April 13, 2009

Project: Cabo 52 Flybridge

Emerging from the acclaimed ranks of the Cabo lineup comes the US builder largest model yet, the 52 Flybridge. Designed for fishermen looking to travel farther and stay out longer, its interior space delivers more room and comfort than any other Cabo in the fleet. Built on the same foundation as the popular 52 Express, its superior hull balance allows the 52 Flybridge to challenge rough seas, glide comfortably over large waves, stir up less spray and move through the water with minimal hull resistance. Like all Cabo's before her, the 52 Flybridge primary mission is to meet the needs of serious anglers looking for a boat that is tough enough to match their every challenge. The interior layout of the new flagship will offer three staterooms with two heads. Fitted with twin Cat C32 of 1675hp each, the 52 Flybridge will manage top speeds of 41 knots and a fast cruising of 38 knots. To be launched very soon the new Cabo 52 Flybridge continues to raise the bar for this California Adelante boat builder.

New Model: Estensi 480 Goldstar S

Italian builder Estensi presents the waited 480 Goldstar S, latest model for this range of traditional cruisers and yachts with lobster boat looks outside and an Italian way for the comfort inside. The 480 is the latest addition to the more modern looking Goldstar S range, differing from the C for its sleeker stern and super structure, and more modern stainless glass patio door. This new 480 Goldstar S offers unexpected comfort for its size with a three double cabin accommodation, a crew cabin, hidden galley and a split level saloon. Power is from twin not so big 550hp, but Estensi has still not published any performance data which to be honest was very curious to know. Range should also be good with not so much power and not small 2000 litres fuel capacity.
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.2 m (49.8ft)
Hull Length - 14.85 m
Waterline Length - 12.8 m
Beam - 4.50 m
Displacement - 16.000kg empty, 19.900kg loaded
Fuel Capacity - 2000 l
Water Capacity - 800 l
Max Persons - 12
Engines - 2 x 550hp
Designer - Maurizio Zuccheri
Certification - CE A

April 12, 2009

Project: Integrity 90 Flybridge

Dubai boat builder Integrity after the presentation of the 55 Flybridge in 2008, continues to upgrade by showing details for a 90 Flybridge super yacht model expected to be launched in the fall of this year. The 90 Flybridge is Integrity second model and will also be its flagship at 90 feet. Offering modern stream lined looks outside, with the latest comfort innovations like the forward c-shaped settee, hard top on the flybridge, and full view windows for the owners cabin the 90 Flybridge seems ready to compete with more renowned long standing brands. Lower deck accommodation is a classic layout with four cabins all with private heads. Full beam owners cabin, VIP cabin to fore, and two guest cabins in between. The aft part is dedicated to a crew lobby with 2 cabins, separate head and shower room, l-shaped settee, and direct engine room access. Living area is also a classic layout plan with a c-shaped saloon upon entrance, a dining table for 8, separate galley, helm station and c-shaped settee for guests during passageways. Hull shape is planning, with twin propulsion and direct shafts. Engines and speeds have not been announced, but by the looks and concept I would estimate performance of around 30 knots.

April 10, 2009

Project: Rose Island 43 Lobster

In so difficult global economic conditions Italian builder Rose Island decides to continue its expansion plans, by presenting the 43 Lobster next project of its Traditional boat range standing in between the long standing 38 and 49 models. Once again Rose Island continues to bet on young designer Marino Alfani, who continues the philosophy which has gave Rose Island so much fortune. Seeing the rendering of this new 43 Lobster project we cannot not notice the classic fashion and timeless elegance which has always been the half part of this builders DNA, with the other being sea keeping, low fuel consumption, long range and performance. In this new 43 Lobster great importance is being given to spacious areas outside and inside. Outside this is easily visible thanks to the superior extended cockpit aft, wide decks, and spacious sunbed on the forward deck. Down below the more space theme continues thanks to the two owner and VIP cabins, both with private en-suite heads. Worth to note and also unusual for a boat of this type and size is the double owners heads. Impressive is also the data, like the estimated performance top speed of 32 knots, with not so big twin 450hp FPT engines pushing this 13 tons cruiser, but also the 2000 litres fuel tank which shows when Rose Island speaks of range it is talking business. Constructed to CE A category and hand crafted, Rose Island owner Engineer Fabio Rosa is a firm believer of two quality visions in boat building: the visible one which is what you can see and touch and the hidden construction standard which he says is impeccable for his jewels.

