March 24, 2011

Project: Viking 66 Convertible

After presenting four new models for the 2011 year, Viking shows again its way ahead with the presentation of the 66 Convertible project. This model is set to launch in the end of the coming Summer with a World showcasing target for the 2011 Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show in October. Sharing the sleek, aggressive stance of its new generation siblings, the profile of Viking 66 Convertible bespeaks power, speed and grace. The yacht’s interior is an expansive display of hand finished teak joinery with beyond custom quality workmanship including natural veneers that reveal warmth of beauty and detail rich in opulence. In the salon, your senses are delighted with a spacious layout that is both luxurious and practical for tournament campaign living, as well as cruising for a month at a time, or longer. Space is conveniently appropriated for dining, cooking and relaxing with generous accommodations for all. Viking benchmarks abound including a granite-topped island with 360 degrees, bar stools and under counter refrigeration in the galley opposite a roomy dinette. Aft, an L-shaped sofa with abundant stowage below is strategically placed to enjoy the sights and surround sound details from the 40-inch flat screen television that rises from the teak cabinetry. Special touches include a galley pantry forward with standing headroom, deep-pull-out drawers in the galley, and a day head aft conveniently placed immediately inside the electric opening fiberglass salon door. Below, four staterooms, each with its own head and fiberglass shower stall team with restful space with large, comfortable spring mattress berths for comfort and privacy. The master suite with its queen plus size berth flanked with end tables, and his and her maple-lined hanging lockers is particularly inviting. Cleverly designed crew quarters include private access to and from the engineroom. Note, too, that the offset companionway is thoughtfully designed to maximize traffic flow to the staterooms and laundry center, which includes a nearby linen closet. The flying bridge is a proven tournament design featuring a center console helm with electronic controls, superb visibility, plus amenities that include Murray Products teak ladder back helm seats, port, starboard, and forward lounge seating, refrigeration, and an Atlantic Marine Electronics’ navigation and communication package. Viking’s winning ways on the tournament circuit also are incorporated in the 174 square-foot cockpit with an observation mezzanine protected from wind and spray by the flying bridge overhang, refrigeration and freezer space, tackle and gear stowage, insulated wells for fish and bait, a transom door with lift gate, rounded coamings, under gunwale stowage, and a nonslip fiberglass sole. The 66 Convertible also benefits from advanced engineering and construction materials that deliver better performance, increased strength and reduced weight. The hull bottom is vacuumed-bagged end grain balsa skinned with high-tech knitted fiberglass laminates. Composite main engine room and forward bulkheads also are vacuumed-bagged. The molded fiberglass salon floor, engine room ceiling is foam cored to provide thermal and acoustical insulation. Interior teak cabinetry doors are cored for weight savings and stiffness. Mechanically, the 66 Convertible is equipped to live large in the wild. Viking’s proprietary VIPER power-assisted hydraulic steering features programmable independent rudders. At flank speeds the 66 Convertible will turn in two boat lengths with your fingertips on the wheel. The Delta-T engine room ventilation system uses thermostatically controlled supply and discharge fans for proper air circulation and water intrusion suppression. Pneumatically controlled air intake dampeners are integrated with the fire suppression system for added safety. A Moritz Octoplex touch screen power distribution system controls all AC/DC requirements at the salon main panel and at the helm on the flying bridge. Manually operated back-up systems are conveniently located throughout the yacht. When combined with optional MTU 2001hp engines, the new 66 Convertible will provide 40 knots performance with horsepower to spare for better efficiencies and longer range than its competitors. Standard power is MAN 1550hp. www.vikingyachts.com

March 23, 2011

New Model: Metamarine TNT 48 Replica

Metamarine new model has long since been announced as a project, but finally the TNT 48 Replica made its debut in the fall of 2010. The TNT 48 Replica has benefited of a high level research and design, that is much often unseen in power boat building today. Although the first Metamarine represents an evolution of stepped deep Vee hull, the improvement which this has undergone from the competing 46 Corsa sister is unique. Worth to remember is that the 46 Corsa has since 2005 participated in the top Evolution class of the UIM Endurance championship, and won the World title last year in 2010 a month before the presentation of this model. Metamarine also won the production Supersport class in 2004. Metamarine unique research has benefited into everything being done with thinking from engines which have always been diesel in the racing boats, Sollevamax trim tabs, and Variante surface drive propulsion. The TNT 48 Replica will also boast the usual powerboat style interior accommodation, sleeping four, and featuring a galley, and separate shower head. The power choice is also unique for these type of boats, as most of the competition which comes the USA has usually petrol gas power, with the 48 Replica featuring twin diesel engines from Isotta Fraschini or SeaTek which start at 850 and go up to 950hp. Propulsion comes also from inside with the Metamarine designed and build unique Variante surface drive system, which joins a trimming moving shaft with a rudder capability. Top speed is a safety limited of 85 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 14.7 m (48.2ft)
Beam - 2.80 m
Displacement - 7800 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 1150 l
Accommodation - 2 + 2
Max Persons - 8
Engines - 2 x Isotta Fraschini 850hp, SeaTek 850hp, 950hp
Speed - 85 knots limited max, 47 knots cruise
Range - 7 hours on cruise speed
Propulsion - Metamarine Variante surface drives
Construction - Vinilester resins, Kevlar, fiberglass
Certification - CE B

