Projects: Benetti 52m Sensation, Benetti 47m Imagination

There are two new ranges of yachts in the plan for the near future at Benetti shipyard: 47m Imagination and 52m Sensation, both with a family feeling and both generated by the creativity of Stefano Natucci. The interior designs, based on the Zuretti concept, will be fully custom. Inspired by the successful line Golden Bay, the steel 52m Sensation is a semi displacement yacht, direct evolution of the Golden Bay line with a glance at the future. Sensation, in schedule to be launched in 2012, and is a 52m x 9.6m yacht. Maximum speed is 18.5 knots. with a range of 3.400 nautical miles at 12 knots (economic speed). She is part of the steel - aluminium range. The 47m alloy Imagination is a fast alloy semi displacement yacht, being a reinterpretation of both the legendary line and the FB246 43m Diane. Imagination, in schedule to be launched in 2010, is a 47m x 8.8m. She can easily reach 24.6 knots as maximum speed with a range of 3.400 nautical miles at 12 knots (economic speed). Hull and superstructure are in Aluminium Alloy.

www.benettiyachts.it

Boat Review: Falcon 86

Presentation

Falcon Yachts 86 presented in 1999 had a tough job to follow, repeat or beat the yards success with the 82S. Look ten years back and this entry level super yacht from the Viareggio builder is still in production and going strong. Designed by Architect Stefano Righini, renowned globally for his Azimut designs, he rarely gets mentioned for the Falcon Yachts designs which where among his first and still are his duty as at today. For Falcon, Righini takes a more traditional interpretation to the classic Italian yacht outside and inside. Another wise move for Falcon was to stretch the rules achieving in all this an overall of 86 feet but a measured length of under 80 feet, allowing the owner operator with competency to helm his boat with minimum crew.
Accommodation

Falcon 86 is a traditional two deck and flybridge yacht. Regarded by many as still one of the most spacious in its size offering, the 86 really gives space everywhere. The main deck welcomes you in a big environment offering a two level split area. Upon entrance you have the relaxing dining zone finding the big l-shaped saloon settee, followed by an eight person dining area, up a step you find the internal stairs to the flybridge, to port side you also have the separate galley room, more to fore you find the main deck day head, and forward you have the centrally located helm station joined to port by an l-shaped dinette for passage viewing.

Below is the accommodation deck, reserved for a spacious four double cabins en-suite layout. Here again spaciousness is the word, offering a traditional layout. Owners cabin at midships, VIP cabin to fore, and two double guests cabin in between. Worth to note is the big changing room in the owners room, but also that each guest bathroom comes with a bidet. Two crew cabins are located at the forward end serving also as a sound insulation for the VIP room, with entrance from the outside deck. Crew space is also more then what one gets here with a twin head and three or four bunk berths.

Performance

Not the highest performer in its size, the Falcon 86 is all about cruising in comfort and feeling safe. It is a solid boat although dry is not the word in head seas, but I am sure guests will feel safe in most rough seas with the Falcon 86, due also in part to its heavy displacement for its size and type. Steering is also on the heavy side especially when compared with yachts equipped with tunnel pockets. Hull is a planning Vee with warped design, deeper forward sections and medium closing aft. Performance is a top speed of 26 knots and cruising at 22 knots with the standard 1520hp MTU. If you want an extra two knots in cruising and max, bigger 1826hp MTUs are available.

Positive

Day head on main deck

Dual staircase

Cabin spaces

Negative

Crew cabin berths

Competition

It is incredible how the offer in this size have expanded over the years. When the 86 was presented there where only a couple of competitors. Nowadays in 2009 there is too much competition, which is not bad for the buyer really! Think of it this way, so much is found that this list includes only yachts in the 26 metres LOA if you go one metre less or above you have triple choices to this.

Abacus 86 - big aft deck, crew area with l-shaped settee to fore, 33 knots

Aicon 85 - modern, unusual crew quarters with lobby, hard top on fly

Azimut 85 - modern classic reinterpretation of spaces, crew aft, big owner cabin

Canados 86 Fly - tender garage aft, 33 knots performance

Horizon Elegance 87 - Taiwan build Italian design, 2 PWC garage, small crew cabin

Majesty 88 - sport sleek, 2 galleys small on main, bigger in crew lobby aft

Amer 86 - sleek, semi custom interior, 32 knots with only 1625hp engines

Riva 85 Opera Super - legendary builder, crew aft, 33 knot make it top performer

Sanlorenzo SL88 - timeless beautiful lines, raised pilot house spacious main deck

Sunseeker 86 Yacht - super yacht with sleek aggressive style, crew aft

Versilcraft 87 - raised pilot house, garage for tender

WILD CARD: Gianetti 85 Navetta Sport - modern semi displacement, raised pilot house

Conclusion

When Falcon presented the 86, they found a clever way to offer a pocket super yacht to its limits, with the right dimensions for the owner who likes to helm. This created a new segment which at 86 became like a new window to an entry level super yacht but still staying in the rules as a smaller boat. Falcon at the time also used this to there advantage, and created unknown spaces which still today set a benchmark in its size. All this made the semi custom 86 a huge success in the market which looking ten years back today in 2009 has paid off, still going strong in sales, and one of the most captain suggested yachts in the med.