April 9, 2009

New Model: Ovation 55 Sport Yacht

Debuting last February during the Miami show, is the Ovation 55 Sport Yacht. Ovation is the upmarket luxury bigger boat brand from Silverton Corporation and the new 55 Sport Yacht apart from being the second model in this motor yacht series from Silverton, is also this corporation biggest build too. The new Ovation 55 Sport Yacht differs from most of the competition for offering a triple Volvo IPS set up, its exterior looks, patio closing interior, and for the lounging area up top. This is basically a flybridge boat without the second helm. Inside the 55 Sport Yacht has a standard two stateroom layout plan with full beam mid ship owners cabin and VIP cabin to fore. A three cabin version is also available, with the third double cabin taking the place of the lower deck galley. Engines are a triple pod propulsion Volvo IPS600 435hp.
Technical Data:
LOA - 16.5 m (54ft)
Beam - 4.9 m
Draft - 1.22 m
Weight - 21,722 kg (dry)
Fuel Capacity - 2309 l
Water Capacity - 757 l
Accommodation - 4 - 6 berths
Engines - 3 x Volvo IPS600 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward facing pod drives
Hull Shape - vee with 13 degrees deadrise aft

Project: Formula 290 Sun Sport

US builder Formula presents its newest day cuddy cabin sport cruiser project, the 290 Sun Sport embodying the heritage of proven performance while embracing evolution of design. With a twenty two degrees deep vee deadrise aft, the new 290 SunSport continues Formula reassuring fast boat solid handling in demanding water conditions. Thanks to a nine feet beam the 290 Sun Sport will offer more then sees the eyes accommodation inside and out. Comfortable is the word here for the cabin below which has a double vee shaped berth, a head, and a small galley. In the outside deck the theme for space continues thanks to a nice c-shaped settee, a wet bar and a relaxing double seat to port of the double seated helm station. Twin stern drive petrol engine options from Mercruiser or Volvo power the 290 Sun Sport.

April 8, 2009

Improve-it = Doma 5

Astilleros de Alicante has introduced new styling improvements for the Doma 5 during the fall of 2008 and presented for the first time at the Barcelona Boat Show. The Doma 5, which waiting for the new 7 is the current flagship of the Alicante boat builder range, gets 6 total improved areas: two concerning the outside, and three for the interior with important redesign elements adding space, and a more convivial area. Builder Alicante tells us that the main difference here versus the previous Doma 5 are the following. Concerning the exterior it gets a new deck with a walk around configuration, and lateral side decks are now wider deeper giving more safety to the persons moving forward. Inside the Spanish builder advices off a a ten per cent increase in space thanks to better spaces distribution, redesign of saloon galley area making all this area more functional, wider access to the cabins in the lower deck, and last an engine room re-design.

