New Model: Carver 54 Voyager

Carver presents the 54 Voyager a flybridge motor yacht of American concept but having the European influence in the looks. The yacht's eye catching profile is configured as a true pilot house, incorporating a spacious fly bridge, lower helm choice, and highly functional split level salon which joins with the aft cockpit in a logical symmetry.  There is also an interior stair case from the saloon to the flybridge. Down below the Carver 54 Voyager sleeps six in three separate cabins; owners stateroom to midships, VIP to fore, and bunk twin guest room to port side.  The owners room is a full beam affair, with en-suite shower head.  A second guest shower head services the guests.   Power is from Volvo or Cat engines from 500 up 575hp, with traditional reliable line shaft propulsion.  A worth note is the considerable fuel capacity of 3000 liters, which with not so big engines should give a good range for a planning motor yacht of seventeen meters in size. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 17.1 m (56.3ft)

Hull Length - 16.3 m

Beam - 4.6 m

Draft - 1.5 m

Displacement - 23360 kg loaded

Fuel Capacity - 3028 l

Water Capacity - 757 l

Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins

Engines - 2 x Volvo D9 EVC 500hp, D9 EVC 575hp, Cats C9 575hp

Propulsion - line shafts  

Construction - solid fiberglass hull bottom with Kyntex substrates and Vinilester barrier coat

www.carveryachts.com

Project: Palm Beach PB45 Express

Palm Beach Motor Yacht from down under Australia presents the project for a new entry level PB45 Express model.  This new project which should be launched in 2012, will feature the usual down East lobster boat lines this builder presents with a super structure having that extra more modern looks to it.  The PB45 Express will offer various options for its layout plans with a total five choices.  Single or twin cabin, astern or lower deck galley are few of the combinations available.  Engines will be twin Volvo with IPS pods propulsion, although power numbers are not yet announced on the official site.   

www.palmbeachmotoryachts.com

New Model: Storebro 435 Suntop

Storebro launched the Storebro 435 Suntop in late Spring 2011.  This model is based on the successful 435 Commander, but with a lower headroom, and a half sundeck, the rest sunroof and opening hatches replacing the flybridge area.  A fold away masts is also a part of the package, this being made to pass under bridges, and make inland waterways cruising easily.  Inside is finished with the well known Storebro Mahogany wood.  A spacious split level saloon which feels to that of a much bigger boat welcomes you inside.  Below is space for two double cabins with owners room to fore, and an innovative second guest cabin.  The layout of the guest cabin offers flexibility, basically this is a miniature suite of two comfortable berths, sofa and ensuite head. But if required the sofa can convert into a two meter berth, and the two single beds can also transform to another double sleeping four people comfortably.  Power is from twin Volvo 370hp giving max speeds of 30 knots.

Technical Data:

LOA - 13.2 m (43.2ft)

Beam - 3.9 m

Draft - 1.00 m

Displacement - 9.5 tons dry ex water and fuel

Fuel Capacity - 2 x 500 l

Water Capacity - 400 l

Accommodation - 6 berths

Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 370hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed  - 30 knots max, canal cruise 7 knots

Certification - CE B

www.storebro.se

Project: Hinckley T34

Hinckley presents the project for a new T34. This models follows suit to other Hinckley's with down East lobster boat traditional looks.  Hinckley say that a difference is this model will also be a simpler level of detail as standard. The lines of the Hinckley T34 clearly carry on the family tradition established by the Picnic Boat. The signature curve from rooftop to cockpit coaming, the tumble home, and the half-round toe rail describing the sheer line are familiar hallmarks. Brand watchers will also recognize the patented Jetstick at the helm and the boat’s less to two feet of draft.  Below the T34 will offer a convertible Vee berth sleeping two, galley, and a separate shower head.  Standard power will be twin Yanmar 260hp or optional Volvo 300 with fan estimated max speed up to 35 knots.

www.hinckleyyachts.com 

New Model: Absolute 40 STY

Sharing hull with the Absolute 40 Fly is the 40 STY, also launched as the flybridge sister in the fall 2011 boat shows.  Designed by the Absolute Research and Development Lab, the 40 STY is a fully enclosed sport cruiser with patio door, and large window surfaces.  A very huge beam of over four meters allows for spacious interior accommodation, with two large cabins both served with en-suite head located below deck.  The owners room is located to fore, and in between the cabins is an L-shaped galley.  Two extra berths are also obtainable by transforming the C-shaped dinette located to port side on the main deck.  Huge view windows service all the cabins, and the interior areas.  Power is from twin Volvo 300 or 330hp engines, with more fuel saving stern drive or easier to handle IPS pods propulsion as choice. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 12.05 m (39.5ft)

