September 23, 2010

Improve-it = Princess V56

May be Princess listened to my plea as I wrote in my article presenting the new V56, which is an expanded V53 with high low bathing platform, that the Plymouth boat builder lost an occasion for adding new elements as presented in other fresher models in the last four years. So here comes the V56 with a two large cabins choice, which now features a full beam owners stateroom to mid ship. The full beam cabin will have an astern looking queen size double berth, en suite shower head to port, and a beauty desk to starboard. The fore cabin which in this option becomes the VIP also receives changes, having its forward double which becomes two single berths thanks to a scissor movement. The exterior lines also receive a recognizable change for this version thanks to three large vertical windows featured to both sides and located to mid ship for the owners stateroom. www.princessyachts.com

Project: Hunt 44

Following the introduction of the 52 flagship in early 2009, Hunt Yachts follows it with a similar slightly smaller 44 project also aimed at filling the void left between the old large 36 Harrier model. If it ain't broken don't fix it or so they say, and the 44 follows similar exterior line looks, wanting to capture Hunt owners and fans who taught the 52 was too big to own and handle. The 44 has a plan of a two cabin, two head lower deck. To note here is the very spacious owners en-suite head, with separate shower stall. The guest cabin is a two berths in a bunk cabin configuration. The main deck will be fully dedicated to relaxing and entertaining of the guests and owners, and will be of the patio door easy to close type. Here is a longitudinal saloon, with two moving sofas, which if desired can be moved to the outside deck. A galley is located below. Tender stowage also follows the 52 style with a garage able to handle a well sized private water craft. Power starts from the smaller optional Volvo 435hp IPS propulsion unit, to the standard twin Cats 455hp on shaft drives. Other optional units are Cats 567hp, to the most powerful 593hp Cummins. This last should give 30 knots top speed as does the smaller engine but more efficient Volvo IPS optional.
www.huntyachts.com

September 22, 2010

New Model: Oryx 46 Fly

Presented as a project in 2008 Oryx presents its latest model, the 46 Fly what is a very economic to run three cabin flybridge motor cruiser. The exterior styling of the 46 Fly can also be deemed to be the best looking of the orange Oryx brand, which makes part of the Gulf Craft Group of boat builders. Accommodation of the 46 Fly is a three cabin lower deck, with two shower heads, and owners suite to fore. The main deck is a split level with saloon looking astern, and galley, dining table, and helm station on the raised area. Power for the 46 Fly is for standard Volvo stern drive 370hp, or optional IPS units with the same horse power or more powerful 435hp units.
Technical Data:
LOA - 14.02 m (46ft)
Waterline Length - 11.56 m
Beam - 4.04 m
Draft - 0.86 m
Displacement - 13.6 t
Fuel Capacity - 1514 l
Water Capacity - 378 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 370hp, D6 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo DPS dual prop stern drive, IPS forward facing dual prop

Project: Doride 72

While the market is still in very challenging waters it is still my surprise to see today new brands with a very ambitious project of a line of sport yachts from 72 to 112 feet. Doride Yacht from Milan is such a builder and presents its first project of a sport yacht with an invisible flybridge of 72 feet. The Doride 72 is a interesting design although on the exterior architect Coppo from Messina, Sicily responsible for the project has been inspired a little too much by another Italian brand from the Adriatic sea. But the difference is in the details to see and while the Doride may be a bit similar to something else, the new company offers some unique touches like the four cabin lower deck plus a two person crew cabin aft, a two level main deck layout which looks coming from a motor yacht, and the still not so easy to find on a 21 metres sport yacht invisible flying bridge. The fly offers a central helm station for two persons, a bench seat, and a central wide sun pad. Power for the Doride 72 is twin MAN 1550hp in a Vee drive shaft configuration which should give an estimated top speed of 36 knots. Construction will be with environment friendly infusion resin method.
www.dorideyachts.it

