Boat Review: Baia 70 Italia

Presentation

This month's boat review is one of the most innovative 2007 new models, the Baia 70 Italia. The 70 Italia continues adding more innovative features to the Naples builder line of sports cruisers and yachts. The modernization of the Baia line started in 1998, with the introduction of the now legendary 48 Flash, featuring at the time a unique removable hard top system and continued recently with the 78 Atlantica which the Italia did steal some features from. Still the Italian builder has plenty of numbers and innovations into it's portfolio, of which the most famous is being the first to use renowned Arneson surface drives. The 70 Italia is a striking combination of timeless design, recognizable with the flush deck equals classic, while glass hard top and saloon deck combination transformation making it as modern as you can.

Accommodation

As said, the saloon welcoming deck really makes the 70 Italia a modern boat, thanks to the fully opening patio door system, making saloon and aft cockpit transform into one big entertain deck. Upon boarding the aft exterior cockpit has a central located C-shaped settee, convertible to a sunbed. The interior saloon is made for entertainment divided with a comfortable L-shaped settee to starboard and a spacious wet bat to port. A dual helm station is located forward to the saloon area to starboard, making trips enjoyable and part of the adventure, thanks also to the big windows which give unobstructed views.

Lower deck is reserved for the accommodation area plus the separate galley room. Master cabin in located mid-ship, with a spacious en-suite bathroom featuring also a door separated shower. VIP cabin is located forward also equipped with the personal en-suite. Third double berth guest cabin is located to starboard with its en-suite head featuring in this case a second entrance from the main corridor, in order to be used as day head. Crew cabin is located mid-ship and has two bunk berths and a private head. The location of the crew cabin makes it possible to use it for guests, being in so a good position but also of respectable comfort and size.

Performance

I remember a few years back when boarding a Baia with Arneson surface drives how against most yachts equipped with the same transmission it did ride smooth and in line. One of the problems many builders have when putting this type of propulsion is the dolphin movement, meaning an up and down ride which happens at thirty knots plus speeds. This is something not felt on Baias, showing the high experience they have for surface driven boats and being the first to use it, is most expected one would add. The 70 Italia has two engine options of similar power but with the Cats giving an extra 3 knots of top speed at 52 knots and 2 knots more in cruising at 46 knots versus the German MTU engine. The Cat also has a lower revolution range of 2350. Another surprising data is the low planning speed of the Italia, planning at just 14 knots, a fabulous result for a surface propelled boat which usually with this size and engines, goes up in the high twenties. Low planning speed is a great advantage specially when one encounters not so good weather with heavy heads seas during his trip or crossing as is the case.

Positive
Glass Hard Top
Patio Door

Upper Saloon Layout
Negative
Galley
Competition
Hard top 21 metre boats have been in high demand recently, and so the offer in such a wealthy size in the last ten years is ten times more then it was. Competition selection criteria was based on high performance of forty knots plus, size 20 - 22 metres, similar three cabin accommodation and a hard top, accept for the wild card, which is totally different but offering similar lifestyle. All the models had surface drives, accept for AB and Wally which have jet transmissions. Italcraft and Abbate had also a different make to Arneson in this case Topsystem and Trimax respectively.
AB 68 - jet power with super handling, high customization 
Bruno Abbate Primatist G70 Aerotop Pininfarina - third cabin bunk, 4 Seatek 47 knots
Fashion 68 - nice exterior, stylish rich inside and spacious
Italcraft 70 Drago - military derived hull guarantees sea qualities, high customization
Magnum 70 - hull.11 with glass HT, top performance sea keeping, 60 knots with big MTUs
Pershing 72 - similar cockpit deck open system, sold out till 2010

WallyPower 73 - future looking as you can, waterjets give 40 knots max
WILD CARD: Mulder 68 Convertible - semi planning 32 knots, classic, sporty, stylish
Conclusion
The Baia 70 Italia scores many points with the most attractive being the opening patio door, making a hard top yacht transform into a big open offshore. Then comes the remaining of the equation, that is the other bonuses of a super luxury sport yacht with a semi custom interior and super high performance, making the Italia fly at around 50 knots. Baia declared 2008 production sold out for the 70 before the closing of Genoa Boat show in October, this is not surprising considering the classic lines of the boat which feature so much modernity in them that can make much of the competition look old.
Technical Data
LOA. 21.68 metres (71.1 ft)
Beam. 5.65 metres
Draft. 1.05 metre
Displacement. 40 T loaded
Fuel Capacity. 5500 litres
Water Capacity. 800 litres
Max Persons. 16
Accommodation. 6 berths + 2 crew berths
Engines. 2 x MTU 12V 2000 M93 1822hp, CAT C32 ACERT 1825hp
Propulsion. Surface Drives Arneson ASD 14
Speed. 52 knots max, 46 knots cruising, 14 knots planning speed with bigger CAT C32 option
Range. 450 nautical miles approx
Project. Galeazzi

