November 14, 2009

New Model: Vicem 92 Cruiser Series

Turkish Vicem yachts continues to present traditonal inspired yachts and launches the 92 Cruiser Series, second delivery in size and in this range to date. Build as all Vicem with the cross over traditional modern glass over wood cold molding technique the 92 Cruiser Series features an expansive teak cockpit, with wraparound seating designed for champagne breakfasts. Her teak and stainless circular staircase leads to a flybridge which is almost 35 feet long. With seating for fifteen, plus a sun deck, the flybridge is bound to be the center of outdoor life. A RIB and her dedicated crane are located aft of the radar mast. Inside the 92 Cruiser Series welcomes you with a 250 square foot salon featuring luxurious built-in seating, and an elegant wet bar surrounded by three stools. Just steps away is the dining area, with seating for eight, opposite a full length galley. The double seat helm offers state of the art electronics, opposite a mahogany navigation desk with seating for two. Below is reserved to the accommodation area with two guest cabins both with separate heads, and a VIP suite which also features it's own private office. A private entrance via circular staircase from the saloon takes you to the mid ship located master stateroom which has a king-size bed, full-sized desk, couch, and his her heads. Crew quarters are located aft and features four bunk berths, a private head, and a second dedicated galley. The 92 Cruiser Series is powered by twin MAN common rail engines reaching top speeds of 20 knots and a cruise of 17 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 28.04 m (91.9ft)
Waterline Length - 26.82 m
Beam - 6.55 m
Draft - 1.82 m
Displacement - 86182 kg
Fuel Capacity - 12920 l
Water Capacity - 3040 l
Accommodation - 8 guest berths in 4 cabins, 2 crew cabins
Engines - 2 x MAN CR 900hp
Speed - 20 knots max, 17 knots cruise

November 13, 2009

C.N. Ray 1925 - 2009

Cornelius Nathaniel Ray III, who founded Sea Ray Boats in 1959, died on November 12 after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 84 years old. Ray opened the first Sea Ray boat factory in Oxford, Michigan, in 1959. He grew the company into an icon, leading it through the industry's peaks and valleys, including the inflationary periods and oil embargoes of the 1970s. He sold it to Brunswick in 1986 for US$350m. The book, Commanding the Waterways: The Story of Sea Ray, describes how Ray was one of the early adopters of fiberglass, and instilled a culture of innovation into what has become the world's largest production boat builder. Sea Ray now builds boats from 17 to 60 feet. Besides building boats, Ray's other passion was racehorses. He began his first thoroughbred operation in 1983 after acquiring Evergreen Farm in Paris, Kentucky. He won his first stakes race in 1985 and other stakes winners soon followed. Ray was also a frequent participant in the Breeders' Cup program, and won the Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) in 1996 and 1997. Ray is survived by five sons, a daughter, and his wife Carol. There will be a remembrance ceremony at the St Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, California, on Saturday.

Project: Wayachts 66 Wake

After launching its 46 Wake in 2006, Italian boat builder Wayachts presents the project of the bigger 66 Wake. This is the second model to be shown up by Wayachts in the announced range from 46 to 76 feet. Designed by Francesco Rolla on a similar walk around Sea Different concept as the 46, the twenty metre 66 will be a distinctive tad different to whats around hard top sport yacht. The interior of its main deck is innovative offering large glassed view surfaces nothing new here, but with a sort of a cocoon design to the layout, which takes hints from the outside, and keeps going to all the interior, but most specifically the main deck. The entrance for the inside is also innovative or call it strange for being through large side doors, leaving the aft area space all to the C-shaped dinette. Under the hard top one also finds a three person central located helm station, with a wet bar behind it. Down below is the accommodation and galley area. Sleeping accommodation should offer eight berths in four guest cabins, plus a single crew cabin. Power will be from quadruple IPS 435hp engine choice, with the builder estimating top speeds of 37 knots.

