Improve-it = Sabre 54 Salon Express

Sabre have re-designed the 54 Salon Express  with a number of unique features and design elements mostly involving the galley, the day head, but also a new engine choice. The 54 Saloon Express most important improvement comes from the galley highlighting the open interior layout with the half-way down position.  In this redesign the cabinet joinery details fine woodworking have also been tweaked to a higher standard.  Other new features of the galley are the upscale fixtures, the dishwasher and the sub-zero drawer refrigerators.  Another great feature of the 54 layout: the Day Head has received a tweak.  This space is well designed and yet extremely practical, the benefit of a day head is that it keeps traffic out of the staterooms which translates into the greatest level of privacy for owners and guests. Outboard surfaces of the day head are covered with solid cherry staving with Sabre’s signature hand rubbed finish.  It blends wonderfully with the cherry and stainless steel grab rail located under the counter.  There will be lots of light in this space with a full mirror bulkhead and full mirror door. Also worth noting is that the Sabre 54 will be one of the first production boats to be fitted with the Volvo IPS950 which should give a cruise speed in the high 20’s and a top end speed over 30 knots.

www.sabreyachts.com

Project: Pershing 62

A new project from Pershing is always great news and the Adriatic sea builder now showcases a new 62, which is to be presented live in September at the Cannes boat show.  As is a trade mark for Pershing since its inception in the mid eighties this model is again a creation of Italian designer Fulvio de Simoni, with Ferretti Group technical departments taking care of the engineering details.   The Pershing 62 is an evolution of the 56 and 58 models, sold up till today in over seventy units, and features the same beam of 4.80 meters which suggest the hull should be the same for the most part, with an extra length of three feet.  Still the design of the super structure is entirely new with larger profile windows, and another important difference you get from a 58 to a 62 is also the full enclosed but possible to open all main deck arrangement. An interesting feat here is the single glass which slides down behind the L-shaped sofa which overlooks the aft deck.  Inside the Pershing 62 is offered in two layouts; a three or a two cabins option.  In the two cabins Master and VIP, the third cabin is replaced with a saloon which also has an option of having a convertible double berth.  So far no plans are available as it would be interesting how the layout is different to a 58.  A single berth crew cabin is featured in both the plans.  Power is twin MTU 1381 or optional 1523hp engines with ZF surface drives.  Top speed is 46 knots max with the large choice, three nautical miles per hour less with the smaller standard engines.  Pershing always offers smaller engine options but each time I am looking in brokerage web sites you hardly find a single unit with smaller power, so I don't know why they bother.

www.pershing-yacht.com  

New Model: Cigarette 38 AMG Electric Drive

Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing are launched the latest development of their cooperation at the Miami International Boat Show past February 2013. Numerous components from the SLS AMG Coupè Electric Drive have been integrated in the design of the "Cigarette 38 AMG Electric Drive Concept" engineering design. The high-performance drive fitted in the electric super sports car makes the off-shore powerboat the world's most powerful and fastest electrically driven motor boat. With an output of 2,220hp and a maximum torque of 3000 Newton metres the Cigarette 38 AMG Electric Drive is a fascinating new development.  Inspiration for the drive was very close to home for the US-American company, with the SLS AMG Coupè Electric Drive being the world's most powerful and fastest electrically driven series production vehicle in America. The technology, performance and design of the Cigarette powerboat is closely based on the electric super sports vehicle made in Affalterbach, Germany. This joint project underlines the technology leadership earned by Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing.  The 38 foot long Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept powerboat is finished in "AMG Electricbeam magno" - the matt chrome paintwork exclusively reserved for the SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive. Proudly wearing AMG logos on the side, the powerboat is a clear sign of the alliance between the Miami-based boat manufacturer and Mercedes-AMG GmbH from Affalterbach, Germany. The design features also exemplify the transfer of technology from the gullwing to the powerboat. Mercedes-AMG uses two drive units, each featuring six independent electric motors. At the rear of the boat, each drive unit has its own transmission, one on the left and one on the right. A glance at the engine data proves that the boat is fitted with the twelve compact, liquid-cooled permanent-magnet synchronous electric motors which are the signature piece of the SLS AMG Coupè Electric Drive: each electric motor delivers 138 kW and 250 Newton metres. The maximum output of 1656 Kilowatts and maximum torque of 3000 Newton metres combine to reach a staggering top speed of over 80 knots making this locally emission-free "Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept" the world's fastest electrically driven powerboat. In keeping with the SLS AMG Coupè Electric Drive, the motors and the battery are ideally placed in the "Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept". The low centre of gravity and optimum weight distribution ensure sublime handling characteristics during more dynamic changes of direction.
Technical Data:

LOA - 11.6 m (38ft)

Beam - 2.6 m

Draft - 0.68 m ex drives

Displacement - 4440kg

Accommodation - 2 berths

Fuel - 240 kwh Batteries, recharged by two 22kw chargers, charging time 7 hours, possible of having 4 chargers and 3 hours charging time

Engines - 2 x 1110hp each featuring Six SLS AMG Electric Drive at 185hp

Propulsion - Mercury racing stern drives

Max Speed - 86 knots

www.cigaretteracing.com 

Project: Henriques 50 Flybridge

Henriques presents the much awaited reintroduction of the 50 Flybridge a sportfish yacht which will finally be unveiled later this year. This new Henriques 50 Flybridge sportfish yacht and flagship has been redesigned to accommodate the new generation of fishermen and fisherwomen. The new interior design offers a comfortable salon, three staterooms, and two heads to accommodate all your overnight guests. The hand-finished teak interior is nicely complemented by the designer décor. The Henriques line has always been well-known for their enormous designer around the fisherman cockpits and the 50 Flybridge is no different. The aft cockpit deck offers two in-deck fish boxes, transom live well, freezer, rod holders, engine room access, transom door, and plenty of room for a fighting chair to reel in the big ones. The fly bridge is also more spacious, offering a pod style helm and plenty of room to install all the latest high tech electronics. A mezzanine is also available as an option. But most importantly, the fine, beautiful lines of this vessel will allow the owner to achieve top-notch performance. Standard power will come from a pair of Caterpillars 1015hp yielding 30 knots cruise and a top end of 36.
www.henriques.com

New Model: Couach 2600 Fly

Couach launched the 2600 FLY on the 24th of June on the Arcachon Bay. With this new model, the French shipyard re-enters the eighty feet sector also referred to as the entry level super yacht size since some time and broadens the scope of its catalogue that features thirteen models from 14 to 50 metres. The Couach 2600 Fly is designed to fill the gap in the range of 22 and 28 metre models, creating a perfect expression of what the shipyard does best: a compact, and functional yacht for enjoyable life on-board and sailing. With a new approach to on-board passenger circulation and space management, the 2600 FLY offers all the trademark features that have established Couach’s reputation: V-shaped planing hull, composite materials, speed, stability and agility, with shaft line propulsion. Couach in-house designer Franck Reynaud began this project with a blank page and has imagined a contemporary model consistent with today’s trends, in keeping with the brand’s distinctive lines that reflect its precision, commitment and marine qualities. Particular among the new features are the stylistic effects borrowed from the 50 metre yacht design; the bow layout, uncommon on a deep Vee shape hull; the flying bridge layout and the large sliding side doors that open the lounge onto the sea. To define the options for layout, always entirely customisable at Couach shipyard, the client drew on ideas from La Pellegrina, the 50 metre super yacht built in 2012. Ambitious choices that led the teams to make even better use of space and stretch every limit. The result is perfect and within its 26 metres and four cabins the 2600 Fly combines all the assets one would expect on a larger vessel. The 2600 Fly will be presented to the press and the public at the Cannes Boat Show in September 2013.

Technical Data:

LOA - 26.2 m (85.9ft)

Hull Length - 23.95 m

Beam - 6.30 m

Draft - 1.70 m

Displacement - 52 t light

Fuel Capacity - 10000 l

Water Capacity - 1800 l

Accommodation - 8 guest berths in 4 cabins, 2 crew cabins sleeping 2 or 4

Engines - 2 x MAN 12V 1800hp

Propulsion - line shafts

Speed - 31 knots max, 24 knots cruise

Range - 450 nm at 24 knots, 600 nm at 20 knots

Construction - composite sandwich with monolithic glassfiber, core in balsa or PVC foam, Kevlar 

Project - Couach in-house Frank Reynaud

Certification - CE

www.couach.com

Improve-it = Horizon E78

Horizon recently delivered a new E78 motor yacht to her new owner, just in time for the summer cruising season in the North American continent. Named Wild Duck this new E78 was delivered by Horizon Yachts USA  and is a semi-custom build.  This first time Horizon owner wanted important custom features most important a fishing cockpit which extended and increased length over all to 81 feet.  The interior of this E78 is more of an owner operator offering three comfortable staterooms, plus additional crew quarters and mess aft, as well as a spacious salon and country style kitchen.