September 21, 2010

New Model: Bayliner 285 Cruiser

A brand which lately is bringing newer better looking models is Bayliner, which presents its new 285 Cruiser. Measuring just a couple of inches in overall length above its designation the 285 Cruiser represents the new challenge for the 2011 model year for a brand which from a certain point of view pioneered mass boat production. The 285 Cruiser has sweet lines, and as usual to Bayliner offers spacious comfortable areas both inside and out, this coupled with a competitive price. Interior accommodation is for three double beds which sleeps six, a galley, and a shower head. The largest of the beds seems to be the one located to mid ship. You can also so to say extend the length of your Bayliner, by ordering it with the extended bathing platform, this adding more space to stern and a safe place to stow a tender while underway. Power is a standard single petrol gas engine of a Mercruiser 300hp with stern drive giving a not bad top speed of 32 knots. If you want more to this you can get the optional 375hp unit.
Technical Data:
LOA - 8.71 m (28.7ft)
LOA with optional extended platform - 9.5 m
Beam - 3.02 m
Draft - 1.04 m
Displacement - 3654 kg
Fuel Capacity - 336 l
Water Capacity - 106 l
Accommodation - 6 berths
Max Persons - 10
Engine - 1 x Mercruiser 350Mag MPI 300hp, 496 Mag 375hp
Propulsion - Mercruiser Bravo III dual propeller stern drive
Speed - 32 knots max with 300hp
Hull Shape - Vee with 17 degrees dead rise
Certification - CE B
www.bayliner.com

Project: Vicem 78 Cruiser

Vicem Yachts from Turkey heads into the fall of the 2010 European show season with a world debut on the horizon of the 78 Cruiser project, which I imagine is a further refinement of the 75. The new 78 Cruiser epitomizes the three hallmarks of every Vicem yacht: exuding a classic look of timeless elegance, exemplifying the ideals for craftsmanship, and a commitment to customization. But with this classic 25 metres Vicem has undergone a subtle yet sophisticated makeover with a number of new refinements, thanks to the fourteen person in house design team, the 78 Cruiser is a classic with a contemporary twist. Many of the changes made aboard the 78 Cruiser appeal to more European tastes. The trademark interior high-gloss surfaces have given way to the understated beauty of satin-finish mahogany, accentuated by neutral-colored fabrics and the discerning use of leather appointments. Guests will also appreciate having more natural light stream in social areas through markedly larger windows. A bigger swim platform and sunpad area adorn the aft deck and flybridge, respectively. A hard top covering the flybridge helm station area is also standard. These contemporary twists are complemented by an updated exterior, which projects cleaner lines. Power arrangements are twin MAN 900hp Common Rail, which allow the 78 Cruiser to reach cruising and maximum speeds of 16 and 21 knots, respectively, and a range of 1200nm at 10 knots. The 78 Cruiser can welcome aboard twelve guests and three crew. Sleeping accommodations include a full-beam master amidships, a VIP stateroom at bow, and two guest staterooms all with en suite bathrooms.
www.vicemyachts.com

September 20, 2010

New Model: Four Winns V475

Not a real new model but Four Winns recently updated its V458 flagship, now designated the V475. Being at it, as Four Winns recently updated all its line model names, the V475 got increased a few lengths with a large extended bathing platform with high low movement. This surely makes the hard top sport cruiser V475 with the longest platform in this size, which can be interesting for those wanting a second entertainment area to fill with deck chairs, or handling a large water toy over it. The V475 is full of gizmo's, you can also have two pop up flat television in the outside cockpit. One of these staying behind the two person helmsman settee is a thirty inch affair and is optional. Interior accommodation is for four plus two berths in two double cabins and the convertible sofa. The owners suite is to fore, and a twin at mid ship. The interior galley as any US boat is large and is of L-shape. Power is from twin Volvo 435hp IPS600 propulsion.
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.03 m (49.4ft)
Length - 13.56 m
Beam - 4.27 m
Draft - 1.09 m
Displacement - 13600 kg
Fuel Capacity - 1438 l
Water Capacity - 382 l
Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths
Max Persons - 18
Engines - 2 x Volvo IPS600 D6 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS pods
Hull Shape - vee with 19 degrees dead rise
www.fourwinns.com

