Project: Hunton 50 Barracuda

Its very rare today to see a boat builder stick to its roots, but this has always been the spirit at British company Hunton, who has always concentrated in building fast sport power boats. Now this famed powerboat builder presents it largest project to date with the fifty feet Barracuda. The Hunton 50 Barracuda challenges similar fast boats from Europe or USA, and will feature a single stepped Vee shaped hull. So far we have no accommodation details but Hunton is promising a well laid out super yacht finished plan. Project Barracuda by Hunton is also promising a comfortable exterior having a full wrap around style protective cockpit, with helm and crew pods equipped with shock absorbers for the best comfort while underway. This is followed by cockpit seating, loungers and generous storage outside. Power is to be from triple Cummins 480hp engines with NXT performance stern drives which according to Hunton should deliver speeds around the 70 knots mark.
www.hunton.co.uk

New Model: Azimut 48

Azimut presented the new 48 at the Genoa show. This new model is one of the many modified presented in this year's fall boat show season, and builds on the fortunes of the famed 47. The new 48 is on many aspects the same to the model it replaces but has been added with an extended hydraulic moving bathing platform aft, and different view by three vertical shaped windows in the mid ship guest rooms. Azimut for the 48 did not fiddle with the three cabins plus crew and the main deck layout of the interior, and the exterior looks are the same minus the changes mentioned. Which is fair enough considering that the 47 has always been said to have one of the most balanced design and layout.
Technical Data:
LOA - 14.9 m (48.9ft)
Hull Length - 14.3 m
Beam - 4.50 m
Draft - 1.40 m
Displacement - 19.5 t full load
Fuel Capacity - 2000 l
Water Capacity - 590 l
Accommodation - 6 guest berths in 3 cabins, 1 crew berth
Engines - 2 x Cummins QSC8.3 600hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speeds - 32 knots max, 27 knots cruise
Hull - Vee shape keel with 14 degrees deadrise aft
Construction - vacuum infused resin fiber glass
Project - Stefano Righini exterior, Carlo Galeazzi interior
Certification - CE B
www.azimutyachts.com

Project: Hinckley T48 Talaria

Some names always create a stir when they launch a new project, and definitely Hinckley is one of those. This since 1928 founded company presents the project for the new T48 Talaria which builds on the eight model Traditional down East lobster boat looking range, and sits just behind the T55 flagship model. Built for an owner operator who cruises with the family the T48 will have a two double cabin interior, with a guest stateroom complimenting the master suite, with its own private head, shower and generous storage. Her living main deck with cockpit and salon are tailor made for entertaining with a split level, but fully opening patio doors joining the two areas seamlessly. For a company who built down East traditional boats all its life the T48 Hinckley is promising gorgeous proportions, with her waterline, sheer and tumble home all in perfect harmony. Her hull continues what we saw with the other new generation since the nineties motor Hinckley's with a redefined Vee shaped hull capable of challenging open water, yet with a draft of only just over two feet. Power is from twin 715hp diesel engines linked to Hamilton water jets which will produce cruising speeds of 30 knots and a top end in the mid 30s. The T48 will also be available in a flybridge configuration.
www.hinckleyyachts.com

New Model: Pershing 50.1

The new Pershing 50.1 builds on the success of the 2003 launched 50 updating this top sold model to suite more to current market conditions. Pershing and designer Fulvio de Simoni, with the help of Ferretti AYT updated the design of the hard top, and added side windows to the hull. The hard top of the 50.1 now features a single peace curved window with a curious design, and a longer extension. The hull has also been added with six, three per side large view horizontal shaped windows all positioned in different areas of this sport yacht. Two in the owners room to fore, two in saloon, and one for each of the two guest cabins at mid ship. While in the modifications Pershing also presented new interior choices; oak wood finishing for the furniture, carpet and chrome choices inside, and exterior colors of white and pearl. Having the same hull as the 50, the 50.1 offers also the same propulsion engines standard twin MAN 800hp with shaft propulsion, and optional MAN 900hp faster surface drives set up giving 45 knots speeds.
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.83 m (51.9ft)
Hull Length - 15.23 m
Beam - 4.28 m
Draft - 1.20 m
Displacement - 23700 kg loaded, 19100 kg unloaded
Fuel Capacity - 2400 l
Water Capacity - 500 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, 1 crew cabin berth
Max Persons - 12
Engines - 2 x MAN R6 CR 800hp, V8 CR 900hp
Propulsion - line shaft, Top System 75 surface Drives
Speed - 45 knots max surface drive 900hp, 36 max 32 knots cruise w/ 800hp shafts
Construction - vinylester resin single skin bottom, balsa cored sides, vacuum infusion
Project - Fulvio De Simoni, Ferretti AYT hull
Certification - CE A
www.pershing-yacht.com

