May 25, 2011

New Model: Beneteau 32 Antares

Beneteau launches its seventh model of the Antares inboard engines line up, the 32 flybridge model.  Sitting the middle of the range the 32 Antares is again a design of Beneteau Power Boats, and Sarazin and is based on the hull lines of the 30 model with the main difference being a twin engine choice.  For this not so big cruiser the Beneteau design team was inspired by the looks of the larger Antares models.  Inside the 32 Antares offers two cabins with a main deck having a galley, saloon which transforms to an additional double berth, and lower helm.  The owners room is located to fore, and a two berth with bunks guest cabin is located to port side.  Power is from twin 200hp diesel engines with shafts, this being also a major difference from the 30 Antares model on which the 32 is based.  On this hull form Beneteau has been clever to release three different models; 30, 30S, and 32 Antares all suiting to different client needs.
Technical Data:
LOA - 10.22 m (33.5ft)
Hull Length - 9.22 m
Beam - 3.33 m
Draft - 0.95 m
Displacement - 4515 kg light
Fuel Capacity - 440 l
Water Capacity - 145 l
Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths
Max Persons - 10
Engines - 2 x 200hp Diesel engines
Propulsion - direct line shaft
Project - Beneteau Power Boats, Sarazin interior
Certification - CE B8, C10, D10

May 24, 2011

Engine: John Deere PowerTech 6090AFM75 425hp

John Deere Power Systems is pleased to announce its newest marine engine displayed for the first time at the 2011 Miami Boat Show in February 2011. The PowerTech 6090AFM75 marine diesel engine is the newest addition to the John Deere lineup and boasts up to 425hp. The new PowerTech 6090AFM75 has 9.0L of displacement and is a six cylinder, electronically controlled, turbocharged and air-to-engine coolant aftercooled marine engine. Vertical fuel injectors provide clean burning for lower emissions and improved fuel economy.
www.deere.com

New Model: Mustang 32

Mustang first new model the 32 has been much expected since the company was taken over by boat builder Bill Barry-Cotter more or less about a year ago.  Bill Barry-Cotter is today owner of Maritimo and founded Riviera about three decades ago. The 32 brings many of the style of the recently introduced Maritimo sports cruiser series in a smaller package.  From the photos on the web site I say that the Mustang 32 feels much more to its size, from a three side enclosed cockpit and spacious aft deck entertaining area.  This last features a large L-shape lounge that runs along the port side and curves around the transom, a dinette table can convert this lounge into a great day bed, forward helm on the starboard side with companion seats, and a well equipped galley opposite to port side.  A companionway leads to the accommodation of a master cabin forward with an island double bed and hanging lockers. A second two bunk berths cabin is on the starboard side and the bathroom is to port.  May be the only disappointment for the new Mustang model is for a standard single 380hp gas Mercruiser engine, which decreases the cruising capability of this intersting entry level sport cruiser.  So far the optional engine choices have not been announced, but surely would be good even on a global market perspective to have twin engines petrol gas or diesel fuel choice.
Technical Data:
LOA - 9.67 m (32.4ft)
Hull Length - 9.67 m
Beam - 3.75 m
Draft - 1.05 m
Displacement - 5000 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 550 l
Water Capacity - 130 l
Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins
Engine - 1 x Mercruiser 8.2 Mag 380hp
Propulsion - Mercruiser stern drive

May 23, 2011

John E. Leek Jr. 1930 - 2011

Leek, John E., Jr. 81 - of Egg Harbor City, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 22, 2011 at his favorite place on earth, his home on the Mullica River. Born in Egg Harbor City, he was a lifetime area resident. Mr. Leek was a partner and business owner of C.P. Leek & Sons Boat Builders, Pacemaker Boat Co. and Ocean Yachts. His families' boat building history goes back to the Revolutionary War times. He served our country during the Korean War in the US Army and was stationed in Whitesands, New Mexico. He was in fellowship with St. Johns Church of Christ, and was a founding member and long time supporter of Key-Rec. He was a former Egg Harbor City Council Member, and served on the board of the National Marine Manufacturers. He was an avid outdoors man and enjoyed duck hunting and sport fishing. Mr. Leek is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Beatrice (Yanko); his sons, John E. III (Pamela) of Galloway, and Ralph N. (Donna) of Sweetwater; his grandchildren, John (Rebecca), Lauren (Scott), Ryan, Samantha, and Heather; also, his sister-in-law, Betty Evangelist; nephews, Donald Leek, David Leek, Joseph Petrilli (Toni), and David Evangelist (Lynn); and his niece, Lynn Roesch (Richard).

