Project: Ilver 42 Mirable Open

A legendary model from Italian builder Ilver, which after presenting the first update of the Mirable with the 42 HT version in Genoa 2007, continues its evolution with the project of the Open version, aimed at replacing the 41 Mirable after 10 years of successful production. The new 42 Mirable Open is identical to the HT version in function, giving the much sought 3 double cabins and the well sized galley on the main deck. What you will be missing is the hard top, but thanks to this the Open version has classy sporty lines as tradition from the Mirable model since its launch in 1991, offering good looks but also spacious space below. Power will be from twin stern drive propelled, Volvo D6 at 330hp, or the bigger 370hp option.

www.ilvercantierenautico.it

New Model: Viking 82 Convertible

The new much waited 82 Convertible, Viking's brand new flagship model which will be joined by three additional new launches, all to be premiered at the 2009 Miami Show in February, with a sneak preview at the Viking Service Center, January 30-31, 2009. The Viking 82 Convertible represents another ground breaking design that Viking produces thanks to its in-house team and the expertise of thousands hours racked up by its demo program. The profile of the Viking 82 is as recognizable at the dock of a yacht club as it is on the 1,000 fathom line. The aggressively raked stem, the gorgeous sheer and the symphony of soft, seamless curves are a true feast for the eyes. The foredeck, for example, is flush with a gentle crown, which hints at the substantial headroom below in each of the four staterooms. Freeboard forward is nearly nine feet, yet a modest three feet in the cockpit, which makes it safe and effortless for the crew to release fish unharmed. With a maximum beam of more than 21 feet, a lesser design would look chunky and clunky, but the Viking 82 wears its measurements like a runway model. The substantial beam allows an epic salon, entered through an electric sliding door, and features an L-shaped sofa excellent to enjoy relaxed entertainting, a dinette to port, and bar stools at the granite topped galley counter to starboard what creates a relaxing format practical environment. The galley is super yacht class with gourmet appliances and stowage capabilities to cruise for weeks on end. A companionway to port leads to the four staterooms, plus private crew quarters for two, which also includes a head with shower and access to the engineroom and cockpit. In the master suite located amidships for maximum comfort and privacy, there is a king-size bed with stowage below, a settee, a dressing table, an entertainment system, a chest of drawers and an oversized fiberglass shower stall in the head. An offset companionway leads to three additional staterooms, each with a private head and shower. Due to the generously sized staterooms, there is flexibility in the sleeping accommodations with both queen and double berth arrangements. The aft deck boasts 235 square feet of working space, and features Viking signature mezzanine deck beneath the flying bridge overhang for protection against sun and spray. The open flying bridge features a center helm console with electronics that stow neatly beneath clear acrylic panels for all-weather use and dual radio boxes provide additional room. Port and starboard bench seats conceal rod stowage below and built-in freezer and refrigeration space is standard ahead of the helm station. Three Murray Products helm seats with teak ladder backs and stainless-steel hardware and pedestals provide comfort and superb visibility. The Viking 82 Convertible will be powered with MTU Series2000 diesels affording a cruise speed of 30 knots and a top end in the mid-30 knot range depending upon engine selection, load and sea conditions.

Technical Data:

LOA - 25.83 m (82.9ft)

Beam - 6.81 m

Draft - 1.68 m

Weight - 71532 kg gross

Fuel Capacity - 11735 l

Water Capacity - 1779 l

Accommodation - 8 berths in 4 cabin, 2 crew berths

Engines - 2 x Cat C32A 1825hp, MTU Series2000V16 M91 2030hp, M93 2400hp

www.vikingyachts.com

Project: Abati 64 Freeport Fly

Abati Yachts present its new flagship model, the 64 Freeport project, set to debut the coming summer. As shown from this Italian builder smaller models, the new flagship project continues the traditional lobster lines, but with a modern design influence, as the slanting stern with a big tender garage, and the well sized central ship windows for the full beam owners cabin. The 64 Freeport makes good use of its space, showing spacious exterior areas and intelligent cabin use. Its exterior deck offers 2 huge sunpads to fore and aft, something unusual for a traditional lobster yacht, but also the flybridge is made for the sun worshippers, showing its builders Mediterranean heritage. The interior welcomes you in the saloon social area, offering entertaining, dining and galley all in one place. The lower deck is all reserved for the three spacious owner and guest cabins and there en-suite heads. Power will be from twin MAN engines, with three options available starting from smaller 1100hp up to twin 1360hp, which the builder is estimating will give top speeds of about 35 knots.

