Improve-it = Rampage 34 Express

The Rampage 34 Express with IPS and sport fish mode is proving outstanding in both performance and maneuverability. The revolutionary Volvo IPS propulsion system dramatically increases power and is more fuel efficient than the conventional inboard model. Tony Martens, director of Product Development and Engineering for Rampage Yachts, has spent hours making sure this new technology gives the Rampage 34 Express impressive results. The Rampage 34 Express contains all the features from the standard shaft version, with the added kick of IPS and sport fish mode.

www.rampageyachts.com

New Model: Vicem 52 Classic Series

Turkish builder Vicem introduces its latest model in its Classic Series, by debuting the new 52 Classic Express. The new 52 Classic Series is the latest in the range of timeless yachts, with versatile pleasure crafts hallmarked by elegant hull lines, luxurious yet casually inviting accommodation, and a traditional design that makes them real head turners wherever they go. This latest Vicem features a modified V-hull design and has been updated with several important features designed to enhance cruising enjoyment. The helm station is equipped with a starboard helm door to facilitate access between the steering station and starboard walk-around deck, while the station floor was raised for better visibility. A powered sunroof offers the boat’s operator and guests the opportunity to enjoy basking in sunlight the comfort of Vicem’s luxurious main salon. The extension of the forward bunk cabin top represents a significant change to the yacht’s housing arrangement by providing more headroom in the forward part of the master stateroom. Power options start from the small twin Cummins of 640hp up to MAN of 800hp engines, which give max speeds from 30 to 35 knots from the bigger option, with a range at cruising of about 300 nautical miles.

Technical Data:
LOA - 15.90 m (52ft)
Length Waterline - 15 m
Beam - 4.40 m
Draft - 1.30 m
Displacement - 14514 kg
Fuel Capacity - 1900 l
Water Capacity - 836 l
Engines - 2 x Cummins 640hp, MAN 800hp
Speed - 35 knots max, 30 knots cruising with MAN 800hp

www.vicemyachts.com

Projects: Lazzara LMC 76, Lazzara LSX 75 Fly

Lazzara aims to launch the new LMC 76 in June of this year. This new Lazzara Motor Cruiser design is a departure from the last two launches. The LMC 76 introduces some amazing new technologies. First, it will be the only Motor Yacht to use the triple CMD Zeus Pod systems. The benefits of this type of system are endless but better fuel efficiency, increase interior volume, and reduced noise and vibration are just a few. Second is the debut of the all glass main deck. This main deck has windows that extend from ceiling to floor and wrap around three sides of the main deck. The beauty of this all glass main deck gives you unobstructed views to all of your surroundings. In addition the flybridge will be the largest in its class, even longer than the current smaller of the LMC line the 84. Here are the latest renderings of the new LSX 75 Fly that will debut fall 2009. Some of things you will notice right away are the addition of the flybridge level, the larger aft deck seating and the new foredeck seating group. This yacht will be a great addition to an already exceptional product line. The flybridge which is the real novelty for this new Fly version of the succesful LSX 75 will have a large sunpad aft, seating group and a full navigational helm. According to Lazzara the flybridge will be bigger to other similar sized Sport Yachts in the market. The aft deck sunpad that is on the LSX 75 is now converted into a U shaped seating group, making the seating capacity much larger as well as giving you another 3 feet of floor space on the aft deck. Of course since you have the large sunpad on the flybridge you wont all together loose that feature. The foredeck seating group will have a very large settee along with two smaller tables and a sunpad forward of that. This area has become increasingly popular as a place to gather for lunch or afternoon cocktail.

