May 15, 2016

New Model: Arcadia 85S

Arcadia the innovative eco-friendly Italian shipyard has the pleasure to announce the delivery of hull #1 of Arcadia 85S, an all-new "special" edition with sky-lounge, dedicated to American customers.  Arcadia 85S is designed to be a family yacht, which combines different exterior functions over two decks, giving guests more possibility to spend time together. While interiors profit by the advanced aesthetic sensation of open space and closer contact with nature thanks to the the full floor-to-ceiling windows. The layout and the functional living concepts of Arcadia 85S are the result of a construction evolution: the linear design of the superstructure and the vertical line of the bow allow a better use of every single available internal and external space. Living capacity is wider than other yachts of the same size. The uniqueness of Arcadia’s project is finding in the design solution to integrate solar panels into a yacht with navigation performance.  Arcadia 85S hull one has improved her soundproofing capacity index, replacing the PVC, for the fore part of the hull, with Balsa core sandwich structure. The advanced semi-planing hull which allows efficient performances together with the very light superstructure in aluminum significantly reduces weight and fuel consumption and related running costs of its low-power engines . The just 26 meter short Arcadia 85S has a full load displacement of 67 tons.  She is powered by twin MAN 730hp each, giving her the maximum speed of 18 knots and she can comfortably cruise at the speed of 16 knots, as well as 12.0 knots. Her range is approx 850 nautical miles at 12 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 25.9 m (84.9ft)
Hull Length - 23.9 m
Beam - 7.15 m
Draft - 1.65 m
Displacement - 55 t light, 67 t full load
Fuel Capacity - 8000 l
Water Capacity - 1600 l
Engines - 2 x Man R6 730hp, 1000hp optional
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 18 knots max, 16 knots cruise, 12 knots economic long range
Range - 850 nm at 12 knots
Hull Shape - NPL series planning hull
Project - Guida engineering, 3F Technologies

May 13, 2016

Project: Galeon 510 HTC

Galeon does not stop expanding its new third generation and the attention continues on the acclaimed 500 series platform, which after the launch of the 500 Fly at the fall of 2015, and the World presentation of the 510 Skydeck present the project for this new 510 HTC.  A hard top sport yacht with a glass sunroof covering two thirds of the main deck.  Like the 500 Fly the 510 HTC offers all the goods which came with the much praised 500 Fly in a profile of a sport yacht, expanding aft deck by 30%, three double cabin interior, and symptous living main deck saloon.

May 11, 2016

New Model: Nordhavn 59 Coastal Pilot

It's a different kind of Nordhavn the 59 Coastal Pilot, but yet a model which technically does not go much far out from the usual schematics of the far East builder. Yes the 59 Coastal Pilot has the difference of being a semi displacement yacht, and also for having two Cummins 715hp engines in its engine room. But yet the 59 Coastal Pilot is all about Nordhavn and long passage cruising more then you think, see large fuel and water tanks. The 59 Coastal Pilot is an interesting semi displacement explorer yacht with a full living on the main deck, and a lower deck offered with three or two cabins layout. The 59 Coastal Pilot also looks at latest design trend details, like the astern galley, and a separate stair case entrance to the full beam master stateroom.  The three cabin versions also presents itself as an interesting spacious berth alternative with the possibility of having eight berths, which is attractively spacious for seventeen meters.
Technical Data:
LOA - 17.92 m (58.9ft)
Waterline Length - 15.4 m
Beam - 5.18 m
Draft - 1.27 m
Displacement - 32.36 t
Fuel Capacity - 4164 l
Water Capacity - 1287 l
Accommodation - 8 berths in three cabins, or 4 berths in two cabins
Engines - 2 x Cummins QSM11 715hp
Speed - 20 knots max estimate
Propulsion - direct line shaft with Hungshen four bladed props
Construction - vacuum bagging with CCP gelcoat, Vinilester resin for first three later, and cored topsides
Project - Jeff Leishman
Certification - CE A

May 9, 2016

Project: Rizzardi 57 TL

Welcome back Rizzardi Topline! With some new sport yachts of recent years doing everything to look less like one it is always nice to see a builder which goes the route, of offering a pure Mediterranean semi custom open yacht. Rizzardi is no stranger to this, and here it returns for a new TL Topline 57 model.  For those that do not know, the Topline series made fortunes for Rizzardi in the early nineties up till the first decade of the 21 century with models; 53, the top selling 50, and the 63. Like the previous Topline's of over twenty years before her the 57 is again a semi-custom project, offered in three or four double cabins, full open or with hard-top as pictured above.  The 57 TL is to be powered by standard twin Man 1000 or optional 1200hp with traditional shaft line propulsion.  Speeds are both good with the standard units giving 36 knots max, and the optional two knots more. 

