June 19, 2009

Engine: Westerbeke 65A 68hp

Responding to the market interest in mid-size auxiliary sailboats and small displacement powerboats, Westerbeke has just introduced a new 68hp (50.7 kW) diesel engine, the Westerbeke 65A Four. This 4-cylinder, 3.3 liter, naturally-aspirated diesel runs at 2600-rpm yet produces a very impressive 163 lb/ft of torque at only 1400-rpm! Torque is the attribute of marine engines which most influences their ability to push non planing boats through water. Low engine speed also contributes to quiet operation, less vibration for more pleasant powering, and efficient use of fuel. It also reduces stress on engines, thus contributing to a longer service life. Westerbeke is renowned for all of these attributes and has received numerous awards for marine power innovations. The 65A Four is now in production and offered with standard 72 amp battery charging alternator, EZ-bleed fuel system, transmission oil cooler, fresh water lube oil cooler, over sized marine transmission with 1.88:1 reduction, domestic hot water connection, coolant recovery tank as well as low oil pressure and high coolant temperature alarms.

Project: Riviera 5000 Sport Yacht

Riviera, presents its next project the new 5000 Sport Yacht set to launch at the Sydney International Boat Show at the beginning of August. Powered by twin Cummins Mercruiser turbo diesel engines linked to the revolutionary Zeus pod drives, this new model builds on the extraordinary success of the Riviera 4700 Sport Yacht that won the AMIF Boat of the Year award in 2007. As well as the new propulsion system, the 5000 Sport Yacht is offered with an unprecedented range of options that will allow owners to configure the boat to their individual boating requirements. The new propulsion system offers easy manoeuvring in close quarters such as marinas as well as overall performance. Cummins Mercruiser Diesel claims up to 30 percent improved fuel economy as well as 15 percent faster cruise and top speeds over conventional drive units. The 5000SY is the fifth member of Riviera’s European-style Sport Yacht family and replaces the shaft drive 4700SY. The elegant 5000SY maintains and expands on the single-level lifestyle design of the Riviera Sport Yacht line, including an aft galley and stainless steel pillar less aft bulkhead door and fold-up awning window that open the saloon right out into the cockpit. The underwater profile of the Riviera 5000 Sport Yacht includes two Zeus drive units with aft-facing counter-rotating propellers and underwater exhausts mounted in tunnels that protect the pod drives from underwater debris. An advanced joystick control system for slow-speed manoeuvring can be operated with one hand and a single turn of the wrist; from sideways tracking to spinning on a pin, to precise speed control. Zeus also features Skyhook, a system that will maintain the vessel on a fixed heading within a tight area, even in strong currents and windy conditions. Continuing Riviera’s commitment to innovation, the 5000 Sport Yacht offers owners a range of options including two accommodation layouts and optional cockpit furniture. The accommodation options are the choice of three cabin and two bathroom design or two cabins and two bathrooms plus a below-deck lounge area. In the cockpit, owners can choose between a standard layout of a single long lounge across the transom with a long hi/low table or the option of an additional L-shaped aft-facing lounge in the forward quarter with a table, deleting the long table. Expansive panoramic windows and a huge electric sunroof in the saloon enhance the relaxed, refreshing and airy ambiance of this new model.

June 18, 2009

New Model: Paragon 31

Saturday, June 13 Paragon Yachts debuted the 31, latest new model from the Finnish boat builder which is part of Nimbus Group, The Paragon 31 made her official debut during the Volvo Ocean Race in Stockholm. During the race stop it served as official VRC Security Boat and was also moored and displayed at Skeppsbron. The boat is the second model in a generation of year round boats that build on the successful Paragon 25 concept. The Paragon 31 has good storage and a plan that provides spacious areas with room for the entire family and activities at sea. Paragon's philosophy, which was developed by Sakari Mattila, is based on a careful preliminary study, collaboration and development together with Search and Rescue, the Coast Guard, racers and professionals who work in demanding environments at sea. The boat has a pronounced v-hull, which provides great stability while maneuvering at high speeds and keeps fuel consumption down to about 1.8 liters per nautical mile with the D6-370 engine option. Maximum speed is about 38 knots. The 31 being the second model from Paragon follows the philosophy of the first model, being a boat for discerning owners and taking challenging conditions with pride and safety.
Technical Data:
LOA - 9.90 m (32.4ft)
Beam - 3.10 m
Draft - 0.95 m
Displacement - 4700 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 450 l
Water Capacity - 220 l
Max Persons - 8
Engine - 1 x Volvo D6 330hp, D6 370hp
Speed - 38 knots max, 34 knots cruising with D6 370hp
Hull Shape - vee shape with 24.5 degrees
Certification - CE B

