Revisiting the classic center console, new builder SŌLACE put some original thought into its first model, the 345 (38’ LOA, 10’ 6” beam). Starting with the hull, on top of using foam, the structure is enforced by carbon fiber, epoxy composite. The transom is unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. The patented design is called a FishThru, so one can do just that, fish through it, aided by a hydraulically actuated transom swim platform. A multipurpose workstation in the cockpit includes sinks, electric grill, Corian countertops, stainless steel drawers, and a refrigerator/freezer drawer. An optional second helm station can be added in a gas-assisted folding buggy top, easily closed for trailering. Other than that, almost everything comes standard, including the Seakeeper 2 stabilizer. solaceboats.com
Hinckley has put its long-honed expertise building epoxy-infused carbon fiber and Kevlar hulls to good use with its Sport Boat performance line. Its second model is now ready to make an appearance. The 40x (42’ 7” LOA, 12’ 5” beam), a pilothouse-style boat, follows the unveiling of the 40c at last winter’s Miami boat show. With lightweight construction and a design optimized for outboard propulsion, it reaches speeds in the upper 50s propelled by standard triple 300-hp Mercury Verados, or can push 60 mph with optional power from Mercury, Yamaha, or Seven Marine. An expansive 36-square-foot contoured windshield provides excellent visibility while a Seakeeper 3 gyrostabilizer enhances comfort offshore. hinckleysportboats.com
Lighter, faster, and more versatile than the 55, Wajer’s new 55 S (55’ LOA, 14’ 5” beam) redesigns the Dutch builder’s flagship as a center console. The configuration offers more deck space, more storage space, and more sleeping space below for four to six people. Like its sister, the design is by superyacht specialist Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design and naval architecture is by the renowned firm Vripack, so basically, it looks good and rides great—able to go more than 40 knots. Three 435-hp Volvo Penta IPS 600 engines come with joystick control and a dynamic positioning system for virtual anchoring. The toy storage is extensive, stowing a Williams Minijet 280 tender, two Seabobs, two paddleboards, diving equipment, two electric surfboards, and more (but what more could you want?). wajer.com
First introduced in 2010, Pursuit’s dual console range is now the builder’s biggest with six models. The newest addition is the DC 326 (34’ 6” LOA, 10’ 10” beam), which builds on the success of the DC 325. The versatile boat offers plenty of places on board to enjoy the ride—from the bow lounge to the foldaway cockpit seating. In between is a portside wraparound lounge under the protection of the fully integrated fiberglass hardtop with a tempered glass windshield. Fishing features include gunwale and transom rod holders, insulated fish boxes, a 26-gallon recirculating livewell, and dedicated tackle storage. With twin Yamaha F300 outboards, the DC 326 can top 48 mph, hitting its sweet spot for fuel efficiency at 27.8 mph, burning 25.3 gallons per hour. pursuitboats.com
One can’t deny that the Italians do boating with a certain enviable style. Case in point: Ferretti’s new 720 (73’ 2” LOA, 18’ 5” beam) makes its world debut in Fort Lauderdale and has villa-like appeal with huge windows surrounding the open plan main deck and flanking the full-beam master below. The foredeck is for sunning while the flybridge has 325 square feet of entertainment space, much of it under the shelter of a hard top that comes in three versions: fixed window, built-in-bimini, or adjustable louvers. Aft, a wide swim platform holds a tender of up to 13 feet or chaise lounges when it’s launched. The first hull will include twin MAN V12 engines for a 32-knot top speed and 28-knot cruise. www.ferretti-yachts.com
Marlow spared no effort or expense in building its largest yacht ever, Ice, the first Marlow Voyager 100 (100’ 5” LOA, 22’ 6” beam). Built of Kevlar and carbon fiber using Marlow’s proprietary Full Stack Infusion process, the hull is as strong as they come. Specifications are top of the line, such as cupronickel piping, custom climate control, and systems like waste heat recovery and tender refueling. There are even backups to the backups for all essential systems. The engine room is expansive with eight-foot headroom to allow full access to the Baudouin engines, chosen for their access to key internal components that would normally require the engine to be removed. Topping out at 22 knots and capable of 2,900 nm at 10 knots, they also deliver the quietest operation Marlow has witnessed in all their years. marlowyachts.com