May 7, 2016

New Model: AB Yachts 100

The AB Yachts shipyard, part of Fipa Group, is proud to announce the launch of its new 100 model.  The AB 100 is the first of new projects that Fipa Group is completing for the 2016 summer season and which will make their world premiere at the upcoming autumn boat shows.  Thirty meters which provoke their own fascination at first sight, yet with obvious "family feeling" with the AB Yachts brand and design, always synonymous with style and elegance.  Built using the latest generation of lightweight materials, with breathtaking exterior design, extraordinary performance, and taste and refinement in interior furnishing, all imperatives which have guided this new construction.  Hull and superstructure are painted in two different tones of metallic silver which emphasize the aggressive lines of the yacht which will surely get noticed during the upcoming season.  With its new 100, AB Yachts the sportier line of Fipa Group, which has always been flying the banner of water-jet propulsion will reach a top speed of 52 knots in maximum comfort and stability in navigation which characterize all AB Yachts models. This extraordinary performance will be achieved thanks to three MAN engines producing 1900hp each and MJP waterjets. Stepping on board, one will remain impressed with outstanding interior as well as exterior spaces offered by the yacht.  The main saloon, furnished mainly in light grey tones, is inundated with natural light through large lateral windows, thereby creating magical chromatic contrasts. It is divided in a lounging area with a comfortable sofa and a dining area with a fascinating marble table for eight people.  The helm is finished in dove-grey leather and incorporates all the latest technologies in order to guarantee safe and comfortable navigation.  Going down to the lower deck, the space is divided as follows: two guest cabins with double beds, one VIP cabin and one master cabin, all en-suite with private bathrooms.  The master cabin is located amidships and occupies the full beam of the hull. Spacious and bright, it features a very practical walk-in closet and a finely furnished bathroom with a spacious shower for two people.  The tones chosen for the lower deck also tend towards light grey with delightful touches of color provided by bedside table lamps.  The crew and service area is located at the bow and starts with a modern and spacious galley which is fitted with a comfortable crew lounge. For more privacy, the crew area which is composed of two twin cabins and one bathroom, also has a separate access from the outside deck.  The exterior is designed to make the moments spent in open air very comfortable and exciting. The hidden sport bridge features a second steering position, an L-shaped sofa and two sunbeds. The fore-deck features two coffee tables, a spacious U-shaped sofa and another comfortable sunbed. The aft cockpit, in addition to being fitted with every imaginable electronic domestic equipment available for exterior spaces, features a large dining table, a sofa and yet another spacious sunbed.  The stern garage, elegantly finished, transforms into a "beach house" which further improves the comfort of an already spacious bathing platform.  The AB 100 is designed for those who wish to enjoy cruising on their own terms in maximum comfort and in search of unforgettable experiences that only AB Yachts can provide.
Technical Data:
LOA - 30 m (98.4ft)
Beam - 6.80 m
Draft - 1,80 m
Fuel Capacity - 11500 l
Water Capacity - 2000 l
Accommodation - 8 berths in 4 cabins, 4 crew in 2 cabins
Engines - 3 x MAN 12v 1900hp
Propulsion - waterjet 2 x MJP 500 Csu + 1 MJP 500 booster
Speed - 52 knots max, 44 knots cruise
Hull Shape - deep Vee
Construction - Kevlar plus Carbon fiber

May 6, 2016

Project: Numarine 32XP

Numarine from Istanbul, with a range from of yacht 55 to 130 feet, is pleased to announce that the hull #1 of the new 32XP Series is now under construction. The Numarine 32XP is an evolution of the 30 project announced in 2015 and together with the 40XP will be a new line of Explorer series models that will encompass the Turkish fastidious attention to detail, radical looks, unsurpassed performance and uncompromising luxury, attributes all at the heart of the company mantra. Enjoying a long term relationship with Numarine, renowned designer Can Yalman has once again delivered the creative design for this new line which boasts Numarine’s signature striking lines and head turning looks. The Numarine 32XP is an exceptional blend of size and capability, fully equipped and ready to take you on an exceptional journey anywhere one desires. Numarine 32XP with accommodate twelve guests including a full beam owners stateroom. 32XP features a composite superstructure with steel hull propelled by two CAT 715hp each. Thanks to this configuration Numarine 32XP Series has a design cruising range of three thousand nautical miles at a cruising speed of 12 knots.  Numarine 32XP is designed in conjunction with Silent Line Group to the highest standard for noise and vibration, each machine is studied to evaluate the best mounting and connection solution to provide optimum isolation preventing vibration transfer into the structure, free airborne noise is minimized and insulated with the latest technology in sound absorbency and blocking. Numarine has the target to achieve 50 meters Rina Noise and Vibration Comfort levels on a 32meter yacht.

