September 5, 2009

New Model: Astondoa 150 Steel

The Astonoda 150 Steel, is the Spanish builder biggest build to date. A three decker super yacht, the 150 Steel takes a lot of forms and shapes from the smaller Astondoa models, creating a nice family feeling and recognition to the brand. Sure using designer Christian Gatto, who did the latest releases from the biggest Spanish builders did help, but none the less this was a wise choice which gives a nice identity to the product. The 150 Steel was previously born as the A138GLX, before being extended and included in the new Astondoa Mega Yacht range. The 150 Steel is the first to be launched in this new range from Astondoa which will follow up with a smaller 120 Steel and a bigger 183 Steel. Accommodation of the first 150 Steel, has four guest cabins in the lower deck, with the owners stateroom on the main floor. Crew berths are four or six in the lower deck, with a further double cabin for the captain on the upper deck by the pilot house. Power is from twin MTU of 2010hp each, which give a max speed of 16 knots and a cruise of 12 knots at 70% power.
Technical Data:
LOA - 45.5 m (149.2ft)
Beam - 8.60 m
Draft - 2.30 m including props and full load
Fuel Capacity - 70000 l
Water Capacity - 11000 l
Accommodation - 10 berths in 5 double cabins, 8 crew berths in 4 cabins
Engines - 2 x MTU 16v4000M61R 2010hp
Speed - max 16 knots cruising 12 knots
Range - 3500 nautical miles
Designer - Christian Gatto

Projects: Arno Leopard 43M, Arno Leopard 56M

Arno Leopard who comes from its announced independence from Rodriguez Group, will go to the upcoming Autumn boats shows by presenting its new 43M, and also giving further preview details of the 56M project. The first pictured above is the project of the second in size in the current Leopard range. This new model as the above rendering clearly shows takes a lot from the current Arno Leopard flagship, of which the 43M will be only three metres short. The 43M will be built of fiberglass and continues the Leopard Super Sport Yacht heritage. Still as has been the case with the bigger Sport Yachts of later generation, a further second flybridge helm station is available upon request. Designed as all recent Arno Leopard by Architect Bacigalupo, who has been quite a genius in giving a smooth transition to the previous Caliari designs, which still feature in the range as the 23M and 27M. The 56M will be Arno Leopards future flagship, and if I am correct at 56 metre will also be the biggest fiberglass built to date. What impresses surely of the 56M in this design rendering is that this three deck Super Sport Yacht, has very sleek looking lines which hide the height and this predominant feature. Surely Architect Bacigalupo did work the length to his advantage, none the less this might make a trend for the creation of bigger sport looking super yachts. Launching for the new Arno Leopard flagship is scheduled for 2010.

September 4, 2009

New Model: Robertson and Caine 37 Leopard Powercat

Robertson and Caine presents the new 37 Leopard Powercat, following the heritage and success of her bigger sister the 47 Leopard Powercat. Designed as the 47 by naval architects Morelli and Melvin, with active input from Robertson and Caine design team led by designer Anthony Key, the largest South African boat builder says this new model features a light strong build added with the latest boat building technology. The 37 Leopard Powercat offers large exterior spaces with the feeling of a much bigger boat attributed to the wide beam of the catamaran. Inside we also have huge spaces which offer a four berth, two double cabin, two ensuite lower deck. Power is from twin 110hp Yanmars which give a top speed of 19 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 11.1 m (36.6ft)
Length Waterline - 10.9 m
Beam - 4.47 m
Draft - 0.96 m
Fuel Capacity - 957 l
Water Capacity - 427 l
Accommodation - 4 in 2 cabins, 2 heads, 2 extra convertible berths
Engines - 2 x 110hp Yanmar
Speed - 19 knots max
Design - Morelli and Melvin