www.lazzarayachts.com

New Model: Monterey 280SCR

Monterey Boats continues to grow their cruiser lineup with the new 280SCR Sport Cruiser. The new cruiser, one of three 2009 debuts, has an overall length of 29 feet and an expanded, spacious and comfortable beam of over 9 feet. Monterey has also added the popular option of sun island aft seating, in addition to the standard box seating configuration. You can plot a course for your destination in Monterey’s new 280SCR Sport Cruiser thanks to the gel-coated gray dash housing all of the necessary instrumentation at the ergonomically-designed helm station, along with a comfortable companion seating arrangement featuring flip-up thigh rise and a convenient fiberglass storage compartment underneath. The helm also stays cool thanks to an extraordinarily designed air duct that feeds from the cabin. The cockpit also features an expanded entertainment center with optional refrigerator. Access to the engine compartment is a breeze with electronic engine hatches, and plug-and-play wiring makes service hassles a thing of the past. A home away from home is the best way to describe the cabin, which can accommodate thanks to its ample space, storage and sleeping arrangements throughout. Cook meals with the fully-appointed wood-trimmed galley and enjoy them at your dinette table, which easily stores back away into its dedicated storage compartment. You can also enjoy the optional Sirius Satellite stereo package, monogrammed linen and dinette set with silverware and 15” TV/DVD player.

Technical Data:
LOA - 8.8 m (29ft)
Beam - 2.8 m
Draft - 1.07 m
Displacement - 3719 kg
Fuel Capacity - 341 l
Engines - 425hp max
Hull - vee shape with 17 degrees dead rise

www.montereyboats.com

Boat Review: Galeon 440 Fly

Presentation

Launched in 2004, the 440 Fly by Galeon was the continuation of quality improvement from this Polish builder, as started in the turn of the new millennium. Trusting in renowned boat designer Tony Castro, the 440 Fly was an important player in the quest of up scaling its line not only in size, but also in finishing and space. Delivered in 75 examples as of January 2009 the 440 Fly has also other interesting stuff, like a 7 berth 3 cabin 2 head interior, top speeds up to 35 knots with the bigger engine options, and a good looking exterior line taking bits and pieces from other renowned European builders but still looking a Polish Galeon all the way.

Accommodation

The 440 Fly offers an interesting accommodation package, with its 7 berth lower deck unique for a 13 metre flybridge motor cruiser. Upon entering inside via the stainless steel patio door one is welcomed on the main deck saloon with a c-shaped settee to starboard, opposite is another settee, and forward of this a double seated lower helm station. To port side, and up two steps one finds the raised galley which presents itself in a welcome airy environment and is also among the most spacious for a boat this size.

Below not loosing a millimetre of space is all reserved to night accommodation offering none the less 3 cabins 7 berths, and 2 heads. Example to this is the forward ensuite owner cabin with its queen island berth offering a relaxing 2 person couch on the starboard side. In the central part we have the two guest cabins, offering a double berth, two sister berths and an extra bunk berth. To starbaord in the middle one finds the guest head with cubicle shower.

Outside the offer is for a big settee on the aft deck. While on the flybridge we have a c-shaped settee for 5/6 persons looking aft to starboard, forward to this is a dual seated helm station, and to port looking forward we have a double seated sun pad. The forward deck part is reserved for a vee shaped sun lounger.

Performance

3 engine options are offered from Galeon with all giving important 30 knots plus performances. The engines for the 440 Fly are located centrally, propelled with direct shafts, and in tunnel propeller pockets, giving in all this an on the plane speed of eighteen knots. The top performance is from the biggest twin D9 575hp which give 35 knots max, making the 440 Fly among the fastest flybridge motor cruisers in its size . For not so speed lovers the other options are the smaller D9 of 500hp, and the efficient D6 435hp, this later choice giving also an impressive speed of 32 knots thanks to unbeatable weight to power ratio. Hull design is by Tony Castro renowned for his offshore designs. Here Castro presents a planning warped shape with deeper forward-Vee and moderate aft sections for better comfort at low speeds. An IPS propulsion option is also on the works and we wait for Galeon to disclose more information about this.