May 4, 2016

New Model: Beneteau 30 Swift Trawler

Beneteau has really taken the motor boat market on in the last ten years or so, and the Swift Trawler has been one of its success stories in this sector.  Designed by the Italian Andreani and the Beneteau design team the 30 Swift Trawler is an interesting new offer, and presents itself as an entry level of the explorer range which currently offers four models up to fifty feet.  The 30 Swift Trawler offers interesting intelligent transforming solutions aimed at making life on-board comfortable, see opening transom, and dinette to double berth switch.  The 30 Swift Trawler is also offered with two internal layouts one or two cabins, and an option for large longer extended bathing platform.  Power is a standard single Volvo 300 or optional 370hp engine with line shaft propulsion. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 10.39m (34.1ft) with extended bathing platform
LOA - 9.99 m (32.9ft) without extra platform
Hull Length - 9.58 m
Beam - 3.53 m
Draft - 1.05 m
Displacement - 6000 kg light
Fuel Capacity - 720 l
Water Capacity - 2 x 150 l
Max People - 8
Accommodation - 2 + 2, or 4 + 2
Engines - 1 x Volvo D4 300hp, D6 370hp 
Propulsion - line shaft
Project - Andreani, Beneteau Design
Certification - CE B8

May 2, 2016

Project: Blu Martin 13.90 Sea Top

Blu Martin shipyard, a Sea Engineering Group brand, is preparing to launch on the market, next summer 2016, an extensively revisited version of its bestselling Sea Top 13.90, a model particularly in vogue among the brand's enthusiasts. The newcomer retains the elegance and charm of the original model, while featuring a more modern style and greater attention to the comfort of guests on board. Increased live-ability for the external spaces, new windows and an innovative hard top makes the new Sea Top 13.90 lines even more streamlined and contemporary. Measuring 13.90 meters in length and over 4 meters in full beam, the new Sea Top 13.90 by Blu Martin includes two or three cabins, depending on the version, and can comfortably carry up to 12 people. The interior also comprises two bathrooms a spacious galley and dinette.  Turning to the external spaces, the bow sun pad will be even more spacious and functional, while a foldaway table in the outer cockpit will make for more comfortable use of the sofa, turning the area into a veritable lounge for ultimate relaxation on board. For the comfort of guests, the hard top has been modified to increase the opening surface. Moreover, the side windows have been expanded, so as to further improve ventilation and lighting.  In terms of design, the swim platform astern has been shortened by a few centimeters in the central part, so as to completely eliminate any spray-back, in addition to endowing it with a contemporary look. The portholes are more modern and rectangular in shape, and are dotted along a strip that runs along the entire side, considerably increasing the brightness of the interiors. The new design, inspired by the automotive industry, also encompasses the bridge, which accommodates all the instrumentation displays and improves ergonomics and steering comfort. Finally, the mooring equipment have been re positioned for greater ease of use while mooring.  Sea Top 13.9 retains the original model's characteristic and stylish hard top, allowing guests to use the large outdoor dinette in all weather conditions, as well as providing the necessary shelter from the wind when the boat picks up speed. With a cruising speed of 29 knots and a top speed of 31 knots, the yacht also registers the lowest fuel consumption levels for its category; 95 liters per hour at cruising speed with the standard Volvo Penta IPS 435hp engines. The high-performance hull has also remained unchanged, further ensuring low fuel consumption, a distinguishing characteristic of all boats in the range. The interior, two and three cabin layout, instead, has been revisited, as always with ample scope for customization, reflecting Blu Martin's construction and commercial philosophy.  Three engines are available: in addition to the twin Volvo 435hp with IPS pod drives, it is possible to install a twin 375hp also with IPS pod droves, or twin 400hp with stern drives.  The new Blu Martin 13.90 Sea Top will be completed by July 2016, and will be officially launch in France, at the opening of the boating season, during the September 2016 Cannes show.

