December 18, 2015

Project: Prestige 680 S

The 680 S project completes the line of Prestige motor yachts. A Sportfly version of the new 680, the S concept features a large, sliding glass sunroof that opens over the saloon, to transform the interior space in an instant.  The flybridge with access from the aft deck to port side with a stair case perfectly integrates into her sporty line. The fly will feature a full helm station as well as an inviting open-air saloon.  The interior lower offers two layout choices of three of four double cabins, plus a crew cabin sleeping two aft.  Prestige 680 S will be powered by twin Volvo 900hp with forward looking dual propeller IPS pod propulsion system.

December 16, 2015

Engine: MAN V12 1900hp

MAN engines showcase their most powerful high-speed four-stroke diesel engine to date with the twelve-cylinder V engine with 1900hp bearing the distinctive name V12-1900 and was specifically designed for use in luxury yachts of over 100 feet. The complete redesign of the injection, power train and cooling system has allowed MAN to achieve an increase in output of 100hp compared to the established V12-1800. With installation dimensions of 2,139 mm x 1,153 mm x 1,265 mm; length x width x height, the V12-1900 comes in the MAN Engines customary compact size. At 2365kg dry weight and as a result of the increase in output to 1900hp, the most powerful series engine from MAN Truck & Bus has an outstanding power to weight ratio with a high power density and compact installation dimensions. This therefore gives architects and boat builders significant room in terms of design. A maximum torque of 6,220 Nm, at 1,200 to 2,100 rpm, makes the V12-1900 the most powerful engine to date in the MAN Engines portfolio, thus delivering ample output reserves for overtaking fun when piloting luxury yachts. The high-performance unit generates its power from 24.2 litre displacement ensuring high power development even at the lower end and right across a broad speed range. The even and constant acceleration delivers a pleasant and comfortable ride right through to the upper end of the speed range. The special design ensures very smooth running and thus provides a relaxed ride, adding to the comfort on board. At its optimum, the specific fuel consumption of the V12-1900 is at the same low level of 190 g/kWh as its heavier sister model, the V12-1800. The V12-1900 is MAN's response to the issue of increased performance for both planning and displacement hulls. 

December 14, 2015

Project: Horizon E56 XO

Horizon announces the project for a new E56 XO sport yacht.  The E56 XO is based on the popular E56 motor yacht model and is designed primarily for the Australian market, although Horizon sees her potential for the global market. Hull one of the Horizon E56XO sport yacht is in the beginning stages of construction and scheduled to make her world debut in May 2016 at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show in Australia. The new Horizon E56 XO features sleek exterior styling, with reduced gunnel heights for a lower profile and large window lines, and her newly-designed outdoor areas focuses on the ultimate alfresco experience. A custom-designed aft deck transom cabinet transforms into a serving area, incorporating a BBQ, sink, storage, and bait-well.  A perfect spot to entertain or relax in while guests partake in water sports off of the hydraulic swim platform. For sunny days at anchor, the E56 XO’s forward deck offers a dinette seating and sun-pads, a popular design on Horizon’s larger motor-yachts now included in this model.  As the first Horizon E56 XO will debut in Australia, the main deck opens to a fully-equipped aft-galley and breakfast bar; extensive storage is located on the starboard side and includes a hydraulic Hi/Lo TV that is ideally located for viewing either in the galley or the forward salon. With a Hi/Lo table and U-shaped seating, the salon can be easily transformed into a dining area that accommodates six guests. The forward lower helm features twin helm chairs, complete Raymarine navigational equipment, and everything needed to safely and easily pilot the E56 XO sport yacht.  Below deck, the full-beam Master stateroom is laid out to maximize space, with the head forward of the Queen bed, a chaise to starboard for taking in the view, and a large expanse of storage cabinets plus a closet to port. The VIP stateroom is found forward in the bow and replicated from the E56 model, but the starboard twin stateroom includes two twin beds; a sizable shared head is located to starboard.  Powered by twin CAT 705hp engines, the new Horizon E56 XO is estimated to reach a top speed of 26 knots; with the optional Volvo 725hp but coupled to IPS pod drives, she will attain a top speed of 32 knots. Additionally, the hull has been designed to accommodate Seakeeper gyro stabilizers if desired, and the Yacht Controller wireless remote docking system included in hull one ensures stress-free maneuvering and docking.