Positive

7 berths

Galley

Negative

Small aft deck

Competition

There is a lot offer in the thirteen metre size although the past players who dominated this market section, the Italians and British builders don't offer much and when they do it does not have any 3 cabin option. If looking for below accommodation is your aim I think the 440 Fly should be among the first to view list first for its unique 7 berths, and second for the spacious owners cabin forward. Beneteau 13.80 Antares - fly and saloon is not big, but 6 berths are no bunks

Carnevali 130 - quality, 3rd bunk cabin option will loose big galley though

Dellapasqua DC12S - 13 metres overall, seaworthy Hunt hull

Doqueve 43 - three cabins, airy minimal interior

Intermare 43 - third bunk cabin option, spacious aft deck

Majesty 44 - Dubai built, spacious fly and saloon with dining area to fore

Nord West 420 - IPS or stern drive option, no bunks, fuel efficient

Prestige 42 Flybridge Line - third cabin bunk option, good compromise in all

Raffaelli 47 Calima - biggest here, looks good too, CE A

Rodman 44 Muse - IPS only, De Simoni makes it among best looking

Sealine F42/5 - third cabin bunk option, expandable aft deck

WILD CARD: Broom 450 - UK aft cabin live aboard, big 3 cabin interior

Conclusion There are two types of customers in this size those who trade up and those who are starting there boating adventure. The first are usually looking for more cabins and berths, and the second usually attract themselves to the luxury. So far the 440 Fly seems to hit both these, offering a non superfluous rich boat with substance. Meaning it does not sacrifice accommodation berths, speed, and not well positioned engines. Yes engine position which the more located at the perfect part of the hull the more a sea keeper and lower planning a boat it is, offering better rough weather solutions. As for those who are trading up from a smaller size the three cabins seven berth interior is enough for them to rethink of the Tony Castro designed Galeon 440 Fly.

Technical Data

LOA. 13.72 meters (45ft)

Beam. 4.10 meters

Draft. 0.94 meters

Displacement. 14.990 kg light, 18.220 kg max load

Fuel Capacity. 2 x 750 liters

Water Capacity. 460 liters

Max Persons. 12

Accommodation. 7 berths in 3 cabins

Engines. 2 x Volvo D6 435hp, D9 500hp, D9 575hp

Propulsion. direct drive shafts with tunnels for propellers

Speed. max 35 knots, cruising 30 knots with D9 575hp

Hull Shape. V-shape planning

Project. Tony Castro

Certification. CE B

www.galeon.pl

Picture Copyright Galeon. Data Galeon.

Improve-it = Pershing 115

The recently launched Pershing 115 features a significant innovation which makes her stand out from other similar sized yachts as well as previous 115 builds. She has, in fact, been strengthened by a new generation Vericor TF50 gas turbine, able to create a power of over 5100hp, with a central hydro-jet thrust. The result is an improvement in both performance, with an equal overall weight, and resistance to significant stress. This technology, typical to aircraft, is rarely used on yachts due to its complexity and the cost of the individual components. In fact, its use requires special accessories, mechanical parts, and technologies incorporated in the entire system such as the titanium exhaust, and the reduction unit. Another huge advantage of this structure is that the yacht is quieter with no vibrations, even at a top speed of 52 knots! A host of other different features characterise the new yacht, making her unique. A very special wood - frise sycamore maple has been used for all the furniture, which includes an innovative LED lighting system integrated and concealed within and throughout the interior. The interior of the yacht is illuminated using warm led lighting in order to make the various environments more inviting and reducing the tiresome overheating produced by traditional halogen spotlights.

www.pershing-yacht.com

New Model: Dominator 29M

A waited debut for the new Dominator flagship, the 29M. Team 4 Design along with Dominator Engineering Department, projected the new 95 feet flagship, current biggest model from this Italian builder. Team 4 presents an interesting exterior with aggressive accents for a sporty profile, with a distinctive design thanks to the amount of big view windows, on the lower deck as well as on the upper. Other innovations for the new flagship comes for the retractable bathing platform aft which when open extends to double the size, and the opening terrace on the portside of the full beam owners cabin. The accommodation all located on the lower deck follows a conventional 4 cabins layout: full beam mid ship owner, VIP to fore, and two guest cabins in between all with en-suite heads. Though the bathroom for the owner and the position of the VIP cabin, which feels as a full beam are also a bit unusual in concept and design to the competition. Crew cabins and lobby is located midship. Another big environment for the 29M is also the flybridge area, having huge amounts of free spaces, thanks also to the tender garage located aft on the lower deck. Thanks to Jimmy the Builder who provided us with the 3rd photo from the Dubai show.

