Carver C52 Command Bridge

Humble Heritage
Carver’s commanding lineage shines through in its C52 Command Bridge.

Through the years, many boat builders have come, and a number of them have gone. Still others have withstood the test of time, remaking and reinventing their brands to maintain their lineage. From humble beginnings of crafting mahogany planked runabouts in the mid-1950s to their latest offering, the C52 Command Bridge, Carver Yachts is still building pleasure crafts for one reason—to go boating!

As evidenced at her Miami debut in 2016 by the throngs of people waiting to get on board, the Carver C52 invites you, nay, begs you to come closer. From the generous freeboard that beats down the seas to the unbroken sheer of her profile to the hull side windows that enlighten the sub-dwellings, you know that you will be enveloped by a cruiser that knows how to handle herself.

The broad expanse of the Carver C52’s hull yields large interior spaces even into the lower staterooms. With a main deck that sits a tad lower into the hull, the C52 retains a sleek low profile, accented by the raked-back windshield and low-slung radar arch—a look that’s ready to go.

With the C52, boating is the mission and Carver delivers. Relax on the aft deck U-shaped settee, perfect when cruising the ICW, keeping an eye on the kiddies swimming when at anchor or enjoying a meal alfresco. Or head up the wide side decks to the bow’s oversized chaise seats. These are twin cushioned seats separated by a console that contains drink holders and stereo controls. A great location to kick back and enjoy the cruise.

As mentioned, the walkaround decks are wide, with full railings and grab rails along the house to make the transit safe and secure. Carver styles the C52 with an eye towards simple elegance and ease of use, which really equates to ultimate enjoyment. For example, the galley is located aft in the salon, but when the aft glass doors are folded all the way back to join the aft deck with the salon, the galley now becomes the center point. With guests and family on board, the chef is not relegated to a dungeon galley but remains right in the mix. Socially, it works.

A simple layout along the port side, the galley is fully functional with a complete package of appliances that includes a flat, two-burner Whale electric cooktop, built-in Cuisinart microwave convection oven, under counter Nova Kool fridge/freezer (a second unit is across in the entertainment center), stainless sinks with covers, and about a mile of counter space. Creative space utilization is proven with the garbage receptacle—an angled pull-out rack with pail housed in the caddy-corner entertainment center.

Forward is the raised salon, and with low-profile but ever so comfy seating on both sides, it becomes another favorite spot to chill and take in the views or catch a movie on the 40-inch TV with Polk sound bar speakers that add a new dimension to theater systems. On this model, the contrasting dark wood flooring against lighter furnishings offers a nice combination for adding to the open feel with a touch of panache. A hi-lo pedestal dining table is to port with the C-shaped settee.

The big draw on the Carver C52 is the Command Bridge with the choice of an open bridge or integrated hardtop. I was impressed with the hardtop model and its solid construction and mounting as well as the ability to enclose the bridge for HVAC environmental control. A full molded-in staircase makes transiting to the bridge an easy feat.

Enclosing the bridge solves another issue: You won’t need a lower helm station (although it is an option). The upper station is located to starboard and has ample room for two 12-inch Raymarine chart/radar displays as well as the 7-inch VesselView7 engine monitoring display. With breaker switches to the left, engine controls and Cummins joystick controller to the right, everything you need is within reach.

In addition to the bolstered helm seat, there’s an L-shaped settee to port that not only faces forward but also has a side chaise lounge that faces aft. You can choose to sit sideways—a nice combination for the cruising couple or for the kids to enjoy the ride.

Just aft on the Command Bridge is a grill station set up with a sink/faucet, Kenyon electric BBQ, Norcold fridge, and storage space. Picture yourself on the hook, grilling some burgers, having the kids in the water, and enjoying time with friends. It doesn’t get much better. Finishing out the bridge is a large U-shaped settee aft with soft backrests and a high-gloss teak table.

Carver designed three staterooms into the  Carver C52 with a little surprise. Forward via a center staircase are the VIP and guest staterooms. The VIP is in the forepeak with a centerline island queen berth accented by five overhead lights, rope lighting in the soffit, reading lamps, and ambient light via the deck hatch (egress here). Hull side windows enhance the view. Shelves, drawers, lockers, and storage compartments abound. An entertainment system with a 19-inch LCD TV, high-gloss black cherry finish with vinyl accents, textured panels, and 6’6” of headroom make the VIP feel like the master. A guest stateroom is to starboard with twin berths, overhead and courtesy lighting, opening port, and nightstand. An optional washer/dryer can be fitted into the closet. There’s an optional crew quarters aft, but the Carver C52 may not need crew, so save this as an extra bunk or storage space.

