Boat Review: Galeon 325 Open

Presentation

When Galeon launched the 325 Open in the fall of 2008, the global press agreed that the Polish builder was showing a luxury in a ten meter sport cruiser as never seen before in this size. Apart from having sweet lines above and below the waterline designed by British architect Tony Castro, the Galeon 325 Open has exterior spaces to match those of a sports boat, and interior comfort of twin cabins plus saloon with galley saying I am a pure Cruiser. If this is not enough the 325 Open makes also choice an important part of its DNA, with three different wood choices for the interior, various color choices for the outside, and sixteen in different engine choices. If how some say luxury is in the choosing you surely have a lot of it here.

Accommodation

The 325 Open welcomes you aft with a layout giving a lot of open sports boat feel with a central passage way which leads to the cabins and all the important areas. To port side of the cockpit is a sun lounger with a moving back rest which extends its size, a C-shaped dinette, and a lounger under the windshield to fore. To starboard is a direct one step passageway for the side deck, wet bar, and a single person helm station. The wet bar can also be equipped like a second outdoor kitchen, with wash basin, small outside fridge, and a grill cook top. On top of the coach roof foredeck is also a central sun pad for two persons along with well sized side decks protected with stainless steel railing, and chain locker. The aft bathing platform which in standard format is only one foot in length can also be optionally extended to be over three feet. I would suggest this option to be on top of your list as apart to providing more bathing space gives also safer and better tender stowage.

A central door with three steps leads to the accommodation lower deck. To the center below is the main living area with a C-shaped saloon to port which converts to a double berth, and a fully equipped galley opposite. The kitchen is equipped with a two burner hybrid electric or optional diesel hob, wash basin, and a well sized fridge with freezer. To fore is cabin one with a double berth resting to the starboard side. Mid ship aft is the second cabin which for floor space I would consider it to be more the owners room. The double berth looks to the starboard side, and has a cabinet drawer with wash basin to port opposite. Performance

For the small Galeon 325 Open, designer Tony Castro opted for a deep Vee hull with a twenty one degrees dead rise. A deep Vee gives superior performance in following seas, good wave cutting in head seas, and beam seas just needing a bit of trimming to make it right. There is sixteen total power options for the 325 Open and Galeon gave me some data to show and compare figures. This data is proof of the benefits of diesel over petrol in boats! Petrol best is 160nm at 20 knots with twin small Volvo 190hp, and Diesel all double D4 engines delivering a 300nm range at 22 or 24 knots cruise. The best performing diesel is the Volvo D4 300hp which delivers speeds of 38 knots max, and a 24 knots economic cruise. A 40hp less twin 260 gives 36 knots max, and the same 24 knots best economic cruise which also delivers a till the last drop 300nm range, which would be a safe 240nm. The best economic cruise between 20 to 25 knots with all the engines show that this is the optimum hull speed of the 325 Open.

Positive

Main deck layout

Two well sized cabins below

Various engine choices

Three wood type options

Negative

Optional extended bathing platform

Competition

A still competitive size despite this of ten metres being abandoned over the years by builders who in the past made it there bread and butter. The Galeon 325 Open definitely scores points for its personalization and various engine options. Criteria was for 32 to 36 feet size, two separate double berths, and Open design. Coincidentally the American brands minus the currently in financial trouble Doral are missing as all offered two convertible saloons, with a double fore berth below. Airon 345 - three berths aft cabin, C-shaped and L-shaped settee cockpit

Arturo Stabile 33 Stama - large bathing platform hiding passarelle

Atlantis 35 Plus - intelligent opening forward bulkhead, M.Peters hull

Bavaria 34 Sport - a new BMW design to be launched this fall

Bruno Abbate G36 Primatist - optional radar arch, high performing hull

Doral 33 Intrigue - Canada offering with two double berths plus saloon

Elan Power 35 - also a Tony Castro design, small exterior, different saloon galley

Fiart 34 Genius - large open cockpit with smart integrated bathing platform

Mano 32 Sport - classic looks, two settee aft cockpit

Oryx 36 Open - various options like outboards and semi HT, split level main deck

Rio 36 Air - full beam owners cabin, open plan flash main deck

Saver 330 Sport - flagship from this Sicilian builder with two double cabins

WILD CARD: Sealine 35 Sport - open no radar arch, 3 berths mid ship cabin, M.Peters hull

