October 10, 2015

Project: Horizon FD85

Horizon is pleased to announce the FD85 fast displacement motoryacht as a new model to the company’s luxury yacht line-up. Developed by renowned yacht designer Cor D. Rover and Horizon’s in-house naval architecture team, the FD85 features a vertical bow design, which has been tested with Computational Fluid Dynamics; that not only offers the desired fast displacement performance criteria but also increased hull volume for 25% more spacious living spaces, including a five guest stateroom layout. Built with twin Cat 1136hp engines, the new Horizon FD85 performs high efficiency from a slow cruise of 10 knots to a faster cruise of 16 knots, ensuring a more comfortable and versatile use of operating speeds. The FD85 has just completed one of her main construction stages, joining the hull and superstructure, and is scheduled to debut at the 2016 Taiwan International Boat Show in March.  The new Horizon FD85 provides five en suite guest staterooms; a full-beam master stateroom on deck and two mirrored VIP queen staterooms as well as two twin guest staterooms below deck.  Crew quarters are found just forward of the engine room. The main salon and formal dining room incorporate sections of floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a design feature that is carried into the Master stateroom as well and dramatically increases natural light in these areas. In the FD85’s pilothouse, a large windshield also adds natural light and maximizes visibility; however Low-E glass is utilized to reduce the amount of heat entering the yacht, and the windshield’s forward-angle design minimizes reflections on the navigational instruments.  Horizon focused on both function and entertaining when designing the FD85’s outdoor spaces. An abundance of aft deck space incorporates built-in and loose seating as well as accessibility to the raised foredeck from the starboard side deck; the twin staircases from the aft deck to the flybridge provide a stylish design feature that is also practical. Crew quarters are reachable from a staircase on the port aft deck and from the swim platform. On the flybridge, the FD85 offers an outdoor helm, full bar, two adjacent L-shaped dinettes, space for sunbathing, and a hot tub ideal for enjoying the outdoors; an interior helm is connected to the flybridge for easy transition between helms.  The Horizon FD85 fast displacement blends contemporary interior and exterior styling and functional design with flexible performance capabilities, ensuring this new yacht will successfully compete in today’s multi-faceted yacht market.

October 9, 2015

New Model: Titan 64

Founded in 2001 in Maryland, Titan Custom Yachts has recently launched a new 64 model, which aims to emulate the success of the 62 sold in four units. A rare thing for a full custom builder to follow up on a model. As in any custom Sportfish yacht speed is paramount, and the 64, latest creation by Titan does not disappoint and twin Caterpillar 1925hp engines enable it to reach a 42 knot top speed and 36 cruise. Unlike other custom builds which are usually cold molded, the Titan 64 is a fiberglass build, and combined with its smooth riding hull it will also offer gyro stabilizing.  Her interior will be a super plush three double cabins and heads interior, and a main deck offering the usual sportfish layout of a combined galley, dinette, and saloon.
Technical Data:
LOA - 19.5 m (64ft)
Beam - 5.84 m
Draft - 1.60 m
Displacement - 
Fuel Capacity - 6813 l
Water Capacity - 889 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Cats C32 Acert 1925hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 42 knots max, 36 knots cruise
Construction - Fiberglass

October 8, 2015

Project: Storm X-44

Meetings with clients and owners have led Storm yachts to the development of a new project at the lower end of it's production size range: the X-44. From a distance this project is clearly identifiable as true Storm yachts, and even with a limited hull length of just over thirteen meters, the model will still offer everything that makes the brand unique in the market.  The X-44 supplements the range in the shortest length. With strong lines and a masculine appearance, it is an eye-catching day cruiser. Yet, as applies to all Storm, noblesse oblige! The combination of the FDHF hull with Volvo IPS pod propulsion system ensures a superior performance and optimal maneuverability, comfort and ease of operation for a premium boating experience.

