives and the variable deep vee hull where some of the most popular inventions which look very common in today's crafts but are all credit to this legendary Italian builder, who was never afraid of pushing the limits. The 95 Maxi Drago model which at this time is the biggest from the yard, continues to shout performance with classic design touches for the South Lazio region marque and is a success in an ever increasing competitive market segment.

Accommodation

The standard layout for the 95 Maxi Drago is a 4 cabin offer all with independent en-suite shower head for a total of 8 berth sleeping accommodation for the owner and his guests. A full beam owners cabin is located mid ship, VIP cabin forward and 2 guest cabins in between. Surprisingly also for a 4 cabin offer there is a lower saloon to port and a home size galley to starboard. Crew quarters are located further aft with a total of 4 berths and a separate entrance, concluding the standard form of the lower deck.

The upper deck is the heart for the Maxi Drago with a spacious bar area to port which creates a spacious entertainment area thanks to the C-shaped saloon settee to starboard. The helm station is located in the centre and an L-shaped settee is located to port in order for the guests to enjoy the trip and views during the navigation of the yacht. A spacious deck and outside entertaining area compliments the interior saloon.

Performance

Based on the Corrubbia Class Military vessel, which has already been delivered in 20 models the Maxi Drago has as safe a ride as you can get and one of the best sea handling super yachts available to the market today. Hull Designer Gianluca Caputi designer for the hull and superstructure for the Maxi Drago and for all models of the current Italcraft range says it best, when declaring a superior standard which guarantees superior sea keeping quality of the hull, performance levels and a top construction standard present in the Italcraft yachts. Noting that all models are usually tested in the Military field before going to the recreational sector, he has a point as very few yachts in the market do perform such a solid testing before going to the market.

Positive

sea keeping qualities

deck arrangement

Negative

not complete high bulwark

Competition

Competition in the open hard top super yacht 27 to 30 metre segment is ever increasing, which apart from the under mentioned alternative offers to the Italcraft, three other important projects from different builders are in line for future presentation. Add to that the other projects from the custom builders and you come with a much bigger list, seeing the big competition in this market segment today. Here is what you should give a look before deciding:
AB Yachts 92 - jet propulsion with superb handling and performance, 56 knot top speed
Arno Leopard 27 - classic timeless hard top design by Paolo Caliari
Canados 90 Open - innovative ultra modern glass hard top with wide body saloon area

Couach 2800 Open - also a military derivation hull, good sea keeping

Overmarine Mangusta 92 Open - the best seller model for this size range

Pershing 90 - the silver bullet, benchmark in innovative design and style

Tecnomar 90 Velvet - tailor made for the client

WILD CARD: Azimut 98 Leonardo - a flybridge sport coupe now in it's second generation

Conclusion

The 95 Maxi Drago is a superb open hardtop super yacht which brings together a timeless innovative design but with a big open eye to what regards safety and superlative sea keeping capabilities derived directly from unstoppable military testing. If your aim is to have a comfortable yacht when the going gets tough there is no doubt the Maxi Drago will be on the top of your list, still this is only one of the reasons, as the finishing standard, luxury comfort and a full customization tailor made for the clients makes this fast super sport yacht as one of the best in it's class.

Technical Data

L.O.A. 28.40 metres (93.1 ft)

Beam. 7.56 metres

Displacement. 80 t

Fuel Capacity. 10000 litres

Water Capacity. 1500 litres

Berths. 8 + 4 crew

Engines. 2 x 2400 hp MTU.

Propulsion. Arenson Surface Drives.

Max Speed. 43 knots. Cruising Speed. 36 knots.

www.italcraft.it

Picture Copyright Italcraft. Data Italcraft.

Projects: Absolute 52, Absolute 47

The project for this new Absolute 52, from the young Tuscany boat builder founded in 2002, which continues to present fresh innovative models. This new Sport Yacht is testimony of the progress for the young constructor in a little time period. The visiting ticket for this model is impressive and are the following: three spacious cabins, mid ship master stateroom, saloon galley up solution, patio door separating inside / outside, and the speed and economy of the new Inboard Power System (IPS) by Volvo. This should be one of the most successful models in the fifteen metre range in the months to come.

