May 30, 2014

Project: Hunt 68 Express Flybridge

Hunt presents the 68 Express Flybridge project. With this new option for the 68, the Hunt designers take the looks of the 68 to new places, and make it stand away from the down East lobster boat features of the Sedan version, making the Express Flybridge feel more like a classic motor yacht from the eighties.  The design of the 68 Express Flybridge also features different windows in the pilot house, to enhance its status as a different boat. The flybridge will have two access staircases; one from the aft deck, and another inside to starboard conveniantly located behind the helm. On standard plan the flybridge will feature a central helm station with pilot and passenger seats, L-shaped dinette, and a free aft deck. For the remaining part the Hunt 68 Express Flybridge copies the interior layout of the Sedan with three double cabins below, aft crew cabin, office space, and a split level saloon with dinette and galley on main deck. Performance numbers are a top speed of 28 knots with twin Cats 1150hp.    

May 28, 2014

New Model: Absolute 64 Fly

Absolute yachts has in one of the most difficult period for the nautical industry shown its great resolute by updating its model range with a certain importance and timely manner at the important boat shows. The 64 Fly has been a long awaited project from this North Italian boat, more or less about two years and is an important strategic model for Absolute filling the gap in size between the new 56 updated version of the nice 55, and its flagship 72 model. The 64 Fly is based on the hull of the 64 STY. Non the less what the Fly takes seems only to be the running surfaces and lower part of the hull, because for the rest it offers total differences in looks and interior layout. One of the great bonuses of the 64 Fly will be its four cabin layout, fourth cabin with bunk berths. An interesting feature is also its very larger yacht look and feel, see deep walk around bulwurks, and central wrap around radar arch in the flybridge. But with this Absolute still manages to present a modern presence thanks to the huge glass surfaces which round the main deck interior area. Power options are twin Volvo 725hp or optional 900hp units. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 19.6 m (64.4ft)
Beam - 5.15 m
Fuel Capacity - 3000 l
Water Capacity - 650 l
Max Persons - 16
Accommodation - 8 berths in 4 cabins, 2 crew in 1 cabin
Engines - 2 x Volvo D11 725hp, D13 900hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS pod drives
Speed - 35 knots with 900hp engines, 31 knots with 725hp
Project - Absolute Research Lab
Certification - CE B

May 26, 2014

Project: Sunseeker 50 Superhawk

Sunseeker seems set to re-introduce a limited version of a new 50 Superhawk model. This project will see two important returns for Sunseeker; that of the Superhawk range which was so popular more or less about a decade ago, and for high performance orientated boats with minimal accommodation and slim beam. So far details of the new Superhawk are sparse, but the rumors are that it will be a limited production run and that no model can be same with each having customized different color schemes. The targeted top speed is of fifty knots.  

