January 30, 2009

New Model: Nordhavn 75 Expedition Yachtfisher

The new luxury Nordhavn Expedition Yachtfisher can take you there on her own bottom. At 75 feet, the Nordhavn EYF will present true offshore capability and the range needed to explore, experience, dive and fish the most productive fishing grounds in the most exotic places the world has to offer. All of this, plus the same comfort and security Nordhavn owners have become accustomed to. During the past 25 years, Nordhavn has earned a reputation for designing and building highly capable seaworthy power cruisers. True to its oceangoing pedigree, the EYF has a range of up to 4,000 miles and is equipped to be self-sustaining for extended stays in remote parts of the world. Built to the highest international standards and extensively outfitted with the finest equipment, the new Nordhavn 75 EYF was created for those with a passion to explore exotic fish and dive sites on their own luxurious yacht. While an increasing number of sport fishermen are having their boats shipped long distances by yacht transport companies or having to choose charter boats in order to fulfill their passion, the EYF will allow her owners unlimited adventure in safety and complete luxury. The 75 EYF is a twin-engine, full displacement yacht that carries 5,000 gallons of fuel and 600 gallons of water. It displaces 235,000 lbs. and is designed to cruise economically at 12.5 knots with a range of 1,850 nautical miles. At its maximum cruising speed of 13.5 knots, its estimated range is 1,237 nautical miles. Top speed is an estimated 14.3 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 22.86 m (75ft)
Waterline Length - 20.3 m
Beam - 6.80 m
Draft - 1.98 m
Displacement - 84,294 kg empty
Fuel - 16277 l
Water - 2271 l
Engines - 2 x Detroit Series60 740hp
Speed - 14 knots max, 13.5 knots cruising
Range - 3000 / 4000 nm @ reduced crusing speed

January 29, 2009

Project: Sea Ray 750

A project for a new flagship from renowned US boat builder Sea Ray, which present what is its biggest build at 75 feet, a flybridge Motor Yacht so far named 750. This is interesting news from Sea Ray showing in the renderings a European design influence in the forms, but most recognizable in the super structure. It will be available in a 2 version interior, both of them with a 4 cabin 4 head version and 2 berth crew cabin aft. The 2 version interior differs in the plans mostly in the main deck, but also in style difference and materials with 1 being modern minimal and 2 a classic conservative. Version 1 welcomes you with 2 settees on either side of the saloon, move more forward and you find an 8 person dining table in the middle. There is also a day head rare to find on this size on the main deck and a separate galley which is located just behind the dual seated helm station. Version 2 and its classic contemporary interior plan welcome you in a c-shaped settee, a spacious galley double to size of version 1, and an 8 person dining table to port of the starboard helm station. Sea Ray also offers an option for the aft area of the flybridge with the choice of an l-shaped settee or a water craft stowage area with crane. Other interesting feature is the 6056 litre fuel tank, quite big for a boat this size. Power is a standard twin MAN 1550hp or option 1800hp MAN. Hull number one is apparently already in construction stages although launching dates have not so far been announced.