www.abatiyachts.com

New Model: Chaparral 400 Premiere

Chaparral presents its latest flagship model the 400 Premiere, offering a progressive styled hardtop sports cruiser, showcasing soft European flare with a bold American style. The cockpit gets you covered with a wraparound windshield that fits seamlessly with the hard top, and featuring also a cockpit air conditioning and misting system keeping things cool when the going gets hot. The raised helm is full of technological marvel with an innovative ask any question, sophisticated computerized instrumentation giving the answers. Breaking tradition, premium leather bucket seats offer a form-fitting difference over a standard captain's bench. At speed, get in gear with a sport yacht that runs in every way thanks to Volvo's successful IPS propulsion system, which thanks to joystick maneuverability in even the tightest docking situations, makes this 40 footer easier to operate than most 20-footers. As impressive as the 400 Premiere is topside, its even better down below with luxury at your fingertips in every inch of the way, with finishing in ageless solid wood cabinetry blending with the modern styling of stainless steel to create a unique environment. Its lower deck though is not only luxury but also spacious with a fully equipped galley and overnight accommodations for six, separated in three areas in total comfort. The forward stateroom features an innovative fold out queen sized bed, while on the sides separate rooms house the en-suite head and shower for the owners cabin. The aft mid-ship cabin, also with an en-suite head, and its own entertainment station provides the perfect guest cabin with an l-shaped settee which easily transforms to a double berth.

Technical Data:
LOA - 13 m (42ft)
Beam - 4.06 m
Draft - 1.14 m
Fuel Capacity - 1136 l
Water Capacity - 291 l
Berths - 4 + 2
Engines - Twin Volvo Penta IPS500 370hp, IPS600 435hp
Hull Shape - vee with 18 degrees deadrise aft

www.chaparralboats.com

Engine: Yanmar BY2 Series 260hp

Yanmar Marine has announced the introduction of a new generation of it’s BY Series lightweight diesels, two years after the first of these electronically controlled common rail engines became available. The BY2 Series diesels, with NMEA 2000 CAN-bus technology, will provide the same output as their predecessors, the four-cylinder 150hp (110kW) and 180hp (132kW) models, plus six-cylinder versions at 220hp (162kW) and 260hp (191kW), all rated at 4,000rpm. As before, they all meet the latest EPA and RCD emissions regulations. The new BY2 Series engines will have many improvements incorporated. These include a fully jacketed water-cooled exhaust manifold. There are modifications to the turbocharger and heat exchanger, along with a full metal top cover, which provides protection to the fuel system components below and results in a lower profile of 23mm. The engine control unit (ECU) has been reprogrammed from torque to speed control, providing smoother operation and better synchronization on twin engine applications. A glow plug controller has been added as standard equipment, which virtually eliminates cold start white smoke. To provide easier installation of the engines and future servicing, the fuel inlet and return connections on the engine are now incorporated into a single manifold mounted on the lower side of the engine, along with a new two-piece flywheel housing for both sterndrive and inboard applications.

www.yanmarmarine.com

New Model: Cranchi 32 Zaffiro HT

Cranchi new Master Cruiser HT line starts with the introduction of the new 32 Zaffiro HT model. The HT version is based on the standard 32 Zaffiro and similar in all, but with the addition of rigid protection in the central cockpit, under the helm station. A 36 Zaffiro HT with a similar concept is also on the works, and will be the second in this new line by the Italian builder. Still from a renowned firm as Cranchi, I would have been of the idea that this new line could be the input of more modern hard top looks, then this actual design which looks more like a sport fisher then a modern hard top boat, with the thinking going that the Pelican models already do a similar job to this.

Technical Data:

LOA - 10.41 m (34.1ft)

Length - 9.21 m

Length Waterline - 7.40 m

Beam - 3.64 m

Draft - 0.87 m

Displacement - 5.830 kg

Fuel Capacity - 530 l

Water Capacity - 165 l

Max Persons - 10

Accommodation - 2+2

Engines - Volvo 2 x D3EVC 190hp, D4 EVC 225hp

Propulsion - Volvo DP-S, DP-H stern drives

Project - Aldo Cranchi, Centro Studi Ricerche Cranchi

Certification - CE B

www.cranchi.it

Boat Review: Ocean Yachts 37 Billfish

Presentation

Ocean Yachts 37 Billfish, is a stunning looking boat, presented by this 31 year old builder, last February during the Miami boat show. The new small Ocean revives the sixties when day sport fishers where common sight in any marina around the globe, coming from now famous legendary boat builders who created a myth in that era, which lives as at today. The 37 Billfish is revolved to those enthusiasts who want a classic looking sport fisher with amenities of the new millennium, such as modern diesel engines, luxury interiors, and the improving ride of modern hull shapes. The thinking is also that the new small Ocean Yacht is also an interesting sportfish cruiser for those owners wanting a classic, but have no time in refitting an old boat to there liking.