Technical Data

LOA. 26.10 metres (85.6 ft)

Beam. 6.40 metres

Draft. 1.95 metres includes props @ medium load

Displacement. 65t med load

Fuel Capacity. 8500 litres

Water Capacity. 1600 litres

Accommodation. 8 berths in 4 cabins + 3/4 crew berths aft

Engines. 2 x MTU 12v2000M91 1520hp, MTU 16v2000M90 1826hp

Propulsion. v-Drive with shafts

Speed. max 26 knots, cruising 22 knots with MTU 1520hp

Hull Shape. vee shape planning

Project. Stefano Righini exterior

www.falconyachts.com

Picture Copyright Falcon Yachts. Data Falcon Yachts.

New Model: Mastercraft 300

A much waited unveiling during the Miami Show for a company Mastercraft usually associated, with fast runabout and ski running boats. The new 300 opens the quest for a cruiser from the US builder, may be come into case with the change of ownership happening a few dates back. The most intriguing factor of the new Mastercraft 300 is obviously the three pointed full bow. Normal questions arising here from the traditionalists, I am sure are if this opens up waves as a traditional pointed one. What is sure is thanks to this design element you have a forward double berth of much bigger proportions inside. The fullish bow also give a more spacious deck up top. Another different style element is the movable hard top with alloy frame and tinted glass to reduce the affect of sunlight. For a 30 feet boat the Mastercraft 300 offers more of a different concept to a more spacious one! The cockpit revolves around its central passageway with double sun lounges, l-shaped settees, and dual seats for the helm to starboard and passenger to port. Inside you have innovation capturing a layout as seen on fast boats but adding to it more space and luxury. Below in fact you have separate head upon entrance, galley, c-shaped settee, and a spacious double berth forward which can be separated by a blind. Performance figures have not been announced, as the same for engine choices what so far is communicated is that it takes twin engines, petrol or diesel totaling a max of 800hp.
Technical Data:
LOA - 10.3 m (33.9ft)
Length - 9.25 m
Beam - 3.35 m
Draft - 0.86 m
Displacement - 5670 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 757 l
Water Capacity - 114 l
Accommodation - 2 + 2
Engines - twin up to 800hp Petrol or Diesel
Hull - vee shape with 20 degrees midship, 16 degree aft

www.mastercraft.com

New Model: American Tug 49

The success of the American Tug 41 is a tough act to follow with the owners and the press raving about the spaciousness, sea handling and the economical cruising speed from the semi-displacement hull of this successful model. Newly launched American Tug 49 goes a step further adding a spacious helm, salon and dinette areas to this successful formula for a passage making pleasure boat. You immediately notice the difference when you enter the 49 from the dock to the swim step and through the transom door into the new larger cockpit. The additional room in the cockpit is perfect for fishing or relaxing in a chair and enjoying the sunset across an anchorage. One step through the stout cabin door and you see a big difference with a large salon for relaxation and a new dinette booth that will comfortably hold four. The new galley layout adds feeling of open spaciousness with large, light-filled and secure windows all around. Three steps up to the helm, and you can see the added space there, comparable to the working helm of a much larger yacht with plenty of space to stretch out while underway. The 49 includes as standard a new hydraulic system for powering the bow thruster, stern thruster and the windlass allowing continuous use without the worry of overheating electrical systems. This is a feature rarely seen in boats in this class of yacht. It will simplify docking while single-handed or for the cruising couple. Mechanical features include the genset, oil change system and hydraulic crane for the dinghy are all standard. The American Tug 49 continues a pattern of setting a high standard for passage making cruising yachts in its class with beautiful Sapele wood joinery throughout, a Sapele and Maple sole in the galley, two staterooms both with en-suite heads and full sized showers, and the roomy salon and helm areas offer more interior volume than competitive boats. The standard diesel furnace or air conditioning/heating system, washer/dryer, watermaker add to the comfort and convenience of the captain and crew. Anchor systems, fenders and mooring lines, are all included to complete the boat.