The aforementioned surprise is that the master has a private access via a staircase in the salon. It’s a destination of its own thanks to the mid-ship full-beam configuration. “The privacy, the amount of space, the accommodations, and comfort of the master stateroom and head set this boat apart and continue the legacy Carver has established since its beginning—livability, space utilization and your home on the water,” says Kelly Kraning, Carver National Sales Manager. Hull windows allow light to flood in, highlighting the center queen berth and side chaise lounge seat. A high-gloss cherry wood finish complements the textured headboard and various materials used on the walls and ceiling. Eleven overhead lights, soffit ropes, accent and reading lights, and table lamps allow for any mood. The ensuite includes an enclosed shower stall with glass door. A Tecma freshwater head, vessel sink, and ample storage have you covered.

With the bridge curtains open, we put the C52 through the paces. It’s surprising how well the windscreen venture helps the wind to run up and over your head when seated at the helm, allowing for near-regular conversation. It also helped that the Carver C52 with a pair of Cummins QSC 8.3 600-hp engines were quiet, too.

Sometimes it’s important to get back to basics, like boating with friends and family and enjoying life. The Carver 52 Command Bridge allows you to do that and have the time of your life.

Carver’s 52 Coupe retains the same features and layout through the main deck, including a three-stateroom layout below. Added in are a lower helm station, electric sunroof over the salon, aft skylights, extra aft deck seating, and electric awning. A low-profile radar arch accents the sleekness of the Coupe’s style.

SPECIFICATIONS
LOA: 49’ 10”
Beam: 15’ 8”
Draft: 4’
Displacement: 42,000 lbs.
Fuel/Water: 550/150 U.S. gals.
Power (std): 2x QSB 6.7 480-hp Cummins diesels
Power (tested): 2x QSC8.3 600-hp Cummins diesels
MSRP (tested w/upgrades): $1,278,370

CONTACT
Sovereign Marine Group
250 SW Monterey Road
Stuart, FL 34994
(772) 232-4822
sovyachts.com
carveryachts.com

By Tom Serio, Southern Boating May 2017

Jeanneau Leader 46

Jeanneau Leader 46

Solid performance, thoughtful layout, and maximum livability define the Jeanneau Leader 46 express cruiser.

We idled out of the long, straight channel leading north from Kent Island Narrows into the Chester River on the eastern side of the Chesapeake Bay. I pass the No Wake signs, push the throttles forward smoothly, and the boat seems to lift up onto plane with very little bow rise as though it was elevated from the hull’s center of effort. I wasn’t surprised considering that the hull form on the Jeanneau Leader 46 is a collaborative effort between brothers Japec and Jernej Jakopin of J&J Design in Slovenia and the naval architects of Jeanneau Design.

Design Rules

Three pairs of lifting strakes flank a wave-cleaving, sharply raked stem with deep-V forward sections, a significant chine that widens aft to provide an additional lift on acceleration, and a modified-V planing surface beginning well aft of amidships. Additionally, there’s a distinct spray rail that begins at the stem and extends to the transom for a very dry ride on plane.

“It may seem surprising that a global boat manufacturer like Jeanneau collaborates with outside companies like J&J,” said Nicolas Harvey, president of Jeanneau America. “But the reason is sound. Ten years ago, when Jeanneau produced a 45-foot cruiser, the fully loaded boat weighed 10 tons. Today’s fully loaded luxury 45-footer weighs 15 tons, so we asked J&J to design and engineer a hull of approximately the same size that can carry more weight without increasing the weight of the platform.”

Speed Ease

The throttles were synched to a pair of Volvo IPS 600 diesel drives—the most powerful engine option among the two stern drives and two IPS drives offered—producing a total of 870 horsepower at wide-open throttle. The Chester River was beautifully smooth that day, and the boat topped out at 30 knots in just moments. I eased the throttles back until we settled in at a cruising speed of 20 knots and began a series of turns to create a boatload of messy wakes for crisscrossing at speed. As I expected, the sharp entry slashed through the mess with ease as is normal with a high-performance hull shape on the Jeanneau Leader 46.

If you’ve read about or driven an IPS-powered boat, you know that the steering is smooth and continuous. The angles of the individually azimuthing drives serve as rudders to create optimal performance and control. As a result, the Leader 46 handles flawlessly at speeds right up to wide open throttle, banks beautifully into turns all across the upper and middle power bands, and settles into straight and true tracking with precision.