When it comes to yachts under 100 feet, cold-molded boats are the last vestige of true custom boatbuilding. Take Privateer, for instance, a 67-foot (18’ 2” beam) sport yacht from Jarrett Bay. While built for fishing, it defies all traditional sportfisherman design cues with a trunk cabin, an interior helm station, and no bridge. These were all owner requests. Full headroom below was an important consideration for the tall client, thus the trunk cabin. The engine room also is exceptionally capacious. For backing down on fish, instead of tower controls, there’s a pop-up helm station on the mezzanine. A rocket launcher replaces the fighting chair, an integrated swim platform eases the launching a kayak, and a plethora of other details gives the owner a one-of-a-kind boat. jarrettbay.com
For its newest debut, Cruisers has mixed it up. The 38 GLS (38’ LOA, 12’ 6” beam) is a hybrid of sorts, melding a bow rider, outboard propulsion, and a luxury cruiser befitting the Cantius line. Although the swim platform is now crowded with three 300-hp Mercury Verados (allowing for 53-mph speeds), Cruisers has a clever solution—a slice of the bulwark lowers on the starboard side to create a beach platform that extends almost four feet over the water. The open-plan cockpit is designed for entertaining with a bow lounge with optional shade cover, bar, two midship dinettes and an opening sunroof. For extra shade aft, a SureShade retractable awning is an option. cruisersyachts.com
Vicem Yachts’ new 67 Cruiser (70’ LOA, 18’ 1” beam), poised for a world debut in Fort Lauderdale, isn’t reinventing the wheel. Designed for extended voyages at sea, it is built using an age-old construction technique and has a traditional profile and classic interior—and it’s all wonderfully nautical. The strong, yet lightweight hull is constructed of cold-molded mahogany using West System epoxy. The interior is finished with impeccable craftsmanship featuring Vicem’s signature book-matched veneers. Belowdecks are two king-berth master suites and a double guest cabin, plus separate quarters for two crew aft. The long flybridge offers plenty of alfresco space up top and effectively shades the main aft deck. Twin 600-hp Volvo Penta D8 diesels using conventional shaft drives allow for a 16-knot cruise and a 20-knot top speed. vicemyachts.com
Absolute’s Navetta 68 (67’ 4” LOA, 18’ 5” beam) certainly lives up to its name—loosely translated as “little ship” in Italian. Infused with Italian style, the main deck flows seamlessly from the wheelhouse through the salon and galley to the cockpit with retractable windows that open each area up to the next. The lower deck stands out for what could be considered dual master staterooms, a surprisingly spacious master forward and an amidships VIP that rivals it for size. Two more twin cabins complete the accommodations with the bonus of a sliding berth in the port cabin that forms a double bed if needed. Outdoors is a hydraulic swim platform aft and a substantial lounge on the foredeck, topped by a good-size flybridge—lot of boat for her 67-foot frame. absoluteyachts.com
Unveiled last year under Cheoy Lee’s new division CL Yachts, the CLB 72 (76’ 11” LOA, 19’ 10” beam) has proven successful with two hulls sold so far in 2019. CL Yachts returns to the show this year with Hull No. 4 dressed in a fresh interior look with different colors, finishes, textiles, stones, and countertops. Targeting a new generation of younger buyers, the CLB 72 is on trend with the largest windows that the RINA classification would certify and makes driving easy with joystick-controlled Volvo Penta drives. The show also gives a sneak peek at the next step up in the range; a model of the CLB 88 will be on display as the yacht nears completion for a FLIBS 2020 debut. clyachts.com
The 60th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Two hundred and thirty trucks deliver six miles of floating docks. One thousand, two hundred exhibitors set up displays. One thousand, five hundred boats fill the labyrinth of in-water docks. Nine megawatts of power (more than twice required for the Super Bowl) is generated, 25,000 credentials are issued, 1,000 private planes arrive, 13 water taxis stand by….Get ready for the greatest show on water: the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Celebrating its 60th year in 2019 from October 30-November 3, the world’s largest in-water boat show sure didn’t start out that way. Back in 1959, it was a humble group of 13 boats. The next year, twice the number of exhibitors signed up, and it grew monumentally each year thereafter. By its 10th anniversary, 50,000 visitors were walking the docks. Fifty years later, the show fills seven locations from Las Olas to Port Everglades and has something for every boating enthusiast.