December 12, 2015

New Model: Heesen 50m YN 17350

Heesen announces the delivery of 50m full custom super yacht Ann G hull number YN 17350.  This latest Hessen has been intensively tested in the North Sea and exceeded the contractual speed by 0.6 knots, reaching a top speed of 15.6 knots!  Arcon Yachts projected and managed the construction of this unique super yacht.  The owner appointed Clifford Denn to draw the exterior profile of his unique Heesen, a perfect example of a vessel that exudes the strong individuality of her owner while keeping the family feeling that characterizes all yachts delivered by Heesen.  Award-winning designers Raymond Langton and team created the bold interiors of Ann G.
Technical Data:
LOA - 49.6 m (163ft)
Beam - 9 m
Accommodation - 10 guests in 5 cabins
Engines - 2 x MTU 8V4000 M63 1341hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 15 knots max, 12 knots cruise
Range - 4000 nm at 12 knots
Hull Shape - displacement
Project - Clifford Denn exterior, Raymond Langton interior, Van Oossanen and Associates naval architect
Certification - Lloyds 100A1 SSC Yacht LMC UMS

December 10, 2015

Project: Cranchi 60 ST Yacht Class

Cranchi have recently started a revamp of all its range, with a focus centered on its fifty plus feet Yacht Class range models. The 60 ST is an evolution of the 56 model of the same name, with the two letter initials say this is Cranchi's open cockpit soft top sport yacht model.  The 56 will indeed feature a large open main deck with all the bells and whistles as aft sun-pad with underneath tender garage, dinette, exterior galley, and a central helm station.  Below is an accommodation plan with three double cabins, two shower heads; one of which en-suite for the midships owners cabin, galley to port, and a C-shaped dinette to starboard.  Power options will come from twin Volvo 625 or optional 725hp engines with IPS pods propulsion.

December 8, 2015

New Model: Whitehaven 6000 Sunbridge

Whitehaven continues to expand its 6000 series with the introduction of a new Sunbridge offer. The 6000 Series has been engineered for smooth, dry performance in all conditions and with an interior layout and finish for those who appreciate quality.  The spacious fly-bridge layout provides owners with another area to entertain.  The generously-sized aft cockpit is the ideal platform for alfresco living, with easy one level access to the galley which boasts top of the range appliances, adjacent to the saloon. Handcrafted joinery and masterful glazing add to the feeling of space, offering unobstructed views and natural light in the saloon.  Besenzoni helm chairs and uncluttered dash set up, fitted with the latest generation electronics to the owner’s preference, complement the impeccable styling of the interiors.  Standard in the stock boat package is a three station Yacht Controller complete with remote, plus fore and aft Vetus thrusters, and Twin Disc Quick Shift gearboxes, which make maneuvering effortless.  Aft and forward galley options complement the saloon layout, with a spacious entertainer’s cockpit decked out with dining setting, refrigeration, Corian preparation area and stainless steel barbecue.  Wide stairs lead to the bridge where the dining area, fridge and day beds with bimini or optional hard top create the perfect outdoor leisure entertaining space. Below decks, the full-beam Master takes advantage of the wide five meters plus beam for optimum space. The Whitehaven 6000 Series features a large tender garage with room for a three meter plus tender or jet-ski, an attribute more commonly found on sport yachts of this size, then flybridge models.  The first model to launch of the 6000 Sunbridge is powered with twin Cats 1150hp engines, which should give a top speed of over 30 knots.  An interesting number in the Whitehaven 6000 is also its massive 5500 liters fuel capacity, what is about sixty percent more to other yachts of similar size.  
Technical Data:
LOA - 19.1 m (62.6ft)
Beam - 5.33 m
Draft - 1.47 m
Displacement - 31 t
Fuel Capacity - 5500 l
Water Capacity - 800 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Cats C18 1150hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 30 knots max

December 6, 2015

Project: Baglietto 48m Displacement

Baglietto is going through very exciting times: after the launch of the 46m, MV13, and a 43m the Italian boat builder is now announcing a new work order for a 48m vessel to a Mexican Owner.  This latter project too, which is the evolution of the 46m displacement model, will be signed by Francesco Paszkowski Design and will draw inspiration from the traditional stylish features of Baglietto displacement yachts. It is expected to be delivered in 2017. This new build is indeed marking Baglietto’s entrance into the Central American market, which has already showed great interest for the La Spezia based brand. Besides the 43m model launched last July 25th, by the end of this year Baglietto will also launch a new Fast 46m vessel. The planing range will be completed by an entry-level model, 38 meters in length. Entirely designed by Francesco Paszkowski Design too, the displacement range will include, besides the 48m, a 54m to be launched by the end of this year, a new 43m and a 55m, whose construction was recently started, as well as the projects for a 58m and a 62m.  These two lines, which represent Baglietto's core business, are sharing the spotlight with the MV range; a modern reinterpretation of historical underwater assault vehicles with the introduction of the MV19, the larger sister of the MV13, whose first hull, the LAP-1, was recently delivered to its renowned owner, Lapo Elkann.