Options Abound

This model of the Jeanneau Leader 46 was loaded with numerous options, not the least of which was an alternate seating arrangement on the aft deck; its standard configuration is a fixed sunpad flanked by twin boarding stairs leading up from a fixed swim platform. This boat was equipped with an optional hydraulic swim platform, an outdoor galley on top of the standard garage for a small RIB, and facing bench seats in place of the sunpad.

With extra cushions and a convertible table, the aft deck seating transforms into a second outdoor sunpad supplementing the pad forward. The foredeck sunpad is equipped with handholds, drink holders and two adjustable seatback sections for leisurely lounging. Teak decking is standard on the swim platform, the steps and the aft deck, and our test boat had optional teak side decks for good looks and comfortable footing.

Thinking it Through

It is thought-provoking that the European builder provides dedicated life-raft storage on the aft deck, a CE safety requirement for those going more than six miles offshore. Most American cruising families never consider a life raft as necessary and instead, they opt to use the RIB dinghy as a safety platform. That’s okay if you can launch the RIB and get into it across a broad range of weather conditions.

The nicest option on the Jeanneau Leader 46, in my opinion, was a glass aft bulkhead with a large central panel that swung upward using a hidden, electrically-powered mechanism—a nice bit of design work that transforms the usual sundeck on an express cruiser to an upper salon. Locked in place and with the starboard side door opened and latched inward, the aft bulkhead virtually disappears and serves to bring the outdoor and indoor spaces together. An optional canvas piece extends sun protection for the entire aft deck seating area.

Stepping into the upper salon, a large, beautifully upholstered, contemporary-styled, C-shaped seating and dining area is to port, and an outdoor galley is to starboard. It is noteworthy that this area is on one level continuous with the aft deck stretching all the way to the cabin entrance. To ensure that guests seated here have great views all around, the seating is slightly raised up. The same concept applies to the copilot and helm seating areas for longer, clearer views forward—albeit they are raised somewhat higher. The forward half of the upper salon can be bathed in sunlight and fresh air with an optional electrically actuated sunroof. Two sliding windows also promote cross breezes.

The Space Between

The copilot seating area on the Jeanneau Leader 46 is cleverly arranged for multiple uses and offers an aft-facing lounge-style seat outboard and a forward-facing, two-person bench. Pull the spare cushion from its dedicated storage slot below and drop it into place, and the seating transforms into an inside sunpad, shaded or lit according to the position of the sunroof and also well protected by the windshield.

The helm of the Leader 46 is well designed, with a twin bench that is actually two separate adjustable seats with flip-up bolsters. There’s plenty of standing room for better views all around the boat. A thoughtfully placed, stainless-steel hand-rail makes getting in and out of the helm seating more secure and offers some protection for the system switches ahead of it. The factory-installed Raymarine-based electronics package is anchored by a 12-inch multifunction device (MFD) screen to port of the adjustable-tilt steering wheel. It also had the necessary add-ons like a VHF, autopilot and radar. The throttles and an IPS joystick are outboard of the wheel for ease of maneuvering, along with a full range of engine performance gauges. A compass on top of the dash ahead of the wheel completes the total command and control effort.

Down Under

Companionway stairs with stainless steel handrails lead down to the true salon of the Jeanneau Leader 46, with another seating and dining lounge to port and a well-equipped L-shaped galley to starboard. The guest stateroom is in the bow; a nifty double berth can be reconfigured as a V-berth when not needed for a couple. It is served by an enclosed head to starboard. The master stateroom is aft, making the Leader 46 just right for a family with two children or for a couple and occasional overnight guests. Of interest to those who have a larger family, Jeanneau Leader 46 offers the option of replacing the lounge seating to port with an enclosed third cabin complete with over and under berths.

The large double berth in the master stateroom is set to starboard slightly, making room for a port-side head that cleverly separates the head from the enclosed shower on either end of the sink with storage in the center. Frosted glass doors for the separate compartments swing outward to form a glass partition—a clever design solution.

Family Cruiser

Jeanneau has a long-standing relationship with the Italian design and engineering firm Garoni Design that developed the sleek-looking profile of the Jeanneau Leader 46. Sporty exterior lines and practical in-hull windows illuminating enclosed cabin spaces below achieve a contemporary look overall. All of that is quite an accomplishment given the wider beams and higher topsides most family cruisers have today.

