Project: Aquastar 75

Following the success of the Aquastar 74, which has been in production for ten years the Jersey company releases details of a new replacement 75 model project. The new Aquastar 75 is styled by Design Unlimited and shows, strength and integrity with contemporary looks. Aquastar boats are known for all round sea keeping ability and this new luxury vessel retains all of those qualities which have been proven over many years on commercial boats. A further benefit is a very comfortable hull in a head sea that will not suffer pounding of a planing hull driven at speed. Owners can sleep in comfort on passage and enjoy arriving at their destination fully refreshed. With the latest technology built in at every stage, it goes without saying she will be fitted with full stabilization that also works at anchor. The Aquastar can also be easily handled by two people, being fitted with remotely controlled hydraulic bow and stern thrusters. The bathing deck platform is hydraulically operated which gives easy access to the water and makes the launching of a tender simple. The interior has an imaginative layout and offers a custom accommodation pla with an efficient helm station. Power for the Aquastar 75 is twin Cats 1150hp shaft drive as the standard fit which has an estimated project top speed of 24 knots, and a smaller 860hp is available as option.
www.aquastar.gg

New Model: Formula 310 FX5

Formula launch the 310 FX5, with official presentation coming in February at the Miami show. This new model is the second in the upmarket FX range, which is based on the three models of the Sun Sport line. The 310 FX5 is in fact a 310 Sun Sport dressed in more luxurious clothes, and more powerful engines. Everything in the FX5 is in fact up market from the spray outside here in hull one being in silver grey, to the cockpit upholstery, helm station, and the interior of the cabin. Power is also an only choice of the top unit of the 310 being twin Mercruiser Petrol gas of 380hp each.
Technical Data:
LOA - 9.45 m (31ft)
Beam - 2.90 m
Draft - 0.94 m
Displacement - 4423 kg
Fuel Capacity - 492 l
Water Capacity - 110 l
Accommodation - 2 berths
Engines - 2 x Mercruiser 8.2 Mag EC
Propulsion - Mercruiser Bravo Three X dual propeller stern drive
Hull Shape - deep Vee 22 degrees dead rise
Certification - NMMA
www.formulaboats.com

Engine: MerCruiser 4.3 MPI ECT 220hp

MerCruiser present the new 4.3 MPI ECT Emissions Control Technology engine, the latest in a comprehensive lineup of catalyzed engines ranging from 135 to 430hp. Just released the 4.3 MPI ECT is rated at 220hp and is designed to power everything from family runabouts to cruisers and houseboats. The catalyzed engine provides clean power that meets EPA and California Air Resources Board emissions regulations, ensuring the engine can be registered without limitations. The 4.3 MPI ECT complete with new fresh styling, joins six other catalyzed engines in the MerCruiser stern drive lineup, including the 3.0 MPI ECT, 5.0 MPI ECT, 350 MAG ECT, 377 MAG ECT, 8.2 MAG ECT and 8.2 MAG H.O. ECT. Like the popular non-catalyzed version, the 4.3 MPI ECT is built with a reliable V6 GM cast iron base engine, offering the exclusive Engine Guardian Protective system and is compatible with Alpha and Bravo drives. The Mercury Marine engineering team has developed an engine that not only performs on-par with the non-catalyzed version, but also is quieter and more fuel efficient. In recent tests, the 4.3 MPI ECT proved to be 5 to 10 percent better in fuel efficiency at cruising speeds and 5 percent quieter in pass by noise measurements. Boat builders and service technicians will appreciate the simplified installation process and increased serviceability of this engine, which includes an easy-to-reach hot stud location, an easy to access oil cap, improved dipstick, color coded service points and easy maintenance features. The 4.3 MPI ECT is available with MerCruiser’s exclusive SeaCore System with corrosion protection and SmartCraft Integrated Marine Technology. 