January 28, 2009

New Model: Cobalt 37

Cobalt Yachts presents the 37, now the second boat in the Cruiser and Yacht line, from the USA builder. The new 37 is very similar to the 46, both with classic lines flowing along bonded side windows extending the entire length of the hull, and as is its larger sister offering creature comforts of far larger boats, accented by Super Yacht standard custom cabinetry, making every best possible use of interior space. Case in point: the two full beds with conventional mattresses in lieu of the convertible cushions of a settee that other manufacturers term a midberth. A solid panel secludes the master stateroom, opening and airing the cabin. The overall efficiency and roominess of interior spaces arise in large part from Cobalt’s willingness to use multiple, complex molds in the fabrication of parts, leading to designs simply not possible to restricted simple, unimaginative molding. Designed and engineered to exacting specifications for open water performance and saltwater durability, the 37 has been built ready to take on the traffic in coastal waters and inland lakes alike. Where others are quick to speak of value-added engineering, a euphemism for the subtraction of the very best materials from a boat’s construction in an effort to keep costs down, Cobalt has beefed the 37’s design, calling for high technology in both materials and their application. The full-length stringer system has been reinforced with carbon fiber, laid up with vinylester resins, add to this a solid fiberglass Kevlar strengthened hull bottom with full ¾” thickness, and the structural bulkheads are of total composite construction and are vacuum-infused.
Technical Data:
LOA - 11.7 m (37.6ft)
Beam - 3.66 m
Draft - 1.06 m
Weight - 9598 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 871 l
Water Capacity - 190 l
Engines - 2 x Mercruiser 496Mag 425hp Petrol, Volvo D6 370hp Diesel
Speed - 41 knots max, 24 knots cruising
Range - 182 nm @ cruise
Propulsion - Mercury Bravo 3 double propeller stern drive
Hull Shape - vee with 37 degrees forward entry and 18 degrees deadrise aft
Certification - ABYC Certified

January 27, 2009

Boat Review: Azimut 58


Presentation
Azimut has been an innovative builder in motor yachts and cruisers in the last two decades, breaking the ice with revolutionary designs outside and setting new trends with innovative layout plans inside. So when the 58 of the called F for flybridge series was presented in the fall of 2007 there was much anticipation for this model, which will have a starting challenge replacing the 300 plus delivered 55 in the long term of the Italian builder plans. The 58 though has not been the expected revolution over the 55, but a general improvement in all parts starting with bigger engines, and going into detail on the improving accommodation with high selling point coming in the VIP fore cabin with its scissor transforming berth from double to a nice twin for two big adults, making this cabin a family or guests affair. Other improvements are the high low bathing platform, bigger flybridge, more spacious aft deck, opening vertical windows in the master cabin, and last the modified saloon now feeling larger and smarter.
Accommodation
The 55 which was presented in 2000 was always about the full beam owners cabin, making sure this model was delivered at 300 plus in an 8 years production span, a record in its size and time. The 58 offers a similar interior 3 cabin 2 head lower deck plan mirror improvement to the 55, but board the new Azimut and it does feel bigger and different. The theme is about modern minimal accents, with oak wood joinery and natural light coming from the large windows featured in all part of the yacht from the large shark fin windows in the saloon, to the rectangles in the VIP cabin and the three longitudinal windows in the owner cabin which also are a novelty here being able to open. Praised feature is the fore VIP cabin which with a scissor movement can go from a nice queen size double to twin single berths. Full beam owners cabin follows the traditional layout with a 45 degrees positioned berth, and a beauty desk opposite. There is also the twin guest cabin in between all this. If desired a single berth crew cabin with private head can be fitted as optional aft.
The welcoming main deck has a spacious c-shaped settee to port, step up two steps and you have the open space galley to port with opposite a 6 people dining area. Forward of this there is a a nice 2 person settee, just to the side of the central positioned helm station, very good for lounge entertainment during navigation trips with full views forward and to the side. This concept is again followed on the fly but this time more of a sun lounger. On the flybridge you also find a c-shaped settee, l-shaped wetbar and a free astern area, with Azimut's plan suggesting to put two free moving deck chairs for maximum sun worshipping. Performance
A tried and tested hull also derived from the 55, with a good balance of weight and navigational speed put into it. Azimut 58 hull is a variable geometry moderate vee with 15.5 degrees aft, with deeper sleeker forward sections. Running gear and propellers run in tunnels for reduced shaft angle and better efficiency. The twin MAN R6 800hp are the real difference here which give top speeds of 32 knots and a cruising of 28 knots. Not bad for a loaded weight of close to 29 tons, and what I would also call moderate power. For easy marina manoeuvring Azimut also offers a joystick which can spin the boat around with the help of a stern and bow thruster, a solution seen on the bigger boats from this Italian builder since 2003.
Positive
Forward VIP Cabin which from a double transforms to twin single berths
Passenger settee by both helm stations
Hi Low bathing platform
Negative
Small crew cabin aft
Competition
Criteria for competition was 17 metres and 3 cabins on what is a highly competitive size, with many builders offering a similar concept to the Azimut 58 F, that is of a full beam owners cabin. The others going to a more traditional layout of a forward owners cabin are the Ferretti 551 or the VZ 56 which surprisingly both come from Italy. Another surprise is how much this type of motor yacht with flybridge and 3 cabins is international today. with builders spanning from Europe with Italian British builders, to the middle East from Gulf Craft owned Majesty to Australia with Maritimo. The US offers are the feel big Hatteras and Canada built Neptunus, but there could be 3 more to this, but other American built flybridge don't offer lower helm.
Aicon 58 - full beam owners and 3 heads, much waited 56 replacement after 100+ sold
Ferretti 551 - classic layout fore owner 2 double cabins 3 heads, galley down
Hatteras 56 Motor Yacht - optional lower helm, third l-shaped cabin
Majesty 56 - 3 saloon settees, 3 heads and 2 berth crew cabin aft
Maritimo A55 Aegean Flybridge - four cabins but 4 bunk beds, astern galley, sports look
Neptunus 56 Flybridge - changing room, dining table to fore with nice surround views
Princess 58 - galley down give three settee saloon, double crew cabin aft available
Sunseeker 52 Manhattan - galley down, bunk 3rd cabin, sunlounger aft adds sport looks
Uniesse 58 My - three heads, galley up on saloon, renowned sea keeper
VZ 56 - classic layout forward owner cabin, 2 heads, on purpose designed hull
WILD CARD: Fairline 55 Squadron - 4 feet short, closest competitor in concept and style
Conclusion
Azimut has built the 58 around improving the 55, with new ideas introduced on the other models of the range: like hi-lo bathing platform for easy tender stowage, square shaped bow which allows better deck space but also gives more room below in the cabin, free usable space on the flybridge which looks coming from an 80 feet plus super yacht, and last but surely its higher selling point in the scissor moving double berth forward. All this while not really new on an Azimut looks still very fresh on the 58! The big billion $£ question now is whether the 58 will have the winning success the 55 enjoyed in its 8 plus years of production. First outing in Genoa Show 2007 showed good sales in favour for the 58, what is an exceptional result with much tighter competition now then in 2000.
Technical Data
LOA. 17.8 metres (58.8 ft)
Hull Length. 17.59 metres
Beam. 4.95 metres
Draft. 1.37 metres includes props @ full load
Displacement. 28.8t full load
Fuel Capacity. 2800 litres
Water Capacity. 630 litres
Accommodation. 6 berths in 3 cabins + optional crew cabin aft
Engines. 2 x MAN R6 800hp
Propulsion. Shaft Drive with propeller tunnels
Speed. max 32 knots, cruising 28 knots
Hull Shape. vee shape with 15.5 deg aft
Project. Stefano Righini exterior, Carlo Galeazzi interior
www.azimutyachts.com
Picture Copyright Azimut Yachts. Data Azimut Yachts.