October 7, 2015

New Model: Salpa 38x Laver

Salpa went to the 2015 Cannes boat show with an important new surprise model, that of the new 38x Laver.  Returning from the past is the famous Laver signature, famous for the 30 model from the early eighties designed by Italian deep-Vee hull legends and gurus Sonny Levi and Franco Harrauer. It will be interesting how much of that design is actually going into the 38x hull, but the bow as the picture above is all classic Laver style.  I am sure more interesting for many will be the deep Vee underwater shape, which Salpa although not making use of the designers themselves has always made good use of. The 38x is also in its size a big challenge to the competition, with a couple important features being not only interesting for a sport cruiser of eleven meters, but also rare to find as the flat floor on the main deck, and a second head serving the guest cabin at midships. The Laver 38x is powered by twin Volvo 300hp with stern drives.  
Technical Data:
LOA - 11.95 m (39.2ft)
Hull Length - 9.95 m
Beam - 3.85 m
Draft - 0.9 m
Displacement - 7250 kg light, 9250 kg loaded
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 350 l
Water Capacity - 250 l
Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins, + 2 convertible berths in saloon
Max Persons - 10
Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 300hp
Propulsion - Volvo dual propeller stern drive
Certification - CE B

October 6, 2015

Project: Duffield 58 Trawler

Duffield who owns the renowned Duffy Electric Boat Co., instructed renowned designer Zurn with a vision of improving on an iconic West Coast trawler. A native of Newport Beach, CA, Duffield wanted to offer quiet efficiency and energy conservation and when he called on yacht designer Doug Zurn for his thoughts, the Duffield 58 Trawler was the result. Duffield's 58 Trawler will incorporate the West Coast style with interior decks that offer an all around view, combined with a traditionally styled hull structure. With a relatively narrow waterline beam of less to five meters, and a single Caterpillar 800hp engine set aft away from the living space, the Duffield 58 will offer the ideal, quiet ride.  The explorer yacht will be a nod to that easy-going Southern California boating lifestyle, easily owner-operated and of a manageable size. Innovation is also a key factor, as Duffield Yachts is incorporating a low cost, easy maintenance alternative to conventional systems, ensuring that the 58 Trawler will require less repairs over time. Along with its universal appeal, the vessel is designed with a precision and an eye toward power and durability, ensuring sea-kindliness and fuel efficient when cruising far afield.  The 58 Trawler will stand out for its speed and fuel economy, adept and agile, it can also poke into almost any cove or shallow bay, while its cruising speed of 16 to 24 knots makes daylong, weekend or long term voyages easy to plan and execute. The interior of the 58 Trawler will be all LED lit and centers around the open-plan galley and sitting area on the main deck. The nearby master stateroom is comfortably situated forward, with a queen size berth and en-suite head and shower. The VIP stateroom also has it’s en-suite head and shower, accessible by guests and third crew/children stateroom occupants for day use. Hull ports draw in abundant natural light and ventilation, with a focus on ease of movement and comfort.


October 5, 2015

New Model: Tiara Q44

Tiara has in recent years took itself into new product ranges, first with the Down-East lobster boat inspired Coupe series, and now this, the Q44 which is a big walk around style day cruiser offering overnight accommodation for four.  Nonetheless the Q44 is all about comfort outside and in contact with water, an innovative product Stateside, but of which we have seen of similar concept in Italy as the Blue Game range of boats.  Based on the 44 Coupe hull, the Q44 is an interesting all season adventure cruiser, which brings new meaning to the term outside space in thirteen meters with three lounging areas available; aft, midships and bow all being easily connected and reachable thanks to the safety of the walk-around side decks.  Powered by twin Volvo 435hp the Q44 has a top speed of 32 knots, with a cruise of 27.
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.87 m (45.6ft)
Beam - 4.54 m
Draft - 1.18 m
Displacement - 11340 kg
Fuel Capacity - 1324 l
Water Capacity - 446 l
Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS pod drives
Speed - 32 knots max, 27 knots cruise, 23 knots economic cruise
Range - 250 nm at at 23 knots
Hull Shape - modified Vee with 18 degrees deadrise aft
Construction - hand laid fiberglass with premium resins and gelcoat, balsa cored shipsides
Certification - ABYC

October 4, 2015

Project: Riva 100 Corsaro

During the eighties the Corsaro word made many heads turn around in a marina, as it was the model flagship name of one very admired boat builder Riva at the time standing at sixty feet in length.  Now in 2015 and headed by the Ferretti Group, Riva return this name from its history books and present the new 100 Corsaro project. For the new Corsaro Officina Italiana design of Micheli and Beretta went for a raised pilot house semi wide body project which impress for space inside but also seems to feature a rather high free board.  Unfortunately for the traditionalists the new Corsaro gives no homage to the old flagship. Impressive in the new 100 Corsaro will be the main deck with fore located owners stateroom which will be of huge spaces. Below deck will also be accommodation for four other guest cabins, and three crew cabins accommodating five berths located forward. Power of the 100 Corsaro will come from twin 2435hp MTU engines with top speeds estimates of 27 knots.   