Project: Atlantis 36 Verve

The Atlantis 36 Verve is born of the Azimut Bennetti Group initiative to promote innovative students project in naval architecture, and to make them become a reality. Infact the 36 Verve which will see the light in less then a week at the Cannes boat show, started its life as a thesis project and as a 34 feet rib. The project was outlined by Simone Desideri in 2008, and caught the attention of architect Marco Amadio and designer Giacomo Toth. Since then it is history and the three designers and architects have been collaborating into what will be the new Atlantis 36 Verve. As we can see from the above rendering the 36 Verve will be a Sport Cruiser offering plenty of daily use accommodation, but without forgetting overnight comfort in a smart cabin set up. Some striking features are surely the hard top under the modern three seat helm console which still has an open feel, 3.5 square metres bathing platform, large sunpad which converts to a six person settee with table, wetbar behind the helm with its 100 litres fridge, and the walk around safety feel of the Verve. Down below the 36 Verve has a fore cabin and saloon with opposite galley offering a two plus two accommodation. Engine options are three units all Volvo Penta and all stern drive duoprop propelled, which start from the smaller D4 300hp up to the D6 370hp with a 40 knots wide open throttle speed.

September 3, 2009

New Model: Rose Island 65 Lobster

The new Rose Island flagship the 65 Lobster is born from the desire to propose a yacht, which as per tradition of the builder, offers a very usable and easy to love traditional yacht. The project philosophy of the yard maintains the distinctive character of Rose Island Lobster traditional yachts, with classic lines. Rose Island who registered the Lobster trade mark has responsibility to follow tradition compels its project team lead by Eng. Aldo Gatti and supported by the young Architect Marino Alfani who working togather with the yard, had the main objective of finding superior solutions coherent with the historical tradition the yacht refers to. Most attention has been given to navigational comfort and performances, expected to be excellent. The result is a traditional yacht intended as a reference for its size and style with Rose Island also declaring some elements, such as seaworthiness, low consumptions and high range not to be found in the present competitors panorama. 65 Lobster style and decor reflect the Rose Island family feeling and, at the same time, present several elements of refreshing innovation. The Pink Cedar massive for the furniture and the Honduras for the boiserie generate a pleasant and symbiotic contrast with the ivory tapestries giving emphasis to the boat’s charm. The wide saloon, the double pilot seat, the two dining tables, the generous stock of five refrigerators are all thought to offer the maximum comfort on board. The layout was defined after a study of internal volumes, calculated according canonical concepts, with the use of spaces meant to guarantee extensive and airy spaces in the private areas; the nearly central access stair to the lower floor, the bow owner cabin, the luxurious vip and guest cabins in the center carry an air of excellence. All three bathrooms are large and feature a separate shower, along with spacious closets. The private areas allow the owner to live in comfort while respecting the privacy of all aboard. The captain cabin with access trough the kitchen is situated on the lower deck, and has two beds and a separate bathroom. The external space is not to be found on competitor boats in regards with the double seating-basin, the higher one meant as continuation of the saloon and the lower one at stern on the water as large sofa convertible into sun mattress. The walkarounds allow to walk with extreme comfort, guarantee maximum security during maneuvering, and give an easy access to the wide bow sun mattresses. The flying bridge can be purchased on order. The submersible stern platform offers the possibility to comfortably use the tender with the sole use of a button, allows the entrance into and out of water, and simulates a beach. Built as all Rose Island boats to CE A standards, the 65 Lobster is powered by twin MAN 800hp, which can achieve a top speed of 33 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 20.2 m (66.2ft)
Length - 18.02 m
Beam - 5.50 m
Displacement - 23000 kg empty
Fuel Capacity - 4750 l
Water Capacity - 1600 l
Max Persons - 16
Accommodation - 6 guests berths, 2 crew berths
Engines - 2 x MAN 800hp
Speed - 33 knots max
Project - Aldo Gatti, interior Marino Alfani, enginnering Fabio Rosa
Certification - CE A

Project: Prestige 39 Flybridge Line

Designed by Garroni as all the current Prestige, the project of the soon to come 39 of the Flybridge Line holds her own, featuring design elements with innovation, exceptional onboard comfort for the size offered, and the seaworthiness that have forged the success of this French motor boat line. Aboard the 39 Flybridge, innovation can be found in the design concept Prestige calls "opening on the sea” comfort in the all-new design of the flybridge, as well as the accommodation layout featuring spacious two cabins two shower head compartments, and seaworthiness in a new hull design by M. Peters. Prestige which since the beginning of 2009 is a separate brand from Jeanneau, thinks the 39 will quickly become head of her class, setting an example as the most comfortable and luxurious flybridge on the market of motor cruisers under 40 feet.