May 24, 2014

New Model: ISA Yachts 66m Granturismo

On May 3rd, 2014 ISA Yachts launched the 66m Granturismo. This full displacement custom motor yacht is the biggest ISA yacht built to date in terms of length. The concept behind the Granturismo is to emphasize the outdoor experience of a yacht without compromising the space and comfort that the owner would expect from a steel and aluminum displacement yacht. The overall beauty of yachts over the years has been lost to interior space, on the contrary Granturismo is a concept that allows for owners who love the sea to enjoy outside spaces. The ISA 66m Granturismo is a custom four deck yacht with an aluminum superstructure and an impressive steel hull with straight bow. The yacht is designed by Andrea Vallicellli and the interior by Alberto Pinto. Both designers worked in very close cooperation with the yard and the Owner’s management team to combine both design and architectural aspects based on a strong contrast between the harmonious and curvaceous lines of the decks with the rigorous and diamond-like geometry of the transom and sundeck. The hull shape and bow are optimized for both efficiency and comfort. ISA 66m Granturismo is a custom motor yacht with lots of space in relation to the total volume and her lines are sleek and graceful. The design does not achieve extra deck space by stacking the decks, there is not the piled-up effect, one layer after the other, the philosophy of the whole concept is to guarantee the owners the space and comfort they would expect. This stylish interior has been subcontracted to the renowned Austrian company List General Contractor GmbH. The naval architecture is developed in-house by ISA Technical Department in conjunction with BMT Nigel Gee naval architects, including a comprehensive four-month cooperation with MARIN - Maritime Research Institute Netherlands making a very intense tank testing program to evaluate all possible sea-conditions before starting the production of this very first innovative 66 meters super yacht. Throughout this procedure, at various steps, a close supervision was maintained by the Owner’s team. The exterior color scheme is composed of Dupont Black metallic on hull and Silver Metallic on the superstructure. Powered by twin Cats engines rated at 2366hp, she can reach top speeds of 18 knots and at a cruising speed of 16 knots. ISA 66M Granturismo will undergo the final commissioning phase in the next coming weeks.
Technical Data:
LOA - 66.4 m (217.8ft)
Waterline Length - 65.4 m
Beam - 11 m
Draft - 2.95 m
Displacement - 964 tons full load
Fuel Capacity - 135000 l
Water Capacity - 25000 l
Accommodation - 12 guests in 6 cabins
Engines - 2 x Cat 3512 C2 2366hp
Propulsion - line shafts
Speed - 18 knots max, 16 knots cruise
Range - 3800 nm at 16 knots
Hull Shape - full displacement
Contruction - steel hull, aluminium super structure
Project - Andrea Vallicelli exterior, Alberto Pinto interior, naval architect ISA Technical and BMT Nigel Gee  
Certification - Lloyds 100 A1 SSC Yacht Mono, G6 LMC UMS EP, MCA LY2, unrestricted

May 22, 2014

Propulsion: Cat Three60 Pod 650

Caterpillar Marine presents a significant product milestone the Cat Three60 Pod 650, which is specifically designed for the new Cat C8.7 electronically controlled marine propulsion engine. The new Cat Three60 Pod 650 revolutionizes docking and slow-speed maneuvering for diesel-powered yachts, and sees the US engine manufacturer entrance into propulsion. Available in spring 2015, the pod is specifically designed to be remarkably easy for customers to learn, with easy ‘push, twist and go’ maneuvering. The Cat Three60 Pod 650 incorporates proprietary technology providing vessel operators with access to full or incremental power in any direction as well as smooth shifting from forward to reverse. The pod joystick and lever head provide smooth operation and high confidence when maneuvering utilizing two modes: lever mode and joystick mode. The lever mode controls the pod propeller drive trains using the lever head, while pod vectoring is controlled by the digital steering helm. In joystick mode, the joystick controls engine speed, gear and pod angle using intuitive fingertip movements of the joystick for slow vessel maneuvering. The new pod is specifically designed for the Cat C8.7 turbocharged/supercharged diesel engine. Developed in tandem with Fiat Powertrain Technologies, the compact C8.7 delivers an impressive 650hp at 2300 RPM while meeting EPA Tier 3, IMO II, and EU Stage IIIA emissions requirements.