Powerboat GPS - Siracusa Endurance Race

The 2010 season comes to an end again in the picturesque Siracusa. Considering that in early Spring we where without races this was a huge success for the World Powerboats Association the UIM, and all the teams involved. The Grand Prix of the Sea Series touched important parts of the Globe too: starting with the first ever race in Yalta Ukraine, followed by the classic in Malta, a recent missing fixture returning that of Poltu Quatu in the beautiful Sardinia, Bacoli in Naples which also missed for three years, and closed what is becoming also a unique setting in Siracusa in Sicily the biggest Island in the Med. The last round showed incredible power by those who came second in both class, which sends a message to the title winners for things to come next year. Today's race also offered calmer waters with the boat hitting incredible times but with the positions actually staying the same from the rough seas of yesterday.
Evolution
Supersport
22 Big Sergio show power taking both of the last rounds with the team doing incredible lap times some of which under the four minutes mark and the best being a 3:57,17. As Alfredo Amato said when the Outerlimits SV40 is running well, the others just have to follow, which means we are getting used to the package and to winning. With these results 22 Big Sergio end the 2010 season on second, a huge improvement from the fourth of two races ago, with a distance of just one from the third place, and two points from fourth. Another second for the Naples Fountain of 81 Karelpiu which showed good composure resulting in the best season ever for a rookie team taking a total of three wins. Incredible laps also from this team which was only fifteen seconds behind Big Sergio, and had the best of the weekend time at 3:57,05. Third place for 34 Seagull Chaudron, a rookie team with the 2009 championship winner boat which showed improved performance and also managed to win a race in Bacoli. A fourth for the new 2010 Supersport World Championship winners 38 Baia Attolini, which I admit after they took Powerpole on Friday I did accept better results to this. A fifth for the Yanmar diesel powered 06 Jolly Drive which in this last four races showed good results, better lap times, and the always important reliability. With this they also overtake the sunken in Poltu Quatu Spirit of Belgium, finishing the season in fifth. Sixth place for Kenon Cafe the Racing Project hull winner of 2007, and 08 titles. A last place and again two laps late for what is the good looking and interesting wider to the usual Zeta hull powered by FPT diesels 18 F.Di Cersare Riscaldamenti. Sadly again no participation for this last round from the fast Donzi of 26 Team 26, and the new Pantera 08 Asia 2011-15.
Evolution Results:
1. 33 Furnibo
2. 88 SNAV-Kiton
3. 60 Metamarine Foresti& Sguardi
Super Sport Results:
1. 22 Big Sergio = 15 laps 59:13,11
2. 81 Karelpiu = 59:28,42
3. 43 Seagull Chaudron = 1:00:15,90
4. 38 Baia Attolini = 1:00:38,22
5. 06 Jolly Drive = 1:01:38,90
6. 44 Kenon Cafe = 1:01:39,75
7. 18 F. Di Cesare Riscaldamenti = 1:01:43,05 -2laps
EVOLUTION:
Pos. Boat Name - Team Name ~ Round 9 + Round 10 = TOTAL (incl engine bonus 5 pts)
1. 60 Metamarine Foresti&Suardi - Metamarine Corse ~ + = 151
2. 88 SNAV-Kiton - OSG Racing Team ~ + = 86
3. 33 Furnibo - 2B1 Racing Team ~ + = 79
4. 77 Lucas Oil - Scandiavian Offshore Challenge ~ + = 57
5. 66 Cranefields Wine - Searex Racing Team ~ + = 56
6. 55 Ukrainian Spirit - Ukrainian Spirit ~ + = 48
7. 47 Silverline Racing - Silverline ~ + = 6
8. 01 Carconnex - Carconnex ~ + = 0
SUPERSPORT:
Pos. Boat Name - Team Name ~ Round 9 + Round 10 = TOTAL
1. 38 Baia Attolini - Baia Attolini ~ 6 + 7 = 164 (1 bonus)
2. 22 Big Sergio - Al & Al Racing Team ~ 20 + 20 = 120
3. 43 Seagull Chaudron - Ukrainian Spirit ~ 12 + 12 = 119
4. 91 Karelpiu - RG87 Racing Team ~ 16 + 16 = 118 (1 bonus)
5. 06 Jolly Drive - Jolly Drive Racing Team ~ 7 + 6 = 66 (1 bonus)
6. 17 Spirit of Belgium - Spirit of Belgium ~ 0 + 0 = 49
7. 26 Team 26 - Team 26 ~ 0 + 0 = 21
8. 08 Asia 2011-15 - Ocean Dragon Racing Team ~ 0 + 0 = 5
www.grandprixofthesea.com