Powerboat P1 - Turkey, Istanbul Preview

After 5 weeks since the start of the season in Malta, the Powerboat P1 circus gets into its second 2009 round the coming weekend in the cross cultured Asian European Istanbul, Turkey. Its been a long time coming for the teams especially those showing leading potential. The others who had a disappointing start surely have appreciated this break, and will hope to manage the right set up in order to achieve important points to fight for the title and worry the front runners.
In Evolution 10 Cigarette Smash Poker after doing some testing and modifications will want to show its super speed seen in both races in Malta, with only a spin and water ingress in the engine room during the second race managing to stop what appeared as the fastest boat during racing. Championship leaders Outerlimits boats, 88 SNAV OSG followed by the 77 Lucas Oil will surely have other plans for this. There is also two much expected showings. The first is the second placed from the 2008 season and only diesel boat for this year, 53 Metamarine Pignolo who after a crash during sea trials in Malta is set to prove itself. The rumours where that the time for pole for the 53 boat was four seconds better then the best registered. The other waited return is a Fountain boat 33 Furnibo, with this legendary US builder already taking two P1 Evolution titles in 2007 and 2008. This new Fountain boat is actually a bit longer versus the double title winner and will also have bigger engines with a stern drive set up. Both 47 Silverline, and 66 Cranefields Wine will surely be looking for that extra speed to worry the front runners too.
Supersport Class did return to a competitive edge in Malta. The 43 Seagull Chaudron which is the 2007 and 2008 title winning squad, have been well informed in the first race that 2009 will not be as easy as it was last year, but thanks to a new boat with more powerful Ilmor engines package they still seem to be the favorites. There is two teams who will have a big say for this, both a Donzi 38 boat. One is the 38 Baia Attolini, and the other is new 26 Team SW1 Capital. Both Donzis did finish first in Malta but where put back due to over speeding. The all female 44 Iko Casa, which is the 41 Chaudron 2007 and 2008 Supersport Class winning boat also showed great potential and I am sure this boat still has winning ways in its fiberglass. More to prove for the two boat Italian squad with 28 Blue Shaft and 22 Big Sergio, wanting more speed and in search of more reliability too. The 17 Mas Force will also look for that extra edge in speed to start worrying the front runners and manage to get a podium.

June 17, 2009

New Model: Pantera 28 SR

Pantera introduces the new 28 SR a modified special version for its much appreciated 28 model launched for its 30Th anniversary. The Pantera 28 SR will feature a full set of novelties in every area of the boat like a newly designed twin stepped bottom design, cockpit dashes, cabin layout, recessed hull sides, headers dumping out the hull sides, and a few other changes. Interior as expected for a fast boat is a spartan yet comfortable to sleep four persons in the vee shaped to fore and two settees. Power is from a single 525hp Mercruiser.
Technical Data:
LOA - 8.53 m (28ft)
Beam - 2.43 m
Draft - 0.45 m
Displacement - 2358 kg
Fuel Capacity - 529 l
Engines - Mercruiser 525EFI 525hp
Propulsion - Mercruiser Bravo One XR stern drive