May 1, 2016

blogger - The Old Masters

In the last year or so the nautical industry has lost important people who shaped its past decades since the eighties and the current present times.  Designers who made school, people who founded yards and managed them to huge successes.  And its not only this, other important personalities as they become older have also taken a more back seat in managing the activities they once did.
It will be interesting to see if the industry can create persons, as it did in the eighties and the nineties.  People to propel it to huge success.  The future was looking bright up until 2008, then after that the talent went into more rewarding industries, as the boat market fell from record highs to new lows.  If we look at history as a remark we are in a similar position the nautical World was in the seventies.  It is important to note a huge difference to that period and that was the transition from wood to fiberglass construction completing the full circle which started in the sixties. 
The inputs for bringing passionate people to the industry are also missing, offshore racing nowadays is nearly non existent.  Yes we have Class One and the Endurance series who race if you are lucky a couple races a year. Competing is very expensive and if you want to win your budget has to be well above the couple million mark. 
UIM how about a new intermediate class of 30-40 feet offshore powerboat with a set max budget?  
In the past offshore racing always brought talent, from important designers to technical people who went on to manage yards, and then the others which came in it for marketing purposes see Ferretti in the nineties, and Sunseeker in the eighties and the P1 more or less a decade ago. New people bring fresh ideas, propel the industry forward and that this is very missing nowadays.

April 30, 2016

Monthly News - April 2016

-pic of the month- Hatteras Super Yacht Sidekick


Azimut Atlantis Under the Spotlight in Asia

During the recent Singapore Yacht Show, surprisingly buoyant sales have confirmed just how highly enthusiasts rate the Italian brand owned by Azimut|Benetti Group, and its new models. This exceptional achievement is in part the result of ten Azimut 43 Atlantis orders placed during the last Singapore Yacht Show, confirming the success of one of the top models in the Azimut collections, which was presented to international markets just a few months ago.  These incredible market results follow on from another recent success, also featuring Azimut 43 Atlantis. Last April 7th, once again during the Singapore yacht show, the new model introduced by Azimut received the "Best Production Motor Yacht” up to 15 meters award on the occasion of the Asia Boating Awards organized by Blu Inc., publisher of the "Asia Pacific Boating" and "China Boating” magazines. “For us, this model’s commercial achievements and the award represent the successful conclusion of a highly satisfying Singapore Yacht show" said Enrico Chiaussa, Azimut Yachts Area Manager, APAC & MEA. “It is a recognition that reflects the real sentiment in a marketplace that appreciates our brand from every point of view. This success is due entirely to the experience we have gained working for over 30 years in this geographical area and to the efforts we have made to strengthen our network. Recently we started to set up a new dealership network based on local partnerships that are ! fully committed to and exclusively focused on Azimut Yachts, in order to give our customers the best possible service and yachting experience.”  “We are extremely proud,” continued Mr. Choppy Tan CEO of Azimut Yachts Singapore, “that our owners have chosen Azimut so enthusiastically and placed such great confidence in us. It is the result of our expertise and an approach to development that fully exploits synergy between projects. Azimut Yachts has a market leading presence in Asia, built over many years of work to establish solid relations and convey confidence to our clients, who clearly repay us by choosing our yachts.”


Baglietto End Relationship

Baglietto spa and Mr Maurizio Cozzani, in his role of Sales Consultant for the company, announce the consensual termination of their contractual relationship. Baglietto SpA wishes to thank MrCozzani for his competence and commitment and wish him all the best for his personal and professional successes.Baglietto informs that a reorganization process is undergoing and Sales Direction will be soon appointed in order to push the brand positioning on international markets.


Ferretti Group New Shareholder Entry

F Investments Sa., holding controlled by the Ferrari family, chose to become an investor of Ferretti International Holding S.p.A. together with Weichai Group by acquiring the 13.2% of the Company. The transaction value has not been endorsed. Mr. Piero Ferrari has been invited by Weichai Group to join the Board of Directors of Ferretti Group and will also continue to preside over the Product Development Committee that is responsible to direct the research, development and implementation of new products through all the Group’s brands. The fundamentals that helped to reach the brilliant results of 2015 were also the achievement of this Committee’s activity led by Mr. Ferrari. “The year of 2015 has rewarded us with economic and financial results over the expectations and the Group has relaunched itself regaining leadership on several markets” - underlined Mr. Galassi. “This achievement would not have been possible without the introduction of innovative and cutting edge products that are the results of significant investments in research & development and of the design and construction capabilities of Ferretti Group. For this reason, I would like to thank Weichai Group that was keen to invest and wise to await the necessary time this sector, free from a speculative approach, requires.” “Today Ferretti Group celebrates another important event” - continued Mr. Galassi. “The entry through F Investments S.A. of a great Italian businessman in the share capital, a nautical expert that already has an active part in the Group’s growth: Mr. Piero Ferrari. He chose to invest in Ferretti Group and to share a challenging business plan with our main shareholder and the management. Mr. Ferrari brings his great entrepreneurial skills by offering his capabilities of style and attention to detail and his international experience not only in the automotive industry, but also to one of the excellences in the nautical sector in Italy.”