October 2, 2015

New Model: Princess V58 Open

Just before the 2015 Southampton boat show, Princess launch the very nice looking V58 Open, a sport yacht which goes back to basics offering an open style main deck design, with a large aft sun-pad.  A closed deck saloon version with patio doors should be launched later on, this replacing the current V57 on which this model is for the most part based.  The V58 Open presents itself as a very sleek looking sport yacht with a three double cabin two head interior, this including a full beam midships located owners stateroom.  A VIP suite forward, and a smallish third cabin with bunk complete the lower deck overnight accommodation plan. An optional single berth crew cabin located aft can also be fitted out.  Tender stowage will be in a garage under the aft sun-pad, and on the lift bathing platform aft.  Power will come from twin Volvo 800 or 900hp engines with line shaft propulsion.     
Technical Data:
LOA - 18.42 m (60.4ft)
Hull Length - 18 m
Beam - 4.65 m
Draft - 1.27 m
Displacement - 20,500 kg medium load
Fuel Capacity - 2200 l
Water Capacity - 500 l
Accommodation 6 berths in 3 cabins, optional 1 crew cabin berth
Engines - 2 x Volvo D13 800hp, D13 900hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 37 knots with Volvo 900hp
Project - Bernard Olesinski

October 1, 2015

Project: Beneteau 30 Swift Trawler

Beneteau presents the project for a new baby 30 Swift Trawler, the smallest of the latest generation of explorer type cruisers designed by the giant French boat builder. Cut out for high seas, the 30 Swift Trawler is surprisingly comfortable and her autonomy and many fittings are reassuring, making life on board much easier. With a clear-cut combination of style and seaworthiness, you will be tempted by the energy performance of this voyager.  With hand rails omnipresent, high pulpits and a large well-protected starboard walkway, the 30 Swift Trawler maximizes the safety of movements on board. Unique on this type of boat, the panoramic view from the steering station makes for easy driving unobstructed by any obstacle. With an autonomy of around 200 nautical miles at cruising speed and large water tank capacities, the 30 Swift Trawler will take you to places where no other craft of a similar size would dare venture.  Designed for a comfortable lifestyle on board, bright but also simple and practical, the 30 Swift Trawler provides multiple modular fittings. The interior space is optimized reflecting the large open spaces you will be bound to explore. The cockpit opens onto the sea in the form of a terrace, with foldaway seats, a convertible sofa, and a well-designed table sliding beneath the seats to increase the amount of space in this reception area, and suiting all crew configurations.  One or two cabins layouts are offered below deck.  While engine options start from a single 300 or optional 370hp unit.

blogger - Bright Looking With One Cloud

Unlike previous recent years the start of the production year seemed to be a very positive one for many boat builders.  Most big brands went to Cannes with there accounts all on a positive mood showing the growing results they achieved so far.  And the outlook indeed looks better.
The market is looking good and the big companies are all starting to get an important feel and can now plan ahead.  It looked as of though we are ten years ago, when the outlook was all but positive. The results are speaking very good for the most. 
Ferretti Group was all into growing mode, with brands Riva, Ferretti and Pershing all doing very well. The Group has a project of unveiling thirty new models in the next two years, but brands Itama and Mochi do not seem mentioned in this. Azimut-Benetti had another growing year. Absolute advised its 2016 production is nearly sold out. Sunseeker said it ninety feet plus is doing excellent, but no news of its smaller models accept for the success the 57 Predator is enjoying.  Princess did not say much but did present some interesting projects for some coming new models. Beneteau Group advised again it is growing, and that finally sales for Europe are coming back to pre-recession levels with forecast that Italy will be topping the charts up in the years to come. 
The bad news came in recent days from Fairline with its current equity owner Better Capital deciding to pull out from the business, and just yesterday selling out to another investor.  It will be interesting where Fairline will move from now on. Surely the company is paying the price of it's little initiative in the last five or so years, something which a builder like this is not allowed to do much, especially when the others are reacting to every little momentum of the market.