New Model: Horizon 68 Elegance

Presented as a project in the middle of 2008, Horizon finally launches the much anticipated 68 Elegance. Successfully completing her initial sea trial the past Summer, the new 68 Elegance was able to reach the expected standards from the renowned Asian builder, and satisfying the crew of technical people in its first run. Her eye catching profile is the continuation of the Spadolini design of the Elegance line, with the interiors characterised by generously sized areas that create an enchanting house feel ambiance. As all Horizon yachts each is manufactured individually in line with owners wishes, ideas and expectations, and surely the new 68 does not to miss on this. The lower deck offers two personalized layout plans of a three double guest cabins options with an office adjacent to the main stateroom, or a four cabin plan. You also get a crew cabin for two members located to mid ship, behind the owners suite on plan but with a separate entrance. Rich exquisite quality materials are sure not to miss on the 68 Elegance which includes marble and the finest woods for the finishing of its interiors. Another bonus on a flybridge Motor Yacht of this size is for the tender being stowed in a separate garage aft, leaving all outside spaces to be used for entertainment. Unusual for other yachts which usually stow this on the flybridge or on the bathing platform, but a trademark also to smaller Elegance as the 60 and 64. Power for the 68 Elegance is from twin MAN V12 1360hp engines, which give the semi planning hull top speeds of 25 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 20.80 m (68.2ft)
Beam - 5.80 m
Draft - 1.75 m
Displacement - 48000 kg
Fuel Capacity - 6500 l
Water Capacity - 1600 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, 8 berths in 4 cabins, 2 crew berths
Engines - 2 x MAN V12CR 1360hp
Propulsion - direct in line shafts
Speed - 25 knots

November 12, 2009

Projects: Hunt 29 Surfhunter Coupe, Hunt 33 Surfhunter Coupe, Hunt 36 Harrier Coupe

In a market where boat builders have scaled back on new model introductions, Hunt Yachts greets 2010 with three new hardtop coupes, each built on an acclaimed and proven deep-V hull designed by C. Raymond Hunt Associates. This Coupe series is initially being introduced for three designated models: 29 Surfhunter, 33 Surfhunter, and the 36 Harrier. Adding the Coupe line at Hunt Yachts is a response to owners and admirers of the original, award-winning express line of Surfhunters and Harriers, requesting more all weather climate cruisers. The hardtop and side windows allow those at the helm and in the settee area to be more cosseted in air-conditioned or heated comfort, extending not only the Coupe’s cruising capability but also adding days to the boating season. The Coupe’s hardtops with twin open hatches as standard which can be changed to the optional sliding sunroof, provide complete weather protection, increase the privacy of the bridge deck areas, allow overhead interior lighting and provide rooftop stowage for water toys. In addition to the overhead openings, the side windows slide open too for natural ventilation. Handrails along the hardtop make passage on the side deck safe and secure. The interior of the Coupe’s enclosed bridge deck is richly and warmly finished in wood, with large tempered glass windshields bringing clean visibility for captain and passengers whether underway or in-port. The interior layout varies by model size with 29 Surfhunter Coupe above offering a vee shaped saloon which converts to a double berth, galley and a separate shower head. The cockpit keeps the concept as the open with an aft bench seat, and an L-shaped to port this in this case of the Coupe can become a second dinette covered by the hard top. Speeds is a 37 knots with the standard single 370hp petrol gas Volvo engine. Diesel options starting from a smaller 315hp Yamnar to 435hp Volvo are available. Hunt also offers a selection of propulsion choice for the 29 Surfhunter Coupe of three options: stern drive, shaft or jet. The 33 Surfhunter is the second in size Hunt to be offered in the new Coupe hardtop all weather version. The concept here is similar to the 29, with the 33 Surfhunter Coupe offering also a similar exterior, and interior plan but with the advantage of having extra dimensions in length and in beam. This extra length gives also some bonuses below offering a dining double bench seat to port, which adds with the vee berth, the galley and separate shower head. Power is from a standard single 380hp Yanmar which delivers 31 knots of top speed. Other engine choices are Volvo and Cummins from 370 up to 480hp, always propelled with a direct shaft line. According to Hunt Yachts the 33 Surfhunter Coupe should also be the last model to be put in the water of the three hard top projects. The 36 Harrier Coupe is the largest of the three new projects, but second of them to go in production just behind the 29 Surfunter Coupe. Being larger in size and also offering an outside second cockpit galley arrangement the all weather hardtop Coupe does also make a lot of sense to this all weather offering with the usage of a thirty six feet Traditional Cruiser full year round. The layout of the 36 Harrier is similar to the 33 Surfhunter, but in bigger dimensions and offering a bonus of a second galley or wet bar in the cockpit to starboard, behind the helm station. Engines are also the other difference to the smaller Hunt Yachts here with the 36 Harrier Coupe offered with twins and a standard 380hp Yanmars which give 36 knots in top speeds. Other choices are Volvo 300hp up to 435hp, with propulsion options being traditional in line shaft standard, and jet or Volvo IPS pods as optional.