January 26, 2009

New Model: Viking 46 Convertible


Close behind the new flagship Viking 82, here is the new Viking 46 Convertible on launch day. The second of four new models that Viking is introducing for 2009, the 46 Convertible features this US builder renowned unparalleled attention to excellence. With an all new running surface and prop pockets to reduce draft, the 46 Convertible shares numerous design, construction and performance elements of both the 2008 new models the heralded Viking 50 and 60 Convertibles, albeit in a slightly smaller envelope making it an ideal choice for the owner operator seeking 44 years of boat building expertise in a scaled down version of its tournament winning champions. The two-stateroom, two-head layout provides plenty of comfort and privacy and the 121 square-foot cockpit includes Viking’s signature observation mezzanine. Hull number one of this exciting new series is outfitted with a pair of the bigger MAN V10CRM 1100hp common rail diesel engine choice. Smaller twin 900hp MAN V8 are the standard engine choice. The new Viking 46 Convertible will make its worldwide premiere with 3 other new Viking's at the Miami Show in beginning February, with what look like a stunning display from this high quality boat builder.
Technical Data:
LOA - 14.30 m (46.9ft)
Beam - 5.03 m
Draft - 1.35 m
Weight - 24,548kg
Fuel Capacity - 3293 l
Water Capacity - 568 l
Engines - 2 x MAN V8 900hp, V10CRM 1100hp
Speed - 30 knots cruising with MAN V8 900hp estimated
Range - 350 nautical miles @ 30 knots cruising estimated