New Model: Riviera 51 Open Flybridge Series II


The Riviera 51 Open Flybridge gets upgraded throughout in the newly launched Series II model. The new series II gets upgraded all with changes in the aft, stairs which lead to the flybridge, cabins, heads galley and improved finishing throughout. For example both the master and forward guest staterooms queen double beds are larger for greater comfort and all the lockers have a new freshness with cedar timber lining. The bathrooms have also undergone a transformation with the use of Amtico timber veneer flooring, solid surface benchtops with a porcelain basins and satin chrome shower poles. All the joinery in the saloon has a fresh new look and there is even a gloss timber surround to the recessed grabrail in the headliner. Speakers for the Bose entertainment system are now recessed in a pelmet on either side of the saloon. The lounge now has also a double bed hidden away underneath with electric controls. In the galley, you will notice the new induction cooktop and flush benchtops while access to the storage space below has been improved. The most striking and visible feature of the new 51 Series II is sure the awning window and stainless steel door aft of the saloon leading to the cockpit, with this opening up to connect the saloon with the cockpit. Even the stairs to the flybridge have been improved with non-skid treads and even better hand rails.
Technical Data:
LOA - 17.7 m (58.2ft)
Hull Length - 16.6 m
Beam - 4.93 m
Draft - 1.38 m
Weight - 21,800 kg
Fuel Capacity - 2700 l
Water Capacity - 860 l
Accommodation - 6 + 2 berths
Engines - 2 x Cat 715hp

April 7, 2009

Engine: Cat C32 Acert 1925hp

Cat C-series, electronically-controlled, high-speed marine engines are recognised for their sustainable performance, combining high power, low emissions and state-of-the-art fuel consumption. At this year’s Miami International Boat Show, Caterpillar presented another high-performance rating for its C32 ACERT model used in pleasure craft applications. Produced to highest standards the Cat C32 ACERT is a vee-type, 12-cylinder, 4-stroke marine engine with 145 mm bore and 162 mm stroke displacing total 32.1 litres. With its new EPA Tier 2-compliant E-rating, this engine provides 1417 kW - 1925hp at 2,300 rpm. The new C32 ACERT rating with 1925hp is specifically designed for pleasure craft applications, has 15 percent more power than the former C32 version without ACERT technology. Introducing a smaller and more robust engine block, the C32 ACERT engine is designed to be particularly durable, reliable and fuel-efficient. It offers the latest Mechanically actuated Electronically controlled Unit Injection (MEUI) fuel system, Caterpillar’s latest ADEM A4 Electronic Control Unit ECU and responsive twin turbo-charging and after-cooling. In addition, maintenance and robustness have been improved for the C32 ACERT engines. All standard maintenance items are mounted on the service side for easy access. The gear-driven water pump is self-priming. A titanium plate heat exchanger with integrated fuel cooler offers extended durability. ADEM software, which precisely determines fuel delivery, air management and all other engine functions, has been modified for the increased power rating and EPA Tier 2-compliant emission levels. Multiple fuel injection inserts fuel into the combustion chamber in a series of accurately timed “micro bursts”. These features combine to provide lower specific fuel consumption, particularly at part load, and also reduce smoke and emissions while delivering reliable maximum power output. Improved performance from advanced Cat C-series engines not only means more power overall, but also better acceleration, more reserve and rated power available at a wider speed range. Needless to say for an engine with ACERT technology, the C32 ACERT operates virtually smoke free under steady-state operation as well as under acceleration.

Project: Beneteau 34 Swift Trawler

Beneteau presents the project for its third model and future entry level for its explorer type boat Swift Trawler range with the 34. Announced in Dusseldorf last January and presented also as a scale model during the show, the 34 Swift Trawler continues what we have seen with the previous models from the French builder, with US trawler looks, but also with accommodation layouts revolving an eye around European and Mediterranean usage. Looking very similar in the outside to the 42, the small Swift Trawler offers spaces associated with a bigger boat to its size. Its accommodation plan is a 2 cabin layout, with owner cabin to fore, a bunk double cabin to port side, and a complete shower head to starboard. On the main deck we have the main living area for the small Swift Trawler offering a saloon galley with a settee for 5 persons, c-shaped galley, and the interior all weather helm station to starboard. The extended flybridge as seen on the plan is the main surprise for its dimension, offering along the second helm station, and l-shaped settee also a tender stowage area. This is something unusual for a 34 feet cruiser. Engine choices has so far not been announced, but Beneteau did say that the choice is for a single engine with direct in line shaft propulsion, which according to the French builder will give the best economy but also the most stable ride to the 34 Swift Trawler.