Beam - 4.05 m

Draft - 1.21 m

Displacement -  

Fuel Capacity - 2 x 400 l

Water Capacity - 250 l

Accommodation - 4 + 2

Max Persons - 10

Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 300hp, D6 330hp

Propulsion - Volvo DPH stern drive, forward looking dual propeller IPS400 pod drives

Project - Absolute Research and Development Lab

Certification - CE B

www.absoluteyachts.com 

Project: Wider 150

Following its first much acclaimed 42 model, Wider presents an important project that of a 150 model.  Designed again by Fulvio De Simoni this model will be a super yacht of important proportions, with styling taking bits from the beginning twentieth century vessel, but characterized by clean lines and taut, smooth surfaces. The size of the stern volumes are exclusive for a yacht of this size and contribute greatly to the pleasure of living in close contact with the sea that this model offers. Each and every detail of the yacht has been studied so those aboard feel they are really in touch with the great outdoors: the large glazed surfaces which open out onto every deck make the interiors light and airy; the position of the master suite on the upper deck means the owner can enjoy a beautiful private terrace as well as privileged access to the flying bridge; lastly, the sundeck, accessed by means of a convenient internal stairway, offers a panoramic, highly reserved area. But transformation is key in many areas especially in the stern.  Standard plan will offer a six double guest cabins, this including an owners apartment on the top deck. Tender space will be for three vessels including a big Wider 35 located aft, plus a car situated on the fore deck.  Power choices are varied, from diesel only to the edition of an electric hybrid set up.  A top speed of 20 knots is being estimated with the max horsepower choice.  

www.wider-yachts.com

New Model: Apreamare 56 Maestro

 

A new second Maestro by Apreamare in less to a year, and the third model to be powered by IPS pods from the Italian, Naples boat builder.  This is in synthesis the headline of the new Apreamare 56 Maestro, designed as all the line by Zuccon with Umberto Tagliavini responsible for the hull.  Tagliavini was also responsible for the hull of the new 45 Smeraldo presented in September.  The new 56 Maestro follows the ship like distinctive appearance of this range, which thanks to this also offers a different layout in some important areas, as the spaces offered in the aft deck and flybridge.  The 56 Maestro will offer a three double cabin interior with a spacious full beam owners room located to midships.  A VIP suite, and second guest cabin with two in line berths complete the lower deck guest accommodation plan.  A one person crew cabin is located to midships.  The split level main deck saloon is offered in two options of a galley in the forward area, or a dining L-shaped table.  The second option moves the galley below to starboard side in a separate area.  Power is from twin Volvo 600 or 700hp with IPS pods propulsion, reaching 30 knots top speed with the larger choice. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 17.22 m (56.6ft)

Waterline Length - 14.07 m

Beam - 5.25 m

Draft - 1.46 m

Displacement - 29.6 t

Fuel Capacity - 3400 l 

Water Capacity - 520 l

Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, 1 crew berth cabin

Max Persons - 12

Engines - 2 x Volvo D11A-D 600hp, D11A-C 700hp

Propulsion - Volvo IPS 800 or 900 forward looking dual propeller pods

Speed - 30 knots max 25 knots cruise with Volvo 700hp, 28 knots wih Volvo 600hp, 12 knots economic

Project - Zuccon International lines and interior, Umberto Tagliavini Marine Design and Service hull shape

Certification - CE B

www.apreamare.it

Improve-it = Cruisers 350

Cruisers Yachts presents a interior upgrades to the 350 model which focus on the navigational center, stylish fabrics and more natural light to enhance the on-board experience. Making its debut at the 2011 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, the new interiors feature a more yacht feel in a mid-size sport cruiser model.  These improvements start at the helm, the completely redesigned navigational centers combine the latest technology with rich mocha-colored wood grain inlays. Interior fabrics, all produced at the company’s headquarters in Wisconsin, are available in three varieties: Oceania, featuring earthy and translucent tones; Azure, a twist on the traditional blue and white nautical theme; and Black Diamond, the more European feel with stark black and white colors. Boaters will also enjoy more square finishes and prominently silver-colored fixtures.