Enter to win 4 FREE Tickets to The Fort Lauderdale Boat Show
New this year is the Superyacht Village, located at Pier 66, where the largest yachts will be sparkling alongside the coolest new water toys. Another addition is the Anglers’ Lounge at the Convention Center. With a bird’s-eye view over the exhibits, guests with upgraded tickets can enjoy a meal from the Key West tapas-style menu, one complimentary drink, entertainment, and cash bar. Those needing respite at Bahia Mar can turn to the Windward Club on the main dock which offers a VIP experience of a premium open bar and gourmet food.
Another stat: 110,000 attendees are expected and 110,000 beers are typically consumed. Coincidence? We don’t think so. Have a cold one and check out these 50 builders showing off their newest models. flibs.com
Taking the bowrider crossover to the next level, the new 380 (38’ LOA, 11’ 6” beam) joins Formula’s Super Sport Crossover line. It’s a no-compromise design, offering both a single level deck with open bow as well as proper below-deck accommodations for four, including galley and stand-up head. The versatile cockpit is well protected under a full-width hardtop with top-to-bottom windshield and can even include air conditioning, or the whole area can open to the fresh air via a sliding bow window to port and motorized sunroof. Aft is a particularly roomy platform that gives easy access to watersports. Mercury Joystick Piloting controls the twin sterndrives for easy handling, while Formula’s trademarked stepped hull with 21-degree deadrise provides a sea-carving, solid ride. formulaboats.com
Push your boundaries and head east from Maine’s northern coast to discover the rugged charm of one of Nova Scotia.
It’s time to stretch your cruising boundaries to a place that is closer to the mainland than you might expect. A place where the people are friendly, the scenery is undeniably spectacular, boating facilities are expanding, and the crush of tourists has yet to fully
blossom—Canada’s Nova Scotia.
Located on Canada’s east coast across the Bay of Fundy from St. John, New Brunswick, and off the eastern Atlantic coast of Maine, Nova Scotia is nearly an island, connected by a relatively thin strip of terra firma to the mainland. Although accessible by car, plane, and ferry, it is by private boat that you’ll really get to see this wonderland up close and personal. For those with sea legs, no other approach will do.
Discover the Unknown
Dripping with history and personality, the peninsula was discovered by Italian explorer John Cabot in 1497, and Alexander Graham Bell lived, worked, and boated in the Bras d’Or Lake region. Nova Scotia is one of four original Canadian provinces (the others being Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick). But closer to Maine’s northeasternmost ports and far more expansive than you might imagine, it’s population of slightly less than 1 million is spread across a massive 21,000 square miles. With such uncrowded surroundings, you’ll find it is a terrific place to slow your pace, make new friends, and simply poke around or gunkhole in the thousands of pockets, coves, harbors, rivers, and backwaters that encircle and invade the province.
For modern-day explorers who like to adventure out on their own, this is nirvana. The possibilities really are endless, and you can tackle them at your own pace. View hundreds of miles of unaltered coastline, experience wildlife encounters with everything from whales to bald eagles, and enjoy fine dining, wineries, golfing, local culture, and incredible fishing that ranges from giant tuna to Atlantic salmon found along Cape Breton Island’s western shore. Diving, snorkeling, biking, hiking, and photography are other options as is virtually any outdoor challenge that tickles your fancy.
Size Matters
“Nova Scotia may be larger than you expect,” says Adam Langley, marine director for Develop Nova Scotia. “But make no mistake about it, everyone here is connected to the sea in one way or another. In fact, no matter where you stand in our province, you’ll never be more than 42 miles from the ocean. There are seven different regions here, each featuring its own individual flavor ranging from quaint fishing villages to our bustling capital city of Halifax, wine country, mountains, lake regions, and more. Each, however, is anchored by the sea.”
