January 15, 2010

Propulsion: Konrad PRSIII

The Konrad PRSIII is an alternative for aging Mercruiser Speedmaster III series drives. It has greatly simplified the conversion process of the SSMIII, with just a few easy steps. Most conversions can be completed in a matter of just a few hours. Konrad PRSIII has a high performance duty classification with a use of 100 hours per year for high performance applications at highly intermittent operation. Gross weight to horsepower is less than 12.2 kg per hp. The PRSIII is fitted with roller bearings spaced for optimum load carrying shaft supports capabilities, highly manufactured castings heat treated aluminum, high strength alloy steel gears utilizing performance marine technology, shafts made of alloy steel, and U-joints made from industry leading size for increased load carrying capacity and extended life. The Konrad PRSIII stern drive comes fitted with the following standard equipment: 540 HD upper housing assembly, 540 HP lower housing assembly, HD bell housing with bellows, and external steering back cover. The following options are available from Konrad: X-Factor lower housing assembly, drive extension spacer kits, HP upper gear set, tie bars, propellers, 42 oz. HP oil reservoir, and stern drive lifting bracket.

Improve-it = Broom 395

Presented over a year ago, British boat builder Broom present a new improved galley to the 395. This galley has been proposed by an owner and shows flexibility from Broom to accommodate owners requests and model improvement to the standard version as pictured above. Launched in the Summer of 2008 the 395 is the latest model introduced by Broom, famous for its pure British looking aft cabin motor cruisers. Second entry model in its range the 395 is a two cabin two head boat, having unbeatable spaces, and owners suite to aft which can be compared to that of a fifteen metre yacht. The 395 can be powered by a single engine this choice more adaptable for river coastal use, or having a twin for planning speeds and superb performance.

January 14, 2010

New Model: Ocean Alexander 60 Trawler Series

Ocean Alexander present the 60 Trawler Series, second new model in this new line of explorer yachts presented in the just past year. The 60 Trawler is actually an extended version of the slightly smaller 54 with the same beam, and draft, but having a longer hull which gives a larger flybridge and more spacious aft deck. The flybridge will give extra space for your tender toys, while the aft deck grants more area for Al Fresco entertainment. It's interior layout is also the same as the smaller 54 with the split level saloon welcoming you on the main deck featuring an L-shaped settee, galley, and dinette with dual seated helm station to fore. Below is two generous cabins, with a mid ship located stateroom for the owner, and a VIP guest suite to fore. There is also a rather large utility room. Although not communicated the rather large 5300 litres and single 300hp Deere engine should give a rather long range, of which I imagine enough to do trans Atlantic crossing. An optional of twin 455hp Caterpillar which should give faster 14 knots top speed but less range is also available. The design is of the Ocean Alexander 60 Trawler Line is at the hands of Evan Marshall, Ed Monk, and Desty Darr.
Technical Data:
LOA - 18.14 m (59.6ft)
Hull Length - 15.39 m
Beam - 5.10 m
Draft - 1.39 m
Displacement - 33566 kg
Fuel Capacity - 5300 l
Water Capacity - 1134 l
Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins
Engine - 1 x John Deere 6081AFM M2 300hp, 2 x Cats C7 455hp
Speed - 14 knots max (2 x Cats 455hp)
Propulsion - shaft line
Design - Evan Marshall, Ed Monk, Desty Darr

Project: Sealine F42

Sealine have released plans of their new F42 flybridge cruiser, due for launch at the 2010 Southampton show. The new F42 offers unrivalled space for entertaining throughout the craft, whilst building on the practical cruising capabilities of the hugely successful F42/5. The F42 has a significantly larger flybridge due to the extended design similar to that on the F46 launched the past September. There is space for six to dine in comfort around the large dining table, plus the ability to create a large sun bed aft by simply folding down the backrest on the rear seats. There is a central double helm, two further forward facing seats, a large cool box and spacious storage locker. The single level deck has a three part sliding door joining the cockpit to the saloon, providing excellent connectivity. In the saloon, a comfortable L-shaped seating area is on the starboard side with further seating on the port side. The seating area can easily be converted into an occasional double berth. The open plan galley is located forward. The feeling of space and light is created with the large wrap around windscreen which also provides some stunning panoramic views. In the cockpit there is an L-shaped seating area with a large lazerette underneath. The cockpit is large enough for entertaining and has an optional fridge and grill to add to the enjoyment of alfresco dining. As with the F46 there are wide side decks and high pulpit rails for added safety. There are two cabins, offering five berths as standard with the luxurious master cabin located forward. A bonded skylight above the bed provides extra light and a wonderful feeling of space. This cabin offers full length hanging storage as well as plenty of general storage capacity. The forward cabin has separate ensuite shower and toilet compartments. To provide additional space and privacy the F42 offers a second cabin amidships, that can be configured either as a triple, twin or double. The second cabin also offers an ensuite shower and separate toilet with a skylight. As with the master cabin there is full hanging space and plenty of storage. Bonded cabin windows provide extra light as well as waterside views. There will be the option to have additional storage in the mid cabin in lieu of the third berth. The spacious interior is characterised by the hand crafted furniture used throughout which has been finished in washed walnut with solid walnut accents. The colour palette for the soft furnishings is earthy with fruit overtones. There will be even more storage on the new F42 than on the F42/5 with the new boat building on the strengths of its forerunner. All the benefits from the F42/5 have been incorporated and expanded upon with the new design, from storage to seating areas, to large entertaining spaces in the cockpit, saloon and on the flybridge. The new hull is based on the proven design concept developed for the SC47 and F46. Power will be from twin Volvo Penta IPS500 370hp or IPS600 435hp. Being Sealine a Brunswick owned company I am surprised for not seeing a Zeus Cummins option.