Accommodation

As rugged and minimal as it may look the 37 Bill Fish has a luxurious finished satin cherry wood lower deck, offering a comfortably spacious three berth two plus one forward cabin, a nice l-shaped galley and a head with enclosing shower stall. Ocean Yachts also offer an option B layout here, with the change in the forward cabin, in this case featuring a more luxurious double island berth.

The main deck of the 37 Bill Fish is what would you expect from a sport fisher with a free roomy aft cockpit for the fisherman, but also easy to organise a set of chairs and table to make this a nice entertaining area. Move more to fore, and you have to port a 6 person c-shaped dinette, a settee opposite, and to starboard we have the lower helm station. The fly for an 11 metre sport fisher also offers more then the usual comfort with a central single seated helm station, and 2 person settees on each side.

Performance 

As most US built Sport fishers, the 37 Billfish has it all, good top end speed of 35 knots, and comfortable cruising of 30 knots with the smaller engine option of twin 480hp highly efficient Yanmar engines, propelled with stable shaft drives in propeller pockets. For that extra knot Ocean also offers a more powerful twin Cat C9 510hp option. Hull shape is a geometrical vee, with a deep forward entry of 32 degrees going to a moderate 12 degrees aft, for more stable low speed trawling. Last minute news also says the 37 Billfish to be also available with a Pod drive propulsion in the near future. We wait for more information about this.

Positive

Spacious Main Deck

2 layout option

Negative

Side Decks fore to aft movement

Competition

Ocean Yachts 37 Billfish is a unique affair and real competition is hard to come by. If you are looking for a Sport Fisher with classic looks and dual helm station, but an open cockpit no patio door main deck, it is your only relevant choice. Similar in concept but slightly bigger in size is the San Juan 40 FB, but in this case more of a traditional cruiser lobster design.

San Juan 40 FB - slightly bigger, lobster tradition design, similar layout

WILD CARD: Bertram 360 - entry level legend, no fly but tuna tower option gives 2nd helm

Conclusion

Ocean Yachts have been clever when they embarked in the project of the 37 Billfish, finding a niche in the market for a classic looking boat, with a unique flair. You can buy the 37 Billfish definitely to go fishing, which is its main job, but you can also purchase it as a classic looking boat with plenty of thoughtful features in its design, performance, great sea keeping and none the less the outstanding rugged good looks.

Technical Data

LOA. 11.48 metres (37.8 ft)

Beam. 4.22 metres

Draft. 0.76 metres

Displacement. 10.660 kg dry

Fuel Capacity. 1578 litres

Water Capacity. 283 litres

Accommodation. 1 cabin with 3 berths 1 head, option B 1 cabin with 2 berths

Engines. 2 x Yanmar 6LY3-ETP 480hp, Cummins QSB5.9 480hp, Cat C9A 510hp

Propulsion. Shaft Drive with propeller pockets

Speed. max 35 knots, cruising 30 knots with Yanmar

Hull Shape. vee shape with 32.5 deg entry forward, 12.8 deg aft

Project. Ocean Yachts

www.oceanyachtsinc.com

Picture Copyright Ocean Yachts. Data Ocean Yachts.

New Model: Sanlorenzo SD 122

Mythical builder Sanlorenzo presents the new SD 122, the second model of the semi displacement line built of fiberglass, introduced a year ago with the introduction of the SD 92. The new SD 122 is designed by renowned yacht architect Francesco Paszkowski, who presented a three deck super yacht, with the classic Sanlorenzo looks, offering timeless lines and the much sought after dark windows in the upper deck. The standard interior layout offers 5 cabins for the guest and his owners. Crew berths are for 7 members in 4 cabins. Power is by twin C32 Caterpillar giving 1623hp each, which give a maximum speed of 17 knots and cruising of 12, with a range of 3000 nautical miles.

