February 18, 2016

Project: Carver C50 Command Bridge

It's been an interesting design evolution for Carver since the builder launched the contemporary looking C34.  Some models make a design turn around for a builder, and the C34 when launched in 2013 did just that for Carver.  Since then the range has all become similar in looks to this break through model, with the five models all representing a further next evolution to the C series. The latest new C50 Command Bridge from Carver is a spacious yacht with a large three double cabin interior.  Apart the spaciousness, the C50 also impresses for its layout, see private entrance to the full beam owners cabin. It also impresses even more when one sees the dimensions of the C50 Command Bridge, short of fifteen meters in length, and less to five meters in beam. Power options are also versatile starting from small standard 480hp, to optional 600 and 715hp Cummins engines.    

February 16, 2016

New Model: Sessa C42

Finally back in full production, Sessa launched its latest C42 model to much acclaim at the end of 2016.  Designed as all recent Sessa models by Christian Grande, the C42 is a cross over sport cruiser with a very modern style and comfortable all year round usage thanks to the enclosed living main deck.  Unlike many latest models of this type the Sessa C42 is also a sport yacht with a slender beam for it's thirteen meter of length.  The accommodation layout of the C42 offers a standard plan of a forward owners suite with private head to port, guest cabin with twin berths to starboard, and a galley to port.  Main deck is a full living dedicated area with an L-shaped saloon and opposite entertainment unit.  Power for the C42 comes from twin Volvo 370hp with max speeds up to 36 knots.       
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.1 m (42.9ft)
Hull Length - 11.7 m
Beam - 3.9 m
Draft - 0.82 m exluding drives
Displacement - 10,300 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 490 l
Water Capacity - 350 l
Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths
Max Persons - 12
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 370hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward looking dual propeller pod drives
Speed - 36 knots max
Project - Christian Grande
Certification - CE B

February 14, 2016

Project: AB Yachts 100

AB Yachts is currently constructing a new 100 model set to launch later on this year 2016.  The AB Yachts 100 will continue the evolution of the lines of the known Italian builder, and will also feature a hidden flybridge mostly dedicated to entertainment.  Accommodation layout consists of four double guest cabins, including a midships full beam owners stateroom.  Crew accommodation is for four in two cabins forward, served by a lobby with small dinette and the galley.  Power will come from standard twin MTU 2600hp or optional triple 1925hp Cats.  The engines are coupled with the usual AB Yachts expertise of jet propulsion, with all the models of the builder so far always featuring this type of set up.  Performances are a max of 47 knots from the optional triple Cat engine choice.

February 12, 2016

New Model: Outer Reef 820 Cockpit Motor Yacht

Outer Reef has been an interesting builder to watch in recent years, revamping the classic American motor yacht with the latest features.  The 820 Cockpit Motor Yacht is another new model which joins Outer Reef various offers for a pocket super yacht just above eighty feet.  Featuring a semi displacement hull, the Outer Reef 820 Cockpit Motor Yacht is made to make long time on-board a comfortable time as possible.  Hull one featured an unusual three double cabin offer for guests, with a two berth crew cabin with lobby located aft.  The main deck living space is all about full entertainment with full open area joining saloon, galley, dinette and helm.  Exterior space is all around the 820, with the Cockpit Motor Yacht benefiting from a lowered aft cockpit deck ideally suited for sport fishing, diving, and water sports assistance.    
Technical Data:
LOA - 25 m (82ft)
Beam - 6.4 m
Draft - 1.67 m
Displacement - 81.6 t
Fuel Capacity - 11356 l
Water Capacity - 1893 l
Accommodation - 6 guest berths in 3 cabins, 2 crew berths in 1 cabin 
Engines - 2 x John Deere 6135 750hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Construction - Hand laid fiberglass with core sandwich above waterline
Certification - CE