www.cruisersyachts.com

New Model: Azimut 60

Azimut 60 presented for the first time at the latest Genoa Boat show 2011, is the natural evolution of the 2007 launched 58.  Based on the same hull lines of the 58, Azimut presents a new model with the 60 which follows patterns as seen on the 64 launched in the fall of 2010.  That is similar flybridge profile windows, and design patterns.  The 60 also improves in many areas of its layout from the full beam owners stateroom now with breakfast dining table as first shown in the now stop produced 68S in 2003, to a two berth crew cabin located aft.  The 58 featured a single crew berth option.  A first in this size comes in the crew cabin, with a bathing platform entrance door being a unique feature in a motor yacht of just eighteen meters.  If the crew cabin is located aft this is usually found in a hatch of the aft deck.  Other improvements if you compare this model to the 58 come from the bathing platform new being 40% more spacious, as is the increased size of the flybridge C-shaped settee, and L-shaped wet bar galley.  For the rest this model holds the pressure of following the success of the 2000 launched 55 which in a nine year production run has been delivered to over four hundred units.  But may be to this, it had to be the revolution that represented the 55 in its times, which reinvented the layout in the seventeen meter motor yacht size.

Technical Data:

LOA - 18.28 m (59.9ft) incl pulpit

Hull Length - 17.81 m

Beam - 4.95 m

Draft - 1.37 m full load and incl props

Displacement - 28.8 t full load

Fuel Capacity - 2800 l

Water Capacity - 630 l

Accommodation - 6 guest berths in 3 cabins, 1 crew cabin berth

Engines - 2 x Man R6 800hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 32 knots cruise, 28 knots max

Project - Stefano Righini

Certification - UNI ISP 8666, CE

www.azimutyachts.com

Boat Review: Galeon 420 Fly

Presentation

Galeon 420 Fly is the latest model launched by the Polish builder in middle last Summer and presented to the audiences in the fall 2011 boat shows.  The Galeon 420 Fly sees the Strazyn boat builder with the help of designer and since 2004 collaborator Tony Castro concentrate again with a very solid release in the medium large size.  Before this Galeon was concentrating in its upper sizes see 780 Crystal also launched late Spring 2011, and under the forty feet as the 385 presented last year. Initially the project and prototype where being named 400 but with an over-all length over 43 feet Galeon named this model rightly the 420 Fly.  This flybridge motor cruiser has a lot an owner wants but its most desirable contents are the feeling of much bigger boat coming from the over four meters beam and thanks to a clever use of space which offers three double cabins, and living and galley on the main deck.  Choice as Galeon shows in other smaller and bigger models is also a virtue for the 420 Fly coming in seven engines, three propulsion, two wood finishing options.  

Accommodation

The Galeon 420 Fly is a winner when it comes to the accommodation offered, and where this is in doubt transformation give it again an advantage.  The 420 Fly welcomes you aboard with a must have optional hydraulic easy tender launching bathing platform which increases length by 1.30 meters.  A port side transom door takes inside the aft deck, having an L-shaped settee with central table.  To port side is a built in fiberglass stair case for the flybridge, and to both sides are moulded steps which take to the well spaced side decks.  A fully opening patio door which conceals by the stair case to port side, takes you to the interior saloon.  Here is a C-shaped settee, and helm to starboard, while to port is an entertainment desk having a hidden TV, and galley in the one step raised forward area.  A central curved stair case leads to the lower cabin deck.  Genius is the astern part of the C-shaped saloon sofa moving to become a bench which joins with the settee in the aft deck to makes this area become all one.
The lower deck cabin area presents three double cabins, with two shower heads one of which en-suite for the owner and large view windows to the sides in all areas.  The owners room is located to fore, and features a centre queen sized island berth, while to port is entrance to the spacious en-suite shower head.  This also having a glass door separating shower stall.  To midships are the guest cabins.  The port side has also the option of becoming a second VIP room thanks to its optional transformation to a second double berth. Guest shower head is located to starboard.
The flybridge reached via the stair case from the aft deck offers huge spaces, with an L-shaped settee with table to aft, two units one wet bar sink, and another with grill, and two settees for four passengers with the starboard side being the one for the helm.  There is also a small sun pad area in front of the passenger settee to port side.  The side decks of the 420 Fly are also spacious and to fore is also two medium sized sun pads to each sides.    