Technical Data:

LOA - 37.44 m (122.8ft)

Beam - 8 m

Draft - 2 m

Displacement - 184 t half load

Fuel Capacity - 36000 l

Water Capacity - 6000 l

Accommodation - 10 guest berths in 5 cabins, 7 crew berths in 4 cabins

Engine - 2 x Caterpillar C32 Acert 1624hp

Speed - 17 knots max, 12 knots cruising

Range - 3000 nautical miles at 12 knots cruising

Construction Material - GRP

Project - Francesco Paszkowski

www.sanlorenzoyacht.com

Class 1 - Qatar 95 Win Victory 1 takes Ebox

A phenomenal season finale saw Qatar 95, come from fourth place on the start grid to stun newly crowned World Champions Mohammed Al Marri and Nadir Bin Hendi, in the Emirates & Dubai Duty Free Grand Prix to take their first win of the season.

Qatar 95, who had been fast all weekend, flew out of the blocks and was able to catch and overtake both Victory boats in a show of power and speed, within the first lap and a half of the race.

Victory 1, who led from the flag, had to watch as both Qatar boats and then Jotun passed them, but had the reliability to finish second and complete a highly successful year, ending the season as World, Middle East and Edox Pole Position Champions, and they will remain the team to beat in 2009.

Victory 7, started well but had to settle for third place as they once again finished on the podium.

For the third successive race in a row Qatar 96 were forced to retire from a leading position. A damaged propeller on lap four ended their hopes of ending the season with a win, rounding off another frustrating race to cap a highly disappointing year.

There was also huge frustration for Jotun, who, after moving from fifth place into second spot to mount a challenge on the race leaders, saw any hopes of a race win disappear after losing a propeller.

A good weekend for Roscioli Hotels Roma, was topped off with a top four finish improving on their fifth place grid placing to take a season best fourth place.

Foresti & Suardi enjoyed a race-long fight with Negotiator, and held them off to take fifth place and finish the season with their highest-ever points tally, with the new pairing of Ahmed Al Suwaidi and Nicola Giorgi coming home in seventh ahead of Spirit of Spain.

The young Maritimo crew saw their race end in a dramatic fashion after a big spin in the latter stages of the race, and although the boat was badly damaged, the crew came away with just a few bruises.

Emirates & Dubai Duty Free Grand Prix - race results
1. Qatar 95 - A Al-Sulaiti (QAT) / M Nicolini (ITA) – 01.01.02,79
2. Victory 1 - M Al Marri (UAE) / N Bin Hendi (UAE) + 00.08,56
3. Victory 7 - A Al Mehairbi (UAE) / JM Sanchez (FR) + 00.51,49
4. Roscioli Hotels Roma 88 - S Carrasco (ESP) / G Carpitella (ITA) + 01.57,56
5. Foresti & Suardi 8 - K Selmer (NOR) / G Montavoci (ITA) + 02.31,60
6. Negotiator 50 - C Parsonage (GB) / W Moore (US) + 02.51,11
7. Giorgioffshore 18 – A Al Suwaidi (UAE) / N Giorgi (ITA) – 03.35,77
8. Spirit of Spain 60 M A Ahmed (ESP) / Christian Rivolta (ITA) + 2 laps
9. Jotun 90 - IB Aarbakke (NOR) / J Tandberg (NOR) + 3 laps Maritimo
10 - T Barry-Cotter (AUS) / PV Nilsen (NOR) – dnf
Qatar 96 - H Al-Thani (QAT) / S Curtis (GB) – dnf
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 8 of 8
1. Victory 1 – 144pts
2. Victory 7 – 121pts
3. Qatar 95 – 105pts
4. Qatar 96 – 75pts
5. Jotun 90 – 70pts
6. Foresti & Suardi 8 – 66pts
7. Giorgioffshore 18 – 32pts
8. Roscioli Hotels Roma 88 – 28pts
9. Negotiator 50 – 25pts
10. Spirit of Spain – 60 7pts
11. Qatar 9 – 4pts

www.class-1.com

Project: Bavaria 46 Open

Bavaria Yachts presents the first boat in an innovative new product called Sport Line: the 46 is designed in cooperation with BMW Group DesignworksUSA. The new Bavaria sport cruiser is the biggest power boat built to date by the German builder, and will offer a generous 3-cabin layout. Bavaria Yachts and BMW Group DesignworksUSA collaborated to develop a sport cruiser, which the German builder says will set new standards in design and functionality. It's sport dynamic will be apparent at a glance with an innovative spatial concept resulting in a 3 cabin boat which will be available as an open, a sport top or a flybridge. The 46 Open will be presented for the first time at boot Düsseldorf 2009 and can be ordered as of January 2009.

www.bavaria-yachtbau.com