Technical Data:

LOA - 29.10 m (95.4ft)

Beam - 6.80 m

Displacement - 95t

Fuel Capacity - 16.000 l

Water Capacity - 3000 l

Accommodation - 4 double cabins, 4 heads, Crew 3 berths, 2 heads

Engines - 2 x MTU 2185hp, 2430hp

Project - Team 4

www.dominator.it

Projects: F&S 54 XPW, F&S 54 XWS

Delaware custom Sportfish Yacht builder F and S Boatworks presents two interesting 54 feet express boat projects titled 54 XPW and 54 XWS. Pictured above is the 54 XPW and the first thinking that comes to sportfish custom build followers is that this project seems to break the usual traditional rules thanks to an usual innovative modern looking upper deck design by Applied Concepts. It would be interesting to know if this wheelhouse is closed or not and what sort of propulsion and engines will the 54 XPW offer. The 54 XWS is the second project and is based on the same lines as the 54 XPW, but carrying a stylish raised upper helm tower for big game fishers. Now many towers don't look stylish but here seems that the Delaware custom builder, and again Applied Concepts are on a roll, and if for real this will look good as the picture above it really can put some steam to some creativity in the express sportfish market. Good news is that one of these 54 Express has been sold with scheduled delivery for later on this year. She will be hull no.15 and will be the third to be named True Grit, which seems to be a hard following owner to F&S and Jim Floyd custom cold molded builds.

www.fsyachts.com

New Model: Princess V42

The Princess V42 goes into its third generation, what is now a complete new version for this successful sport cruiser from this renowned British builder. The V42 has 9 years of age, appearing in the year 2000 and so far until this new 2009 version was always a further development of the V39 presented in the fall of 1994. Princess now with this new V42 want to distinguish itself in many aspects to the previous 2 versions. Among the noticeable improvements one finds is the size, now wider and longer with an over all length of 44 feet, we have also a second en suite head in the mid ship guest cabin, hard top or full open version option, and last a completely redesigned cockpit offering among the top space in its size. For the new third generation V42 Princess decided to stay with efficient stern drive propulsion, offering three Volvo engine options, from the smaller D4 300hp up to the bigger D6 370hp option. Top speed is an estimated max of 38 knots with the big D6 choice.

Technical Data:

LOA - 13.56 m (44.6ft)

Length - 13.26 m

Beam - 3.99 m

Draft - 1.07 m

Displacement - 9.26 t

Fuel Capacity - 850 l

Water Capacity - 332 l

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

Speed - 35 knots max with D4, 38 knots max with D6 370hp estimated

www.princessyachts.com

Engine: John Deere PowerTech 6135SFM75 750hp

John Deere Power Systems announced and displayed its newest marine engine at the 2009 Miami International Boat Show, the past February. The PowerTech 6135SFM75 marine diesel engine is the newest addition to the John Deere lineup and boasts up to 559kW - 750hp. John Deere is excited about the introduction of the new 6135SFM75 because it is by far the most powerful engine produced by this US marine engine manufacturer. The next most powerful John Deere engine after this is the 6125SFM75 at 455kW - 610hp. John Deere launched this new 750hp addition after many customers requests asking for more powerful engines. The new PowerTech 6135SFM75 has 13.5L of displacement and is a 6-cylinder, electronically controlled, turbocharged and air-to-sea water aftercooled marine engine. As all recent John Deere releases the PowerTech 6135SFM75 meets EPA Tier 2, EU emissions requirements, and is MARPOL Annex VI compliant.

www.deere.com