Conclusion

There are many things to like of the 325 Open but surely a dear theme is how Galeon used a similar customisation in a small model as that seen in the much bigger 50 feet plus boats. This is indeed rare, as in yachting a company usually uses the image of the flagships but rarely puts the choice available of the bigger models. Instead Galeon choose to learn more from the bigger boat experience, and instead of keeping it dedicated to the large sizes also used it on the smaller models as the 325. This is also showed in selling numbers and despite a recession economy in recent times Galeon has sold thirty units of the 325 in about fifteen months production. Just as well important the 325 is also the first model to have a vacuum infused hull by the Polish Straszyn factory, which apart giving better resin balance and 20% less weight makes also Galeon in line with what should become legal for Europe and American boat builders in later times. The 325 is also available as the HTO identical to the Open expect for the fact of a stylish rigid hard top on the cockpit which makes it idle for use all year round.

Technical Data

LOA. 11.10 metres (36.4ft) 10.4 metres without extended platform

Hull Length. 10.00 metres

Waterline length. 7.85 metres

Beam. 3.35 metres

Draft. 1.15 metres max with drives down

Displacement. 6448 kg light, 8228 kg loaded

Fuel Capacity. 750 litres

Water Capacity. 200 litres

Max Persons. 8

Accommodation. 4 + 2 berths

Engines. Petrol 2 x Volvo 4.3GL 190hp, 4.3GXi 225hp, 5.0GXi 270hp, 5.7 GXI 320hp

Diesel 1 x Volvo D6 370hp, 2 x Volvo D3 200hp, D3 220hp, D4 225hp, D4 260hp, D4 300hp

1 x Cummins QSD4.2 350hp, QSD2.8 220hp, QSD4.2 280hp, QSD4.2 320hp, QSD4.2 350hp

2 x Volkswagen TDI 265hp

Propulsion. stern drive Volvo DPS, DPH, Mercruiser Bravo I, Bravo III

Speed. 38 knots max 24 knots cruise with 300hp

Range. 300nm at 24 knots cruise estimated with full tank consumption

Hull Shape. deep Vee shape with 21 degrees dead rise

Project. Tony Castro

Construction. Vacuum resin infusion polyester resin

Certification. CE B ISO12217-1

www.galeon.pl

Picture Copyright Galeon. Data Galeon.

New Model: Filippetti 95 Bisquit

Fano South Adriatic Sea, July 8, 2010 was the first sea trials of the new Filippetti 95 Biscuit a thirty meters super yacht one off construction committed to the shipyard and Hot Lab Studio. The project stems from two factors: the thirty-year experience of Filippetti family, now driving a new shipyard, and the interiors styling bearing the signature of Hot Lab Studio. The construction of the 95 Biscuit, initially assigned to a shipyard in the Calabria region in Italy, was subsequently entrusted to Filippetti Yacht in Mondolfo Puglia, where the yacht was delivered in January 2010 to be refitted and completed. Filippetti Yacht was involved in the construction of the superstructure, painting and assembly of all components of the boat: engines and steels up to the whole furniture. For the interior design. Hot Lab Studio provided a constant and valuable advice with the aim to give the yacht an elegant and refined style. 95 Biscuit has two decks and a flybridge. On the lower deck there are two twin staterooms, the VIP and the master cabin, each fully equipped. Also on the lower deck, the crew area has been designed to comfortably house four persons. A stunning full-beam master stateroom matches a mix of dark woods with fair leather and steel. On the main deck the brightness of the staterooms is highlighted by fair colors on walls and on ceilings. The living area is spacious and comfortable, with a bar and an office corner. A big L-shaped sofa and two armchairs by Moroso are present in the layout. The dining area is detached and composed by a ten-person capacity table designed by Saarinen, with small armchairs by Moroso. A wine cellar is also present. The galley is a synthesis of pragmatic use of the space and elegance with Gaggenau components adding to the two refrigerator-freezers, 90-mm induction hobs, microwave and 90 cm electric fridge, ice maker, washing machine and coffee machine. A crew mess, equipped with TV and space for four persons, is also present. The flying bridge has been conceived for relax and outdoor leisure: wet bar, wash basin, grill and refrigerators. At starboard there are two sofas. Each sofa has been studied for a different use: the former can be used as dining area and includes a teak table for twelve people designed by Hot Lab; the later L-shaped, can be convertible in a spacious sunbathing area. A second cockpit and two chaises lounges are the final touch to the furniture on the sun deck. Filippetti 95 Biscuit was officially launched on July 20 in Fano, where it will continue for a long cruise in the Mediterranean which will lead her to an official presentation in the Cannes show in September 2010. Powered by twin Cats 1821hp the 95 Bisquit reaches top speeds of 28 knots and a cruise of 26.