The other new Absolute is the 47 communicating style and privacy. Like it's bigger sister power will be provided by Volvo's innovative IPS drive and engines, for the best relation in space and performance. This new Sport Cruiser puts precious details at the service of technique and design and a more versatile way to live the sea thanks to the Hard Top, which is becoming ever so popular in sub fifty feet models. Interior layout is a two large cabins offer, one forward and a full beam middle cabin.

www.absoluteyachts.com

32nd America's Cup Preview

After a four year wait the final match of the oldest trophy in the world has arrived. Can Alinghi Defender of the Cup, match the superb skills shown by the Kiwi's in the Louis Vuitton, it is only a few hours and we can have a reply to this question and finally see the real match.

The other match of politics and drama which as old as the Cup itself, have taken place on the shore of Valencia in the days before the match. Among the duels off the race course surrounding the cup was the much mentioned about future nationality rules the real Kiwis of Team New Zealand seem to want to introduce if they win the Cup, something Alinghi boss and the other Kiwis of the Swiss Team seem to not to have liked. Other friction was about the boat change and what is considered a damage to consent this. Third and most important was the Measurement Committee acceptance and then neglecting to Alinghi regarding the backstays and topmast backstays which now seems was decided have to stay permanently attached to their fixing point. Finally now the real racing is close and the boats from the teams have been announced, with both team's choosing there latest construction NZL92 for Team New Zealand the boat used in the successful run of the Louis Vuitton Cup by the Kiwi's and SUI100 the last constructed America's Cup Class series battle machine of the defender. The other endless tele novel which finally finished as the rumors where suggesting for a long time was the helmsman choice for the Swiss defender, which will be American Ed Baird, who will have the difficult task of replacing three time America's Cup winner Russel Coutts. Now it's all for the real competition on the water to decide the champion for the Sport's oldest trophy.

www.americascup.com

Project: Intermare 50

The young and dynamic yard situated in Pisa famous for quality construction with a mind always to the family cruiser presents this project for it's future flagship the Intermare 50. This motor yacht which will be the jewel of the builder is a spacious three cabin 15 metre motor yacht, with full beam mid-ship master cabin, VIP cabin forward and third guest cabin with bunk beds. A single crew cabin aft is also available. Also worth to note is a spacious flybridge area that complements the package with an L-shaped dinette and a spacious sun pad for 2 to 3 people to port next to the helm station. The exterior design theme focuses for the usual all round design of Intermare but with big side windows for the VIP and master cabin. Engine power in order to push this 19 Ton displacement 15 metre motor yacht is a pair of 575hp Volvo shaft driven diesels.

www.cantiereintermare.com

New Model: Feadship 44.65m Hull. 796

Feadship has launched hull. 796, a 44.65 meter super yacht what is the first in the F45 Vantage semi-custom series.  Built by Royal Van Lent, the 44.65m hull. 796 has been named m/y Space, what is a new concept designed for owners who require a more compact size of super yacht without having to pay the significantly higher costs associated with a fully customised project. A three-year research and design project preceded the launching and construction of the yacht and is the aim of the prestigious Dutch Feadship to compete in the semi custom medium size super yacht range, with a more competitive price as opposed to a custom built Feadship in the 35 to 45 meter price bracket. A wealth of options and styles is available for owners to shape the interior to their individual taste and four design themes created by Sinot Design Associates.

Technical Data:

LOA - 44.65 m (146.6ft)

Beam - 9.20 m

Draft - 2.70 m

Fuel - 40,000 l

Water - 10,000 l

Accommodation - eight guests in four cabins, 

Engines - 2 x MTU 12V2000M70 1055hp

Speed - fourteen knots

Range - transatlantic

Project - Sinot and De Voogt , De Voogt naval architecture, Donald Starkley interior

www.feadship.nl

Projects: Fairline 78 Squadron, Fairline 64 Targa Gran Turismo

The Fairline 78 Squadron is an update and replacement for the flagship of the British builder the 74 Squadron. Most visible changes for this improved model is the integral hydraulic extended bathing platform with up down movement in order to lift your tender or toy off the water easily. Other changes are the more spacious crew cabin aft and a more minimal approach to the style of interior design. Fairline also promise a high degree of customization for this model with a range of layouts and materials offered.

