June 11, 2012

Project: Aqualum 33

Aqualum with its designer Fabian Conte shows the project for a new entry level model, the 33.  The Aqualum is a hard top sports cruisers which will see the extension of this Argentinan boat builder, into smaller models.  At the moment the smallest Aqualum is the 35, which has had a good run of success in Southern European sales.  A spacious single level aft deck will welcome people onboard the 33, this featuring a C-shaped settee, small sun pad, relaxing chair, and helm station.  Below is an area which sleeps a total of six, in a different to the standard of the size planned area.  The first surprise is that the Aqualum 33 will a full beam midships cabin separated by door, and the second is the open area to fore with galley, L-shaped settee, and a double bed to fore.  Power is from twin Volvo 260hp diesel engines which with Aqualum giving estimated max speed of 35 knots. 

June 9, 2012

New Model: Ferretti 870

The Marina di Cattolica served as the charming background for a new launch for Ferretti on Tuesday 5 June, that of the 870, the latest born in this renowned motor and super yacht fleet. This important, enthralling event was the climax hard working months: from engineering to design, to the manufacturing stage, and the greatest care devoted to the tiniest finishing details. Over the next few weeks and until the end of June, the new model will undergo all necessary technical checks; RINA tests, prototype sea trials, the verification of systems and appliances and on board furnishings will be completed. The 870 hull one will then be officially delivered to its European owner.  Like all other yachts in the range, the Ferretti 870 will be presented as a world premiere at Cannes Boat Show from 11 to 16 September 2012.  This new model continues the two decades close cooperation between Studio Zuccon, Ferretti's AYT, and the Centro Stile of the group. This craft has been entirely built in the Group’s Cattolica production unit. With its considerable size; an overall length of 26.5 metres, a 6 metre-beam, and a full load displacement of 80 tons, the Ferretti 870 model further extends and renovates Ferretti Yachts super yachts fleet which features five models, if one excludes the Custom Line range.  While preserving some features of its predecessor the 830, the new Ferretti 870 is characterised by a series of innovative solutions already widely appreciated on the brands most recent models: the bronze dome over the navigation bridge, also found on the 800, further highlights the crafts sporty look, while the large glazing on the main deck results in very slender lines and extremely bright interiors. In the hull, the two large open-view windows at the height of the master stateroom have now been joined by the opening portholes of the guest cabins and by the double window of the forward VIP cabin. Extensive, spacious areas go hand in hand with great performances on this yacht: during the first medium load trial carried out by the prototype testing team, the Ferretti 870 reached a maximum speed of 32 knots, driven by the two MTU 1948hp engines; such an impressive propulsion, though, perfectly blends with the utmost comfort ensured by the Mitsubishi Anti Rolling Gyro system, which reduces rolling by more than 50%.
Technical Data:
LOA - 26.64 m (87.5ft)
Hull Length - 23.97 m
Waterline Length - 21.2 m
Beam - 6.26 m
Draft - 1.96 m
Displacement 69 t, 80 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 7400 l
Water Capacity - 1320 l
Accommodation - 8 guest berths in 4 cabins, 3 or 4 crew in 2 cabins
Max Persons - 20
Engines - 2 x MTU 12v 2000 m94 1948hp
Speed - 30 knots max, 27 knots cruise
Propulsion - line shaft
Hull Shade - warped medium Vee with spray rails 12 degrees deadrise aft
Construction - multi axial glass fiber
Project - Studio Zuccon exterior lines and interior, Ferretti AYT, FerrettiGroup Centrostile
Certification - CE Design Cat A 94/25, ISO 8666 

June 8, 2012

Project: Estensi 360 Goldstar Sport Open

Estensi shipyard from Tuscany in Italy launching the 360 Goldstar Sport just a couple months ago, already presents an alternative version of this model, the Open.  Based on all details on the 360 Goldstar Sport, with the big advantage of being able to be registered in Italy in the small craft section of its registry under ten meters, the new project from Zuccheri distinct itself for its open aft deck.  That is not divided with patio door and being fully open to aft.  For example instead of the patio door to starboard is a nice aft looking mezzanine settee, seating three to four persons.  Down below the layout offers the same two cabins, with a single head to port, and an owners room to fore.  Again other technical features which strike in the press release are to be found in the Estensi 360 Goldstar Sport Open as two FPT enigne choices; standard twin 280 or optional 370hp this last giving 33 knots max speed, a low 10 knots planning speed, and 70dba of noise at 2000 rpm cruise. 

June 7, 2012

New Model: Galeon 385 Htl

Finding growth in current European times is very difficult  if not close to impossible, but those companies who listen to customers may surely find themselves in better position once the economies turn back around.  Galeon from Poland is such a company and even when buying one of the smaller models in its range as the 325, one is offered with choices that are close to impossible to find even in the fifty plus size feet. This new Galeon 385 Htl, with the abbreviations meaning hard top long is again carefull attention to customers demands which the Strazyn Polish builder provides.  Based in fact on the 385 Hts the, the L version main difference is that of a longer more extended hard top which covers all the cockpit.  For the rest the Galeon 385 Htl builds on the well laid both up and below decks, with very up to date features in this size, such as twin heads below, and a single floor cockpit.  
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

June 6, 2012

Project: Maritimo M45 Motoryacht

Maritimo presents the project of the M45 Motoryacht, a new entry level to the range, and second small in size model behind the 440 Convertible.  Unique features which come from Maritimo in the Motoryacht range are to be found in the M45 like the recessed walk around decks which make it easy to maneuver around the vessel. The down under builder says that the generous saloon will be comparable to the bigger M48 and M53 motor yachts. Saloon windows forward will allow plenty of natural light and a sense of space. The M45 features a cleverly designed saloon lounge that coverts to a large double bed, an aft galley and wide opening bi-fold saloon doors, the obligatory internal staircase to the fly bridge, a three sided enclosed fly bridge with forward helm, an aft, full width dinette lounge that coverts to a double bed creating a private penthouse suite, transom barbeque console and a two cabin, two bathroom layout below.  The M45 will comfortably sleep eight and will come with a choice of twin shaft of twin IPS propulsion.  Standard power is twin Volvo 435hp with pod drives.