Technical Data:

LOA - 29.57 m (97ft)

Waterline Length - 25.40 m

Beam - 6.50 m

Draft - 1.70 m

Displacement - 110000 kg

Fuel Capacity - 17520 l

Water Capacity - 2250 l

Accommodation - 8 guest in 4 cabins, 4 crew in 2 cabins

Engines - 2 x Cat C32 ACERT 1821hp

Propulsion - line shaft with ZF gearbox

Speed - 28 knots max, 26 knots cruise

Project - Hot Lab Studio

www.filippettiyacht.com

Project: Canados 100

Canados take a very new approach with this 100 project set to launch for 2012. Designed by Carlo Galeazzi, the 100 features loads of glassed surfaces on both the hull and super structure, with modern mechanisms as fold down terraces and bathing platform also being an important part of this project. Sitting in between the 86 and the 116 model, designer Galeazzi distinct himself from the classic lines of the brand which I had the feeling where set to continue with the latest new model that was the 76. If the 2006 launched Luiz De Basto designed 90 Open was modern, the 100 project is surely more to it and sets to reinvent the lines with new design touches as the forward looking radar arch, more straight hull forms, and glassed surfaces. Even the topsides of the foredeck are a distance from the Canados usual low surfaces here appearing more streamlined and long. This design feature mostly happening because of the raised pilot house. The 100 will have an option of a four or five cabin interior depending on owners choice, and will have two crew rooms. Power will be from twin MTU 2600hp which should give a 31 knots top speed. Canados is owned since 2007 by Balmoora Capital who also own the British sailing yacht brand Oyster. www.canados.com

Project: Sunseeker 63 Manhattan

While its British competitors Fairline and Princess seem to have abandoned or never used the Volvo IPS propulsion, Sunseeker has recently shown more interest in the use of the forward looking dual propeller pods. Sunseeker first use of the Volvo IPS was as an option on the 2009 stopped in production 47 Portofino, and today the pods are available on the 48 Portofino, 52 Predator, and 60 Predator. The new 63 Manhattan project is to be Sunseeker first flybridge boat using the IPS propulsion. A video on the Sunseeker website titled Manhattan 63 Test Launch, design manager Jonathan Goldie explains the benefits, and that compared to the 60 Manhattan, on which this project is developed the 63 Manhattan with twin 900hp should develop five more nautical miles of top speed at 34 knots. The test is also conducted with an extra four tonnes of weight. Goldie also speaks about the known IPS benefits as easy to manoeuvre, better fuel consumption, and the no crew need for a nineteen metre flybridge boat. So far Sunseeker has not released plans for the 63 Manhattan but do accept a three cabin interior with extra spaces then the competition thanks to the benefits of more power to the prop and the aft location of a smaller engine set up then to the usual in this size.