All told, Nova Scotia boasts around 4,600 miles of coastline and more than 3,800 islands plus hundreds of small communities where boatbuilding still flourishes. “Their commonality? They all welcome visitors, especially the cruising kind,” adds Langley. “And allow me to let you in on a little secret. We aren’t as far away as you think.”
Cruising Options
Indeed, with the ever-increasing range and comfort capacities of private cruising craft these days, visiting Nova Scotia makes a lot of sense. You’ll need a vessel capable of carrying out the voyage across some wide-open water, but seaworthy models in the 40- to-50-foot range as well as much larger yachts make this trip with regularity and ease. Most depart from the easternmost harbors in Maine or St. John, New Brunswick, and cut across the Bay of Fundy for a brief stay in Yarmouth before rounding the point at Cape Sable Lighthouse and heading along the southern shore to the larger and more cosmopolitan Halifax.
This port, in turn, serves as a jumping-off point to slide farther north along the eastern shore to Cape Breton Island and, the pi¨ece de resistance for visiting boaters in this stretch, the Bras d’Or Lake region. Here you’ll find North America’s biggest inland sea where waters are said to be as deep as the surrounding mountains are tall.
Make it Your Own
“We took a slightly different trek on our visit here last summer,” says Milt Baker, a repeat visitor to Nova Scotia. “Departing from Southwest Harbor, Maine, we ran about two hundred nautical miles to Lunenburg in my bluewater, forty-seven-foot Nordhavn. That’s a wonderfully scenic, old-fashioned Nova Scotia town where we enjoyed several nights before heading fifty nautical miles to Halifax with its vibrant waterfront for a week-long stay. From there, we took another overnight to the brackish waters of Bras d’Or Lake, an amazing place that you’ve just got to see.
Among other establishments, we love a small village there called Baddeck where there are a number of really good restaurants plus the Alexander Graham Bell museum, simply a fascinating, world-class center that features many of its namesake’s inventions and those of his wife, also an accomplished inventor.
“Nova Scotia really is a terrific place,” continues Baker. “It’s beautiful and friendly with clean waters, and there’s always something new or different to check out. My wife and I started coming here several years ago. We love the scenery, the atmosphere, and the culture. The people here are welcoming, friendly, and helpful. That’s turned out to be one of the primary reasons we keep coming back.”
Seasons Greetings
Summer is obviously the time you’ll want to make this trip. Nova Scotia gets mighty cold in the off-season, and you best not deal with the open Atlantic come winter. Boating season, at least the tourist one, runs from May through October with July, August, and September as prime time. There is a slight hurricane threat in September, but the big storms have missed this haven over the past few years. You can expect air temperatures of 75 to 85 degrees, moderate winds out of the southwest, and water temps in the high 50s to mid to high 70s depending on which coast you dip your tootsies into. There are some stretches where you can swim without neoprene, says Langley, of the perceived cool waters here.
“Melmerby Beach and Heather Beach on the Northumberland Strait quickly come to mind as does Bras d’Or Lake where you’ll mostly dive off the back of your boat.”
Plan Ahead
As for where to start when planning your Nova Scotia visit, the Bras d’Or Lake region is a full-fledged journey but a great first choice if you have the time. Roughly 140 nautical miles northeast of Halifax, it’s known for gentle waters that are generally fog-free—a real treat in these parts. This area, Baker’s favorite, sports beautiful anchorages, hundreds of coves and islands. Even better? It is recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Consider staying in Halifax for a few days, then work your way east along the coast to enter Bras d’Or Lake through the canal lock at St. Peter’s. Fully provision and top-off your tanks, both fuel and water, before leaving Halifax. You won’t find much heading up to St. Peter’s Canal. The Liscombe Lodge Resort and Conference Center tucked in on the Liscombe River is the only spot to get fuel, ice, and a quick bite to eat (provisions are not available). The dock can accommodate boats up to 150 feet with a 12-foot draw.
“Don’t hurry or rush if you visit Nova Scotia,” advises Langley. “There’s just so much to see and do that no matter how long you stay, you’ll never squeeze it all into a single trip. See what you can, and enjoy it to the fullest.”
Plan an extended visit if at all possible. The No. 1 mistake visiting boaters make when heading to Nova Scotia is not scheduling enough time. In addition to distance, foul weather can keep you at the dock for a day or two at any point in the boating season. “Figure you’ll need a minimum of ten days,” says Baker. “If you can stay longer, so much the better.”