The other novelty builds upon the success of the 62 Targa and is the new 64 Targa Gran Turismo which is a natural evolution of it's predecessor, and will be the flagship for the Sport yacht cruiser Targa range of the UK builder. Innovation will be key for this new model which includes an innovative patented design retractable roof. Other particular highlights is the wide access to the lower saloon, creating an impressive entrance towards the interior and the electro-chromatic partition to the en-suite shower room in the full beam master stateroom, this high-tech system changes the glass from opaque to transparent, allowing light to flood through the feature windows at the flick of a switch. An other important feature is the master stateroom window's now following the design trend shown for the new 48 Phantom launched last year. Also for this model Fairline yacht division will offer customer's a full choice of layouts and materials.

www.fairline.com

New Model: Cranchi 43 Mediterranee HT

Following the theme of her bigger Mediterranee sisters, the 43 is now available in the much enjoyed Hard Top version. This much requested accessory which is becoming a must for medium sized sports cruiser will make the IPS driven 43 Mediterranee sports cruiser have a wider market share sucess, thanks to a competitive price and good quality which is the normal offer from the renowned Italian builder. The 43 Mediterranee HT shares the innovative space planning as the open version like the clever huge amidships stateroom that is just as big as the master suite in the bow, the much enjoyed central helm station for better visibility and the open-air dining area now hard top covered on the aft deck overlooking a water sports platform trimmed in teak. Power options for the 43 is the Volvo Penta’s state-of-the-art IPS diesel engines rated at 370 and 435 hp

Technical Data:

LOA - 13.80 m (45.2 ft)

Length - 11.95 m

Waterline lenght - 9.60 m

Beam - 4.15 m

Draft - 0.90 m

Weight - 9.700 kg

Fuel Capacity - 1,100 l

Water Capacity - 300 l

Max Persons - 12

Berths - 4 in 2 cabins

Engines - 2 x Volvo IPS500 370hp, IPS600 435hp

Project - Cranchi Research and Development centre, hull Aldo Cranchi

Certification - CE B

www.cranchi.it

Project: Numarine 54 HT

Numarine, the Turkish yard based in Istanbul, presents the project of the 54 HT, hard top coupe of over sixteen metres in length with a performance estimation of 34 knots coming from twin 715hp shaft driven Caterpillar engines. The interior layout offers three double cabins with a choice between two doubles and a twin cabin or a double cabin and two twins and two heads, as well as a galley/dining area. As usual from Numarine a good competitive price will be on offer for this new model.

www.numarine.com

New Model: CRN 43

A grand celebration took place at the CRN Shipyard, as the Ancona shipyard held a new launching: “Emerald Star”, the first 43-metre hull of a new displacement line made of composite materials, took to the water in the presence of the shipowner and more than 350 shipyard employees, to whom the festive day was dedicated. The first vessel made of composite materials to be fully constructed at the Ancona facility, the CRN 43 sets itself apart with her major volumes and extensive open-air zones, such as the covered well areas of the main deck and the upper deck, lodged in openings in the majestic white hull. A perfect home for long cruises, the new composite queen can easily hold 10 passengers and 9 crew members, navigating in flawless comfort at a maximum speed of 15.5 knots and a cruising speed of 13 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 42.6 m (139.7 ft)
Beam - 8.65 m
Draft - 2.30 m full load
Displacement - 300 t full load
Fuel Capacity - 45,000 l
Water Capacity - 7,000 l

Accommodation - 10 berths in 1 master cabin + 4 VIP cabins, 9 crew berths
Engines - 2 x 1044 kw Caterpillar or 2 x 1103 kw MTU
Speed - max 17.5 knots cruise 15 knots with MTU engines
Range - 4,000 nm at cruising

Design - Zuccon International Project
Class - RINA 100-A-1.1 Y SBL CCL MCA Compliant

www.crn-yacht.com

Project: Dominator 75

The Fano Yacht Builder, presents this project which is the replacement for the Dominator 78 after 10 years of production for this model. The new 24 mtr motor yacht will offer a spacious 4 cabin 4 heads layout with 2 berth crew cabin aft. The theme of this 75 feet motor yacht are the large windows in every area, in order to allow the maximum gain of natural light inside, but also impressive outside space especially on the flybridge but also the unique Jacuzzi pool on the forward deck, which to my knowledge is a unique option for this size. As usual with all Dominator yachts a huge customization offer is available for both inside and outside, making all yachts unique in a certain way to the wishes of the client. Engine option should be for a pair of MAN and MTU from 1360 up to 1550 HP.

www.dominator.it