www.baiayacht.it
Picture Copyright Baia. Data Baia.

New Model: Sunseeker 52 Predator

The new Sunseeker 52 Predator adds further choice to the ever popular range of high performance sport yachts and is designed to combine outstanding performance and handling with astonishing cruising comforts usually associated with flybridge motor yachts. A new model sharing it's hull lines with the new 52 Manhattan, also presented as the Predator at the Southampton show. This new Predator takes ideas from the bigger sisters, with a new hydraulic stern lifting platform for easy tender lift and also a distinctive automatic protective sliding hard top. The aft spacious cockpit features a sun lounger, contoured seating, dining table and a wet bar leading through the patio door inside the covered main saloon area. The lower accommodation deck features the fully equipped galley, a master stateroom with en-suite, a forward stateroom with en-suite and a twin Pullman berth cabin. With a dynamic profile, hallmark Sunseeker curves, sweeping guard rails and top speed of 32 knots, the 52 Predator confirms once again the spirits of the prestigious British builder.

Technical Data:

LOA - 17.60 m (57.9ft) inc pulpit

Waterline Length - 13.11 m

Beam - 4.49 m

Draft - 1.26 m

Displacement - 24800 kg @ half load

Fuel Capacity - 2140 l

Water Capacity - 625 l

Engines - 2 x 800hp

Speed - 32 knots max, 23 knots cruising

Range - 250 nautical miles

www.sunseeker.com

Projects: GIanetti Star 58 Navetta, Gianetti Star 65 Navetta, Gianetti Star 75 Navetta, Gianetti Star 85 Navetta 3 Deck, Gianetti Star 105 Navetta

After having delivered 2 semi displacement models in the 85 feet range, Italian Viareggio based builder Gianetti decided to offer a whole line of Navetta type yachts from 58 up 105 feet, build in fiberglass and steel, alloy for the bigger 105 feet model. The 58 foot Navetta will be the entry model of the range and in my opinion also the most important. First for the size which is a comfortable but not big yacht accessible in many marinas and easy handled with no help, second is the characteristics of a semi displacement ship like style motor yacht from Europe and from Italy in this size. Something rare to see! Interior for the 58 Navetta also follows a much European layout with 3 spacious cabins, featuring the ever important full beam owners cabin. Power will be a pair of Cummins rated at 480hp each, of which no speeds as yet have been announced.

The second family member in size of the new range of Gianetti Star is the 65. Also as the 58 a very important size and as the smaller model also build of fiberglass. Interior is a 3 cabin layout, with 2 crew cabins, 1 mid ship which can be used also as a guest cabin and 1 aft. Power is for two Cummins of 715hp each, which the builder gives a range of 1150 miles at 10 knots. Another add up to the Gianetti Star line, is 75 Navetta model. Here the dimensions at 75 are for a more standard size for a semi displacement yacht, as the market has some offers in this size mostly from Northern European yard. Still the Gianetti has a very modern Mediterranean line to it with the usual Italian flare, expected from a Viareggio builder. Standard interior plan is a 3 cabin layout with a spacious 4 berth crew lobby forward. Engines are two Cummins 670hp each, surprisingly less power to the smaller 65 model, give a range of 1350 miles at 10 knots. Three deck version based on the 85 model, which so far Gianetti has launched in two versions, S and C. The new 85 3 Deck has a more classic exterior looks, thanks primary to the raised pilot house on the third deck. The third deck up top is not only the pilot house but also features another entertainment area up top, thanks to the c-shaped saloon. This new 85 version, compared to the S and C versions so far delivered is powered by bigger Cummins 1015hp each, which the builder is estimating a range of 2300 miles at cruising of 10 knots. The project of the Gianetti Star 105 Navetta, will be so far the biggest motor yacht to ever be built by this experienced Viareggio builder, which I remind started building yachts in 1980. This new model will be constructed in difference to the other Star yachts, with a steel hull and an alloy superstructure giving maximum stability, another first for Gianetti. Standard plans show a 5 cabin interior with a fabulous owners stateroom on the main deck, featuring full 360 views. Standard power option is a pair of Cats at 1000hp, with 4 by Generators of which 2 emergency units. Construction will be with to highest standard RINA 1oo A 1.1 Y class.