Technical Data:
LOA - 16.2 m (53.2ft)
Length - 14.83 m
Length Waterline - 13.97 m
Beam - 4.82 m
Draft - 1.47 m
Displacement - 16329 kg light
Fuel Capacity - 3028 l
Water Capacity - 794 l
Engine - 1 x Volvo D-9 575hp
Speed - 19 knots max, 8 knots best economic cruising

www.americantugs.com

Project: Prestige 60

A new flybridge motor yacht project from Prestige, representing a lot of important news from the French builder part of the Beneteau Group and as last year branded as Jeanneau. In fact one of the news coming with this new 60 model feet flagship, is now that Prestige is a separate independent brand, including the 10 models of the current range from the small 30S up to the 50 from the flybridge line. The new Prestige 60 represents also the introduction of a new Yacht division from this builder, announcing with it more upcoming bigger models up to 85 feet in the future. 60 Prestige offers also important novelties, starting from the interior which seems not to miss a beat having a three guest cabins all with personal heads head lower deck including in it a very spacious full beam owners cabin.  A double crew berth cabin with head is also located aft. The main deck continues the innovation versus the competition shown with the astern galley aft of the saloon, an internal and exterior stair case to the flybridge, this without missing a nice seven person dining table, and a C-shaped sofa opposite. Propulsion wise the 60 Prestige challenges the competition again, offering Volvo pod drives, with twin IPS850 670hp power, giving estimated top speeds of 31 knots and a cruising of 25. This will be among the first IPS propelled boats for an over 50ft flyrbidge motor yachts, but if that speed data is confirmed may be the real advantage here will be easy joystick manoeuvring, knowing of similar sized yachts with shaft propulsion and a similar displacement, size and power which have more or less the same speed.

www.prestige-yachts.fr

New Model: Horizon 52 Tournament

Horizon 52 Tournament is a first Sportfish model for the Taiwan company, renowned for building motor and super yachts up to 130 ft. The new 52 Tournament is also the smallest build in the current Horizon line up. A new market for Horizon, the Sportfish Yacht where it will want to satisfy demands of both the offshore angler and crew, giving in all this fishing joy with performance and comfort. A full array of refined fishing amenities along with a roomy well-appointed salon, galley and comfortable cabins make the 52 Tournament new competition to the US builders. The interior offers a main deck with 2 settees, one l-shaped for entertainment, and the c-shaped for dining. Lower deck offers 3 cabins 2 heads, with a double cabin to port side, 2 double berths forward and a settee berth which accommodates another berth. Aft deck of the 52 Tournament also features the much requested mezzanine seating, and customers can also order a full height optional tuna tower depending on their needs. Horizon 52 Tournament first Sportfish Yacht is an interesting offer, for a market dominated by US builders although it does take much to what regards its lines from the Carolina models.
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.88 m (52.1ft)
Length Waterline - 13.89 m
Beam - 5.3 m
Draft - 1.65 m
Displacement - 28t
Fuel Capacity - 3975 l
Water Capacity - 600 l
Accommodation - 5 berths in 3 cabins

www.horizonyacht.com

Project: Ovation 55 Sport Yacht

Making its debut this month, is the Ovation 55 Sport Yacht second in a series of new breed modern yachts part of the Silverton Marine Corporation. This new 55 Ovation is a hybrid design trying to look sporty sleek but also offering a lounging flybridge up top. For example you have an extended shaded overhang in the aft main deck, but once you open the three piece patio door, you feel at the inside of a flybridge yacht. Finished in cherry wood the main deck features double portside sofas, a starboard side curved upholstered lounge, a raised dinette area, and the central navigation center entertaining area offering guests a full panoramic view through the yacht’s full-width windshield. Below decks the theme is for a luxurious 2 cabin layout with extra space! Here you find a galley with plenty of storage and a large open area above contributes to an open, airy, naturally feel. Sleep accommodation is for 2 spacious owners and VIP cabin. Forward you find the VIP stateroom with a queen sized berth featuring port starboard wardrobes and a split-head arrangement, the portside being the shower and starboard the vanity with access also from the passageway for use as a day head. Owner cabin located midship for full-beam convenience has a walk around queen-sized berth, two wardrobes, and a private head. Power will be a triple Volvo IPS600 configuration rated at 435hp each, fitted with standard joystick for easy manoeuvring.