If you’re considering a new express cruiser, the Jeanneau Leader 46 is worth exploring. As the flagship of a line that ranges down to a new 30-footer, it has the performance and livability most cruising families seek.

By John Wooldridge, Southern Boating April 2017

The Azimut Verve 40 Does It All

Part center console, part overnight cruiser, part walkaround, the new Azimut Verve 40 blends a vibrant on-deck layout and a luxurious Italian interior that’s perfect for enjoying the alfresco lifestyle.

I’ve seen thousands of boats at hundreds of boat shows, but once in a while, I spot a show-stopping new design with exterior lines and subtle details that simply demands further inspection. At the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show last November, that boat was the Azimut Verve 40, a combination of walkaround, center console, and overnight cruiser, and I wasn’t the only one who succumbed to its magnetic appeal.

The Verve 40’s numerous details spell out a design well suited for offshore operation. The bow above the waterline is full and slightly hollow, indicating good usable volume inside and reserve buoyancy in big waves. Nearer the waterline, the convex stem sharpens and shows an extension of the full-length chine for a dry ride while providing some lift and roll stability in turns. Federico Ferrante, president of Azimut Benetti USA, says the company’s newest offering “performs and handles like a radical fishing boat from the rubrail down, but it looks and feels like an Azimut Yacht from the rubrail up!”

Significant bulwarks enclose the foredeck, with a wide slot between the bulwark and deck forward that hides cleats and rollers for dock lines. Two contemporary mooring cleats are mounted on a raised section of deck as well as ground tackle and a windlass for the anchor (that projects through a port on the stern), which are hidden below the foredeck hatches.

The bulwarks increase in height going aft and are flanked by large diameter, stainless steel handrails on both sides for approximately half the length of the boat. At that point, there’s one step down to the cockpit level where more well-placed grab rails await. This yacht is carefully thought out for safe fore-and-aft movement of crew or guests and equipped with beautifully laid narrow teak decking on all weather decks—even on the deck surfaces flanking the three outboard engines.

For sun worshippers, the foredeck offers a choice of either twin sunpads with adjustable lounge backs or a two-bench seating area for four with storage under both. The well-raked, sculpted deckhouse and full-height windshield flow into a hardtop that covers the helm amidships and most of the aft cockpit deck.

Three large, ergonomic and incredibly comfortable leather-upholstered helm chairs with flip-up bolsters front the console, all electrically fore-and-aft adjustable. An angled foot-relief step is molded into the console below for the center and starboard seats, and the leather-clad sport steering wheel is operated from the center seat. For maneuvering, the bow thruster control is located to the left of the wheel, while the twin-lever Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) binnacle and Axius Joystick, which can be equipped with Mercury’s trademark Skyhook position holding system, are located to the right.

Directly above the binnacle, the Mercury VesselView display is flanked by two large Raymarine Multi-Function Displays (MFD). It’s a nice setup since one screen is directly ahead of the steering wheel; the helmsman can quickly glance down and get a visual update while maintaining a proper view of the waters ahead. Visibility is outstanding from the helm seat, partly because it sits on a slightly raised section of cockpit deck but also due to the large molded locker on which the three seats are mounted. Azimut’s designers included an overhead hatch for added ventilation at the helm, and they placed all LED lights in the molded hardtop for proper nighttime illumination with a dedicated light for night running.

The cockpit is equipped with an aft-facing bench seat, a large L-shaped bench seat and a beautifully finished table. Just ahead of the aft-facing seat, a hatch opens for access to an optional Seakeeper stabilizing system and generator. Interestingly, this seat is mounted on Harken slider rails, and it can be repositioned to form a C-shaped dinette around the table. With a flip of a switch, the table lowers to form a second sunpad that’s well protected from the wind when at anchor. And to help minimize sun exposure to the entire cockpit, an electrically operated SureShade ATF canvas Bimini extends from inside the hardtop for additional comfort.

Two small molded lockers with fold-down tops, one to each side of the seating area, contain a wet bar with an icemaker and optional wine cooler (to port), while an outdoor grill is to starboard with a refrigerator. Both consoles are positioned and sized to help keep traffic flowing freely along both sides. Additional storage in the cockpit is found beneath the L-shaped settee, inside the aft-facing bench and under the seat-bearing locker. There is also an insole drained locker along the port side for storing wet lines and fenders.