www.sunseeker.com

New Model: Ranger Tugs R27

Ranger Tugs introduced in May, 2010, the R27, an all new yacht that incorporates many of the standard features of the Ranger 29 plus the expanded cockpit of the Ranger 25SC. Things like a standard propane cook top and oven, microwave, inverter, flat-screen TV, and many more. Many other standard features such as bow and stern thrusters, Garmin VHF, stereo, windlass, and electric head that usually are options on other boats, are included as standard on the 27. With an efficient 190 hp Yanmar diesel, the Ranger 27 cruises economically across a range of speeds. It's two metres and a half of beam permits trailering anywhere, giving owners an endless choice of cruising grounds. The Ranger 27 can be fitted out with a list of options including a generator, air conditioning, Garmin touch-screen chart plotter/radar/sonar, autopilot, and other popular additions for a very competitive price. The Chesapeake Edition is configured for comfortable and practical cruising anywhere on the US east coast, Canadian Maritiames, the loop, the Bahamas, inland lakes and rivers, and more.
Technical Data:
LOA - 8.10 m (27.1ft)
Beam - 2.6 m
Draft - 0.66 m
Displacement - 2450 kg
Fuel Capacity - 379 l
Water Capacity - 151 l
Engine - 1 x Yanmar 190hp
Speed - 21 knots cruise
www.rangertugs.com

Project: Cerri 70 Flyingsport

After two years of verbal speculation that Cerri will build a smaller Flyingsport, finally we can see the project rendering of the 70. As any Cerri model the 70 Flyingsport will be a semi custom construction, available on plan with a three or four cabin lower deck layout, and a unique on the way it uses the spaces which feels it is a much bigger boat. The four cabin plan will have an aft looking galley on the main deck, with all the cabins being equipped with en-suite heads. Both the owners stateroom to midship and VIP will also have a bidet. The full beam midship owners suite also features an L-shaped settee to starboard, and an office desk. In the three cabin choice the owner can choose to move the galley down, or create another more private saloon. Other special features of the 70 Flyingsport will be the internal staircase to the fly helm deck, and an opening central window door on the front windshield which facilitates movement from the fore deck lounger to the internal saloon. A two person crew cabin with a small shower head is located on the bow tip just behind the chain locker. To aft will be a tender garage where it is possible to stow a jet rib of three metres. Power for the 70 Flyingsport is from twin MAN or MTU from 1500 to 1800hp, which should keep in touch with the usual forty knots performance of the bigger Cerri models. So far Cerri is waiting for order one of the 70, and from there build time will be about eighteen to twenty months depending on specification.
www.cerricantierinavali.it