January 24, 2009

New Model: Warren S120

After announcing it in 2006, Warren Yachts launch the much waited prologue to its S range, the S120, flagship of its Super Sport Yacht range now offering three models from 23 to 36 metres. Those with an appreciation and the determination to possess one-off quality and true custom fit and finish will find the four stateroom S120 to exceed all expectations. Exquisitely custom tailored to owner need and desire, the first of the series was recently launched with a second in final construction phases and scheduled to launch soon. The S120 can be configured with a variety of main deck layouts, stateroom and crew accommodations and styling preferences. Add available engine and drive options to satisfy the highest performance requirements and the S120 reaches a level of personal expression unavailable in the semi-production world. For twenty six years, Warren Yachts, a division of Shipworks Group, has been a premier builder of highly engineered, performance driven custom yachts and by remaining true to its custom heritage, this Aussie builder maintains a level of manufacturing and finishing perfection in their semi-custom Super Sport Yacht line that defines the company and provides the best in class option for those who seek the ultimate in the category.
Technical Data:
LOA - 36.5 m (120ft)
Length Waterline - 31.08 m
Beam - 7.31 m
Draft - 1.82 m
Fuel Capacity - 25.000 l
Water Capacity - 5000 l
Engines - 2 x MTU 16V2000 M93 2400hp
Propulsion - straight shafts
Speed - 26 knots max
Project - Peter Lowe
Certification - ABS Class

January 23, 2009

Projects: Italian Yachts 27 Navetta, Italian Yachts 80 Jaguar Sport, Italian Yachts 70 Jaguar

Italian yachts is a company located in Genoa, Italy which comes from a successful period following the presentation of the Paolo Caliari designed 76 Jaguar a few years back. Now the company wants to pursue this good start with more continuation, presenting 3 upcoming project models, two following the line of the 76 Jaguar of Sport Yachts, and the one above the 27 Navetta going into a new environment and type of yachting for the builder. This project is the biggest offer from this builder, and is a three deck plus displacement superyacht, with a calculated top speed of 13 knots with twin 700hp engines. Interior is a 3 or 4 guest cabins in the lower deck, an owner cabin on the main deck, and 2 crew cabins forward with crew lobby and galley. Soon coming to the water is the evolution of the Italian Yachts 76 Jaguar created by the great Paolo Caliari, the 80 Jaguar Sport which is designed by a rising name of Italian yacht design, Roberto Angel. Design, engineering, sports lines, charm, instinct, rationality, power and comfort is the 80 Jaguar Sport perfect synthesis. This 25 metre Super Sport Yacht will offer a 4 cabin en-suite layout, with crew quarters and galley located midship. Power is by twin MTU 1800 HP each, which will enable maximum speeds of 42 knots. The new 70 Jaguar will be a step forward for this size and type of yacht, taking something from bigger boats in its aggressive exterior design, and from smaller ones on the hull shape. The exterior while offering modern looks offers a deep deck area on the fore part with a central circle sun lounger in the middle. This is unusual for a 21 metre sport yacht, and on the renderings looks good. It also gives the advantage of not having sunbathers obstructing the helm station views while underway. On the accommodation front the standard layout is a classic 3 cabins layout with owner cabin to fore, and saloon with opposing galley to midship. Hull shape innovation comes for the two stepped hull vee shape with a 21 degrees deadrise, this is common for a powerboat, but unusual for a 21 metre Sport Yacht. Performance will also be on the high side estimating top speeds of 45 knots with twin MTU 1500hp engines, but smaller 1200hp MTU will also give 42 knots max and cruising speeds of 34 knots.