September 2, 2009

Improve-it = Airon Marine 4300 T-Top

Airon Marine shows further improvements to its 4300 T-Top, the Lake Como first hard-top model which was introduced to much success in the fall of 2005. After introducing a patio door to the 4300 T-Top at the start of last season, now Paolo Molinari adds an extra view glazed window for both mid-ships cabins. This integrated moulded in view hull window adds visibility to the mid ship cabins and according to Airon Marine allows a huge amount of natural light inside, along with direct external views from the cabins. The first unit to have this new mid ship cabin window was sold to a Greek client, who also featured an unedited black hull. Airon Marine also said that the interiors of this 4300 T-Top, like all its made to order builds is personalized and customized as the wishes for this young Greek owner.

Projects: Sunseeker 60 Predator, Sunseeker 54 Predator

Sunseeker will go at this year Southampton boat show, with the presentation of five new models, 54 Predator, 60 Predator, 130 Predator, 80 Yacht, and the 88 Yacht which is a further extended version of the 86. Today we present you the smaller of these projects, the 60 and 54 Predator. PowerYachtBlog presented the project of the 130 Predator, Sunseeker new flagship in July 2008. The 60 Predator pictured above is a 37 knots speedster, as this sport yacht range from the British builder this new model will be as much about performance as about comfort. A high performance hull belies the space onboard, where accommodation is optimised. Both open and hard top versions are available including a choice of engines and an option in drive systems. The more compact pod drive saves engine room space whilst the Arneson drive package maximises performance and enables an enlarged master suite. Luxury is extended throughout with a large main deck area providing ample space for dining and entertaining. Large sunpads are positioned fore and aft and the garage provides ample storage for tender or jet ski. Down below is a saloon and three guest cabins all offering a high level comfort and feature their own entertainment systems. The Sunseeker 54 Predator choice starts between that of an open or hard top. The former having fold-out bimini and tonneau covers, the latter an automated glass and carbon fibre sliding roof between the screen and rear section. Life onboard is defined by a spacious cockpit plan with wetbar, dining area, sunpad and a large seating/dining area. Below accommodation comprises: a spacious saloon, fully equipped galley, a master suite with en-suite, a twin berth guest cabin and a two berth Pullman cabin aft all enjoying their own entertainment systems including flatscreen televisions. The Predator 54 has generous levels of storage and is fitted with genset as standard to run refrigeration and air conditioning while at anchor. The tender sits on a neat roller arrangement in the aft garage and an automated system makes light of launching and retrieving. For having further details of the projects also look at the Sunseeker TV section in the website where you will find a further anticaption of these two new Predators by Ewen Foster, head of design and architecture of the renowned British builder.