May 20, 2014

Project: Viking 52 Open

Viking proudly announce a third new model for the 2015 season, the 52 Open which should launch and join the fleet in September. The Viking 52 Open follows the path of a relentless Research and Design development program to build a model within models to enhance the line up from 42 to 92 feet by offering exciting and new variations of our latest designs. The hull and running surface of the new 52 Convertible is the perfect platform for the 52 Open which will have SC, and ST sisters at a later stage. With a twelve degree transom deadrise, and molded strakes for lift and planning efficacy, the resin infused hull features a matrix of Aramid and E-glass hybrid knitted fiberglass laminates, foam and end-grain balsa coring, custom blended modified epoxy and polyester resins, and vacuum-bagged composite bulkheads throughout. Viking computer-operated five-axis profiling milling machine carved a new plug to make a stylish deck assembly mold, which includes a climate controlled deck-house with a raised command bridge helm station for outstanding visibility. The bridge area includes three Stidd helm seats, a U-shape lounge and a molded fiberglass console with capacious stowage, a refrigerator and pop-up flat screen television. At the helm, DC power-assisted hydraulic steering matched to high-speed stainless-steel rudders provide fingertip response, while the single-lever electronic controls harness the horsepower from the twin MAN 1200hp second generation common rail diesels. Cruise speed will be in the mid-30 knot range with the top end around 40 knots depending upon load, sea and environmental conditions. Accommodations below are surprisingly generous thanks to the sportfish five plus meters beam providing a master stateroom forward with a walk around queen-size bed, along with a private head and shower. Two additional staterooms are served by the second head. A combination salon and galley complete the interior plan with comfort and room to spare. The 142 square-foot cockpit boasts twin mezzanine seating with built-in freezer and stowage space, engine room access, a step box cooler, tackle stowage, recessed in-deck fish boxes and a walk-through transom door with lift gate. 

May 18, 2014

New Model: Heesen 51m YN 16551

Heesen announces that YN 16551 christened “My Sky” was launched on January 31st at their facility in Oss. “My Sky” is a 51m full displacement long range motor yacht of 660GT with a range of 5.400Nm at 10 knots. Her bold but sleek exterior is due to Frank Laupman of Omega Architects. Flush mounted tinted windows thermo bonded to the superstructure create a continuous wall of glass that gives this vessel a very distinctive look. World renowned architect Erick van Egeraat designed the ultra-contemporary, sharp and sophisticated interior. Emphasizing a strong contrast between dark and light throughout the yacht, a homogenous and luxurious atmosphere is created; combining crisp white leather with dark high-gloss Makassar wood and showing beautiful natural stone inlay patterns of spectacularly patterned back-lit white onyx into a black marble base. My Sky accommodates 12 guests in five cabins. The spacious full beam master suite is located on the main deck forward and boasts a large bathroom including a full natural stone clad steam shower and a spacious walk-in closet. The four guest cabins are located on the lower deck. The main saloon aft, with its large circular dining, lounge and bar area with a 6m2 LED screen, connects to the n deck aft, which organizes built-in settees and seats around two low coffee tables. The upper deck lounge, with its 270 degrees view and circular seating area, opens onto the aft terrace, accommodating a large dining table ideal for al fresco dining, even under way. Finally, the Sundeck’s large Jacuzzi, surrounded by sun-pads to aft, is perfect for total relaxation. As for the touch-and-go helicopter pad at the bridge, it turns into a large sun terrace providing secluded lounging even when the boat is docked stern into the marinas. “My Sky” is due for delivery to her Owners in November 2014 after intensive sea trials in the North Sea.
Technical Data:
LOA - 51.9 m (167.8ft)
Beam - 9.60 m
Draft - 3.25 m
Displacement - 529 t half load
Fuel Capacity - 80000 l
Water Capacity - 20000 l
Accommodation - 12 guests in 6 cabins
Engines - 2 x MTU 12V 4000 M53 1850hp
Propulsion - line shaft with five blade fix propellers
Speed - 15 knots max, 12 knots cruise
Range - 3200 nm at 12 knots
Hull Shape - round bilge displacement
Construction - steel hull, aluminium super structure
Project - Frank Laupman of Omega Architects exterior, Erick van Egeraat interior, Van Oossanen - Heesen Yachts hull
Certification - Lloyds 100A1 SSC Yacht G6 LMC, MCA Large Commercial Yacht Code LY2 