www.gianettiyacht.com

New Model: Viking 50 Convertible

Presented during the Miami Show is the Viking 50 Convertible, a broad sport fishermen yacht to both tournament and cruising yachtsmen. The outside lines of the new Viking are aggressive with a raked stem to slice through head seas for a comfortable ride offshore, making the new 50 Convertible a winner in it's main environment, the sea. Interior the theme continues for a class leading boat, with a spacious three-stateroom, two-head layout offering generous accommodation, comfort and privacy for six. The master stateroom has a queen-sized walk around berth with an upholstered head board, mattress and lift top, which exposes plenty of stowage below, reading lights, a large maple-lined hanging locker and an entertainment system. The privately accessed head has Amtico vinyl flooring, a teak-faced Corian counter with built-in sink, a fiberglass shower stall with seat and an electric MSD. Port and forward guest staterooms each offer the flexibility of upper and lower berths and share the second head. A laundry center is located adjacent to the companionway steps. The outside cockpit, features 132 square-feet of usable space, packing every element you need to take. Power for the new Viking is latest MAN CRM 1100hp diesels and with a standard fuel load gives 32 knots cruise speeds and top of 36 knots. A more powerful optional with 1360 hp MAN CRM engines also is available to increase the cruise speed to 36 knots and to provide a top end of 40 knots depending upon load and existing conditions.

Technical Data:
LOA - 15.39 m (50.6ft)
Beam - 5.18 m
Draft - 1.47 m
Weight - 30.164 kg
Fuel Capacity - 3785 l
Water Capacity - 662 l
Engines - 2 x MAN CRM 1100hp, 1360hp
Speed - 40 knots max, 36 knots cruising MAN 1360hp option

www.vikingyachts.com

Project: Maxi Dolphin 61 Power Evolution

The Maxi Dolphin 61 Power Evolution is an innovative project, natural forward step of the 51 Power model presented in 2007. First rendering designs for the new bigger Power model show similar contemporary line as for the 51 model, with a classic American picnic boat influence. Propulsion for the new 61 Power Evolution will be a more speed orientated surface drives system, giving the best usually for a 40 knots plus performance. Interior accommodation details have not yet been submitted but the side port hole windows make you imagine for a loft style interior with a spacious owners cabin mid ship.

www.maxidolphin.it

New Model: Solare 47 Coupe

A very interesting boat builder based in Viareggio, Italy which has a range of fast boats featuring a fast deep vee hull with a superstructure of a lobster boat influence design. The new 47 Coupe is a different version to the 47 Lobster model, with some important differences in the stern layout and a more open Mediterranean cockpit. The design of the coach roof, follows a more aggressive theme with an extended hardtop, finished partly in glass for maximum natural light and covering three quarters of the outside area. Standard cockpit layout of the 47 has a galley on the main deck to port, c-shaped settee in the forward area, l-shaped settee in the lower deck and a spacious sun lounger aft. Inside in the lower deck, sleeping accommodation is a 3 cabin 2 head layout, with master cabin forward and 2 identical guest cabins midship. Still variations of the theme are available as Solare is very much a custom builder, modifying the boat as customer wishes. The different propulsion options in this case: stern drives, shafts with tunnels or surface drives also show the open mind in which this builder offers its products to it's clients.