June 5, 2012

New Model: Formula 400 FX8

Launched at the past 2012 Miami boat show is the Formula 400 FX8, the latest model and flagship of the high profile seven models FX range.  The FX8 is indeed an evolution of the 400 Super Sport models with high performing engines of standard twin 430 or optional 525hp Mercruiser gas petrol as its choices.  Aggressive paint job, furnishing outside, come also with the FX package.  Down below accommodation in the 400 FX8 sleep four; in a convertible U-shaped dinette to fore, and a double berth to midships. In between the two sleeping areas is a galley, and a separate shower head.  The aft cockpit deck offers a large U-shaped settee as its main relaxing hub, which is served opposite by a wet bar, and an aft sun lounger.  Other interesting details are center windscreen walkway , and the option as is available for the Super Sport of a hard top. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 12.65 m (41.6ft)
Beam - 3.35 m
Draft - 0.91 m
Displacement - 7756 kg
Fuel Capacity - 946 l
Water Capacity - 189 l
Accommodation - 2 + 2 berths
Engines - 2 x Mercruiser 8.2 Mag High Output EXT 430hp, 525 EFI 525hp
Propulsion - Mercruiser Bravo Three XR, XR TS stern drives
Hull Type - deep Vee with 22 degrees deadrise
Certification - NMMA

June 4, 2012

Project: Princess 56

Princess showcase rendering for a new upcoming 56 model, replacing the just stopped in production 54.  This new Princess flybridge motor yacht follows what the British builder has shown with its bigger sisters, in particular the 60 and 64 model.  Two way entrance in cockpit, galley up from the lower decks, and no bunk three double cabins well laid layout.  Obviously the much wanted full beam owners stateroom is here, as are larger view windows on the main deck living saloon, and in the cabins.  The Princess 56 as all newer models coming from the Plymouth based British builder is build with resin infused technology and declaring a loaded displacement of just short of 27 tons.  Speeds are an estimated 33 knots with the large Volvo 800hp engine choice.

June 3, 2012

Web: Delta New Web Site

Delta powerboats from Sweden presents its new virtual World wide web showroom.  Founded in 2003, Delta's pursuit has always been that of an innovative product already shown in its first released model the 25 SC who had a mixture of fast hull shape with work boat influenced top sides.  Ten years short of its first released Delta has delivered 250 boats from 25 to 54 feet. Delta is run by a trio of Swedes; Lennart Apstal, Lars Modin, and Karl Wessel.  The current Delta range offers six models, from the newly launched Ted Mannerfelt designed 26 Open, to the IPS 54 launched in 2011.  A new flagship 80 IPS is also in its initial construction phase and should touch the water in 2013.   Delta new website is available in Swedish and English language and takes you around with the following buttons; News, If Delta Powerboats, Manufacture, and Contact Us.

June 2, 2012

Project: Sunseeker 80 Predator

What a difference seventeen years can make.  It was 1995 and Sunseeker launched at the time its first super plus eighty feet yacht with the 80 Predator.  2012 is here and today Sunseeker has over a dozen models of eighty feet plus, and is Britain's foremost production boat builder.  The Sunseeker 80 Predator is set to launch in the fall of this year, and will be a four double guest cabins super sport yacht, with a living all located on the main deck.  Crew accommodation is in two cabins, which sleep from two to four persons located aft.  Max power is from twin 2683hp MTU which with optional Arneson surface drives can give max speed up to 46 knots.  Standard shafts with the same engines will give about forty knots.

June 1, 2012

Glass Yachts

I remember reading an article in Nautica magazine from the early nineties where a known in the field naval architect said an over whelming at the time to me declaration; that future boats will be made to a wide part of windows, glassed surfaces.  This in his opinion to have more contact with the water, and to give unobstructed views to the owner.
Fast forward to post new millennium and how true do those declarations sound. Window surfaces today are being more widely used with Azimut and Sunseeker actually being in logger heads to who makes the most window view areas on there yachts.  Although the latest Sunseeker 28 Metre launched earlier this year, has to have among the higher percentage of windows used on surface to length.  The Italians on the other hand should feel proud to have started an evolution of the wider use of glass surfaces since the nineties, and launching not only a trend but a must to modern looking European yachts.  Do you remember the Azimut 65 Pininfarina, designed by the famous automotive design house. I consider it among the first of this glass windows evolution, which was followed by the 78 Ultra, AZ 54 Cinquanta Quattro, and a couple years later in 1999 by the 68 Plus among the first to have large view windows in the midships owners cabin, and the 68S for introducing these but frame less in 2003.
What will the future bring?  As I see it more glass surfaces, and open able areas which also give more real contact with the sea.  Nothing wrong with these new solutions if done in safety, with regulation classes giving a high testing to the glassed areas, before certifying these to be used by yachts.  More so in the important eighty feet plus size, but also in smaller dimensions. 
As the saying says the sea has a soft belly, but also a hard head when he is in a bad mood.  So I hope these architects, and designers do a lot of research into the modern evolution with a high safety protocol in mind.