Shades of Nova Scotia
Bay of Fundy: Enjoy whale-watching and experience the highest tides in the world. There are breathtaking lookoffs and fertile lush valleys and vineyards.
Lunenburg/South Shore: This picturesque active waterfront is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunenburg is great for boatbuilding and fishing. French and English cultures intermingle in Yarmouth and Acadian Shores.
Bras d’Or Lake: Stunning highlands and vibrant Celtic culture make Cape Breton Island a paradise of rugged coastal trails, crystalline lakes, and fascinating local museums.
Eastern Shore, 100 Wild Islands: Features private, sandy beach anchorages and breathtaking nature preserves. Includes some of the best-secluded seascapes in North America. Great for wreck diving, surfing, and bike rides across gently rolling hills.
Northumberland Strait: Stunning beaches, warm ocean water, and breathtaking sunsets. Head ashore and discover the picturesque villages with rich heritage by bike, or kick up your heels to some great local music. Anchor off Melmerby Beach Provincial Park or find one of the many secluded island beaches, such as Pictou Island’s unspoiled beauty.
Halifax is Nova Scotia’s capital city and a popular jumping-off spot for cruising the entire southern shore, but Yarmouth is the closest Canadian port of entry for anyone coming directly from the U.S. Subtract approximately 140 nautical miles from the distances above if Yarmouth is your initial destination. The port does have some dock space as well as anchorages and is a dedicated clearance port for Canadian Border Services.
Good to Know
Most harbors in Nova Scotia have a government wharf. However, these are quite rough with docking limited or unavailable. Be safe and check ahead whenever possible. Also, note that many public slips lack electric and some might not have water or even restroom facilities. The farther you progress from the primary ports, the more you’ll need to be self-sufficient. Always carry full provisions, and be aware of the next fuel, food, and lodging possibilities.
If you’re a golfer, sign up for the Harb’r Cup at Fox Harb’r Resort on Nova Scotia’s northern coast September 3-5. Two spots are open for readers interested in this invitation-only event. Contact kimberly@kimberlyibarra.com.
You’ll need to step aboard the Horizon FD77 to get a real feel for her size.
It was hot, like only a South Florida boat show can be. To dodge the unrelenting sun and crowded docks, I took cover inside the beach club of the new Horizon FD77. Settling into the corner sofa and looking out, I immediately understood why these spaces have become so popular in recent years. Being by the water’s edge was an instant revitalization. That was just the beginning. This was a yacht, I would soon learn, that you have to experience to truly grasp what the Fast Displacement (FD) series is all about.
Beamy Does It
Introduced three years ago with the FD85, the series has taken off. “But you need to get on board and touch and feel it,” says Elise Moffitt, Horizon’s U.S. marketing director. It’s a new concept, not only for Horizon but also for the industry.”
Lounge in comfort on the forward deck.
“New concept” translates to an unconventional look. Dutch designer Cor D. Rover, working with Horizon, approached the series’ design from the inside out, he says, beginning with the question of how far forward they could push the on-deck owner’s cabin and have it look acceptable. As a result, the 80-foot yacht carries a 23-foot beam, extremely wide for the length, which gives it a bit of a chunky look that takes some getting used to, but is a design that grows on you.
Size Matters
From the inside though, it is unquestionably spectacular. In the immense main salon, flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the side decks, the combination of glass, space, and volume is irresistible. The décor amplifies the light, airy feeling. “The layout is so open; we wanted the design to capitalize on that. We didn’t want to bring any heaviness into it,” says Moffitt about this Hull No. 1, which was built on spec for the American market.
It doesn’t get much more light-filled than the FD77’s main salon.
Horizon’s in-house team employed light American oak with accents of high-gloss walnut throughout, Carrara marble in the heads, Cambria quartz in the galley, and bright, white lacquer panels overhead. The floating staircase to the flybridge is enclosed in glass and, unusually, so is the ensuite in the on-deck master. At the stateroom’s entrance, there is a wall of clear glass to port, as a solid wall would have felt confining opposite the walk-in closet to starboard. Want some privacy? Flip a switch and the Polyvision glass instantly frosts over.