Ferretti Group 2015 Results Exceed Expectations

Ferretti Group presented its higher than expected results as of the 31st of December, 2015 today in Milan. Moreover, the Group also announced the entry of F Investments S.A., a holding controlled by the Ferrari family, into the share capital of Ferretti International Holding S.p.A. by the acquisition of 13.2% of the share capital. During the press conference Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group presented the results of the financial year 2015. Nonetheless the persisting difficult market conditions, the consolidated production value has been 410 million euros (+23% compared to 334 million euros of 2014 and also higher than the Forecast at the beginning of 2015 that was established at 403 million euros). The EBITDA turned positive for the first time in the past four years and equals 7 million euros. This result is significantly better than the expectations as the forecast EBITDA was -1 million euro. This achievement means that the loss has been halved compared to that of 2014. The EBIT and loss are respectively -13 and -29 million euros. The CEO has also announced that the first quarter of 2016 will report profits of around 5 million euros. The FY 2015 performance led to a positive review of the 2016 outlook, thus production value by the end of 2016 is expected to transcend 550 million euros, while the EBITDA is foreseen to reach 50 million euros and the Group to be profitable. It was possible to exceed the objectives set by the development plan for 2015 thanks to the implementation of the relaunch, development and growth strategies presented a year ago by the Group, following the capital increase of 80 million euros of the main shareholder, Weichai Group. From this amount, 50 million euros were allocated to the design and launch of 27 new models and to the expansion of sales activity towards both mature and emerging markets. Mr. Galassi confirmed the success of the 6 Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing and Custom Line models presented in 2015 that have been the absolute growth drivers of the year. Furthermore, he announced the arrival of 9 new yachts of the length between 12 and 37 meters that will be ready to debut this year.

Ferretti Group Cheers for Sinan Regatta

Ferretti Group is continuing its active presence in Mainland China market in the new calendar year, now back to Sanya again for the famous SiNan Regatta in its fourth edition since 2013.  SiNan Regatta is the only professional sailing race event in China that has the nautical route to Xisha Islands and the furthest off-shore regatta event. With its standard, profession, influence, appeal, popularity and reputation being increasingly improved, SiNan Regatta is reputed to be a pretty sailing business card of both cities of Sanya and Sansha.  SiNan Regatta is also the only regatta in China attended by boat owners themselves, gathering hundreds of sail boats and motor yachts owners and social elites who are fond of yachting from all over the country.  In the racing course, a series of experience activities, banquets and parties related to the popularization of sailing culture and lifestyle are held in addition to the professional track race and long-distance rally, with a view to forging the most high-end social community for sailing elites.  Being the exclusive motor yacht partner, Ferretti Group will bring two of its best-selling yachts: Ferretti Yachts 650 and Ferretti Yachts 690 Hard Top, to accommodate invited VIP guests on board to enjoy the magnificent sailing fleets from no distance, and experience Ferretti Yachts’ comforts, power and performance along the attractive Yalong Bay coast.  SiNan Regatta is not only sailing racing, but a multi-platform entertainment lifestyle week for the boat owners and their friends. Apart from daily off-shore sail racing, guests can enjoy sail training, art show, cocktail, gala, Texas Hold’em Challenge and golf tournament every day from morning till mid-night.  Ferretti Group sponsors the week’s Ferretti-SiNan Cup VIP Golf Tournament at Yalong Bay Golf Club and Hotel.  Estimated 200 guests will join this 8-day tournament for the final top rankings.  The champion will win an exclusive Riva motor yacht scale model.