January 22, 2009

New Model: Beneteau 47 Monte Carlo


The Beneteau 47 MonteCarlo, is the latest edition to the modern sport cruiser range from this World renowned boat builder. The 47 MonteCarlo is so far the biggest model in this range, and was fittingly launched during the Paris boat show in December, and named by the football star Bixente Lizarazu. At the end of a breathtaking on-screen presentation, designed to give the visitors crowds a virtual tour of the boat, and supported by a choreographed routine on a James Bond theme, the MonteCarlo 47 was revealed majestically to the eager eyes of the spellbound audience. Drawn by Italian designer Pierangelo Andréani and the Beneteau design team responsible for the hull shape, the MonteCarlo 47 is a luxury Express Cruiser in the purest Mediterranean style, offering a flexible interior. The lower accommodation can be ordered with a 2 stateroom, galley and saloon or option 2 with third 2 single berth cabin, taking the place of the L-shaped saloon settee on the standard version. Power is provided by twin Volvo IPS600 of 435hp each.
Technical Data:
LOA - 14.8 m (48.5ft)
Length Hull - 14.22 m
Beam - 4.33 m
Draft - 0.85 m
Displacement - 11600kg
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 650 l
Water Capacity - 2 x 320 l
Max Persons - 12
Engines - 2 x Volvo Penta IPS600 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward facing duoprop pod drives
Project - P.Andreani, Beneteau Powerboats
Certification - CE B

Ugly Bertram Delamination

How to start the new Out-News section here, then with a story which was much the talking in January of this year in the many boating forums in the US and later followed all around the virtual world wide web. This story involved a delamination to an only six months old 2008 Bertram 630 having about five hundred engine hours titled m/y Certifiable, which happened while cruising and fishing around Palm Beach on the twentieth January.  Certifiable made it on its own power to a boat yard in Stuart Fort Lauderdale.
This picture appeared first on the HullTruth forums but a nice review with a technical description to what might have happened is also given on David Pascoe Yacht Survey surveyor website.  After many talking that this might finish worse then it is, with everyone speculating on the matter Bertram gave good guarantees to the owner, and he has been replaced with a sportfish yacht to use for the moment and a new yacht currently in construction.  Bertram has also declared on Yacht Forums that this was a singular incident, and checks on other 630 have been made to guarantee this was a unique unhappy matter.  Needless to say while this was an ugly accident to a nice boat, Bertram showed it stands by its product and guarantees keeping an owner enjoying the water and happy.
The Bertram in this delamination incident is a 630 model as designed by Zuccon and produced since 2004.  The 630 came out as a replacement to the 60 model which was released in 1990.

Engine: Volkswagen Marine TDI 350-8 350hp

In 2009, a brand new high end diesel engine for luxury boats will enter the stage: the Volkswagen Marine TDI 350-8 Audi’s 4.2 litre V-8 diesel is an engine without precedent and without immediate competition. Being offered only aboard exclusive, power oriented vehicles like Audi Q7 and A8, this engine serves those who wish to be pushed back into their seats whenever they only touch the accelerator. While its sheer torque is equivalent to sizable truck engines, the engine offers exceptionally civilized manners. Piezo-controlled common rail injection, the typical refinement of a modern V-8 engine and uncompromising engineering allow this power plant to be nearly inaudible, unless its huge power potential is challenged. Major players in the quality boating world have demanded this engine ever since first stories were heard about it, and now that the marine version is ready, its potential truly offers new options for boat design. Its wide engine speed range allows easy application and propeller choice, enabling low maneuvering speed without trolling valve and exceptional acceleration. Its immense power allows replacement of big block gasoline V-8’s without sacrifices in top speed, whereas acceleration onto the plane will be stunning to anyone who is used to gasoline power. Fuel savings against gasoline options will approach 50% in typical uses, extending range correspondingly. The dry weight of the fully marinated unit is approx 450 kilograms along with extremely short engine build which invites more fuel capacity, additional accommodation and storage.