A clever, unexpected feature is the fold-down section of the portside cockpit gunwale and hull section that forms a boarding or swimming platform. It is also fitted with a bracket for a T-shaped sport and diving ladder. A two-position platform door opens to allow access to the swim platforms and cross-transom connecting deck of the outboard engine mounting bracket. A handy stainless steel grab rail across the transom adds safety when the time comes to inspect what’s under the hood of the triple 350-hp Mercury Verado four-cycle outboards.

Each Verado is equipped with a cold air intake system that delivers fresh air to a water-cooled supercharger for increased efficiency and power. A specially designed oil cooler helps extend engine-operating life. The valve train is designed to be maintenance free for the life of the outboard. And its heavy-duty gear case features stronger components to handle the stresses of high-speed offshore running.

Just to port of the helm station, three steps descend into the salon. Custom wood in a matte finish, soft leather upholstery and polished stainless work together to solidify the clean, contemporary lines of the interior. The electrical switch panel is set to port next to the stairs behind a smoked glass door.

The compact galley is furnished with a solid surface countertop with a single under-counter brushed stainless steel sink next to an electrical cooktop. A microwave is inset under the cooktop, and there is storage both above and below that’s sufficient in volume to accommodate all the necessities for weekend meals.

The C-shaped dinette to starboard has a manually adjustable table that can be lowered to make a snug berth sized for two young children. Natural air and ventilation are provided by two opening portlights on either side of the salon. A sliding door aft provides access to a large wet head of sufficient size to accommodate adults comfortably. Another sliding door forward opens to reveal the single stateroom that’s notable for its beautiful woodwork, two hanging lockers and an island double berth with steps to make getting in and out of bed easier. Privacy blinds run the length of the cabin for a comfortable, private getaway.

The new Azimut Verve 40 is a beautifully finished, well-executed design from Italy’s largest boat builder. The overall styling is distinctly Italian, yet restrained. But the materials and craftsmanship are first rate, very much in keeping with a builder of fine yachts that range from 10 to 100 meters in length. If you’re in the market for an outboard-powered sport walkaround, don’t miss seeing this one.

By John Wooldridge, Southern Boating Magazine February 2017

SPECIFICATIONS

LOA: 42′ 6″
Beam: 12′ 7″
Draft: 3′ 2″ (full load, outboards down)
Weight: 23,800 lbs.
Fuel/Water: 343/66 U.S. gals.
Power: 3x 350-hp Mercury Verado gas outboards
Cruise/Top Speed: 37 knots/44 knots
MSRP (base): $730,000

USA CONTACT
MarineMax
(888) 708-1128
marinemax.com, azimutyachts.com

A New Type of Formula

“Formula’s new 430 Super Sport Crossover does much more than just raise the bar. It radically transforms the boating experience by offering everything sport cruiser buyers want in one single model.”

In addition to putting in a full workweek few people actually volunteer to work their weekends, unless you’re a workaholic. But when an opportunity for a Sunday afternoon cruise (i.e. sea trial) on the new Formula 430 Super Sport Crossover (SSC) is offered, you take it.

In a post-recession market economy where every boatbuilder seeks to introduce the newest and best flagship model in time for the fall boat shows, Formula’s 430 Super Sport Crossover presented itself as one of the strongest contenders at the 57th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show last November. That shouldn’t be a surprise for cruiser-style aficionados since Formula has been debuting revolutionary new products for some time. Their original, very successful line of Super Sport models bridged the gap for boat buyers wanting a sleeker version of their cruisers. Then about four years ago, Formula debuted its 350 Crossover Bowrider.

 

The 430 SSC concept followed, was two years in the making and designed from the outset for outboard propulsion as the market grew significantly. Formula designer John Adams used the glass grid, stepped-hull concept of the 370 and 400 Super Sport models from which to base Hull No. 1 of the new 430 SSC design. This first hull is not for sale but is being featured exclusively at boat shows and for sea trials. Consequently, it’s decked out with every possible option imaginable.

Even at first glance the high-tech and somewhat futuristic styling is immediately apparent with its sharply angled edges, window design elements and strong color accents. (It almost reminded me of the “Transformer” toys my sons used to play with.) On the 430 SSC “high-tech” is more than just an exterior design style, and more examples become evident once you’re on board.

Starting at the side console helm, each of the three seat bottoms adjust individually for three different positions with adjustable footrests. While adjustable seats may not necessarily qualify as high-tech, what does qualify are the strategically placed air conditioning vents in the seat backs that keep the skipper and crew cool on hot summer days. A Yeti cooler that slides out from under the helm seat provides easy access to beverages. The dash accommodates either three 16-inch or two 19-inch Raymarine chartplotters in addition to the Raymarine gS95 master control and wireless iPad™ control with Mercury DTS with SmartCraft VesselView. Quad Mercury 300 Verado outboards are standard, but you can upgrade to Quad 350s or 400s.