www.mercurymarine.com

New Model: Nord West 430 SportsTop

A very anticipated and expected debut from Sweden's Nord West which present the 430 model in both its forms; SportsTop with hard top and Sport open at the Gothenburg, Swedish boat show. Here at PowerYacht we show you the exclusive first pictures of the 430 SportsTop which as is usual to Nord West will challenge its other European competitors for the versatility of this sport cruiser, and the choice it gives to the owner. This starts from propulsion in stern drive or IPS pod, to a two or three double cabin interior choice. The choice of the interior of the 430 is also impressive offering three choices. From the standard two en-suited cabins layout, three cabins with cabin three being a single berth with personal head ideally suited if you carry a crew, and last a three double choice with a single shower head. For the exterior looks of the 430, designer but also company owner Benny Martinsson took a lot from the successful 370 SportsTop model with everything being bigger and more spacious. The hull is also same as the multi prized Nord West 420 Flybridge which has been acclaimed as one of the best handling IPS propelled boats around. The 430 SportsTop is powered by twin Volvo 370 or 435hp engines, this last available only with IPS600 pods, with the standard smaller unit available as both stern drive and IPS500.

Technical Data:

LOA - 13.5 m (44.2ft)

Beam - 3.90 m

Draft - 1.20 m

Displacement - 12 t

Fuel Capacity - 2 x 575 l

Water Capacity - 500 l

Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths in 2 cabins, 6 + 2 berths in 3 cabins

Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 370hp, D6 435hp

Propulsion - Volvo DP Stern drive, Volvo IPS pod drive

Project - Benny Martinsson, JIB Design Tooling

Certification - CE B

www.nordwest.se

Improve-it = Heesen 47m YN 15147

Heesen Yachts has recently launched the sixth vessel in the 47 Metre displacement class. The 47.00 meter is a design that results from the close collaboration of Heesen in house naval architects and Frank Laupman from Omega Architects, who conceived her stream-lined exterior design with its pelican beak bow. The 47 Metre displacement class is renowned for its fine entry at the bow, which incorporates an efficient bulb, its notable top speed of 15,5 Knots and an excellent range of 4.000 Nm at 12 knots. The yacht’s elegant superstructure combined with the sloped wheelhouse windows give M/Y Air a particularly sleek appearance. YN 15147, M/Y Air is sister ship to YN 12247, M/Y Yalla (2004), YN 13147, M/Y Let it Be (2006), YN 13547 M/Y Mon Plaisir (2007), YN 14047 M/Y Elandess (2008), and YN 14347, M/Y Blind Date (2009). Three further 47-metre yachts are currently in build: YN 15347 scheduled for delivery in 2011, YN 15747 and YN 16347 for delivery in 2012. YN 15147 interior has been designed by Frank Laupman from Omega Architects, who created a classic contemporary style that makes use of ultra-modern loose furniture to create a cosy environment. The décor incorporates details in leather, brushed stainless steel and burl to make the atmosphere even warmer. For strategic wood finishes, Laupman chose Japanese elm (Sen) veneer, an exotic pale timber whose strong veins have been brushed and lacquered in satin gloss, and skilfully positioned these adjacent to a darker American walnut to create a sophisticated and at the same time natural atmosphere. M/Y Air accommodates the owner and ten guests in five cabins, four of these on the lower deck, and an owner’s suite traditionally located on the forward part of the main deck. Like the owner’s suite, one of the two VIP cabins that extend across the yacht’s full-beam offers a full bathroom, while all the other guests cabins have en suite shower rooms. The remaining two guest cabins are located on either side of a central passageway, with the cabin on the port side being a double, while to starboard is a twin cabin fitted with additional pullman beds that descend from the deck head. For added versatility, the two single beds in this latter cabin can be easily transformed into a double.The yacht’s eight crew members are accommodated in four cabins, all provided with ensuite shower rooms, while the captain’s cabin is located on the upper deck with direct access to the bridge.The main saloon is divided into three areas, a lobby, lounge, and a formal dining area where all twelve guests are able to be seated around a rectangular table finished in Matt wengé. Perhaps the most striking feature of M/Y Air’s interior is the theatre room located on the upper deck. This incorporates a Panasonic 103" HD Plasma Screen, one of the biggest currently available on the market complemented by a full 7.1 Steinway Lyngdorf Audio System. This unique audio installation, designed specifically for M/Y Air, includes two flagship Model D speakers standing nearly 7 feet tall on either side of the plasma screen. These speakers, together with the center and four surround speakers, are hand-finished in the same high-gloss black piano finish famously used on Steinway & Sons pianos and accented with 24k gold. To complete the system, are five Dual Woofers, three located below the plasma screen and two custom-built woofers in the deck head to the rear. The system uses 6.400 Watts of power to provide flawless reproduction of music and movie sound tracks. A Custom iPad controls the whole system with both Crestron and Cisco.
www.heesenyachts.com