In addition to the décor choices, the salon also feels open because there is no dining table eating up space. “Most of our clients are getting away from doing formal interior dining; they tell us they may only do it once a month,” says Moffitt. Instead, there is a breakfast bar looking into the galley (which can be closed with privacy glass if needed), while the aft deck includes a 10-seat table that can be re-situated mid-deck as a full walkaround with more chairs.
Endlessly Customizable
Of course, that is just the layout of this hull; Horizon is incredibly accommodating when it comes to customization. “We can do so many different things on this boat,” says Moffitt. For instance, the beach club could be a tender garage, or it could be smaller if more storage or larger crew quarters were needed. This hull has an open bridge, but it could be enclosed, encompassing a skylounge as well. Want a country kitchen instead of an on-deck master? One FD owner chose that. “This series retains all the flexibility we have with our other series and people can really put their mark on the boat,” she adds.
A spacious aft deck is perfect for entertaining.
That’s how the FD87 was born, from an owner’s particular vision for the 85 that evolved into a whole new model. His legacy is seen on the FD77 in what Horizon calls “bump-outs,” overhangs on either side of the bridge with plug-ins for remotes that give the skipper excellent sightlines when docking. “Our owners have great ideas, and we like to incorporate them into other boats,” says Moffitt.
Storage was another consideration because the full-height salon windows give a true uninterrupted view not blocked by cabinetry. “We’re always coming up with creative solutions; it’s really important, says Moffitt. For instance, a 55-inch television folds down from the overhead, which frees up one of the aft cabinets for storage. A freestanding cabinet that runs along the back of the L-shaped sofa athwartships and behind the breakfast bars’ artistic mirror finish is additional storage. with Bahamas-bound clients in mind, Horizon ensured the galley was loaded with extra refrigeration, freezer, and pantry space.
More Space than Ever, More Speed than Ever
Although the 77’s beam is just three inches less than the 85 and 87, it’s a completely new hull, the product of five years of discussions with naval architect Donald Blount and tank testing. “People wonder why it is the same beam,” explains Moffitt. It’s just the evolution of the design; if we know we can get you 23 feet, why settle for 21 or 22?”
Enjoy stunning vista while you dine.
This is no ordinary motoryacht hull. The fast displacement design delivers lower resistance over a range of speeds, but there’s more to it. Rover and Horizon’s engineers developed a unique High-Performance Piercing Bow, a submerged protrusion with a sharp entry forward of the hull that lengthens the waterline. It cuts through underwater currents and dampens pitching to improve efficiency and comfort at slower speeds and performance at higher speeds.
In fact, the Horizon FD77 can reach 18 knots yet still has the amenities of a displacement hull, a true best-of-both-worlds scenario. So while the FD77 initially catches the eye for its beamy, bright interior, the performance becomes the real wow factor when clients learn what is going on below the waterline.
The series has struck a note globally with owners looking to get more from a smaller LOA. “When we introduced the FD87, I jokingly said that she is the smallest 150-footer we have ever designed, offering the same content mostly found around 150 feet, like five staterooms, including an on-deck master, a skylounge, a salon with floor-to-ceiling glass as well as a serious beach club,” says Rover. “For the FD77, the joke still counts; I would say she’s the smallest 140-footer we’ve done, but this one doesn’t need any crew.”
Make it Yours
With 139 gross tons of volume, it’s a lot of boat for an owner-operator though. Hull No. 1 includes a crew cabin with two sets of bunks between the beach club and engine room. These could be configured in any number of ways to suit an owner’s experience level. For example, if a crew couple assisted the owner, there could be a queen berth here instead, or if more crew space was needed, the quarters could take the place of the beach club. A true owner-operator could send the grandkids back there, making it the fifth guest stateroom.
A gorgeous master stateroom and head are fit for the most discerning of owners.
For anyone on the fence, Horizon has solved the “crew or no-crew” dilemma with an intriguing upcoming addition to the FD series. In development is the FD70 with all the views, volume, and performance in an easier-to-handle package. Like the FD77, I’m sure you’ll have to see it to believe it.