New Model: Bertram 511

Bertram 511 is the latest breakthrough sport-fish yacht from the US builder which captures the classic spirit of earlier Bertram models. Designed by Zuccon the new 511 exudes an edge and modern appeal from its previous predecessors, without compromising the traditional look of a Bertram boat. It offers a full wrap around windshield as seen on the great looker that is the 540 introduced last year. The windshield is designed and tested to withstand the roughest offshore conditions, and yet with careful planning the interior storage is not compromised. This unique Bertram feature, so far only available on this new 511 and the 540 makes also for an incredible 360 degree view of the surrounding water while out in the ocean, and is a great asset for capturing the wide open seas with a clear view of what lies ahead. If desired a second lower helm station is also available as an option. Going back to its Sportfish Yacht business the 511 is fully loaded with amenities vital to the dedicated angler, including generous storage integrated into the standard mezzanine deck in the cockpit, ample seating which allows one to relax while trolling the high seas waiting for the next bite, and a large fish box with removable tub in the cockpit sole which can be used to store the days catch along with a second fish box that is located in the transom. Accommodation includes three well-appointed staterooms, with the mid ship cabins featuring hull-side windows that are incorporated throughout to provide natural light to the guests below deck. Whether you are a longtime, dedicated angler or simply enjoy a relaxing day out at sea, it will be inviting and invigorating to experience the 511. Like all Bertram's, the 511 has extra wide walk around side decks, and available exclusive Ferretti Group Mitsubishi Anti-Roll gyro technology, both these offering major safety factors. Other advantages include the renowned legendary Bertram trademark deep-V hull which is a further development of the 50 model introduced in the nineties, full beam to the stern for maximum cockpit space, vibration isolating engine mounts, a single fuel tank amidships with no fuel pumps that can be filled from port or starboard, and U-shaped flybridge seating available with optional table for Al fresco dining up top. Power is from standard twin MAN of 1100hp or optional V12s 1360hp. A smaller Cat engines options at 1050hp each is also available. The large MAN option delivers 39 knots top speed, and a fast cruise of 35. Range is 490 nautical miles allowing in this for a ten per cent reserve of fuel, and with an economic 30 knots cruise speed.
Technical Data:
LOA - 16.7 m (54.9ft) with pulpit
Hull Length - 15.7 m
Beam - 4.93 m
Draft - 1.52 m
Displacement - 29.7 t
Fuel Capacity - 3920 l
Water Capacity - 700 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x MAN V10CR 1100hp, V12CR 1360hp, Cats C19 1050hp
Propulsion - direct in line shafts with five bladed props
Speed - 39 knots, 35 knots cruise, 30 knots economic cruise with 1360hp MAN
Range - 490 nm at 30 knots cruise Design - Zuccon International, Ferretti AYT

Engine: John Deere PowerTech 6068AFM75 330hp

John Deere Power Systems (JDPS) is pleased to announce that it began production of a new marine engine. The PowerTech™ 6068AFM75 is the newest additions to the John Deere lineup. This new John Deere marine engine is due to hit the water in early 2010. The PowerTech 6068AFM75 meets EPA Tier 2 and EU emissions requirements and are MARPOL Annex VI compliant. The PowerTech 6068AFM75 has 6.8L of displacement and boasts up to 246kW - 330hp. This engine delivers high horsepower in a small package and offers more flexibility in this popular power range. The 6068AFM75 is a 6-cylinder, electronically controlled, turbocharged and air-to-coolant aftercooled marine engine with more low-speed torque and better transient-response times.