Web: O.B.P. New Web Site

Italian OBP updates its new global virtual web showroom to a new platform. Founded in 2007, the story of OPB is of a small boat yard located in Rome, Italy which launched its first model the S35 in 2008. The yard has now in project other models a 45, 55 and 65 models which will be separated in two ranges both dedicated to the Sportfisherman; that of the hard top Gran Turismo, or the open Altura. The total line up will include nine models from 35 to 65 feet. OBP new website is available in Italian and English language and takes you around with the following buttons; Home, Models, Yard, Services, and Contacts.
www.obp.it

New Model: Galeon 385 Open

Galeon continue the presentation of the 385 series model, first presented as HTS i.e hard top sports in Cannes 2010, and now premiering the 385 Open in gold color at Dusseldorf, Germany. As was the case for the HTS, the 385 Open designed by Tony Castro shows impressive good looks which are complemented by very spacious spaces inside, and outside. But apart the forward looking radar arch design which cater for more hands in the air experience, hull one of the 385 Open also offered the novelty for having a hydraulic up and down bathing platform which gives the benefit and possibility of carrying a second and larger tender aft. The extended platform also increases length by 120 centimeters to the standard 385 bringing the length overall to 44 feet, and also makes it one of the first stern drive powered boats to offer this option. For the rest the 385 Open continues its grand spaces everywhere. The outside impresses for its single floor layout which offers a C-shaped settee, chaise lounge to port, and helm station, galley to starboard. Here the impressive area is the settee which underneath just like magic you also have a well spaced tender garage which can stow a 2.60 meter in length water craft. Down below the space is for two cabins both with en suite heads; owners stateroom to fore, double or two single scissor movement bed to aft, C-shaped dinette, and L-shaped galley. Power for the 385 Open is over seven engine choices from Volvo and Volkswagen which start from twin 225hp up to 370hp. This last option gives a top speed of 40 knots max. Start up base engine is a twin Volvo 270hp petrol which gives a competitive price, especially if you consider the high quality the 385 shows in all areas, which comes complete the renowned Tony Castro design both above and below the waterline.
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.46 m (44.1ft) with extended bathing platform
LOA - 12.26 m without optional platform
Hull Length - 11.99 m
Beam - 3.84 m
Draft - 0.79 m
Displacement - 10460 kg light
Fuel Capacity - 950 l
Water Capacity - 450 l
Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths
Max Persons - 10
Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 225hp, D4 300hp, D6 330hp, D6 370hp, Volkswagen TDI 225hp, TDI 265hp, Petrol 2 x Volvo GXIE 270hp
Propulsion - Volvo DPH stern drive
Speed - 40 knots max with D6 370hp
Project - Tony Castro
Certification - CE B
www.galeon.pl 