February 10, 2016

Project: Viking 48 Convertible

Viking continues its inimitable program of introducing new models with the 48 Convertible set to launch and replacing the 46.  This new 48 Convertible is a handsome addition to the world famous Viking with exciting styling, an impressive three stateroom layout couple with the Gretna's known construction and attention to detail. Beginning with the same resin infused beam hull the 48 carries its breadth farther aft for more interior volume, a wider cockpit, and more running surface.  The lush interior abounds with hand-finished teak joinery and spacious appointments throughout the salon including a flat screen television with surround sound. An L-shape lounge and dinette anchor the area for relaxing, dining and entertaining. To port, the galley is accented with Cambria treatments, under counter refrigeration, a microwave/convection oven and plenty of stowage. Inviting accommodations in two staterooms include a queen-size bed forward with private access to the head. A starboard stateroom has upper and lower berths.  Powered comes from twin MAN 1200hp diesels which will the 48 Convertible a cruise at 30 knots with a top end in the mid-end thirties range. The raked entry and forward chine are designed to pierce through head seas and divert spray downward. Convex hull sections add curvature and form to the running surface, while molded running strakes accentuate lateral tracking and maneuverability.  As coming in all the Viking entry level below the 52, the 48 will be offered in Open, and SC and ST hard-top versions.

February 8, 2016

New Model: Four Winns 255 Vista

Four Winns presents a new entry level to its sport cruiser Vista range, enters the 255. From the innovative cockpit to the spacious well-appointed cabin, this is a great all-around sport cruiser. The cockpit seating easily converts for lounging, to dining, to entertaining. The cabin amenities include a queen sized mid-cabin berth, spacious forward V-Berth, large stand-up head and breakfast center. Power options for the 255 Vista will start from the 240hp and go up to 300hp coming from Mercruiser and Volvo.
Technical Data:
LOA - 7.92 m (26.7ft) with extended platform
LOA - 7.67 m
Beam - 2.55 m
Draft - 0.96 m
Displacement - 2801 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 265 l
Water Capacity - 79 l
Accommodation - 2 + 2 berths
Engines - Mercruiser 4.5L 250hp, 6.2L 300hp, Volvo V6 240hp, V6 280hp, V8 300hp
Propulsion - Mercuriser or Volvo dual propeller stern drive
Hull Shape - modified Vee with 17 degrees dead-rise aft 

February 6, 2016

Project: Codecasa 43 Full Beam Vintage Series F.76

The path was taken when at the Monaco Yacht Show 2011 Codecasa Shipyards unveiled in front of the whole world their new Vintage Series, through the exhibition of the first unit the 42 Hull F73, that achieved such a resounding success among the industry fans and experts to be awarded with the Nautical Design Awards 2011 for the Best Interior Design.  Two years later, that success was strengthened through the launching of sister-ship, Hull F75, completed in July 2013. Same as the previous Yacht and still fully representing the distinctive and identifying traits of the whole line, this hull was also inspired by a classic style and traditional lines in the exterior design as well as in the interior, as by a continuous and careful application of cutting edge and last generation technologies, able to obtain the best performances in terms of reliability and safety, comfort for the owner and his guests, respect and safeguard of the environment.  Confirming their strong confidence in this new line of Yachts, Codecasa Shipyards delivered in Summer 2015 the first unit of the new 50 Vintage Series Hull C121, and in Summer 2016 it is scheduled the launching of the new 43 Full Beam , the design of which was developed starting from the platform of the 42.  The new 43 Full Beam, thanks first of all to its overall length increased of about half a meter in the aft area with respect to the 42, offers more comfortable working and service areas around the tender installed in the aft garage.  Innovations, anyway, go far beyond. The interiors designed by Tommaso Spadolini who, with the co-operation of the in-house technical staff, got down to work and developed a totally new layout, designed on purpose for Hull F76.  As far as the owner’s areas are concerned, the major innovation is the full beam layout of the owner’s Suite, located forward on the Main Deck as on the two Codecasa 42’s, but featuring larger spaces than on these two units, enabling to add also a private office inside the apartment.  Going up to the bridge deck, the captain’s cabin with its en-suite bathroom is adjacent the wheelhouse. On the Codecasa 43 Full Beam, therefore, the Captain has his own cabin in direct contact with the bridge and separate from the other four Crew cabins in the lower Deck, all of them for the yacht staff. Larger and brighter hallways and a panoramic staircase connect the three interior decks. Bigger windows than the ones of the 42 are the key features of all areas, from the Owner’s suite up to the main deck and bridge deck salons.  The shipyards designers skillful hands, anyway, did not overlook the exterior decks either and they did their best to make them even more comfortable and equipped: an exterior living area with sofas, settees and tables in fact has been created in the Portuguese bridge forward the wheelhouse, obtaining an extremely private and reserved space, very useful when the yacht is moored at the dock. The sun deck is equipped with a Jacuzzi tub, installed far forward.  Equipped with two Caterpillar 1650hp each able to reach a top speed of 16.5 knots in light displacement conditions and a range of 4,000 nautical miles at the cruise of 11 knots, the Codecasa 43 Full Beam Vintage Series, same as the two previous units of the 42, is meant to become another excellent achievement for Codecasa Shipyards, a small jewel of the sea, able to assure a safe and comfortable cruising in any weather and sea conditions, with interior volumes slightly under 500 tons GRT, absolutely remarkable exterior spaces, clean and elegant lines, reasonable consumption, and very high building standards.