November 11, 2009

New Model: Viking 76 Convertible

After launching its 82 over a year ago and already delivering over ten of these in Convertible, and Enclosed Bridge versions, Viking wanted to challenge itself more by presenting first the project and now in full reality the 76 Convertible. The 76 just put in the water will start with two important challenges first to beat the 45 deliveries the 74 did in a period of four years, and second to capture the attention which the 82 has enjoyed since its launching last year. The Viking 76 Convertible’s profile is aggressive with its raked stem, dramatic sheer line, and classic flush foredeck. A pair of fixed port lights also match the hull sweeping design statements that merge form and function. The wrap around black metallic mask provides a distinctive look, which accents the flowing lines of the flying bridge. Beneath the waterline a convex dead rise shape at eleven degrees aft, with sharpened waterline sections showcases stability and sea keeping ability. The convex dead rise adds curvature and form to the hull bottom and the wide beam, which carries well aft, increases buoyancy and lift. Even at speeds re-entry is soft to enhance ride comfort and dryness. Viking has long been active in using tank testing of scale models in the development of new product, and the 76 hull form clearly benefits from such testing, enhancing performance, achieve better engine propulsion efficiencies, with the design, engineering and production teams exploring various avenues to shave off unnecessary poundage and were successful in bringing the deck house and hull weights to fruition well within the desired parameters. For weight saving Viking used end grain balsa as a core for better than 22 years without a single construction failure. This big confidence in this material leads to explore other areas where to take advantage of its attributes for stiffness, strength, lighter weight and durability in the development of the 76 Convertible. Examples of this are the vacuum bagged high-strength Baltek anti-fungal coring in the highly loaded bottom panels of the running surface, hull sides, deck superstructure, and structural sandwich panels of baltek foam used in bulkheads. Through-hull areas including struts, shaft logs and water intakes penetrate solid fiberglass only. To eliminate corrosion potential, overboard discharge through-hull fittings are manufactured of fiberglass. Mechanically, the Viking 76 shares a commonality of features found aboard the 82 flagship 82 with chilled water air conditioning built around an eight-ton system comprised of two units. The system allows individual thermostats for the staterooms and salon for climate management throughout. A reverse-cycle function provides heat as well. A hydraulic bow thruster is standard with convenient control buttons built into the stainless-steel single lever clutch and throttle handles. A Delta-T engine room ventilation system delivers maximum air for engine operation and also provides water intrusion suppression. Dampers are integrated into the hull side vents as part of the fire suppression system which automatically close to seal the engine compartment from outside air if activated. Viking’s proprietary VIPER (Viking Independent Programmable Electro-Hydraulic Rudder) steering system eliminates the tie-bar for independent rudder operation and it optimizes response and reduces drag at low, mid and high speeds for extraordinary maneuverability in all conditions. Viking’s industry famous web-frame structural steel engine beds mounted to transverse intermediate bulkheads ensure drive-train alignment and minimize vibrations for smooth trolling and comfortable performance. Veem Interceptor S class propellers are quiet and a perfect match for speed and efficient operation. Caterpillar and MTU diesels are offered as power choices and depending upon engine selection, the 76 Convertible will cruise in the mid 30-knot range with a top end of 40 knots. Two 32 kW Onan generators are standard. The 76 Convertible also features a master electrical control system, the Moritz OctoPlex, which utilizes touch screen operation and monitors in the salon and on the flying bridge, as well as manual back-up. Entered through an electrically powered sliding fiberglass door, the salon is a surround environment of lush teak joinery in a choice of satin or high gloss finish. For offshore convenience, a day head is immediately to port. Hand built furniture abounds port and starboard with an L-shaped lounge and rod stowage below, teak cabinetry, upholstery and window treatments, a teak cocktail table, wall-to-wall carpeting with lead-lined padding for acoustical insulation, a home theater center with a 50-inch flat screen television on a lift and a Bose Lifestyle 48 audio system. Forward, a dinette to starboard faces the island style galley to port. Featuring custom granite counter tops, the galley with its 360-degree access is professionally designed with three bar stools, under counter refrigeration and appliances, Amtico premium vinyl flooring and ample stowage. Additionally, two walk-in pantries forward of the dinette and galley provide bountiful stowage for supplies and cruising gear to stay at sea for months on end. Below, two plans are available, the basic difference found in the selection of the forward suite. The standard layout offers a queen-size walk-around bed, while the alternate arrangement provides crossover berths. Either arrangement provides five staterooms and four heads, and in both instances attention to detail with regards to opulence, privacy, comfort and stowage is obvious. The flying bridge is the result of thousands of hours of tournament fishing, so it makes sense that the visibility at the helm is superb to all 32 points of the compass. A center console helm is the focal point with three Murray Products teak ladder back seats on 4-inch stainless-steel pedestals. A recessed electronics box with clear acrylic fronts accommodates a complement of navigation equipment that is installed for all-weather operation, while protecting the vital components from spray. Additional equipment nests safely yet always accessible in fiberglass compartments flanking the custom stainless-steel steering wheel in the helm control pod. Lounge seating is located port, starboard and forward of the center console with ample stowage below each compartment. In addition, a freezer, a freshwater outlet, a top-loading chill box for drinks, and a sink with a powerful spray head can be found forward. Dozens of practical features are apparent on the flying bridge, although one item missing that again demonstrates Viking’s commitment to detail is the absence of exposed fasteners in the bridge interior flange attaching it to the deck. As in the salon, a Moritz OctoPlex touch screen panel accesses all electrical needs at the prompt of a finger. The 206 square-foot cockpit features Viking’s signature observation mezzanine with aft facing custom Sunbrella cushions. A hinged seat lid lifts to expose substantial stowage for gear. A bait freezer, a refrigerated chill box, a tackle center, an insulated stowage compartment and engine room access are also built into mezzanine area. In the lower cockpit, there is a large drop in fishbox and a pair of drop in stowage compartments that can be configured as bait wells, ice wells, or customized as desired. A transom mounted fish box also is standard. Port and starboard Glendinning Cable masters, sea and freshwater outlets, a dockside freshwater inlet, tag stick and gaff stowage also are provided. The new 76 Convertible, like all Vikings, is manufactured to order and provide its owner a one-of-a-kind sport fishing yacht built to our exacting design to fish and cruise in comfort, luxury and safety.
Technical Data:
LOA - 24.58 m (80.8ft) with pulpit
Hull Length - 23.21 m
Beam - 6.17 m
Draft - 1.67 m
Displacement - 61779 kg
Fuel Capacity - 9641 l, 12014 l with optional tank
Water Capacity - 1608 l
Accommodation - 10/12 berths in 5 cabins
Engines - 2 x Cats C32A 1825hp, MTU 2000 V16M91 2030hp, 2000 V16M93 2400hp, 2000 M94 2600hp
Propulsion - direct in line shafts
Speed - 40 knots max, 31 knots economic cruise with MTU 2400hp
Range - 593 nm at 31 knots cruise
Hull Shape - convex variable vee with 11.7 degrees deadrise aft
Certification - ABYC, RINA