September 19, 2010

New Model: Sunseeker 40 Metre Yacht

Thanks to one of the forum members at YBW we can show you exclusive pictures of Sunseeker new flagship, the 40 Metre Yacht. The Poole boat builder effort in always presenting bigger sizes has to be appreciated, considering the fact that the last months at Sunseeker where very difficult indeed. But that's not to say the builders order book is empty, as in the bigger super sizes of 24 metres plus its if filled as ever with a total of 58 in build boats averaging 28 metres in length in as of this year. The 40 Metre Yacht is a three deck super yacht based on the 37 adding length to the hull, and a much more cleaner profile. Personally I always think the 37 free board looked a bit low with the three deck super structure above appearing bulky. The 40 Metre Yacht follows the last year presented 130 Predator with the balconies concept. The 40 Metre having two; in the master suite on the main deck, and another on the saloon. With the standard plan accommodation is for a total of 10 guests in five staterooms all with private heads. Master suite is located on the main deck, and two identical VIP are located to mid ship. Crew berths is for eight members below, plus a double captains cabin behind the helm on the upper deck. Power is for two engines with a total of 6362hp which should give a maximum of 24 knots. Range is for 1500 nautical miles at 10 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 40 m (131.3ft)
Waterline Length - 31.19 m
Beam - 8.00 m
Draft - 2.25 m
Displacement - 176800 kg light, 200600 kg loaded
Fuel Capacity - 23080 l + 5630 l optional tank
Water Capacity - 4950 l
Accommodation - 12 guest berths in 6 cabins, 9 crew berths
Engines - twins totalling 6362hp
Propulsion - line shaft with twin fixed pitch propellers in semi recessed tunnels
Speed - 24 knots max
Range - 1500 nm at 10 knots
Project - Don Shead, Sunseeker Design

September 18, 2010

Powerboat GPS - Siracusa Sprint Race


Siracusa presented itself with similar conditions to the previous Powerpole day for Round nine of the World Championship race of the Grand Prix of the Sea series. The weather was tight in a moderate to rough sea state with waves of an average one metre in height making this unique course actually more challenging to what normally is. Today's race was also characterized by a dominion from start to finish in both the classes.
Evolution
Supersport
Team Al&Al and 22 Big Sergio continue to build results and after the first win in Poltu Quatu continue to show incredible power taking a second race of the season, here dominating from start to finish. The lap times of the Big Sergio Outerlimits SV40 where also incredible with a best of 4:01,80, three with four minutes two seconds mark, and all accept for the final lap under four minutes ten seconds mark. Rookie team 81 Karelpiu show their growing confidence too taking another podium with the Fountain having less to a minute distance from the Outerlimits powerboat. The best lap of the Fountain was a 4:03,41 which comes as the fifth better lap of the circuit, all better results being done by 22 Big Sergio. Third place for the 2010 season rookie drivers but 2009 World Championship boat Seagull Chaudron. Another good fourth place with less to two minutes distance from the first for the Yanmar diesel powered 06 Jolly Drive. Fifth for the 2007, and 08 champion 41 feet Chaudron hull of Kenon Cafe here making part of the Italian Championship teams. A sixth worst place, which comes to fifth in World Championship challengers for this season for 38 Baia Attolini. Was it too much celebrations for the Italian team who took World title two races in advance? A last place with a two laps delay for the FPT diesel powered Zeta build 18 F. Di Cesare Riscaldamenti.
EVOLUTION CLASS
1. 33 Furnibo =
2. 88 SNAV-Kiton
3. 60 Metamarine Foresti&Sguardi
4. 55 Ukrainian Spirit
5. 77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian Offshore Challenge
6. 66 Cranfields Wine - Carconnex
7. 47 Silverline
SUPERSPORT CLASS
1. 22 Big Sergio = 9 laps 35:57,43
2. 81 Karelpiu = 36:40,95
3. 43 Seagull Chaudron = 37:26,04
4. 06 Jolly Drive = 37:36,54
5. 44 Kenon Cafe = 37:40,50
6. 38 Baia Attolini = 37:53,13
7. 18 F. Di Cesare Riscaldamenti = 37:07,72 -2laps
www.grandprixofthesea.com