Class 1 - Norwegian Grand Prix

Race 1
Fazza produced a dominant and faultless display to win race 1 of the BMW Norwegian Grand Prix, maintaining the perfect start to their title defence and extending their lead at the top of the World Championship standings. Norways Welmax was unable to match their spectacular win in the Saturday morning Edox Pole Position, finishing second, with Spirit of Dubai completing the podium with yet another impressive performance. The defending World Champions found themselves down in third spot at the first turn behind their team-mates and Relekta, but were able to overhaul both outfits on the long run to the second turn to lead at the end of lap 1. Once out front they opened up an unassailable lead, going on to win by over eight seconds at an average speed of 186.63km/h. For Welmax, dropping to fifth place from first on the start line, and giving away over 30-seconds to Fazza 3 in the first two laps proved too much of a mountain to climb. And despite fighting their way back up through the field, the chequered flag came too soon to end hopes for a Norwegian win on home waters. Spirit of Dubai maintained their impressive form to take their second podium of the day, bringing Victory Team's new design in third place in only their second race together and despite dropping a place at the start. Fazza 1 compromised their race on the opening lap, missing a turn-buoy, and incurring a penalty long-lap which dropped them back down the field, but managed to salvage valuable points, finishing in fourth place. Despite bringing Relekta home in fifth place, Christian Zaborowski and Paul Gaiser produced a more than encouraging performance in their first race together. A brilliant start moved them from fifth on the start-line into second place, before being overhauled by Welmax, but then maintaining third place before they too incurred a penalty long-lap, ultimately dropping them to fifth. Primatist continued to endure a frustrating weekend, with technical problems preventing a start. Sarurday’s win for Al Zafeen and Bin Hendi, a fifteenth for both, extends their lead at the top of Championship to 21-points and their unbeaten win-run to seven.
Race 2
Dubai’s Victory Team produced a racing master-class in race 2 of the BMW Norwegian Grand Prix, with Fazza 3 and Fazza 1 finishing first and third, and the newest design to emerge from the Victory stable, Spirit of Dubai, finishing second. After a spectacular and dramatic start, which saw home favourites Welmax win the drag-race to the first turn and lead the race for a lap-and-a-half and Fazza 1 almost flip before the first turn, a series of breakdowns reduced the numbers on the water to leave the Fazza crews and Spirit of Dubai out on their own to race for the podium places. For the second time in two Grands Prix the defending World Champions, Arif Al Zafeen and Nadir Bin Hendi, completed the win-double to take their eighth consecutive race win and extend their points lead in the Championship. After passing the stationary Welmax on lap 2 they were able to cruise to the finish, to complete the 68.12Nm race in 43mins 23.23secs at an average speed of 173.15km/h. Spirit of Dubai rounded off their impressive weekend with a third podium in Spirit of Dubai, splitting the two Fazza crews to finish in second place. After missing out yesterday, Fazza 1 bounced back to take their third podium of the year, finishing third, but first had to survive a scare at the start when the front-end went up in the wake of Relekta. For Welmax, it was a case of what might have been! After giving away 30-seconds at the start of race 1, a change of propellers and a different ratio setting gave them the advantage today, albeit momentarily, before they broke their rudder after crashing down heavily on the side of the boat in rough water. For Zabo Racing’s Christian Zaborowski and Paul Gaiser the promising start to their season was halted on lap 5 when a broken compressor belt ended Relekta’s race, with Giorgioffshore’s poor weekend compounded when a broken prop-shaft ended theirs. Today’s win, a sixteenth for Al Zafeen and Bin Hendi, increases their lead in the title race and puts them 29-points clear of the their team-mates and extends Victory team’s winning streak to 13-races. Class 1 now heads to Uddevalla for the Swedish Grand Prix, 6-8 August.
BMW NORWEGIAN GRAND PRIX, RACE 1 - results
1. Fazza 3 - A Al Zafeen (UAE) / N Bin Hendi (UAE) 00.30.14,01
2. Welmax - K Selmer (NOR) / J Tandberg (NOR) + 00.08,42
3. Spirit of Dubai – G Manuzzi (SMR) / G Carpitella (ITA) + 01.19,49
4. Fazza 1 - A Al Mehairbi (UAE) / M Al Marri (UAE) + 02.22,52
5. Relekta - P Gaiser (BRA) / C Zaborowski (NOR) + 03.02,86
Primatist - G Cappellini (ITA) / N Giorgi (ITA) dns
BMW NORWEGIAN GRAND PRIX, RACE 2 - results

1. Fazza 3 - A Al Zafeen (UAE) / N Bin Hendi (UAE) 00.43.23,23

2. Spirit of Dubai – G Manuzzi (SMR) / G Carpitella (ITA) + 00.03,14

3. Fazza 1 - A Al Mehairbi (UAE) / M Al Marri (UAE) + 02.37,11

4. Relekta - P Gaiser (BRA) / C Zaborowski (NOR) dnf

5. Welmax - K Selmer (NOR) / J Tandberg (NOR) dnf

6. Primatist - G Cappellini (ITA) / N Giorgi (ITA) dnf

UIM CLASS 1 WORLD POWERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIP - after race 4 of 12

