April 19, 2009

Improve-it = Benetti 85 Legend

Benetti, in collaboration with the Research and Development Centre of the Azimut-Benetti Group, based in Varazze, founded in order to give scientific support and boost the know how level of the single brands, developed its first hybrid electrical diesel propulsion. The study of the diesel-electrical propulsion, within the group, started ten years ago with the planning and designing of the M/Y FB231 Ambrosia, launched in 2005, and equipped with the azimuth propulsion. These particularly encouraging results drove the Group to extend its research and the consequent applications onto the smaller boats of the range, choosing however to privilege the displacing yacht segment which, due to the technical characteristics, combines well with this type of propulsion. The pioneer this time is the smallest line of the fleet, the Benetti 85, which, compared to Ambrosia, requires an alternative due to its technical characteristics. Indeed in this case the electrical diesel propulsion is not suggested as a sole solution, but it is placed together with the traditional one in a hybrid system. The primary intention is that of equipping the yacht with an additional and alternative propulsion system compared to the main one which increases the comfort on board as regards to the traditional propulsion. The speed range obtainable with the electrical propulsion varies from 5 to 10 knots, based on the electrical power of the diesel generators available on board. The Hybrid electrical diesel system includes the use of the same components of the traditional propulsion to which we have added electrical motors with permanent magnets and relative "inverters" frequency converters, which, connected to a controlling system, govern the shafting with the main diesel motors being disconnected. The numerous advantages that have been obtained are measurable: reduction in noise, less vibrations on board, and an important percentage in the saving of consumption equal to 40%. A positive environmental impact due to the reduction of emissions into the atmosphere. The commitment undertaken about ten years ago today has led to the creation of a product that can be applied to the entire Benetti range with the possibility of integrating other innovations that the Group is developing for the future, such as the replacement of one of the two electrical generators with a fuel cell generator in order to increase comfort further and reduce the environmental impact. It is currently possible to temporarily install batteries in order to obtain the same effect as the Fuel Cell yet obviously with considerably reduced endurance. The new hybrid electrical diesel propulsion system which is applied onto the Benetti 85 does not only enable to offer concrete advantages in the direction of a Green Yacht but paves the way towards continuous and future developments.

April 17, 2009

Projects: Shearline 52 Sportfish, Shearline 57 Sportfish

North Carolina custom boat builder Shearline, after having a taste of big boat building with its 2008 launched 61 Sportfish fully custom flagship, built in cold molding gives more of this to its estimated clientele. In fact the year 2009 will see Shearline commissioning two new Sportfish yachts builds going over the fifty feet barrier. The first of this is the Shearline 52 Sportfish, representing similar Carolina lines to the bigger flagship, but in an eight feet smaller package. The 57 Sportfish is the second project from Shearline, and is built to custom order as all the fourteen boat range from 18 up to 61 feet from this US East Coast builder. The 57 Sportfish represents another important step for big custom boat building recognition and more future ambitions as started last year with the launching of the 61 feet flagship. As all the Shearline range, the 57 is also built using cold molding construction technique, meaning a lighter and stronger build method, but also a time tiring method only good for passionate and custom builders. I imagine both the new Shealines to be pretty fast but so far not much details are provided. Still these are all custom builds and many changes can be made in design stages to accommodate ones taste, think of it this way the 61, did 45 knots with not so big engines for its category. So accept something along these lines from the new two big Shearlines both to be launched later on this year.

New Model: Rio 36 Air

Presented for the first time at the recent Naples boat show, is the new Rio 36 Air, hard top version for the Art of the same size presented in Genoa in the fall of 2008. The North Italian builder praises its new 36 feet hard top as the best offer for its size in the European market. As its twin, open sporty 36 Art example, the new Air hard top model follows on the winning design of its sister, offering a much desired full beam owners cabin in only eleven metres. As Rio says both these models share little with the competition apart the size and propulsion, the rest is a surprise to discover. Everything else has no comparison. The look awards the Rio typical visual aspect of a bigger looking sport cruiser then its real size inside and outside. In fact the 36 Air surprises for its sports line, but still offering open livable spaces, an impressive wide cockpit, hydraulic controlled table, chaise lounge, and a dual helm seated helm station with a minimal essential dashboard offering an ample control panel. Best of solutions and thinking for the people onboard comes from the electric shifting hard top which extends up to the stern to protect the dining area if necessary, a very intelligent solution in this size.
Technical Data:
LOA - 11.14 m (36.5ft)
Beam - 3.65 m
Drat - 0.64 m
Displacement - 6990 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 780 l
Water Capacity - 120 l
Max Persons - 12
Accommodation - 4 + 2
Engines - 2 x Mercruiser 4.2ES 270hp, 4.2ES 320hp
Propulsion - sterndrive Mercruiser Bravo III double prop
Speed - 37 knots max, 26 knots cruise with 320hp
Range - 306 nautical miles, 11.8 hours