December 4, 2015

New Model: Ferretti 700

By surprise at the 2015 Cannes boat show, Ferretti presented a new 700 model.  An evolution and replacement of the 2012 launched 690, the 700 brings design details from the 550; see side hull windows, and wrap around main deck glass.  Another important change will be the galley location in the middle of the saloon. In the 690 the galley was located astern, a Ferretti innovative feature in this type of motor yacht when in 2005 the 630 model was presented with this layout and since then evolved in other smaller Ferretti's and copied my many other builders. Designed as usual by Zuccon the 700 is a Ferretti quintessential flybridge motor yacht, with a low profile main deck making it look less bulky to most of the offering from the competition.  Her layout will offer two lower deck options; three double cabins or a four cabins choice. In both layouts the owner stateroom stays at midships; with the three cabin version offering a second VIP room in between owners and forward cabin.  Power comes from MAN 1000hp or larger optional 1200hp units. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 21.59 m (70.9ft)
Hull Length - 20.6 m
Waterline Length - 17.6 m
Beam - 5.53 m
Draft - 1.7 m
Displacement - 42,300 kg unloaded, 49,300 kg loaded
Fuel Capacity - 3700 l
Water Capacity - 990 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, or 8 berths in 4 cabins, 1 crew berth in 1 cabin
Max Persons - 18
Engines - 2 x MAN V8 1000hp, V8 1200hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 31 knots max, 28 knots cruise with 1200hp
Range - 300 nm at 28 knots
Hull Shape - warped modified Vee with spray rails and 12 degrees dead-rise aft
Project - Zuccon, Ferretti Group Engineering hull and propulsion
Certification - CE 2003/44 A, modules B + F + Aa (sound emissions)

December 2, 2015

Project: Bavaria DA10

Now after the announcement of Bavaria at the beginning of September to develop a revolutionary new motorboat concept the first drawings are done. This opens a new phase in the project DA10. The first prototype will set sail in spring 2016.  From customer surveys, market analyses in cooperation with the global dealer network of Bavaria and countless in-house workshops in cooperation with Vripack, one of the most known design offices for yachts from the Netherlands, Bavaria has compiled the design draft for DA10 what is a classic contemporary design, a clever space concept and efficiency were the central themes of the first development steps. Result: There will be a Sedan and Fly version of the DA10, alternatively in a two or three cabins version. The central place of the life on board of the DA10 is the main deck spacious salon. Both from the central helm stand, the big drawing room table and completely furnished galley with cooker, stove and a big fridge you can enjoy the perfect 360-degree view of the sea and of the nature.  Below the saloon are the engine and the technology of the DA10. With this revolutionary space concept it is possible to create more space for all cabins, but particularly for the aft cabin.  A proper suite is planned for the owner in the fore ship. A thought-out full light concept with windows and big hatches in the deck creates a bright ambiance in the owner´s cabin. Beside a king-size bed and storage spots in the wardrobes and storages, the future owner will also have an own bathroom with shower.  As a semi displacement motor yacht the DA10 of Bavaria is not designed for speed, but for economical cruising, safety, comfort and a travelling in harmony with nature. Volvo engines of between 75hp and 300hp give the necessary driving power. The body form, engine, gearing, and propellers of the DA10 have already been thoroughly tested, optimized, and tuned by computer simulations in large series of experiments to ensure a fuel consumption that is as low as possible.

December 1, 2015

blogger - This 2015

2015 comes closer to its end, and while a growth in the nautical industry versus 2014 continues, we are very far away from the golden years. To put it softly it is possible that in some national markets the golden years will take a lot of time returning.  
Motor boating in general has gone very upmarket in recent years.  We are seeing nowadays prices of twelve meters plus having a  fifty per cent increase to those of 2010.  Unfortunately it seems that motor boat builders and to some extent buyers as well, cannot take the competitive vision the sailing community has, with the luxury part being only a small percentage. On the other part the famous motor boating brands nowadays seem to have the price only a bit short of what a custom or more exclusive builder usually charges.  That is very different how it was in the start of the new millennium.  
Exceptions though exist, to name a few names French giant Beneteau, Bavaria motor boat section, and Cranchi.  All these are competitive in the price part offering; the term is surely more feet for less cash and they have been very successful sub fifty feet.  Over this size there is a certain brand building which they cannot over come as yet.  Luxury is part of the package and becomes important as much as the price.  But it will be interesting in the near years to see if this is the time, to do the that extra step.