January 13, 2010

New Model: Fairline 58 Targa GT

Fairline's new 58 Targa Gran Turismo was one of the most expected premieres to happen for the start of this year. Announced as a project the past Summer the new 58 Targa Gran Turismo takes a leap forward in this range from the British boat builder. In this new model Fairline shows design features that will make its own boats and those of its direct competitors look old. You have an expandable electric sunroof to the aft deck, option of a patio door which opens all bringing the interior saloon to the deck, lower deck reserved for the accommodation with galley living area up top, three cabins all with personal head for each, owners suite to fore but still being full beam, and an innovative tender launch retrieval system. As you can guess this new Fairline Targa model is full of surprises which while none of these are really world first, when put all together in a single boat they surely present an innovative package. The 58 Targa GT has also good performance numbers giving 31 knots max with the small Volvo 800hp, up to a top speed of 38 knots from the bigger MAN 1200hp optional. Ironically on some other aspects of the 58 Targa GT, Fairline has remained pretty traditional building a solid fiberglass hull, and unlike some other European builders decided to stay to the use of line shafts propulsion and not jump on the IPS band wagon.
Technical Data:
LOA - 17.80 m (58.5ft) inc gunwale
Hull Length - 17.7 m
Beam - 5.04 m
Draft - 1.10 m unloaded
Fuel Capacity - 2500 l
Water Capacity - 650 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, + 1 crew
Engines - 2 x Volvo D12-800 EVC 775hp, D13-900 EVC 900hp, MAN V8 1200hp
Propulsion - line shafts in tunnel drives
Speeds - 38 knots max with MAN 1200hp
Hull Shape - vee with 17 degrees dead rise aft
Design - Bernard Olsenski, Fairline
Construction - hand laid isophtalic gel coat and resin with powder mat, polyurethane core deck

January 12, 2010

Projects: Salpa 43.5, Salpa 39.5

Sapla presents two new projects which will fill the bigger sizes gap left empty with the introduction of the 50.5 flagship in the fall of 2008. The new projects both of Sport Cruiser style as all of the Naples builder models, are the 43.5 which is rather similar to the flagship, and the 39.5 which is a further evolution of the 38.5. The 43.5 pictured above will be the second in size Salpa, and apart looking similar to the 50.5 by the looks of its super structure and its integrated hardtop, gets close to its bigger sister also into its practical solutions. For example the 43.5 will offer a fully enclosed hard top thanks to patio doors, and just as the flagship is powered by Volvo forward looking IPS pods. Below the 43.5 will offer a three double cabins, six berth layout, with two heads. Here is also the galley, and a C-shaped saloon which can convert to an additional double berth, making the total beds for eight persons. Thanks to the sliding door and bulkheads, it is also possible to unite the owners suite and the main living below into an open plan layout. This system also seen on the Salpa 38.5 in 2002 and is rather unusual for a European boat, and apart increasing the real space, gives also better air circulation to the lower deck. The 43.5 again as the 50.5 will also have an additional but smaller galley on the main deck, and a second dinette under the hard top. Salpa is also promising similar fittings to what was seen on the appreciated 50.5 with hard and veneer woods, matched to chromed furnishing in its interior. As those familiar with the Salpa range notice the project of the 39.5 is a reworking of the 38.5, adding seventeen centimetres to the overall length aft in the bathing platform, and an open style hard top. For the rest the 39.5 keeps the much appreciated and difficult to find for a twelve metre sport cruiser three double cabins six berth interior accommodation layout. The 39.5 can be powered by various engine options but rather interesting is the 34 knots maximum, 27 knots cruise with twin Volvo 260hp. Rather optimistic this top speed I might add, but these figures come from the very similar 38.5, although I do think they represent a rather empty boat. The new 39.5 as all Salpa models from the 32.5 upwards will be certified to CE category A certification.