www.ovationyachts.com

New Model: Princess V78

The above picture represents one of the first sea trails for the new Princess V78, a much expected new model from Princess V Class Sport Yacht and Cruiser line. Second largest model in the V-Class range, the new V78 represents also an important novelty from this builder, being it the first to be built with resin infusion moulding. An important first for the second in size and capacity British motor boat builder which according to its data, saved as much as 3 tons versus a conventional building method. Interior wise the new Princess, has a 4 cabin 3 head lower deck, with a full beam owners cabin. A double crew cabin with head is located separately aft. Main deck is reserved for entertainment, offering a spacious c-shaped lounging sofa upon entering, and an 8 person dining table further forward to port side. Engine choice is a three option from Caterpillar and MTU, starting from 1500hp to a max of 1825hp. Hull number one was equipped with the smaller of options, with the builder claim of touching the 35 knots estimated project top speed.
Technical Data:
LOA - 23.83 m (78.2ft)

Beam - 5.66 m

Draft - 1.65 m

Displacement - 47.5 t with Cat C32

Fuel Capacity - 5486 l

Water Capacity - 1112 l

Accommodation - 8 berths in 4 cabins, 2 crew berths

Engines - 2 x Cat C32 1500hp, C32A 1825hp, MTU 12v2000M93 1800hp

Speed - top speed 37 knots with C32A estimated

www.princessyachts.com

Propulsion: Twin Disc Arneson ASD18

Always the ultimate in speed, maneuverability, efficiency and dependability Twin Disc Arneson Surface Drives presents the new bigger unit of its line the ASD18, for bigger boats and more powerful 3000hp plus engines. Arneson Drives is all about surface-piercing propellers reducing underwater drag to 50% compared to a submerged propeller system. In fact on an Arneson Surface Drive the only surface to contact the water is the propeller and the protective fin. This results in higher speeds, quicker acceleration and a better payload to power ratio, in all this improving fuel economy and lowering operating costs. The new ASD18 increases the torque limit by nearly double versus the previous bigger ASD16, with a max torque of 51528nwm. It features an overall length of 2892mm, and a thrust socket diameter and size of 762mm. The materials used for the new big ASD18 are Bronze, Almac, Stainless Steel, and Acquamet 17 for the propeller shaft. Turning angle is a total of 36 degrees, and vertical trim is 15 degrees.

www.arneson-industries.com

New Model: Nimbus 335 Coupe

The new Nimbus 335 Coupe presents itself with modern, clean lines focusing on innovative design solutions combined with an easy-running hull providing excellent performance from a single engine. Premiered in Dusseldorf a few weeks back the 335 is a follow up to the 365 Coupé introduced in 2008, and related to the entirely new generation of Coupé Nimbus that all include the successful “sidewalk” concept along with the new design, laminated windows with a large bay front window, opening flush-fitted sliding doors to starboard, and twin roof hatches providing better visibility and comfort to all those onboard. The 335 Coupe offers a large aft deck level, with a generously proportioned bathing platform. Saloon is roomy and cosy, with a modern ambiance filled with light and air, owing to the tasteful combination of upholstery, cushions and high quality joinery. Helm station and the instruments is functional and modern, incorporating surface finishes that reduce light reflection adding with the effective ergonomics. Nimbus developed the 335 Coupé with a policy of solid, functional comfort in modern design with environmentally conscious production engineering resulting in clean vacuum injection system used for the fibreglass construction, this being a closed manufacturing process which reduces emissions to a minimum. By means of this method the boat is built with higher, more even quality, and is lighter and more rigid too, advantages that give the boat a useful cruising speed with only one engine. Down below the 335 Coupé continues its innovative solutions with a generous stowage space and a layout that provide plenty of room. The large fore cabin contains a double berth featuring storage space in the pull-out drawers beneath the berth, a wardrobe and several thoughtfully planned stowage lockers. Guest cabin to port contains a double berth, seating room and a large wardrobe. There is a head adjacent to the guest and fore cabins, fitted with a separate shower stall. Apart from the two cabins, an extra double berth can be made up on the convertible c-shaped sofa in the saloon. Here the main deck saloon includes the galley with large worktop, plenty of storage space, a cooker with sink concealed beneath an elegant Corian panel folding up, and a stainless steel fridge underneath. The new Numbus 335 Coupé is a modern, solid and functional boat that makes a minimum of impact on our environment and providing easy and enjoyable life at sea.
Technical Data:
LOA - 10.27 m (33.6ft)
Beam - 3.20 m
Draft - 1.05 m
Weight - 4500 kg
Fuel Capacity - 480 l
Water Capacity - 190 l
Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths
Engine - 1 x Volvo Penta D4 225hp, 260hp, 300hp
Certification - CE B

www.nimbus.se