Performance

The Galeon 420 Fly performance will depend on the choice you make as this model offers seven engines to choose from; Volvo four options, Cummins two, and Volkswagen.  Smallest engine choice is the Volvo D4 260hp, and largest option is the Cummins QSB 5.9 at 420hp.  You have also three propulsion choices from traditional shaft drive available with all, to stern drives for the Volvo engines, and IPS pod 500 only with Volvo D6 370hp.  Sea trials where conducted with the Cummins 420hp, and these delivered 30.9 knots of top speed. although the props had 1.5 inch over pitching in this first test.  Fast cruise was over 28 knots at 2800 rpm, drinking 72.6 liters per hour to engine.  26 knots is possible with 2600 rpm, and at 2400 you get 23 knots and a total consumption of 110 litres per hour.  Another trial was conducted with the Volvo D6 370hp engines with IPS500 pods which also reached a top speed of 30 knots.  

Positive

Aft cockpit deck patio, and moving settee

Three cabins plan

Interior fit out choice

Propulsion and various engine choices

Negative

Optional extended bathing platform

Aft cleats

Competition

The Galeon 420 Fly is definitely one of the best three cabins models in this size category, and also the latest.  But if you are still undecided here is some other contenders you can look at.  Nord West 420 Flybridge started the IPS use on a flybridge and is still regarded as one of the best handlers as at today.  Other interesting choices are the Spanish Astondoa, and Rodman both launched in 2007, and the Absolute 43 Fly presented in 2010. 

Absolute 43 Fly -  IPS only, well sized 3 cabins, lower deck galley, modern, large view windows  

Alpa 42 Fly - traditional Italian design, third cabin is option and moves galley on the main deck   

Astondoa 44 Fly - shafts or IPS, three cabins only

Azimut 45 Flybridge - new 2011, cabin 3 is option and bunk, owners room is spacious 

Carnevali 130 - 2003 presented, third cabin is option and bunk

Dellapasqua DC12 SL - 2 saloon plan choices, traditional Italian looks, classic Deep Vee, shafts only

Nord West 420 Flybridge - nice three cabins, good IPS handling, also available with stern drive 

Rodman 44 Muse - Fulvio De Simoni design with IPS only, nice three cabins, good seller

Starfisher ST45 - flagship from this Portugal builder, IPS only, split level saloon with dining table 

Storebro 435 Commander - Scandinavian looks, three cabins, shafts power

WILD CARD: Sciallino S40 Fly - traditional Italian fishing Gozzo, 2 or 3 cabins, shafts only

Conclusion

Just presented to the World wide audience the Galeon 420 Fly shows the huge progress the Polish Strazyn builder has made in recent times, setting it as a top tier European builder and being helped in this by the inspiration which Tony Castro brought seven years ago in 2004.  The 420 Fly also fills a gap in the Galeon range between the 440 model and the soon to be replaced 390.  Importantly this gap is filled with a product of high technical and luxury content where it sets rules for the competition to follow.  Reality being that the 420 Fly is a complete flybridge motor cruiser, with a clever and spacious three cabin layout, and also offers choices to the buyer which are often unheard in this size.  Choices like the seven engines, or two wood styles for the internal, go to show the upmarket prowess of the Galeon brand offering a semi custom product in thirteen meters.

Technical Data

LOA. 13.25 metres (43.4ft) with optional bathing platform

LOA - 12.2 m without extended bathing platform

Hull Length. 11.79 m

Waterline length. 10.35 m 

Beam. 4.16 m

Draft. 0.80 m ex props, 1.13 m with shafts, 1.15 m with stern drives, 1.19 m with IPS pods

Displacement. 12000 kg light

Fuel Capacity. 2 x 600 l

Water Capacity. 450 l

Max Persons. 12

Accommodation. 6 berths in 3 cabins

Engines. 2 x Volvo D4 260hp, D4 300hp, D6 370hp, D6 400hp, Cummins QSD 4.2 350hp, QSB 5.9 420hp, Volkswagen TDI 265hp

Propulsion. line shaft, Volvo forward looking IPS500 dual prop pods Volvo DPH stern drive

Speed. 30 knots max with Cummins 420hp and shafts, 30 knots with Volvo 300hp stern drive, 30 knots with Volvo 370hp IPS500 

Range.  185 nautical miles at 23 knots cruise

Hull Shape. modified Vee with 16 degrees dead rise aft

Project. Tony Castro

Construction. Infusion technology for hull, deck and flybridge hand laid.  Orthoftalic DCPD resin.  

Certification. CE B

www.galeon.pl

Picture Copyright Galeon. Data Galeon.