June 16, 2009

Boat Review: Princess V53

Presentation
Presenting itself in the mid nineties, Princesses open and hard top V series models has been a non stop growing success for the British builder. The V53 presented in the year 2006 has been another winner for the range offering with it a good performance together with a luxurious interior and sleek exteriors but always keeping the conservative Princess look to the overall package. The V53 is an integrated hardtop only model, with a sunroof opening in a few seconds to the sun or closing for the shade or rain protection.
Accommodation
The accommodation for the Princess V53 is all about spacious spaces giving in all this more then one would imagine in a sixteen metre size. What you will like and not find on other open hard top boats is the c-shaped settee to fore port side on the cockpit deck. Other valid points is the spacious saloon settee with galley opposite feeling ultra large. The aft deck welcomes you on board with a spacious sun lounger, housing under it a well sized tender garage. Going more to fore you find a spacious c-shaped settee, with wet bar opposite, the unusual but much appreciated six person c-shaped settee to port, and a dual seated helm station to starboard.
Below deck is the three double cabins along with the galley and saloon. An area which is very spacious is surely the galley and saloon. The three cabins have all a different plan and layout, with the smaller third bunk cabin disappointing a few viewers but still feeling more spacious to what it actually is. The cabins are located in this manner, double owners with en suite to fore, twin single berth to starboard midships, third cabin with bunks to port, and a guest or day head.
Performance
The engine options for the V53 are all Volvo D12 engines starting from smaller 675hp, more performing 715hp units, and the bigger D12-800 775hp. The 675hp should give a max of 33 knots, 715hp gets you to 35 knots, and the bigger engine choice gives you a wide open throttle of 37 knots. Princess continue with the tried and tested Bernard Olesinski modified vee hull, now used for over two decades by the British builder. Olesinski's hull are all about a deep vee entrance forward section and a moderate dead rise aft of eighteen degrees. Princess also used mold tunnel propellers for reduced shaft angle and cleaner propeller water stream. Propeller pockets give a performance advantage over traditional shaft method although a perfect engine position and weight distribution is also important in order not to have the effect of a high bow ride with a lot of dragging aft.
Positive
second dining c-shaped settee in cockpit
spacious galley
Negative
bunk third cabin
Competition
Hard top boats have been in huge demand in recent years, with the market responding fiercely to this with various proposals. While this trend was started first from the Italian builders it is fair to say that is now an international affair. Criteria for the competitors was based on sixteen metres of LOA, three cabins, integrated hard top, open deck no patio door, and traditional in line shaft propulsion or pod drives.
Astondoa 53 Open - big view saloon windows, modern interior, bunk third cabin
Atlantis 54 - glass hard top, spacious cockpit, hi low bathing platform
Cayman 52 WA - walk around deck, free or sun lounger aft deck
Fashion Yachts 55 - modern inside and outside, L-shape third cabin
Gagliotta 52 - sea keeper, third bunk cabin, lower galley, saloon all up
Numarine 55 Sport - Turkish reply, 38 knots speed, third cabin bunks
Regal 52 Sport Coupe - 4 layouts, third cabin with bunks, IPS engines
Sea Ray 540 Sundancer - new model, four layouts, 2 or 3 cabins
Uniesse 54 Sport - sea keeper, sun lounger or free space aft
Windy 53 Balios - good handling, 40 knots performance
WILD CARD: Cabo 52 Express - 3 cabins, quality leader with great sea keeping
Conclusion
Since the eighties Princess have always given attention to open type Sport Cruisers, but somehow the Riviera series always left them behind versus the other British builders. Come the nineties and the integrated windshield V series Princess's manages the unthinkable becoming among the most desired for a British built Mediterranean open type sport yacht. Sitting in the middle of the current ten model V series line up, the V53 is one of the latest designs putting a great looking integrated hard top, with the usual integrity associated with the British marque. Three design solutions set the V53 apart, which are the six person dinning settee on the main deck, spacious galley for the size, and good performance with not so big engines. The Princess V53 also feels bigger to its actual size which is never a bad thing when you are on the water, and everything is seen small.
Technical Data
LOA. 16.36 metres (53.8 ft)
Length. 16.12 metres
Beam. 4.47 metres
Draft. 1.25 metres
Displacement. 22.4 t with D12-715 Volvo's
Fuel Capacity. 2210 litres
Water Capacity. 436 litres
Max Persons. 12
Accommodation. 6 + 2 berths
Engines. 2 x Volvo D12 675hp, 715hp. D12-800 775hp
Propulsion. traditional shaft drive with tunnel pockets
Speed. max 37 knots, cruise 34 knots with Volvo D12-800
Hull Shape. vee hull with eighteen degrees dead rise aft
Project. Bernard Olesinski, Princess
Construction. GRP with Isophtalic resins, balsa and PVC foam core for upper structure
Certification. CE B
www.princessyachts.com
Picture Copyright Princess. Data Princess.

June 15, 2009

Project: Sabre 52 Flybridge Sedan

Sabre Yachts presents its 52 Flybridge Sedan project, a new version for the as yet 15 boat delivered 52 Saloon Express. This new version is developed to increase market share for Sabre, and is set to launch in early 2010. The 52 Flybridge Sedan differentiates from the Salon Express, is obviously in the flybridge, offering an upper view second helm and entertainment area. The new flybridge will feature a central station with double Stidd helm chairs, a wet bar with drinks fridge, sink with an innovative smart server to the interior galley, and to starboard a comfortable l-shaped settee with table stretching along the length of the bridge. Sabre design department have also taken care for a gentle sloped stainless steel spiral case, and that the stairs to do not disturb much the cockpit versus the much appreciated space of the Saloon Express. Power is from twin Cats C15 at 865hp each.