Projects: Menorquin E56 Hardtop, Menorquin E56 Flybridge

After presenting the project of Menorquin's E43 model, the Spanish island boat builder showcases the larger E56 project of its new enviromently friendly range which is set to launch next year 2012.  The Efficient Line from Menorquin is the answer to more green Eco boating, and if the E43 showed this, the E56 displays it even more with hybrid power also being one of the optional power choices.  Apart having new underwater shapes set to deliver better speeds with less power both the Efficient Line models will aim for superior RINA Green Star environment certification. As the E43, the E56 is available in Hardtop and Flybridge versions and is to be powered by pods.  But different to the smaller soon to launch E43 model is that it will use the aft looking dual propeller ZF instead of the Volvo IPS. Huge spaces are to be found in all areas of the E56 and the theme continues as shown outside of a modern classic style.  Impressive is the large aft deck with two settees to a two interior choice of three double cabins, and a crew. The major difference in the choice is that on the optional version the galley moves down, reserving the main saloon for lounging activities, and for this you loose a third guest head. The above picture version is the hardtop which offers more streamlined sport lines, but loosing the second helm and the additional space a fly deck gives.    
The E56 Flybridge adds a fly deck second helm in replacement to the hardtop.  I suppose the E56 Flybridge will be more popular then the Hardtop model. Being very extended and add spacious, the flybridge deck presents an extra area of relaxation featuring a helm to port side, C-shape settee with table to starboard, and a wet bar behind this.  The flybridge of the E56 on these plans seems to be about double the size to that of the current in production largest Menorquin C180.  Menorquin has decided to leave the aft fly deck area free, which can be a space to fill with chaise loungers or where to put an extra tender or PWC.  Power for the Menorquin E56 Flybridge is for engines up to twin 480hp which should give a cruise speeds of up to 15 knots.  

May 21, 2011

New Model: Cantiere Delle Marche 86 Darwin

Cantiere Delle Marche launched hull one of the 86 Darwin, the first in a series of explorer type 24 meters plus in size super yacht.  The 86 Darwin was designed by Sergio Cutolo for the external lines and all the engineering, while architects Floris and Veglia are responsible for the interiors. For the external lines Sergio Cutolo as his experience in explorer type yachts suggests puts strong references to the proportions and style of work boats, with a soft but "masculine" draft where the use of sharp edges are almost abandoned. With a length of 26 meters overall and a beam of over seven meters the 86 Darwin has a steel hull and aluminum superstructure and is characterized by internal volumes typical of larger boats.  She has over 350 squared meters of internal and external surfaces available in three decks for eight guests in four cabins. From a technical standpoint, the hull has been developed and optimized in order to ensure the achievement of high speed, relatively to the type of boat, without penalizing the performance at low speeds at which the maximum value of autonomy is realized. With two 384hp Cat engines the 86 Darwin can reach a top speed of 11 knots, and a cruise of ten can give a 7000 nautical miles range.  The Cantiere delle Marche is currently building a second 86 Darwin, which will be delivered before the end of the year and there are advanced negotiations for future boats.
Technical Data:
LOA - 26.04 m (85.4ft)
Length - 23.99 m
Hull Length - 22.87 m
Beam - 7.43 m
Draft - 2.30 m
Displacement - 185 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 42000 l
Water Capacity - 2300 l
Accommodation - 8 + 2 guest berths in 4 cabins, 5 to three crew cabins
Engines - 2 x Cats C12 384hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 11 knots max, 10 knots cruise
Range - 7000 nm at 10 knots
Project - Sergio Cutolo lines and hull, Floris and Veglia interior
Certification - Lloyds, RINA Class, and MCA

May 20, 2011

Project: Sessa 45 Fly

Sessa present the project for the 45 Fly, set to be presented in the fall of this year.  This model when launched will represent Sessa second flybridge model following the 54 Fly presented almost two years ago, and the seventh boat to be powered by IPS.  The 45 Fly will also offer four variations to its theme able to suite global customer needs. As has been done by Sessa in recent years designer Christian Grande and the Sessa team explore modern ideas both outside and inside.  I like how the 45 Fly looks outside with a sleek sporty line compared to other similar sized flybridge cruisers with some unedited design touches.  Here I am obviously speaking for the stern, with two uprights reminiscent of super yacht architecture forming a big window creating an openwork shade to provide shelter from the cold and from curious eyes, so that it is possible to dine outside without attracting unwanted attention.  The Sessa will also offer a very spacious lower deck about seventeen squared meters with a three double cabins, and two private shower heads layout.  But all areas of the 45 Fly seems to be spacious form the living main deck, to the flybridge this offering seating space for up to ten people, plus a sun pad, and a fully equipped wet bar dinette.  Power is from Volvo 435hp engines with IPS600 pod propulsion.  