New Model: Beneteau 42 Antares

French boat building giant Beneteau continue with the update of its Antares range, presenting the replacement of the 12 model, with the new 42 launched during the Paris boat show the past December. Designed by Sarazin care taking architect of all the Antares, the 42 captures the looks of previous models from this range offering a more modern curved profile with sumptuous classic looks. Measuring an over all of over 45 feet the new 42 Antares offers twin double cabins below: with owners en-suite to fore, guest cabin to starboard, and a second shower head. There is also an additional double berth in the convertible C-shaped saloon, on the single floor living main deck, which also features a galley and the lower helm station. The flybridge up top while not being the larger of the category offers intelligent use of space, with a C-shaped settee, helm station, and a sun pad looking aft. Power for the 42 Antares comes from twin Yanmar 380hp, propelled with reliable old school line shafts in tunnel drives, with the Vee shaped hull also offering a small keel for better directional stability.
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.99 m (45.8ft)
Hull Length - 12.80 m
Beam - 4.09 m
Draft - 1.10 m
Displacement - 9900 kg light
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 600 l
Water Capacity - 320 l
Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths
Engines - 2 x Yanmar 6LY3 380hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Construction - sandwich polyester resin with balsa core
Project - Sarazin Design, Beneteau
Certification - CE B10, C12

January 11, 2010

Project: Windy 39 Sport Cruiser

Norway's Windy Boats has announced an elegant new addition to its popular Scandinavian Sports Cruiser series, with the project for the Windy 39 Sport Cruiser. The 39 will be a two-cabin, high performance, Pan-European cruiser with a huge, sociable cockpit and a practical but sleek all-weather hardtop. It will be unveiled at this years major boat shows coming September. Combining the rakish good looks of Windy’s award-winning sports boats, with the comfort, flexibility and sea-keeping credentials of the 44 Chinook and 48 Triton, the 39 Sport Cruiser will appeal to the experienced cruising yachtsman who does not want to go too big. Great emphasis has been placed on the size and flexibility of the cockpit, which is optimised for relaxing and entertaining, while still providing secure seating for family and guests while under way. The hardtop offers protection from the sun or the rain without any of the hassles of a canopy, and features a sliding sunroof. Down below, there’s a compact, private saloon amidships with a sofa, table and a spacious galley opposite. Guests are accommodated in the double-berth mid cabin, while the owner’s cabin, with semi en suite access to the heads and shower compartment, occupies the bows. The standard interior finish is in Matt-lacquered light oak, with a wide range of upholstery choices. The hull colour standard is in white or champagne, but there is also a custom option, with a variety available to choose from. Like other new-generation Windy models, the new boat will be constructed using weight-saving, environmentally sensitive, vacuum injection moulding technology. Designed by Windy's own design team to perform with both Volvo’s forward facing IPS drive system and stern drives, the 39 Sport Cruiser will be offered with three different power options. Windy is estimating rather high top speeds of up to 44 knots with the stern drive D6 370hp option.

New Model: Solemar 37 Oceanic

Launched during the latest Genoa boat show, is the new 37 Oceanic from Solemar. A renowned Italian rib builder, Solemar has always concentrated on the bigger sizes in the ribs panorama and with the 37 Oceanic present the second large in size in its twenty model line up, which start from a six metre and goes up to the 14 metre 44 Oceanic flagship. The new 37 Oceanic wants to be a leader in this size and type of craft presenting a rather comfortable interior with two separate cabins, shower head, an L-shaped saloon, and galley below. Not bad for a ten metre rib cruiser, which puts it also in competition with a full sold material type boat. The 37 Oceanic can also be offered in a variety of unique versions like a Soft Top version, or a Hard Top as pictured above. Another bonus compared to Rib Cruisers of similar size, which joins the elite features of the new Oceanic along with the comfortable interior.
Technical Data:
LOA - 11.91 m (39ft)
Length Hull - 10.58 m
Beam - 4.19 m
Displacement - 6650 kg Fuel Capacity - 2 x 450 l
Water Capacity - 300 l
Max Persons - 14
Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 370hp
Project - Solemar R & D Department
Certification - CE B

January 10, 2010

Project: Horizon 106 Elegance RP

Horizon introduces the project of the 106 Elegance RP. The new 106 design order is to enrich this specific model line, as customers become more aware of Horizon’s new line of Raised Pilothouse models. Designer, J.C. Espinosa, implemented similar style to the 120 RP and gives the 106 Elegance RP a sophisticated, and streamlined look with impressive interior volume and the luxury of numerous accommodation options. Standard layout is offered with three guest cabins in the lower deck, owners suite on the main, and a crew lobby with two cabins, and four beds located mid ship. The 106 RP shares the same luxurious interior finishes and weight reducing, construction techniques of all new Horizon yachts. The most notable design change on the 106 RP is her advanced hull shape resulting in exceptional comfort and enjoyment of high speed cruising. In order to meet the high-speed requirement, Horizon collaborated with Donald L. Blount and Associates, an internationally recognized naval architecture marine engineering firm, which specializes in fast hull designs, structure calculations and stability evaluation. The goal was to create a comfortable, efficient, and innovative double chine hull providing great performance in both low and high speed ranges.