February 4, 2016

New Model: Hatteras 70 Motor Yacht

It's really coming full circle at the moment for Hatteras in the last two years, with new models proving to be a success after another.  The motor yacht series is the one that most benefited since Versa Capital took over Hatteras in 2013, with three new models being presented in a space of couple years.  Designed as the 100 and the upcoming 90 by Enrico Gobbi of T4 Design Italy the 70 Motor Yacht fits perfectly in the Hatteras puzzle, filling the gap perfectly in between models. The 70 Motor Yacht features a four double cabins lower deck, with a crew cabin and lobby aft. The main deck is offered with two arrangements one reflecting a more American open area, and the other offering a more conservative Mediterranean Europe approach.  
Technical Data:
LOA - 22.71 m (74.6ft)
Waterline Length - 19.2 m
Beam - 6.4 m
Draft - 1.37 m
Displacement - 70,306 kg
Fuel Capacity - 7570 l
Water Capacity - 1135 l
Accommodation - 8 berths in 4 cabins, 1 crew berth cabin
Engines - 2 x Cat C32 1622hp, C32A 1800hp, C32A 1900hp, MTU 16V-2000 2000hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Project - Enrico Gobbi T4 Design

February 2, 2016

Project: Pershing 5X

After many years we see Pershing coming to the sub sixty feet sizes with a total new project, the 5x. I remind to my readers that the last new project in this size from Pershing was the 56 from 2005, which later on became the 58 and today is the 62. The 5x is an innovative departure for Pershing which takes design cues from the much acclaimed and best selling 2014 introduced 70, and brings them in a smaller package of 54 feet length-over-all.  The 5x will also bring some first not only for Pershing but for all the Ferretti Group, with the 5x being available with Volvo IPS pod drives, along with the usual high performance surface drives option.  Yes it has been ten years plus since 2005, when IPS was presented to the public and Ferretti Group publicly never showed interest in the forward looking pod system. Honestly this is a curious turn of events, and will be interesting if we see more Ferretti Group boats with IPS pod drives from now on.  The Pershing 5x will have a one layout of two double cabins, including a full beam midships owners cabin, and VIP suite to fore. In between the cabins is a C-shaped dinette to port side, and L-shaped galley opposite.  So far the 5x is offered in a two cabins layout, but seeing the main deck is of the enclosed or fully open hydraulic variant, I think it would be easy for Pershing to offer a third cabin option albeit small in replacement of the dinette below.  From the layout rendering I can see the Pershing 5x feeling bigger to what actually she is, especially when looking or coming from aft, with an interesting large yacht feel coming from the aft-deck going to the side deck up until midships. As this whole area will be of a flat deck format, no steps.  Now performance numbers, the Volvo IPS will have the 725hp units and will give 35 knots max speed and 30 cruise.  Cat surface drives option will be of 1000hp and give a 45 knots top speed to the 25 ton Pershing 5x.

February 1, 2016

Fairline Goes Down

2015 ended with the bad news about Fairline going bankrupt, one of Britain's top three builders who has a huge following and has delivered over twelve thousand boats since its founding in 1963.  Fairline has paid the price for being a slow reactor in the last ten or so years, a full beam midships sixteen/seventeen meters motor yacht with the 2008 launched Squadron 55, meaning eight years behind Azimut 55 does not cut it for example.
Seeing the future of Fairline is hard.  
As buyers go this should not be a huge problem, unless you really like Fairline.  Todays buyer has a competitive alive choice, filling the void with Fairline's inept reaction of the last years, and that of forever never coming for a new model.  The likes of AbsoluteBeneteau Group with the MonteCarlo and Prestige brands, and Galeon are the new comers in this stage of the last five to ten years.  Then you have the traditional competition from Azimut, Princess, and Sunseeker
The Fairline brand is full of potential, and the following is great, but being competitive and always attentive to the latest trends is a must and not an option any more nowadays.  That is you cannot react two years or more down the line to put an astern galley if this what the clients and market are asking for.