Marlow Yachts’ new 90V is a clear vision of what customization means.
Henry Ford once said, “Any color the customer wants, as long as it’s black,” as his response to a salesman’s inquiry to other options for the Model-T auto. Ford’s reasoning was that black was the cheapest color, and it kept the assembly line running without shutdowns to change the shade of paint. This company policy was instilled until 1926, when other colors were offered.
Nowadays, it seems that some yacht builders still live by Ford’s credo. There’s nothing wrong with it, as long as you like a white boat. Yet, there are numerous builders who let you choose and customize your yacht to your tastes, needs, and desires. One of those is Marlow Yachts, and its latest offering is a model of customization.
Recently introduced is the Marlow 90V, and she has some distinctive owner-requested options. Understand that short of changing bulkheads or other structural components, the Marlow team wants to and will deliver a customized yacht for an owner from stem to stern.
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Marlow Yachts 90V: From the Hull up
This yacht is full of custom styles; most notably is the Donegal Green-colored (jade-like) lapstrake-styled hull. A departure from the white, blue, or sea-foam colors Marlow has used on other hulls, this deep green contrasts with the coral pink boot stripe. The color scheme is a favorite of the owners, and they got what they wanted in a tasteful way.
The superstructure, including the radar, domes, etc., on the hardtop is all painted in a brilliant cloud-white finish, punctuated by the coral pink lounge seats on the fly, fore, and bow decks.
With close observation, it’s noted that the hull windows are blacked-out rectangular fixtures with large portholes. Additionally, exterior window frames on the main and fly decks are painted, giving the look of single large windows. They also contribute to the overall slick look of the yacht.
Another observation: This is a big yacht. With an overall length of 97 feet and length at waterline of 88 feet, 11 inches, and approximate displacement of 205,000 pounds, it doesn’t mean this tri-deck is slow and clumsy. With the agility to deftly maneuver around the docks, she responds to wheel commands quickly and tops out at near 24 knots. It’s an exhilarating ride!
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As You Wish
Step into the salon for something new. Not only is a long sofa situated along the port window with free-standing barrel chairs across the way and a center coffee table with under storage seating, but forward is a work of art. Marlow built in a two-tiered custom bar with teak façade, three barstools (can accommodate four easily), and mitered Caesarstone countertops. On the backside is a Sub-Zero wine cooler and fridge sufficiently tall enough to keep champagne bottles upright, liquor and glass storage, and a stainless steel sink. There’s ample counter space to create your favorite cocktails.
As this is a very casual yacht, there is no inside formal dining area. The bar is a preferred spot for dining or at the aft deck table that seats eight. Keeping ice and drinks close by is paramount and satisfied by the two Sub-Zero fridge/freezer combos in the port credenza. Don’t forget the ice machine in the lazarette. You can never have too much.
Size Really Doesn’t Matter
Surprisingly, size doesn’t matter when it comes to the relatively small amount of real estate the galley consumes. In a U-shaped layout, it can be closed off by the pocket door for formal meal prep and plating or opened along with the large pass-through window to the bar for easy serving. There’s no skimping here as the owners opted for a Wolf induction cooktop and 30-inch convection oven, both in black stainless. The full-height Sub-Zero fridge/freezer can handle the cold goods, easily provisioned via the starboard galley door to the deck. An upgraded Franke Kubus large stainless steel sink aids in cleanup since the owners decided against a dishwasher (it is prewired and plumbed for easy addition).
The Marlow Yachts 90V Main Event
One firm owner request was to have the master stateroom on the main deck so they wouldn’t have to frequently transit the staircase to the lower deck. Up for the challenge, Marlow’s designers and craftsmen made it work. Forward of the galley is the owner’s boudoir. Tastefully appointed with a centerline king berth, forward and side curtained windows, portside lounge, starboard vanity, and full-height 24-inch hanging locker and dresser drawers, the area is well-utilized and spacious. Other custom items include the additional acoustic sound insulation, open cabinet under the sink for a cat litter box (they have to go somewhere!), portside coffee bar with table, and wall-mounted 60-inch smart TV. An adjoining head has twin sinks, shower stall, and grabrail all around.
Placing the master on the main deck basically leaves a second master stateroom below. With a full beam, center king berth, single head with twin sinks, and shower, guests may be fighting for this room. Let’s not forget the settee, vanity cabinet, full-height locker, and 50-inch TV, and you can feel like the owner for a night.
Additional accommodations include a forward VIP, starboard guest cabin with side-by-side twin berths, and port cabin with over/under twin berths. Berths in the side rooms can convert to larger sizes and all have 40-inch TVs. The companionway laundry center has a washer/dryer with pull-out shelf for folding clothes. A coffee bar with Sub-Zero fridge/freezer/ice and wine cooler are opposite.
For crew, a captain’s cabin is on the Command Bridge deck with crew quarters aft in the lazarette.
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Piña Colada, Please
Having the best of both worlds is an enviable position. On the Marlow 90V, there’s a fully enclosed Command Bridge with open aft deck. On the foredeck in front of the Command Bridge is a two-person sunpad with adjustable backrests. Usually an empty space, this now becomes a private oasis, elevated from the dockside crowd and safely accessed thanks to the addition of grabrails.
Additionally, there’s an open-air helm above on the flybridge deck with another twin sunpad aft. Imagine sitting up here, wind in your hair, taking in the magical views while cruising past familiar landmarks. It’s what some owners desire and can have.
Most long cruises will be from the Command Bridge helm. With five 24-inch displays, there’s redundancy between Garmin and Furuno systems. Zero-speed stabilizers add comfort to the ride while twin 2,000-hp Caterpillar C32B diesel engines add to the speed. Twin 80kW generators produce the power.
The Command Bridge aft deck is another place to mingle with a few, or many. Not needing a hot tub, the owners had an L-shaped settee installed in the starboard corner with a fiberglass adjustable table. A grill and another fridge are to port. With plenty of room for a tender or Jet Skis on deck, the MarQuipt davit is rated for 3,500 pounds and can easily get them down to the water’s edge.
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Another feature is that besides the teak decking and steps, there’s no exterior wood. Cap rails, toe rails, etc., are painted so they don’t require varnishing or maintenance.
Throughout the yacht, reverse-cycle chiller systems keep it cold and hot without having machinery mounted below berths. Backing that up is a Webasto diesel heating system.
Teak and holly flooring and white leather headliners add to the brilliance of the Burmese teak.
There’s so much more to the 90V than I have space to write. Just remember that if you can think it, Marlow can do it—and it doesn’t have to be in black.
-by Tom Serio
Marlow Yachts 90V Specifications
LOA: 97′
Beam: 22′ 6″
Draft: 5′ 4″
Displacement (approx.): 205,000 lbs.
Fuel/Water: 6,000/500 U.S. gals.
Power: 2x C32B Caterpillar diesel engines @ 2,000-hp each
Cruise Speed: 20+ knots
Range: 3,500+ nm @ 9 knots
Contact: Marlow Yachts
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