Galeon New Web Site

It was just about two years ago when Galeon updated its website, but this Polish Eastern European builder comes again with a new digital showroom showing its way forward. This new website wants to show Galeon quality improvement in recent times which is not only in the sizes of its yachts today being up to seventy feet long, but come from the choices available being it woods, hard top, chromatic, and to the performance thanks to a hull design by Tony Castro which the company has been collaborating with since 2004. Polish Galeon was founded in 1982, and today it is a recognizable brand in Europe which in this year 2010 it has opened new offices in the US and China. The company has also been expanding in size. Two years ago its biggest build was the 640 Fly, but today it is the 700 Raptor Skydeck, with the 780 Crystal project what is a two feet super yacht shy flagship currently in development and set to launch next year. Privately owned with two building premises totaling 26,000 squared meters Galeon five hundred employees currently build a total of seventeen models from the 260 Cruiser, to the 700 Skydeck. Its most recent models are the 2010 launched 340 Fly, 700 Skydeck, 350 HTC, and 385 HTS. Two further projects the 385 Open and 780 Crystal flagship are in development stages. Galeon's new website which is a full visual experience takes you around with the following buttons; About Us, Range, News, Dealers, Pre-Owned, and Contacts. Worth a look every season is surely the GC Magazine found in the About Us section.
www.galeon.pl

Production History;

280 Fly 2000-06

440 Fly 2004-14 Tony Castro design

390 Fly 2005-2011

290 Fly 2006-12

530 Fly 2007-11

530 HT 2008-12

640 Fly 2008-13

325 Open 2008-15

325 HTO 2009-16

700 Raptor 2009-15

340 Fly 2010-15

700 Raptor Skydeck 2010-19

350 HTC 2010-16

385 HTS 2010-17

385 Open 2011-17

780 Crystal 2011-12 (2)

420 Fly 2011-18 *400 Fly project

385 HTL 2012-17

380 Fly 2012-19

430 HTC 2012-

550 Fly 2012-22

390 HTC 2013-20

430 Skydeck 2013-

445 HTS 2013-18

660 Fly 2014-17

300 Fly 2014-

305 HTS 2014-

500 Fly 2015-

310 HTC 2015-

510 Skydeck 2016-

365 HTS 2016-

560 Skydeck 2016-

305 Open 2016-

460 Fly 2016-22

335 HTS 2017-

360 Fly 2017-

370 HTC 2017-

640 Fly 2018-

470 Skydeck 2018-22

650 Skydeck 2019-

425 HTS 2019-

680 Fly 2020-

400 Fly 2020-

700 Skydeck 2020-

410 HTC 2021-

405 HTS 2021-

800 Fly 2022- (5

440 Fly 2023-

560 Fly 2023-

450 HTC 2023-

New Model: Maritimo M53 Cruising Motoryacht

Surprising its clients and fans Maritimo unveiled the M53 Cruising Motoryacht by surprise at the mid year August held Sydney boat show. This new model continues Maritimo Cruising Motoryacht evolutionary looks which take a bit from the sportfish convertible models outside. But the M53 Cruising Motoryacht as is actually all this line from Maritimo are more a yacht then anything else. Maritimo for the M53 Cruising Motoryacht basis itself again on safety features which make cruising more comfortable to the guests; as the walk around deck with deep safe side walk, two entrance extended bathing platform, and internal stair case to the raised enclosed flybridge. Interior wise the M53 Crusing Motoryacht offers a three double cabin interior with two shower heads, one of which en-suite for the owners room. Power is from twin 715hp Cummins.
Technical Data:
LOA - 17.6 m (57.7ft)
Hull Length - 17.6 m
Beam - 5.20 m
Draft - 1.35 m
Displacement - 27000 kg
Fuel Capacity - 3850 l
Water Capacity - 800 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Cummins QSM11 715hp
Propulsion - line shaft
www.maritimo.com.au

New Model: Prestige 400 Flybridge

The Prestige 400 is a new model which builds around the past year presented 39 model, and updates it on the exterior styling. Garroni and Jeanneau design team update concerns the window design of the coach roof now leaner, and the flybridge which also offers sportier looks with a more stream lined radar arch. For the rest the 400 Flybridge is the 39 in more provocative eye catching clothes and keeps the well laid out two cabin two shower heads interior, as the famed Michael Peters designed under water hull which should give good sea keeping in rough conditions.
Technical Data:
LOA - 12.15 m (39.9ft)
Hull Length - 11.87 m
Beam - 3.90 m
Draft - 0.85 m
Displacement - 8500 kg
Fuel Capacity - 800 l
Water Capacity - 400 l
Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths, in 2 cabins
Max Persons - 10
Engines - 2 x Cummins QSB5.9 380hp, 425hp
Propulsion - direct line shafts in semi tunnel props
Project - Garroni super structure, Micheal Peters hull underwater shape
Certification - CE B9, C10
www.prestige-yachts.fr