1. Fazza 3 - 82pts

2. Fazza 1 - 53pts

3. Welmax - 29pts

4. Spirit of Dubai - 27pts

5. Primatist - 23pts

6. Team Abu Dhabi - 16pts

7. Foresti & Suardi - SCAM - 11pts

8. Welmax Alianza - 10pts

9. Relekta - 7pts

www.class-1.com

New Model: Picchiotti 50 m Vitruvius Explorer

Exuma, is the first Picchiotti 50 metre super yacht of three such units sold as of today by the Perini Navi Group under the Picchiotti brand. The first Vitruvius was launched in the beginning of this month in La Spezia, and marks Perini Navi Group’s entrance in the field of motor yachts and the new reorganization of the Italian shipyards with the change in the company name of the Cantieri Navali Beconcini shipyard of La Spezia to Picchiotti. The new 50m Vitruvius Explorer also marks the return of the legendary Picchiotti name. The new generation of Picchiotti Vitruvius series motor yachts, of which three further sizes are available was born from the collaboration between Vitruvius Ltd, Philippe Briand and the Perini Navi Group. It is conceived with a focus on top efficiency for fully autonomous navigation. The aluminum hull is characterized by streamlined, slender traits and follows the principles of the BOS Hull; Briand Optimized Stretched Hull that allows to enjoy a gross tonnage of 497 tons, displacement of 400 tones, a reduced draught of 2.3 meters for navigating even in shallower waters, and a range of 5,500 miles at 12 knots. Exuma was conceived and created with a strong aptitude for exploration in mind, and has the capability of stowing large amounts of equipment on board to allow exploring the most beautiful and remote areas of the world: an amphibious 16.4 ft vehicle, completely customized with Iveco Campagnola mechanical components and frame, a Hov Pod 12ft hovercraft housed inside the two fore lateral garages with gull-wing door openings, two tenders, respectively measuring 21ft and 14ft, two electric land scooters, two Seabobs and a Sea-Doo RXT 250 jet ski. The yacht is also equipped with diving areas and equipment. The interior and exterior spaces are designed to increase privacy among shipboard guests and to enhance outdoor living. Internal furnishings are designed by Perini Navi’s Interior Designers with a focus on classic maritime style tradition, essentially using oak, teak and Italian marble.
Technical Data:
LOA - 50 m (164ft)
Waterline length - 48.90 m
Beam - 9.50 m
Draft - 2.30 m
Displacement - 400 t

Fuel Capacity - 75000 l

Water Capacity - 14000 l
Engines - 2 x Cat C32 Acert
Speed - 16 knots, 12 knots cruise
Range - 5500 nm at 12 knots
Construction - Aluminium
Project - Philippe Briand Vitruvius Ltd, Perini Navi interior
Certficiation - ABS Malta cross A1 Yachting Commercial Service, AMS, MCA
www.picchiottiyachts.com

Project: Pershing 92

While many are waiting for the new Pershing 108 to go into the water, this famous builder presents the project of a 92, which eventually will replace the 90 presented in 2005. Fulvio De Simoni who has been Pershing designer since 1985, continues the new course with the 92 as undertaken in 2007 with the 72, and followed later on by the 64, 80, and the in progress 108. As expected the 92 will feature many must have features of modern Super Sport Yachts, as a second helm up top, and fore deck settee. The 92 will also continue the collaborations as undertaken by Pershing in recent periods with Poltrana Frau who takes care for the soft furnishing of the interior, and ErnestoMeda for the galley. Other usual Pershing concepts also featured on the 92 will be the full opening patio door as featured in the main deck, making the interior saloon a one part entertainment area with the aft cockpit. The 92 in collaboration with Besenzoni will also have a unique folding glass door up front where from the bow one can go into the interior saloon. Accommodation lower deck will be a four cabin plan, with full beam owners suite, VIP to fore, and two double guest cabin in between. Here is a semi custom plan with the owners cabin being available in three different layouts. Power for the 92 will be from twin MTU 2638hp coupled to Arneson surface drives, which should give the slender hulled 92 a top speed of 42 knots, and a cruise of 38.

www.pershing-yacht.com

New Model: Portofino 11 Spider

Portofino continues to expand its 11 range, with the fourth Spider version which follows the Flybridge, Coupe, and Fisherman models introduced since 2008. Portofino also offers the Spider version for its entry level 750, and 10 models. Continuing the Zagano design of this series the Portofino 11 Spider has the bigger exterior, dedicated to full Al fresco entertainment. For having this you loose the extra two berths which come from converting the C-shaped settee as available in the first introduced Flybridge and Coupe versions. The settee is L-shaped in the Coupe version and opposite to port side you get the galley, and helm station. Below you get the usual layout of the 11 series, with the owners cabin to fore, a two person bunk guest cabin, and complete shower head.
Technical Data:
LOA - 11.47 m (37.6ft)
Registry Length - 9.48 m
Beam - 3.54 m
Displacement - 9.5 t
Fuel Capacity - 750 l
Water Capacity - 250 l
Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins
Max Persons - 10
Engines - 2 x Volvo IPS350 260hp, IPS400 300hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward looking dual propeller pods
Speed - 34 knots with IPS400
Hull Shape - 18 degrees vee
Designer - A. Zagano
www.portofinomarine.com