New Model: Fiart 4TFour Genius

4TFour Genius is Fiart latest new model, continuing the evolution road which the Italian Neapolitan builder started with the 50 Genius Top Style, and continued with the 4Seven Genius last year. Presented as a project in the first half of this year, the new 4TFour Genius follows some elements from the 4Seven Genius like the practical T-top in carbon which features an integrated canvas able to cover some areas in little time, and a versatile spacious cockpit which is impossible to miss in a Fiart since the company inception. The aft deck has always Fiart's prime selling point offering in the exterior living, superior spaces and comfort then most if not all of the competition. Inside the 4TFour Genius continues the concept of a family suited accommodation offering three double cabins, and two heads. Down below you also get a galley to starboard, and a C-shaped saloon settee opposite which can transform to an additional extra double berth, bringing the total sleeping accommodation to eight. Power is from twin Volvo 370hp, propelled with the easy to handle IPS pod drives.
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.86 m (45.5ft)
Hull Length - 13.44 m
Beam - 4.30 m
Displacement - 11 t
Fuel Capacity - 1100 l
Water Capacity - 450 l
Accommodation - 6 + 2 berths
Max Persons - 14
Engines - 2 x Volvo IPS500 D6 370hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward looking duo prop pod
Design - Fiart Projects Division
Construction Material - GRP Carbon
Certification - CE B

November 10, 2009

Project: Clipper 48 Cordova

Australia's Clipper Motor Yachts continue to upgrade its range and newer generation Cordova series with the project of a 48, sitting between the 45 and successful 52 model. The 48 Cordova manifests itself as an Explorer Cruiser complemented by elegant lines and home live aboard interiors. This latest Clipper project follows what we have seen from the smaller and larger siblings of the range like walk around decks, a large aft cockpit, and expansive fly bridge. The 48 Cordova has also the option of two lower deck layouts. Two cabins two heads four berth interior, or a three cabins five berth single head layout. The living area as is the case for most if not all Explorer type cruisers and yachts is the main deck, and the 48 Cordova keeps this tradition offering a spacious saloon with C-shaped settee, cabinet unit hosting entertainment as TV stereo equipment, and the galley to fore. Speeds are from an economic 9 to a faster 18 knots, achievable by twin 425hp Cummins and Clipper's semi displacement hull which allows stability and fuel economy.