Changeling

Vicem’s 54 IPS is a look into the

future of the successful Turkish yard

By Bill Ando

Viewing  Vicem’s 54 Classic IPS floating dockside at the Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show, the profile alone was enough to make it stand out among the other yachts on display. If that didn’t arouse attention, its stark white appearance distinguished it from the rest of the builder’s flotilla. “We did things on this boat that we were going to do in the near future, but the owner’s request got us to do them sooner,” says Alberto Perrone Da Zara, Vicem’s CEO.
The most obvious difference, noticeable when boarding the boat, is the lack of varnished wood on the exterior.

Alberto says that the owner requested a zero maintenance exterior. Of course, being a boat, no maintenance translates to low maintenance. Gone were the teak decks, dark hull and the varnished toe rail, trim and hand holds along the cabin top. The stark white of its Awlcraft finish, though common for other builders, is a switch for this Turkish yard. The only remaining vestige of Vicem’s trademark teak and mahogany treatment were the cockpit sole, a varnished mahogany cockpit table and some mahogany trim around the aft entry door that seemed to be sneaking out from the interior.
The owner, Turkish by birth, now living in the United States, is comfortable with design. He brought those sensibilities to other changes he requested in his boat, such as the cabin profile. “He wanted the coach roof to cover the cockpit,” says Alberto. To accommodate and balance the new look, the deck house is set farther back. With a helm door on the starboard side—making deck access convenient when docking—this puts three windows along the cabin side, a single vertical window in the door and larger ones forward and aft. This, too, alters the profile.
Another big change was to the propulsion. This is the first VIcem to feature a pair of Volvo 900 IPS drives. They not only improve the operational and economic characteristics of the boat, but the installation also frees up interior space. The engines, mounted farther aft than a conventional installation would allow, enables a large machinery space between the engine room and the accommodations. The change from shaft  drive also permits an amidships master stateroom with a king size walk-around bed—pretty cool for a 54-footer—of course it is ensuite. The other two staterooms, a twin to port and a VIP in the forepeak, share a bath.

Specifications

LOA: 59’6”
Beam: 16’7”
Draft: 4’6”
Displacement (dry): 60,627 lbs
Fuel/water: 635/265 U.S. gal
Power: 2 X Volvo IPS900 700 hp
Top/cruising speed: 30 /25 knots
Range at cruise: 270 nm

Contact

Vicem Yachts
Fort Lauderdale, Fl
954-713-0737
vicemyacht.com

Across from the master suite, the galley stretches out along the starboard side.
Absent is a vertical refrigerator; instead there are four Sub Zero drawers; as requested by the owner’s wife. The ottoman in the saloon is something she had a hand in as well. The top turns over and becomes a serving tray on the opposite side from the cushion. Inside is wine storage.
Other interesting features include: The starboard armrest of the transom settee lifts to reveal helm controls. This means that the boat can be operated from outside on the aft deck, where it affords the helmsman unfettered visibility when backing into a slip.
Per the owner’s request, the dinghy stores on the coach roof, in secure chock mounts.
Along with changes to the layout, the interior finish has a considerably different look than the standard Vicem. “Our core business has been high gloss mahogany,” says Alberto. That changed with this 54-footer as the owner wanted something a bit less glaring and requested a satin finish.  Alberto pointed out that as Vicem is a semi-custom yard, his wishes were willingly accommodated.
In fact, look for a different kind of yacht from Vicem in the fall, at the Fort Lauderdale show. That’s when the yard will introduce its 78 Cruiser to the U.S. market. Consider that it will be sporting an anigre wood interior, making good on Alberto’s promise. Although anigre is of the mahogany family, it is a much lighter wood than Vicem has used in the past.
Alberto says that the 54, although not the largest Vicem built, is the builder’s flagship—not in size but in the look and vision for Vicem Yachts. Look for the satin finish interior, and with different woods, to show up more frequently. IPS drives and low maintenance exteriors will also be featured on future Vicem yachts.
The love affair with Vicem continues for the 54’s owner, he sold the yacht and is awaiting delivery of his new 56-foot Vicem. It, too, will have IPS drives.