Project: Apreamare 66 Maestro

Apreamare presents the project of the 66 Maestro, evolution of the 65 which launched this innovative styled motor yacht range from Naples South Italy builder five years ago. Designed as all the Apreamare Maestro range by Zuccon International Project, the 66 will improve all the areas over the previous 65 model, thanks to the use of Volvo IPS forward looking pod propulsion. Thanks to the use of the 2005 presented innovative Volvo propulsion the Apreamare 66 Maestro will have a larger full beam mid ship owners cabin, and a more spacious crew room with direct access to the engine room. While on the task of evolving this model Apreamare also improved other areas; the dinette on the main deck, aft deck now with a fixed table and settee, flybridge which is now larger thanks to a further extension, and the choice of having an open fly with mast or a new alternative hard top version. The standard power of the 66 Maestro will be twin Volvo 756hp engines, with IPS-3 1050 forward looking dual propeller pods propulsion with speeds estimates being of a 30 knots max, and 26 cruise speed.
www.apreamare.it

New Model: Beneteau 34 Flyer Gran Turismo

Presented at the fall of 2010, the Flyer Gran Turismo range from Beneteau replaces and reedits the small Monte Carlos. The 34 Flyer Gran Turismo launched at the Paris show completes the so far two model line up of this new range from Beneteau. As was the case for the 38 launched in September which reedited the 37 Monte Carlo, the 34 Flyer Gran Turismo builds its foundations of hull and layout both inside and outside on the 32 Monte Carlo. For this new model designer Andreani updates the hard top super structure looks, now with more windows and having an extended roof cover better the aft part of the cockpit. Interior accommodation offers a four berth layout; convertible Vee-berth to fore, double cabin at mid ship, separate shower head, and galley. Power is from two choices of twin Volvo petrol 300hp, or diesel 200hp with dual propeller stern drives, and the patented Air Step delivering better efficiency.
Technical Data:
LOA - 10.0 m (32.8ft)
Hull Length - 9.67 m
Beam - 3.35 m
Draft - 1.10 m
Displacement - 5380 kg light
Fuel Capacity - 490 l
Water Capacity - 100 l
Accommodation - 2 + 2 berths
Max Persons - 8 persons
Engines - 2 x Volvo 5.7 GIP 300hp Petrol, Volvo D3 200hp Diesel
Propulsion - Volvo DPS or ZD dual propeller stern drive
Hull Shape - modified Vee with Air Step
Project - Andreani Design, Beneteau Power Boats
Construction - sandwich balsa core, polyester resin and glass fiber
Certification - CE B and C
www.beneteau.com

Substance Versus Looks

The title of my monthly blogger is not about a recent boat show visit, but more about the web sites of some of the major boat and yacht builders. Having made the previous 1998 till 2008 in growth, the website of some boat builders do in fact look impressive, and extraordinary with some of them even out classing those of much bigger industries as is the car or fashion related brands industry.

So what's wrong with this one might tell me, being a luxury industry a yacht brand web showroom has to look and impress. The problem is that in recent times these websites do not see a lot of updates, and the more flashy they look the less it happens. Sometimes a new model photos, or project rendering do really take a lot to come by. We can say you are even lucky if they ever do. The reason here is cost cutting, as a flashy high profile website is also very expensive to run and maintain. Surely not informing of what's happening about your company and brand in this time and moment is not good, as being not active can mean to some buyers that things are not running well at the moment, or that you are in big trouble. Today having a well updated website does mean as much as attending to a major boat show.

A lesson to learn here is given by some US boat builders who actually have a blog to keep its customers, and brand followers on the loop of whats happening in the company. One such blog is that of Back Cove which is always updated and really follows whats happening inside the yard. You have posts from a weekly or monthly basis which shows the yard and new model renderings, and updates shown and discussed online. Without having a Back Cove by visiting there Blog you feel part of there family, which is always a good feeling if you are interested to purchase in a brand.

So if you are a boat builder I actually suggest to reduce the costly flashy stuff at the moment, and show to customers how a boat is build from project renderings to actual building stages and improvements. I think communicating that building a boat is totally different then producing a car would be important in the future to move forward for the yachting industry, showing the more natural man work process of construction that a yacht has, being it a ten or thirty meter plus super yacht.