September 1, 2009

Engine: Volvo Penta D13 900hp

For almost a decade, the Volvo Penta D12 has been a leading engine for motor yachts in the 50-foot class. Volvo Penta is now introducing its new, more powerful, more fuel-efficient and cleaner successor: the new D13. With its 900 horsepower, it is Volvo Penta’s most powerful engine so far for leisure boats. A characteristic of Volvo Penta’s inboard diesels is their high torque from low rpm, a crucial property for rapid and safe acceleration with the D13-900 equipped with a new dual-stage turbo technology. The first stage is a twin entry turbo with pulse charging – the power in each exhaust pulse is used to provide pulse pressure – which results in a very high torque from low rpm. At higher rpm, a second turbo kicks in so that the engine retains its power even at high rpm. The D13-900 reaches its maximum torque of 3300 Nm at only 1300rpm, a uniquely high torque for this class of engine. The engine also retains a very high torque throughout its speed range, an important factor when the boat is heavily loaded. Highly efficient combustion is a prerequisite of low fuel consumption and low emissions. EMS 2, the engine control system developed by Volvo Penta, regulates fuel injection 100 times per second, twice as often as the previous version. The system controls the unit injectors, one per cylinder, which operate at a pressure of as much as 2000 bar and atomize the fuel for optimum combustion. The result of this efficient combustion is lower fuel consumption, 10 percent lower for the D13 than the D12 at the same power output. Exhaust emissions are also lower than ever before. Acceleration smoke levels at all rpm are well below the visible level. Total emissions satisfy by a wide margin the EU RCD and US EPA Tier 2 regulations and are also in line with the very stringent EPA Tier 3 regulations that will come into force in 2012. The D13 is available with “Quick Shift” reverse gears, an advanced technology that provides very fast but soft shifting with a minimum delay. The reverse gear also comes with a low-speed function as standard, which means that the speed when idling drops from about six knots to three knots. A very important aid when maneuvering or fishing. The new D13 is equipped with EVC, Volvo Penta’s electronic platform, which includes electronic shift and throttle all the way from the controls to the engine and drive. EVC also makes it simple to install additional accessories and functions such as a trip computer, engine data in the chart plotter via NMEA or the new 7” color display. With EVC, it is possible to have instrumentation, or complete helm stations, in up to four locations on board.

Project: Sessa 54 Sport Fly

PowerYachtBlog already gave announcement for this model back in March of this year, when Sessa announced it as a 52 Fly and with this the new flybridge range which will include four models. Now we have more details of the range which will be named Sport Fly and the first model to be is the 54 Sport Fly, what Sessa calls a sport fly bridge series, and says is a real step ahead for its customers, who eagerly await for the release of the entire new Sport Fly flybridge line. The 54 Sport Fly exterior reflects the motifs of the rest of the boat, designed to be muscular in build and distinctly sporty. Three large cabins and three living room/kitchen spaces, structured and revised to be as residential as possible, maximize the space available without sacrificing the bold shapes character of its "sport" model category. An interplay between the boat's interior and exterior features render an extremely functional one. Powered with IPS transmission not only makes the vessel safe and easily manoeuvrable, but it clears space on board. The colour scheme highlights the slender form of the model, and recalls the new C68 flagship model. The fly bridge, a feature unique to the 54 Sport Fly, will have a galley equipped with grill, sink, refrigerator and seating for seven, which with the sliding curtains, the space becomes a true solarium: furnished, useful and as comfortable as the rest of the boat. The fly bridge truly turns the model into a vacation home with patios and lookout points that never display the same scenery twice. The spacious master cabin at mid ships is large and luxurious suite with a breathtaking panoramic view, a private bathroom with toilet and shower, an LCD screen, a wardrobe for two, and ample shelf space. It remains up to the ship's captain to decide how to personalize the living room. Choices are between a kitchen with a bar, or the more traditional dinette configuration. Also available are numerous additional elements such as the retractable flat-screen TV, the roll away shades integrated into the window panes, the wine display cabinet or the bar on the upper deck of the fly bridge. Sessa has turned this yacht into one of the most luminous in its category, emphasizing to the extreme the relationship between the vessel and the open sea. Its enormous windows, numerous portholes and the use of materials down to the last detail are all geared at ensuring that as much light as possible be present on board. The entrance to the three cabins lower kitchen are immersed in a well of light streaming directly in from the windshield of the upper bridge. The master cabin, with its large windows and many openings to the outside, has been designed with the same goal in mind: to maximize the light's influence within the suite. Sporty looks, with a liveable feel, the three cooking areas and the open spaces on the deck, the gorgeous settings and quality finishing are all virtues that are further highlighted by the high-level operations made possible by the scale of the boat's keel and by the IPS motor system. The hydraulic bathing platform holds a 3.2-meter tender that can translate vertically to allow for boarding in a variety of conditions. This boat, both elegant and welcoming, also equipped with a well sized crew cabin, will give rise to exceptional performance with a max speed of 37 knots.