March 22, 2011

Project: Prestige 500 Flybridge

Prestige present the project for the 500 Flybridge project which based on the same hull lines as the 500 Express model. The 500 Flybridge will replace the 510 Flybridge and shares similar lines and Volvo IPS pods propulsion set up to the Express version. The design of the 500 Flybridge is entrusted to Garroni, Prestige Engineering department, J. de Premmorel for the concept, and J & J. Similar in all aspects minus the second helm up the 500 Flybridge offers a nice below sleeping are where we have a three double cabin layout with an owners suites being a silent at night mid ship full beam affair. To aft is a single crew cabin with heads. The saloon is also very interesting offering the nice galley astern layout with dining and lounging areas located to fore. The flybridge which is the novelty has an L-shaped settee to aft, sun pad to starboard side, and helm station to port.

March 21, 2011

New Model: Cigarette 42X Ducati

Cigarette Racing Team and Ducati presented the new 42X Ducati at the Miami International Boat Show; launching a collaboration between two legends of marine and motorcycle performance. The 42X Ducati is is the second collaboration in a one year period from Cigarette following what was done with the 46 AMG last year. The two performance icons have chosen to unveil the new model on Cigarette Racing Team's home turf in Florida; and the 42X Ducati edition delivers everything aficionados have come to expect from the performance brands. With literally dozens of championships between the two companies, the 42X Ducati comes from an unmatched performance heritage. The 42X Ducati will feature a massive 2,200hp rating, although the largest engine is the Mercury Racing SCI Dry Sump of 1075hp. Top speed is in the region of 104 knots or as it is referred in high performance boat 120 mph. The livery of the model is pure Ducati, in white with a red racing stripe representing the iconic Italian made motor cycle colors. A white interior boasting red accents features a specially designed stereo from JL Audio. Accommodation is for four berths.
Technical Data:
LOA - 12.64 m (41.6ft) ex optional bathing platform
Beam - 2.44 m
Draft - 0.91 m
Weight - 4898 kg
Fuel Capacity - 932 l
Accommodation - 4 berths
Engines - 2 x Mercury Racing SCI 700hp, SCI 850hp, SCI Dry Sump 1075hp
Propulsion - Mercury NXT stern drives
Speed - 104 knots

March 20, 2011

Projects: Benetti Sail Division 160 Logica, Benetti Sail Division 147 Logica, Benetti Sail Division 115 Logica

Benetti Sail Division from Viareggio presents the new Logica range of super yachts which will start at 98 and go up to 160 feet. This range will have six models and all will have a semi displacement hull, and be designed by Italian naval architect Luca Brenta. Three decks and bow coming from early twenty century design is a symbol of all the Logica designs. Pictured above is the rendering of the 160 Logica, the biggest in the current Benetti Sail Division offers. This super yacht will have a six double guest cabin interior, with an owners stateroom located on the main deck. Crew space is for nine members. Interesting are the running with a power of only two 1319hp Cat engines giving a 15 knots max, 14 of cruise, and a 10 economic speed. This last giving a range of 5700 nautical miles. The Benetti Sail Division 147 Logica project is the second in size project from this Viareggio Italy builder. Luca Brenta again present similar lines to the other Logica models, and an interior which offers the same sleeping capacity as the bigger sister. The 147 Logica in fact sleeps 12 guest in six suite. Crew space is also for nine persons. Power is just like the big sister from twin 1319hp Cat engines which interesting offer the same speeds; 15 knots max, 14 cruise and a 10 knots economic. The range at economic speed is a 4700 nautical miles, one thousand less to the bigger model but this happens because of less fuel tank capacity. The 115 Logica project sits at a very popular size from Benetti Sail Division. Again to a design of Luca Brenta the 115 Logica is a three deck super yacht with a twelve berths, six double suites interior. The owners room will be on the main deck. Crew space is for seven persons. Power is from twin MAN 1000hp which give a top speed of 14 knots, 13 of cruise, and 10 on economic run to the semi displacement hull. At economic 10 knots the range is 4100 nautical miles, before needing to refuel.