Project: Intermarine 55

As announced in the past October month the largest Brazilian pleasure boat builder Intermarine, stops its agreement with Azimut and goes to build its own yacht series. This will be an interesting turn around for Intermarine and also for the Brazilian market who in recent years is showing to be a boom for the yachting industry. Picture above is the first 55 project designed by BMW Group Designworks USA, what will be the first model and is to be launched in middle 2011. Three other models a 60, 75, and 85 designed by different designers should follow in less of a two year period. The new Intermarine 55 project shows dedicated features to the local market as the extended large aft deck, and longer bathing platform. Interior wise a two level saloon welcomes you inside, but here some new features characterize the 55, as the jockey style helm station to starboard, or the three step raised part which for most part is dedicated to a large light filled airy galley. Down below we have the standard today wanted layout with a full beam midship owners stateroom, VIP room to fore, third double guest cabin with in line berths, and second shower head. A crew cabin will be located aft. Power options are for a standard twin 670hp which give an estimated max speed of 31 knots, and 27 of cruise. A faster twin 800hp choice increases wide open throttle speeds and cruising by 4 knots.
www.intermarine.com.br

New Model: Gamma 20

Gamma Yachts launches its first 20 model, and presented it officially in the fall of the season boat shows. Designed by Vripack and also built using this company registered Smart Construction trademark method, the Gamma 20 aims to look out of the crop for a builder in this size in Italy as its boat are constructed of steel. The Vripack Smart Construction is also a promise in that it reduces steel builds by half the time. Could this be the invention which increases steel builders in Italy. None the less looking a bit like the Magellano from Azimut on the main deck, but competing in a segment usually dominated by Dutch builders the Gamma 20 is an interesting proposal. It's semi custom interior is classic in style and can be fitted out in a three or four cabins layouts and a crew room. Owners room is located aft for best comfort, minimum noise, and less rolling. The main deck is a flush deck Italian style affair with a welcoming saloon upon entrance, dining area, separate galley, and private helm station. Power numbers are also interesting with a standard 650hp Yanmar giving 16 knots max, 12 knots cruise and at this speed which consumes only 52 litres per hour giving a 1270 nautical miles range.

Technical Data:

LOA - 22.10 m (73ft)

Length - 20.50 m

Waterline Length - 20.20 m

Beam - 5.90 m

Draft - 1.45 m

Displacement - 58 t

Fuel Capacity - 5500 l

Water Capacity - 2000 l Accommodation - 6 or 8 guest berths in 3 or 4 cabins

Engines - 2 x Yanmar 6SY 650hp, 6SY 720hp, 8SY STP 900hp, Volvo D11 650hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 16 knots max, 12 knots cruise Yanmar 650hp, 18 knots max Yanmar 900hp

Range - 1270 nm at 12 knots

Construction - steel 42 grade A for hull and main deck, flybrige in Alloy Almg 4,5 H321

Project - Vripack

Certification - CE A RINA Green Plus, optional MCA under 24 metres

www.gamma-yachts.it

Future?

This was apparently the question asked in recent boat shows, and most precisely in the World event that is the Genoa show. As it happens many critics wanted to see something fresh and new from the builders in Genoa, and this for 2010 it did not happen. But are the builders to blame, or may be they the Italian biggies of the Yacht building industry are victims of there success. Fair to say the Italian giants as Ferretti Group and Azimut Benetti both showed two quite revolution products in the last years. Ferretti Group showed the Mochi 23M Long Range in 2008, and Azimut the 74 Magellano last year. This was followed this year with the launching of the new 50 Magellano, which even tough smaller in size improves some of the concepts seen on the 74. Apart hybrid power all these three models have a revolutionary hull design.

To say it frankly the Italian press not the nautical one, but the standard news hammered the show as being dull and one without initiatives. The writing for them was that if the boat builders want to bring Italians back to the water they have to invent something special, which consumes less and is very cheap to run. Surely if they invent an engine working with the sea water they run on all would be good, and we have solved also a global energy crisis on call in recent years.

While sales are down in recent times I think people commenting so easy on the Boating industry don't really know the problems associated with it. Sales are simply at a stand still not because customers don't like what they see in the shows but mostly because costs continue to go up in an unmeasured taste in most of Western central Europe and the Mediterranean in recent years, and finding a berth is also very hard. Basically keeping a boat is too costly and that is why the industry cannot get back to its sales as before the 2008 crisis. Add to this the bubble created by the banks and financial institutions with the leasing schemes and easy credit, and that is why the boating world is going back to a more humble system as it worked in the nineties. Surely the picture is not sweet for the builders but I think if you are a buyer you are in a much better position compared to five or ten years ago, as the offer is also much wider which means that you have more choice.