April 16, 2009

Project: Master Yacht 60

Master Yacht 60 is the second project from this company founded in 1999 and starting to build boats in 2005, launching its first 52 feet model in 2006. This is an interesting second offer from this North Italian builder following the 52 bit of traditional looks outside, with high versatility in its interior planning, as well as the engine choices being among its strongest points. Hard top Sports Yachts are a lot to come by, so Master Yacht 60 wants to offer something different in a crowded and super competitive market with some distinctive features from the competition like two layout choice interior, and wide engine and propulsion choices. The interior for example comes out with a standard 3 cabin lower deck galley layout, but if one navigates with more guests a 4 cabin all en-suite with a galley up optional version is available. Surely but the most interesting feature for the new Master Yacht 60 comes from eight engine and propulsion choices. For those desiring the traditional shaft lines, the Master Yacht 60 comes with a vee drive set up and five engine offer starting from the smaller rated twin Yanmar 720hp up to MAN V12-1360hp. For the pod lovers Master Yacht offers three options, a triple or quadruple Volvo IPS600 choice, with IPS500 offered in a four engine format only. The first Master Yacht 52 was all about offering various choices to the owner, and with the 60 this Italian firm made clever lesson to keep and expand a similar format for its new bigger upcoming Sport Yacht.

Improve-it = Galeon 390 HT

Galeon improves the 390 HT just as it did on the 530 HT with a Wenge Line new interior style. Wenge is an exotic tropical hard wood from Africa, dark brown almost black with tan lines. The Wenge furniture on the Galeon is veneer meaning a sheet of natural wood adhered to natural density fibreboard. Along the renowned and much famous dark natural wood, the 390 Hard Top has also been improved with new quality elements like stainless steel, huge glass sliding doors and white leather upholstery. To accentuate also the dark tonality of the woods the walls are plastered with a silver fabric lit with LED lights. This new distinctive look is a modern departure to other more classical styles like cherry wood or mahogany interiors, and should distinct the client who prefers the latest style in the interior of his Sport Yacht.

April 15, 2009

Project: Italian Yachts 72 Jaguar

Design, a sporty, stylish, powerful and comfortable Sport Yacht. These are the characteristics Italian Yachts asked to architect Roberto Angel for the project of the 72 Jaguar. Based on the philosophy of a high performance hull, four possible power options are available from the smaller 1500hp up to 1800hp twin MTU engines, and Arneson or Sea Rex surface drives. Roberto Angel transformed the requested philosophy into simple geometric shapes that enhance the aerodynamics of the deckhouse, while at the same time not staying away from the Jaguar open tradition. The Jaguar 72 project maintains a family feeling in a new emphasis on the sporty soul of the Italian Yachts brand. Exterior lines are clean and essential with large elliptical windows favoring plenty of natural light into interior spaces. Lateral side passageways favor continuity fore to aft of the deck, enabling the perception of a uniform outer environment. Forward, is a solution that is more unique than original, a central sunpad and modular seating to accommodate numerous guests. As on the 80 Jaguar, the 72 first presented as a 70 feet project maintains a sober style, with a uniform look seen trough the Italian Yachts range following a great care for quality and finishing of the complete product.

April 14, 2009

Engine: Lugger L6125H 470hp

Northern Lights, a globally recognized manufacturer of marine diesel generator sets and Lugger diesel engines, is pleased to introduce their newest propulsion solution the L6125H diesel engine, featuring an electronically-controlled high-pressure common-rail (HPCR) fuel system. The L6125H is based on the time-tested reliability of the heavy-duty Komatsu industrial engineblock, and is custom marinized by the Northern Lights engineering team, whose five decades of experience are well known to mariners across the globe. The L6125H reaches a high output rating of 470 hp at a modest 2300 rpm. Designed to be durable, reliable and efficient, the L6125H boasts an attractive power-to-weight ratio of 4.8 lbs./hp. Fuel economy and fuel system efficiency are maximized by the HPCR fuel delivery system, which maximizes atomization of the fuel delivered into the cylinder, ensuring amore complete combustion.

New Model: Fairline 65 Squadron

Fairline is preparing for the launch of its all new 65 Squadron later this spring. The first Squadron 65 departed the company’s Nene Valley factory in Oundle, Northamptonshire on Monday 6th April 2009 making the 100 mile road journey to Fairline’s testing facility in Ipswich, where she will undergo extensive tests to ensure the highest quality standards throughout. The 65 Squadron is destined for customer delivery in May, following commissioning and intensive sea trials with Fairline as well as the press in the Solent with specialist marine journalists. A second 65 Squadron is already in production and will make her first show debut at the Cannes and Southampton Boat Show, both taking place in September. The 65 foot motor yacht is the latest addition to Fairline's Squadron flybridge marque. Key features of the newest Squadron include four luxuriously appointed cabins and a single-level flat floor that extends from the saloon through to the dinette and galley area, providing an exceptional feeling of spaciousness. The expansive exterior accommodation of the flybridge includes dedicated dining seating and sunbathing areas as well as a comprehensive bar area with refrigerator, icemaker, sink and BBQ griddle. Her anticipated top speed is 34 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 20.41 m (67ft)
Hull Length - 18.48 m
Beam - 5.24 m
Draft - 1.37 m unloaded
Weight - 29.53 t
Fuel Capacity - 3542 l
Water Capacity - 1140 l
Accommodation - 6 - 8 berths
Engines - 2 x Cats C18 1015hp, MAN V10 1100hp
Speed - 35 knots max with MAN 1100hp, 34 knots with Cats C18

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