Hattereas Super Yacht Sidekick

The owner of the 147-foot expedition yacht Dorothea III built the Hatteras 45 Express Post One so he and his guests could fish all the hot spots that the superyacht visits on her epic voyages..Designed for targeting game-fish offshore, the quick and nimble Post One has accompanied the superyacht as a tow-behind tender since last year. “We took delivery of Post One in the latter part of the summer,” said Dorothea III’s captain, John Crupi. “Since then, we have towed it nearly 5,000 miles and we’ve put a little over 600 hours on it. We’ve gone to the Bahamas, to Colombia, through the Panama Canal, and to Costa Rica. We’ve been fishing about a week a month in the best places you can imagine.” He gave an example: “On March 18th, we were fishing Isla Jicaron on Panama’s Pacific Coast. At around 4 pm we raised and hooked a 550-pound blue marlin on 30-pound main line. The fish was fought till the early evening hours and released at 7 pm.” On its last fishing trip off the northern coast of Panama, Post One released 33 sails over three days and brought home a nice tuna for fresh sashimi onboard Dorothea III.


Sunreef Wins Best Power Multi Hull at Asia Boating Awards

Held during the Singapore Yacht Show, the twelfth edition of the Asia Pacific Boating Awards was a great success for the Sunreef Yachts shipyard. At the evening gala, the remarkable Sunreef 70 Power Blue Berry launched in 2015 was awarded as the Best Motor Multihull in the World. Boasting generous, custom-designed living spaces along with a lofty open saloon, this 70 Power can host up to ten guests in the luxury of her interiors including a front-placed master suite with a panoramic view. With her aft hydraulic platform, spacious flybridge and a large cockpit opening onto the saloon, she proudly represents the Sunreef 70 Power as a model known to combine the best of comfort, performance and offering oceanic range.


Sunseeker to Star in BBC Two

After 10 months of filming, Sunseeker International is pleased to announce that the exclusive BBC Two documentary ‘Britain’s Biggest Superyachts: Chasing Perfection’ will be airing this Friday 15th April at 9pm. The programme sees the BBC film crew follow the build of Sunseeker International’s new 131 Yacht through to its launch. For the first time ever, the film crew filmed fascinating behind the scenes footage to capture the journey of the new 131 superyachts from concept to build at the manufacturing facility in Poole, and then through to final delivery. The 131 Yacht enables its owner to tailor every element of the interior design and layout to their personal preferences via Sunseeker’s unique ‘Bespoke’ service, which is highlighted in the documentary.  As well as documenting the build in its Dorset shipyards, filming also took place during the boat shows in the latter half of 2015 and at the London Boat Show this year, with several people from Sunseeker’s world-class team appearing in the one hour program.


Viking 52 Years Ago

Fifty-two years ago today, brothers Bill and Bob Healey opened the doors to a small building with dirt floors that would eventually evolve into the world's leading manufacturer of semi-custom convertible sport-fishing yachts. Starting with wood, Viking built a fleet of 37-foot cruisers, which gained a reputation along the waterfront and served notice that this local South Jersey builder was in it for the long haul. The Healey brothers built the company with a captivating phrase to "Build a better boat every day" and the fleet soon expanded to include motor yachts to broaden its horizons in the growing marine marketplace.  By the early 1970s Viking had made a sea change to fiberglass and in 1972 launched the 40 Sedan Fisherman with a unique engine mounting system featuring structural steel web frame I beams, well-suited for diesel installations. The Viking 40/41 would remain in production in various configurations for 16 years and over 600 were built during this amazing run. The 1980s was a significant decade for Viking with ten boats added to the product line from 35 to 50 feet in convertible and motor yacht models. Viking was on a roll and every competitor knew it. The 1990s started slowly. A federal luxury tax in effect from 1991 to 1993 caused the marine industry to run hard aground as buyers abandoned the market. Viking buckled down, took on Washington with protests and demonstrations with Bob Healey in the lead, while Bill Healey and a skeleton crew kept the doors open and worked on new designs. By the time the tax was repealed the buyers returned and Viking was ready with new models. Business picked up but the game changer was the 1997 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show and the introduction of the 55 Convertible. This boat was the turning point for Viking with a host of custom boat features including increased bow flare, an unbroken sheer-line, frame-less salon windows, flush-mounted engine-room vents, a helm pod with single lever controls and a massive cockpit. It marked a new future for all Vikings that would follow as they would share many of these attributes. The roaring 2000s saw larger models like the 70 Convertible demonstrate that large convertibles were perfect tournament contenders and would lead their anglers to the Winner's Circle. At the 2014 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, a new flagship, the 92 Convertible premiered. In the same year Viking also returned to the motor yacht market with the launch of the 75 MY. In 2015, the Viking 80 launched to critical acclaim. As Viking enters into its 52nd year it continues to move forward and maintain the position as the world's leader in luxurious convertible sport-fishing yachts.