May 19, 2011

New Model: Nimbus 31 Nova S HT

Nimbus unveiled the new 31 Nova S HT at the Göteborg Boat Show. The boat is a hardtop version of the fall 2010 launched 31 Nova S. The hardtop version is aimed primarily at boating people wanting to prolong the season or who prefer to ride in well-sheltered comfort irrespective of the time of year. On sunny days the large canvas roof rolls back easily. In addition to the characteristic sidewalks, the boat features a large afterdeck that lies flush with the bathing platform. This enhances freedom of movement aboard and simplifies loading up. Like the standard 31 Nova S the HT is also a further development of the popular 30 Nova S, which has topped the Nimbus sales charts in recent years. The new Nimbus 31 Nova has, unlike its predecessor, a generously proportioned L-sofa and table fitted to the afterdeck and which can quickly be transformed into a large sun bed. Another new feature is the new and innovative fender stowage at the transom. The focus has been on providing more socialising space and features for family and friends. Now fitted with a roof, the boat is still more suitable for year-round use.  Power is from single stern drive Volvo engines from 260 up to 330hp.
Technical Data:
LOA - 9.60 m (31.4ft)
Beam - 3.10 m
Displacement - 4220 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 300 l
Water Capacity - 130 l
Engine - 1 x Volvo D4 260hp, D4 300hp, D6 330hp
Propulsion - Volvo Penta dual prop DPH stern drive

May 18, 2011

Project: Absolute 40 Fly

Absolute presents its 40 Fly project, what will be the third model in the new flybridge range from the Italian builder.  This project set to launch for the fall of this year follows on the exterior design schemes as present by the other two; 43 and 50 Fly models launched in the end of 2010.  As is usual to Absolute the 40 Fly is a modern looking flybridge cruiser with large view windows featured both in the main and lower cabin decks.  The 40 Fly offers a two cabin layout accommodation with what looks on plan rather spacious for this size personal shower heads.  Owners stateroom is to be located to fore, and the guest cabin with two single berths which can transform to a double is to mid ship using full beam and in a layout usually found on a sport cruiser of this size.  Between the two cabins is to be found the L-shaped galley.  The flybridge is a spacious place of the 40 Fly, and has a sunbathing area in the forward part, and settee which can seat six people.  Interesting is also the six door part patio door which joins easily the external aft deck with the internal saloon.  Power will be from Volvo engines with a choice of stern drive or IPS pods.  Interesting statistic for the 40 Fly is that it is the tenth out of eleven models in the Absolute fleet which will use the Volvo IPS propulsion. Since 2006 Absolute has shown huge following to Volvo's IPS pod propulsion being the major production builder in model terms using it.

May 17, 2011

New Model: Wider 42

Could we have expected anything less from the founder of Pershing in what is today among the leading brands World wide in the medium Sport Yacht sizes.  This is in synthesis what I think of the revolution that comes from Wider, the new company of Tilli Antonelli which he founded in 2010 and a year later to this launches its innovative first 42 model.  The Wider 42 is many things in one but most of all it is a sport cruiser with super unthinkable day enjoying ability.  Saying it is a revolution is spot on but even this does not synthesize the Wider 42; from its expandable medium deck space, to its Private water craft carrying capability, and a host of innovative features on the electronics front.  Some spaces and capabilities of the Wider 42 are unthinkable for boats even ten feet or more larger, but this is where transformation and geniality come to place. Wider 42 also offers overnight accommodation for two persons in a cabin with shower head located below to fore.  Performance is another achievement of the Wider 42 having fast performance even with standard Yanmar 370hp engines which give a 44 knots max speed.  More to this and a 53 knots top end is given by Cummins 480hp optional choice.  The Wider is everything high technology and modern one could imagine and for this the company already received six orders on paper for the new model, which in today market is something very rare if not impossible.  Now the Wider concept moves on and after this model a 35 with a similar concept to the 42 should follow, and a 50 offering more in the cabin area.  About the last I am very intrigued!
Technical Data:
LOA - 12.9 m (42.4ft)
Beam - 3.50 m
Beam with opened configuration - 6.60 m
Draft - 0.88 m
Displacement - 6.2 t unloaded, 9 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 1000 l
Water Capacity - 250 l
Max Persons - 12
Accommodation - 2 berths
Engines - 2 x Yanmar 8LV 370hp, Cummins QSB 5.9 480hp
Propulsuon - Arneson surface drives
Speed - 44 knots max with Yanmar 370hp, 53 knots with Cummins 480hp
Hull - two steps deep Vee
Project - Fulvio De Simoni, Wider, Mark B. Wilson hull
Certification - CE B, standard safeties for six persons