May 16, 2014

Project: Otam 80 Millennium Open

Italian yacht builder Otam presents the project of the 80 Millennium Open, which is one of the most exciting sports yachts to hit the market in a long time. The 80 Millennium Open retains all the technical virtues of its predecessors 80 HT-Hard Top. There is the classic deep-V hull with its generous dead-rise angle that cushions the ride. The Otam power goes around a hearty two or four engine propulsion option;  leisure and performance versions, original MTU 2600 HP diesels coupled with the Arneson drives can be replaced by four MTU with Trimax drives. The new version of the Otam 80 is the result of the idea of a completely open yacht that fulfills today’s market demand for super sports yachts and chase boats. Starting with the proven Fabio Buzzi hull shape, the yacht designer Alberto Mancini wanted to emphasize speed, with a very protective windscreen that wraps around both sides of the cockpit and terminates with the large carbon air intakes, clearly derived from automotive lines. The roll-bar is color coordinated with the hull scheme, that Mancini and Otam wanted in five different custom color variations, with colors that are unique, sporting and elegant; Racing Blue, Maranello Red, Titanium, Black and Gold Grey. Of course, full custom color schemes are always possible. The deck layout was specifically designed to take advantage of the external cockpit: a facing twin C-shaped settee that can be covered with the Bimini top or an optional hard top, and a double bar completely equipped for both a day trip or a real open air passage: ice makers, capacious refrigerators and grills. The spacious sun bathing area is astern, above the tender garage, with another sun-pad zone to fore. All the outdoor upholstery uses new materials especially designed to integrate with the tones of the chosen hull color scheme. The internal layout is available in the three or four cabin versions, with the owners suite amidships and the VIP suite forward, with two twin cabins, or as completely customized guest cabins. The 80 Millennium Open represents a yacht that promises speed with a twist of luxury, with a top speed of 50 knots, but Otam is still experimenting with propellers and is confident that a new set of Rolla propellers will take this up to 55-58.

May 14, 2014

New Model: Greenline 48 Hybrid

Presented during the first month of the year Dusseldorf boat show, the new Greenline 48 Hybrid is an interesting and innovative hybrid explorer motor flybridge cruiser. The 48 Hybrid largest of the Greenline family raises the game in the offer from this builder not only in size but also the quality of the vessel.  Since the launch of the 33 model Greenline has generated a lot of buzz in the industry. Apart in its innovative propulsion solutions the 48 Hybrid strikes for its three double cabin layout, astern galley, and a small ship like main deck. Other interesting details are the optional choices; three for the main deck, and two below. The option on the main deck regards the starboard side behind the helm; this available with entertainment unit, or sofa, and or two chairs. Below is option for two scissor type double to fore instead of a fixed double queen sized berth, and a crew cabin to aft with shower head to aft. Power options are four diesel engines starting at 110hp this giving eleven knots max, up to twin 380 which adds top speed by twelve nautical miles per hour. Greenline 48 Hybrid also features twin fourteen kilowatt propulsion which give a max speed of six knots a cruise of four and an autonomy of 20 nautical miles. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 14.99 m (49ft)
Hull Length - 13.9 m
Beam - 4.80 m
Draft - 0.98 m
Displacement - 13800 kg dry 
Fuel Capacity - 1500 l
Water Capacity - 660 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, 1 optional single berth crew cabin aft
Engines - 2 x 110hp, 220hp, 300hp, 380hp
Speed - 23 knots max with twin 2 x 380hp
Range - 900 nm at 7 knots
Hull Shape - super semi displacement
Project - J and J Design, Seaway
Certification - CE B

May 12, 2014

Project: Henriques 35 Express HT

Henriques has recently showed a rendering of a new 35 Express HT. It has proved to be a successful formula for the New Jersey based builder in recent times, and after doing the transformation with the 42 last year, and the 50 Henriques seem to be doing the same on this smaller model. The 35 Express HT should be based on the layout of the standard 35 Express model with the addition of a stylish three part Hard-Top covering the pilot house. Just to give an indication the interior layout of a standard 35 Express usually features a galley to port side on entrance, L-shaped saloon opposite, and a double berth plus bunk single to fore. Anyways as far as layouts go, Henriques has shown in its story to be pretty flexible with its clients in customizing boats as requested, so bare with us that this is just an indication.