www.horizonyacht.com

New Model: Maritimo S50 Motoryacht

Maritimo introduces the new S50 Motoryacht, perfect for those looking for everything on the one level. An evolution of the best selling M48, and the M50 Flybridge Motoryacht models, the S50 was well received both in Australia and internationally. The S50 is an interesting sport yacht offering space, fuel efficiency, and performance.  Aboard nice design features include the wide walk around decks, spacious saloon, and the galley aft design with full-size fridge and a well-appointed pantry.  Below is a full beam master stateroom with an abundance of storage in drawers, hanging lockers and underneath the master bed. The mezzanine level above the master has lockers, drawers, a full-length mirror and vanity, ensuring ultimate convenience for all occasions. Guests are accommodated in a guest suite forward, bunks to starboard, and a day head serving both cabins.  The stern has two different options for you to choose from; Maritimo's conventional island module or the new Euro transform with plush seating and rear access to the lazarette.  Twin Volvo 670hp powers the S50 Motoryacht with the choice of either traditional shaft or pod drives if requested, and a hull design made for excellent sea keeping. Another interesting feature is the large 4000 liters fuel tank which should give cruising fans some extra miles before needing to refuel.

Technical Data:

LOA - 16.15 m (53ft)

Beam - 5.20 m

Draft - 1.30 m

Displacement - 21000 kg

Fuel Capacity - 4000 l

Water Capacity - 800 l

Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins

Engines - 2 x Volvo D11 670hp

Propulsion - line shafts, or Volvo forward looking duo propeller pod drives

www.maritimo.com.au

Project: Viking 42 ST

Creating a model within a model has been a successful path for Viking as demonstrated by the 42 Convertible and 42 Open, which share the same hull with uniquely different deck and interior arrangements. The popularity of these new models has encouraged Viking to expand this theme with a pair of new 42s with striking profiles and special features that showcase  an ability to broaden the appeal of this versatile hull.  Using its five-axis profiler,  Viking designed and built a plug and a female mold to create a rakish fiberglass deckhouse module, fully open to the cockpit while incorporating stylish convertible window lines, and the roof overhang and cabin trails. The 42 ST will be a sharp looking rig with its fitted Palm Beach Towers tuna tower. Add a pair of outriggers and this boat is an ideal ride for the sailfish circuit, cobia hunting and cruising the Bahamas.  Both the 42 ST and 42 SC sport the familiar twin mezzanine cockpit of the Open, along with the practical and feature full bridge deck and a center console station with the available teak finish helm pod, flanking lounge seating, and an inviting interior with teak joinery, a master stateroom forward, and twin berths aft separated by the salon, the head, and galley. With their eclectic style along with the superb running characteristics of the responsive and sea-kindly Viking 42 resin infused hull powered by 600hp Cummins diesels and the articulating Zeus pod-drive propulsion system with joystick controls, these new models are an exciting addition to the Viking line.  

www.vikingyachts.com 

New Model: Magazzu MX-14 Coupe

Magazzu launches the first of its MX-14 model series, the Coupe.  This will soon be joined by the Classic version which features a smaller cockpit and longer fore deck, and more spacious interior.  Nonetheless the MX-14 Coupe has also a not so bad cabin layout inside, considering the massive full space outside you get from fore to stern, including two large L-shaped dinettes in mid cockpit.  The cabin offers sleeping accommodation for four persons in a double master cabin to fore, and a convertible L-shaped saloon.  A shower head serves guest to port side.  A galley is located outside behind the centre console helm.  Power is always a variation of what the customer needs on all the Magazzu's with max engine power available up to twin engines totalling 960hp, and stern drive propulsion.  Hull one featured the large Volvo diesel stern drives choice of twin 400hp units.

Technical Data:

LOA - 14 m (45.9ft)

Beam - 4.80 m

Fuel Capacity - 2 x 600 l

Water Capacity - 360 l

Accommodation - 4 berths

Max Persons - 26

Engines - 2 x D6 400hp

Propulsion - stern drives

Speed - 45 knots max

Construction - composite material with carbon fibre, and epoxy resins

Certification - CE B

www.magazzu.com

blogger - Finally

Some sense comes to those managing classes in Europe, and here I am speaking of the Italian government who finally decided to remove the owning tax on yachts up till fourteen meters, and reduce by half from 14.01 till twenty meters. 

Better late then never!

Surely this is not enough for what the Italian Yachting industry represents and how the technical government of Monti nearly destroyed and brought it down to nothing.  With the tax, ten years of knowledge and workmanship was lost. Yacht purchase should be promoted not destroyed, and not pictured as a tax evasion hobby of a few elitists, and the root of all evil.  There is so much benefits from yachting in general from the work they bring in marinas, to the building of accessories and the yachts themselves. Something which Italy was always part of. 

This is the first breath of fresh air to the Italian boat builders, those affiliated with the industry, and the boaters themselves. Lets hope as they say that the streets lead all to Rome, and that this is followed by other European counties, along with the people managing the rules at Brussels who should incentive boat buying and using as much as they can.