March 19, 2011

New Model: Sunseeker 115 Predator

Sunseeker presented the new 115 Predator at the January 2011 London show. This new model builds on the success of her award winning big sister, the 130 Predator. Although smaller in length, the 115 Predator retains many of the stunning characteristics that have made the 130 so successful. She has the exterior deck space of a Yacht but remains Predator in her look with an exemplary level of onboard luxury and, taking inspiration from the 34 Metre Yacht's accommodation plan, can comfortably accommodate a party of up to ten guests in five cabins, with a crew of five. An expansive aft cockpit, flybridge and foredeck social areas provide endless entertainment opportunities. For relaxation, the spacious flybridge features a large sunpad including spa tub, a large wet bar with stools, as well as generous seating area and tables for that perfect alfresco dining experience. By specifying the optional hard top, which supplies shade in the sun and beautiful down lighting for evening use, this area can be enjoyed at any time of the day. The helm on the forward starboard side of the flybridge provides an option for the vessel to be operated from outside rather than from the raised wheelhouse, while the main deck boasts a large aft cockpit including spacious lounge seating plus table and, if specified, a bar for drinks service. The saloon can include a long or short arrangement layout, dependent on the client's preference for additional inside or outside space. If the long saloon option is specified, the drinks service is moved from the aft cockpit and located on the aft starboard side, just forward of the main entrance doors. The full beam master stateroom is a stunning feature, more often seen on yachts much larger in size. Thanks to its considered layout, the owner enjoys maximum space and privacy. A further four guest cabins are incorporated on the lower deck - two doubles and two twins, each featuring the large panoramic trademark portlights which provide a wealth of natural light. There is an option for balconies on either side of the main deck saloon consisting of sliding patio doors and hinge-out bulwark sections, which open up magnificent seascapes and bring in more natural light, promoting the outside/inside feel so popular in design today. The Predator 115 has been built to RINA pleasure craft classifications with optional MCA LY2 short range yacht charter classification and the accommodation layout assures future-proof compliance with the latest crew cabin legislation. The vessel also accommodates a large aft tender garage for two jet bikes, and a tender up to five and a half metres plus launched from a hydraulic rise-and-fall transom platform. Power is from twin MTU 2640hp which drive an in line shaft in tunnel drives propulsion system. Speed is for a max of 26 knots, a cruise of 20, and an economic long range of 10 knots. Interestingly the 115 Predator can also be ordered with a long range about 25% extra fuel capacity package.
Technical Data:
LOA - 34.53 m (113.3ft)
Beam - 7.39 m
Draft - 2.38 m
Displacement - 135300 kg half load
Fuel Capacity - 14210 l or 19260 l optional long range
Water Capacity - 5050 l or 3000 l in optional long range
Accommodation - 10 guest berths in 4 cabins, 5 crew
Engines - 2 x MTU 2640hp
Propulsion - line shaft in semi tunnels, and fixed pitch propellers
Speed - 26 knots max, 20 knots, economic 10 knots
Range - 1250 nautical miles at 10 knots
Certification - RINA Pleasure, optional RINA Charter / MCA LY2 Short Range

March 18, 2011

Projects: Aguti 10m, Aguti 12m

Aguti Yachts from Germany follow the high acclaim its 20m sport yacht received for being first which combines traditional wooden shipbuilding techniques with high-tech composite technology. Following the success of its first model, Aguti present a smaller 10m sport day cruiser project. Again Aguti merge modern classic appearance and high end interior with the use of modern materials and ingenious details making the 10m a virtue. Intelligent solutions continue to come from Aguti with the flip extended bathing platform which doubles the swimming area, and the Bimini which comes as in magic from the windshield being ingenious features. Accommodation will be for a cockpit with sun lounge, C-shaped settee with central table, and helm station outside. A two berth interior is to be expected inside.
Andreas Grieger continues to increase the Aguti Yachts Family and has planned with his team a 12m. This project follows similar lines to the acclaimed 20m model, and again we see a classic of nostalgic past lines combined with modern ingenuity. So can be said for the flush deck and the bow flair which speaks tradition, and the hard top or the integrated hatches on the deck calling the future. The interior will offer a two plus two berth configuration with a forward double berth, and a mid ship cabin. Outside area offers two sunbeds with central passageway, two settees and galley. Power is by twin 370hp Volvo the 12m will reach a 40 knots max speed.