Technical Data:

LOA - 14.25 m (46.7ft)

Length - 12.70 m Beam - 4.20 m

Draft - 1.10 m

Weight - 11 t

Fuel Capacity - 1750 l

Water Capacity - 500 l

Max People - 12

Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins

Engines - 2 x Cats 460hp

Speed - 32 knots max

Certification - CE B

www.solareboats.it

Projects: Galeon 640, Galeon 325, Galeon 325 HT

An important project for the Polish builder, Galeon which with the 640 presents it's biggest build to date for this growing Eastern European company. Designed by famous architect Tony Castro, the 640 will launch Galeon to a demanding clientele size. Accommodation is a spacious 4 cabin 3 heads interior and an aft crew cabin. As this rendering shows the new flagship is a Mediterranean styled motor yacht with an aggressive sports exterior. The 325 Galeon as the previewed flagship above, continues the Tony Castro relationship for the Polish builder. The 325 is a Mediterranean looking sports cruiser with aggressive exterior lines. Inside accommodation is a 2 cabin interior, single shower head, c-shaped settee and a well sized fully equipped galley. Exterior cockpit is a c-shaped settee with a wetbar to starboard. Hard top version for the 325 which keeps the Tony Castro lines and identical accommodation and cockpit layout, but featuring the benefit of an all weather hard top protected cockpit. 

www.galeon.pl

New Model: Atlantis 35 Plus

Atlantis has to be praised for this new version of the 35 model, now offered to a wider audience with the Plus, presenting some important differences adding more comfort for extended family trips. The immediate noticeable design difference of the Plus model over the standard 35 is the radar arch, giving the characteristics of a cruiser versus the sporty design of the standard version. The cockpit of the Plus version also follows the concept of a cruiser with a completely modified layout, now in a more family design featuring a well sized C-shaped settee to starboard, an entrance from the bathing platform to port and also a small wash basin with grill in the cockpit to port, giving superior comfort outside. The new 35 Plus shows the sensibility of Atlantis, offering a very high profile product in a new different version reaching a wider audience. The 35 Plus just adds the bonus of a different boat but keeping important successful points in the standard version like the comfortable interior accommodation space, luxurious finishing and performance of 40 knots.

Technical Data:

LOA - 10.67 m (35ft)

Beam - 3.60 m

Fuel Capacity - 650 l

Water Capacity - 180 l

Max Persons - 12

Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins

Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 260hp, D4 300hp, D6 310hp, D6 330hp, D6 350hp, D6 370hp

Speed - 40 knots max

Project - Michael Peters

Certification - CE B

www.azimutyachts.com

Project: Aicon 82 Open

The Aicon 82 Open is the latest project from the World famous Sicilian shipyard, offering a sports power yacht with style. The new Aicon will be flagship of the Open line but also the first from this shipyard to be equipped with surface drive propulsion, offering the best in high speed performance and manoeuvrability. Exterior the concept follows what has already been a trademark for this young successful builder, with pure and elegant proportioned lines thanks to a streamlined coach roof design showing a sporty performing yacht. Inside the new 82 Open aims to offer the maximum comfort in an environment which creates harmony between interior and exterior areas. The Aicon designers call this new concept of a loft on the water with ample sized windows giving the idea of a free space. The same characteristic is followed in the lower deck cabin area, with the four cabins and respective ensuite bathrooms also able to create a very close contact to the exterior environment.

www.aiconyachts.com

New Model: Marquis 500 SC

The partnership between Marquis and the prestigious Nuvolari & Lenard Italian designers seems to become a source of inspiration, resulting in a trend setting range of craft from 42 up to 69 feet giving unique styling, quality and performance. Nuvolari-Lenard’s fame designing the world’s most innovative super yachts, finds its obvious place in all the Marquis range of Power Yachts setting a family feeling design which continues throughout the latest new model the Marquis 500 SC. With an innovative layout this new sport yacht offers a high value separate layout, with the main deck reserved for entertainment featuring the cockpit, salon, helm, station and galley on the same level and the lower deck for accommodation. The entertainment level offers also offers a dual function salon, with a huge solarium environment thanks to the power sunroof overhead, but also the transom lounge expanding with the push of a button increasing the size of the cockpit to a more spacious area. Below deck the accommodation area features 3 cabins: a master stateroom, two guest cabins and two head compartments each with its own enclosed stall shower. Powered with Volvo IPS 600 pod drives the 500 SC, has a top speed of 37 knots and like all Marquis, is certified to CE-Class A specifications, meaning it meets European Union highest standards.

Technical Data:

LOA - 15.1 m (49.6ft)

Beam - 4.7 m

Draft - 1.1 m

Weight - 20.184 kg

Fuel Capacity - 1915 l

Water Capacity - 605 l

Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins

Engines - 3 x Volvo IPS600 435hp

Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward looking duoprop pod drives

Speed - 37 knots max

Designers - Nuvolari Lenard

Certification - CE A

www.marquisyachts.com