New Model: Cabo 36 Express

Cabo's 36 Express has been a waited new model from this US California Adelante builder, who with it will replace the 35 Express after over a decade of production. New 36 Express takes elements from its replacement but also from the bigger 38 Express. The lower cabin space is similar to the bigger Cabo 38 missing only the privacy a separation door offers. Below over night accommodation is for five finding sleeping space for three in the diagonal arranged fore part of the cabin and another two in the convertible l-shaped saloon which becomes a double berth. Further comfort below comes from the spacious l-shaped galley, and head to port midships. The hull shape is Cabo modified vee with a medium vee 17.5 degrees deadrise aft similar to the 35 Express. For power one finds seven options from twin Cummins, Cats and Yanmar engines starting from the smaller standard QSB5.9 at 425hp up to C9 Acert 575hp. Propulsion is still the tried and tested traditional in line shaft drive, with Cabo surprising a few peers for not jumping on the pod band wagon for this new model. Another miss I note for this new model is for not offering an enclosed fore cabin, with the closer competitors all having a separate forward master stateroom with a door. Apart all this the Cabo 36 Express does what it is designed to do best having a cockpit and aft deck all planned for the real sport fisher with incredible spaces also thanks to the wide beam.
Technical Data:
LOA - 11.7m (38.6ft)
Hull Length - 10.9 m
Beam - 4.31 m
Draft - 0.93 m
Displacement - 11680kg
Fuel Capacity - 1703 l
Water Capacity - 378 l
Engines - 2 x Cummins QSB5.9 425hp, 440hp, QSC8.3 550hp, Cats C7 461hp, C9 Acert 575hp,
Yanmar 6LY3-STP 440hp, 6LY3-ETP 480hp
Propulsion - traditional shaft drive
Hull - vee with 17.5 degrees deadrise aft
Certification - CE, NMMA

June 13, 2009

New Model: Cantieri di Pisa 118 Akhir

Cantieri di Pisa launches the first example of its new 118 Akhir model. Named Nena the new 118 Akhir is also the first Cantieri di Pisa to ever to feature a metalized grey hull. Launched in Pisa on Saturday 21st February this third model of the generation Akhir is built of fibreglass, and is 36 metres long and has a beam of 7.5 metres. Her dynamic, sleek lines reflect the great Akhir tradition, and are accentuated by two short strip openings above and below the dark hull length band, allowing the creation of nine windows for the owner’s suite. Her interior styling, by Cantieri di Pisa own interior designers, is clean yet traditional with a decorative concept based on the elegance of sanded teak with a wax effect, included in a modern scheme of boiserie that has been given a new interpretation. Here precious fabrics on the wall panels create a warm and hospitable environment, which is blended with a rigorous aesthetic. The furniture is mostly in black pear wood, with large sections upholstered in leather. All the pieces are expertly made using seventeenth century techniques by the yard’s team of skilled craftsmen. Special attention has been paid to on-board lighting with natural daylight filtering through sliding fabric panels, a feature used throughout the yacht in place of more classic curtains. Indirect artificial light is provided by cove lighting, accompanied by direct light points in the shape of designer lamps forming part of the overall furnishing plan. The interior layout also reflects the yard’s skills and creativity with the lower deck configuration including the owner’s suite, a twin guest cabin and two matching VIP suites. The main deck is dominated by the salon that is split into two sections, an area for socialising and a TV lounge. Two symmetrical corridors lead to stairs accessing the bridge and full-beam dining room. Further forward is the crew galley with dinette and a stairway down to the three crew cabins. On the flying bridge, behind the two piloting seats lie a pair of large sunpads, a spacious open area and a kitchen unit aft with a huge C-shaped divan and two large tables that can be joined together. In the cockpit a table, divan and four chairs together with a divan and large sunpad forward complete the range of furnishings. Delivered last March the new 118 Akhir is the third yacht in the new Cantieri di Pisa range, launched in the space of less than nine months and all designed and renewed by architict Carlo Galeazzi.
Technical Data:
LOA - 36.13 m (118ft)
Beam - 7.51 m
Draft - 2.47 m
Displacement - 140 t
Fuel Capacity - 25000 l
Water Capacity - 3500 l
Accommodation - 8 + 1 guest berths, 5 crew berths
Engines - 2 x MTU 16v2000 M93 2400hp
Speed - 27 knots max, 23 knots cruising
Range - 2120 nautical miles at 12 knots
Certification - ABS A1 Yachting Services, AMS

June 12, 2009

Project: Nordhavn 63

The Nordhavn 63 is yet another development of one of this builders most proven hull forms, the 55. Due to its performance and interior layout capabilities, the 55 has fast become one of the most popular models from Nordhavn, which later was also developed to the new waited 60 foot version to meet owners demands for increased space. This new 63 is actually an aft wheelhouse version of the 60 and its extended cockpit and boat deck. Looks wise, however, the new model retains the same salty feel that popularized the 62. Nordhavn Chief of Design, Jeff Leishman, and his engineering staff continually conceive, design and introduce exciting new models and while the 63 shares the same hull as the 55 and 60, an entire new deck and engine room mold have been created for it, providing increased interior volume and added amenities. The 63 has some important layout changes thanks to the increased length like the center line guest stateroom also featuring four large opening view port lights, and the crew quarters located forward of the engine room cabin. Furnish for the new 63 will be the same paneled cherry wood that was featured on hull number one of the new Expedition Yachtfisher. Power is by the John Deere 6081AFM 330 HP with a ZF ZFW320 transmission with a 4 to 1 reduction gear. The Nordhavn 63 has a projected fuel capacity of 8515 litres which will give a range of about 3,000 NM.