March 17, 2011

Improve-it = Menorquin MY100

Coming from its latest uplifting in the exterior looks, and new interior layout solution Menorquin again proposes the more affordable version of the 10 metre model from the MY100, which is distinguished by a standard equipment suited for those starting out to enjoy the sea, and which is being launched on the market at an even more competitive price. The effort Menorquin has invested in the optimization of the manufacturing processes is what has enabled them to offer this opportunity to start enjoying Slow Yachting with the entry level of its Yachts range. This is a model which maintains the quality exclusive to the brand, which we see reflected both in the materials and the care taken in the handcrafted finishes. The MY 100 called as Basic version takes noting from the new 2011 edition which offers a redefined interior offering six berths with two of these being fixed and the other four convertible, and has a maximum capacity for up to ten people on board. Its length of over ten metres takes full advantage of to achieve extraordinary habitability for this size of traditional cruiser. To achieve this, the galley and the dinette have been transferred to the wheelhouse, to form a shared space. The doors which provide access to the cabin open out completely to give way to the cockpit and fully connect the two areas.The lower deck is accessed via convenient stairs which lead in to a spacious central area, around which have been located: a separate washroom preceded by a handy wardrobe; a sofa which is convertible to a double bed port side; and the master cabin in the bow with a double bed, wardrobes and reading lights. As stated the MY 100 2011 edition new model write up a few weeks back got also renovated in the exterior design, renovated in keeping with the trend Menorquin is following, which gives expression to a more stylized hardtop shape. The attractive new features of the MY 100 2011 Basic version together with the Menorquin values and its attractive price, make it a very good option for Slow Yachting enthusiasts.

March 16, 2011

Propulsion: Flexitab FlexiDrive

A new concept of semi-submerged propulsion system composed by three typologies. The target of Flexitab engineers, in the field of pleasure craft, is aimed to improve the safety and the efficiency of the navigation, with all kind of boats. Flexidrive is an innovative propulsion system composed by a “body”, made of composite material: all the hydraulic components are enclosed inside and all the mechanical parts are connected to. Flexidrive is based on semi-submerged propellers concept, created and developed to increase the performances of the boat and its manouvrability; to help the installation and to enhance the efficiency. The research program called Flexidrive is built up from the cooperation among Flexitab, Victory Design and the University of Genoa and Naples. Developed specifically for pleasure craft, Flexidrive has been tested on the Dart, a 46 mono-hull totally designed by Victory Design. This boat, with two 600hp diesel engines, reached a maximum speed around 10 knots more than any other boat of equal displacement propelled by immersed propellers and a minimum planing speed of 12 knots. Flexidrive assured also an incredible manouvrability in port, same as traditional propulsion systems. Flexidrive has been designed using the Finite Element Method which allows for optimization of structures in terms of maximum resistance and minimum weight. The Flexidrive body is made of composite materials; the propeller axis case is made of light aluminium alloy with anti-corrosional surface treatment. Flexidrive has three range of products. Energy for working boats, super yachts and high-displacement fisherman. This family has fixed drive and is designed to reach the maximum performance at medium-low speed usual for this kind of boats. It is available in 6 models, with an indicative power range from 300hp to 2800hp. Power for planing pleasure and high-speed working boats, such as contemporary open and fast guard-ship. This family has a trimmable drive to improve the performance of the hull and to reach the best result during all kind of navigation. Flexitab engineers worked to obtain the maximum manouvrability, quick planing and tacking. It is available in 5 models, with an indicative power range from 500hp to 2800hp. Speed created for light displacement and very fast boats (like, for example, the offshore and the fast-commuter), single and multi-hull. Like the Power models, also Speed family has trimmable drive and the external steering system is made of light aluminium alloy with a special high-tensile stainless steel rudder. It is available in 2 models, with an indicative power range from 500hp to 1500hp. Power and Speed models have the trimmable drive. In this way the driver has always the control of the boat, correcting the trim during the navigation in every sea state. The advantages are many: better cruising comfort, less fuel consumption and better performances. As all the Flexitab components, also the Flexidrive has been designed to facilitate the shipyard work: the installation is fast and easy and doesn’t require any compromise for the hull design.

March 15, 2011

New Launch: Spencer Yachts 66 hull.67

Spencer Yachts continues to improve itself with each new custom launch representing a way forward from its previous build. The 66 is one of the latest constructed sportfish yachts from the North Carolina located Spencer and is a fully custom build, constructed in traditional cold molding method, with modern technology being used in the form of a foam core by the name of Corecell used above the water line. Interior accommodation offers four cabins sleeping a total of seven. Owners stateroom which features an en-suite shower head is located to mid ship port side. The interior of the first 66 was finished in light oak finish, with Wenge wood inserts in the lower deck. Power for the 66 is twin Cats 1825hp which give a cruise speed of 33 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 20.1 m (66ft)
Beam - 5.63 m
Draft - 1.98 m
Displacement - 30844 kg
Fuel Capacity - 7760 l
Water Capacity - 1135 l
Accommodation - 7 berths in 4 cabins
Engines - 2 x Cats C32 Acerts 1825hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 33 knots cruise
Hull - modified Vee with 9 degrees deadrise aft
Construction - cold moulded wood with fiberglass, epoxy. Corecell core used above waterline.
Project - Paul Spencer
www.spenceryachtsinc.com