Now, in case you suspect the high-tech on board is limited to the helm, think again. The 430 SSC ensures that your digital-savvy passengers—especially those with a penchant for taking selfies—have fully charged devices at all times. USB charging ports are located throughout the boat in all the seating areas. To keep your tweens and millennials further entertained, their playlists can be synched with the Rockford Fosgate® AM/FM stereo system mounted at the dash with iPod/USB port and Bluetooth. Ten JL Audio® blue LED lighted speakers in the cockpit complement the blue-white LED lighting in every zone on the boat. For extra tech appeal and entertainment, opt for the “Sound-to-Light” upgrade with Wi-Fi control features to sync their music to the underwater lights for a fun light show.

Whether your guests like sun or shade, wind or calm, the 430 SSC’s multiple seating zones ensure every guest experiences the ride and view they prefer. There truly is not a bad seat on the boat, and I tried every one of them. Two defined seating areas in the 430’s SmartZone design—a U-shaped lounge with a settee on the port side—are cushy and comfortable. The lounge backrest can be pushed forward to be used as a backrest for the aft sunpad, but if there’s not enough room for everyone wanting sun, just open the motorized glass sunroof, lower the cockpit table and insert the filler cushions. The forward seating area also transforms into a sunpad by lowering the table and inserting filler cushions, or a sunshade can be inserted for a welcome respite. With separate stereo control, a dual-compartment cooler and trash container, the bow area transforms into its own private, onboard oasis.

The chef on board has his choice of two locations for food prep. The outdoor kitchen with optional electric grill includes a storage drawers, Corian® countertop, fiberglass molded sink, stainless pullout fridge, dedicated trash container, and paper towel holder.

Below deck, the well-appointed cabin—with impressive 6′ 6″ headroom—affords a cruising couple overnight accommodations in a queen-sized Sensus® memory foam bed. A U-shaped Ultraleather lounge electrically lowers and converts to an additional sleeping area for occasional overnight guests. Corian countertops are in the stand-up head and small galley to starboard, which comes equipped with an LED-lit wine cabinet and Keurig coffeemaker. (Formula uses exclusive Corian colors for their boats that are not available for any other customers.) A large pullout Vitrifrigo stainless steel refrigerator is situated across from the galley on the port side along with a stereo remote control, air conditioning and light controls, and a LaunchPort charging system for the Formula-provided iPad. (My sea trial host said they tested the ability of the LaunchPort to hold the iPad during a particularly rough sea and the iPad didn’t move one iota, another testament to the technology used on the 430 SSC.)

For buyers of outboard models in this size range, I’d be hard-pressed to decide exactly who wouldn’t like the 430 SSC since it addresses so many needs. It’s as if all the high-demand elements of Formula’s very successful models were transformed into a completely different package with a personality all its own: part open bow, part cruiser, part center console, but still all Formula, all fun!

SPECIFICATIONS

LOA: 43′

LOA w/Outboards Trailered: 48′

Beam: 12′

Draft: 40″

Displacement: 25,200 lbs.

Fuel/Water: 500/56 U.S. gals.

Power: Mercury Quad Verado® 300 w/Joystick Piloting Q-1200 2.6 (standard); Mercury Quad Verado® 350 w/Joystick Piloting Q-1400 2.6; Mercury Racing® Quad Verado® 400 w/Joystick Piloting Q-1600 2.6

Cruise/Top Speed (w/300s): 35-40/51-53

Range: 300 miles (estimate)

MSRP(base): $1,054,000; $1,346,460 (this model with upgrades)

CONTACT
Formula Boats
2200 West Monroe Street
Decatur, Indiana 46733
(800) 736-7685
formulaboats.com

—By  Liz Pasch, Southern Boating Magazine January 2017

Wajer 55

Based on the award-winning 37- and 38-foot models, the Wajer 55 is a perfect balance of beauty and performance. Comfortable seats will keep the pilot and passengers secure when running in big seas. When lounging in the intracoastal, Wajer provides large sunpads aft and near the transom. The swimming platform on the Wager 55 can also be used as a swimming ladder or gangway. Built-in steps with teak decking make getting in and out of the water easy. Below-deck, Wajer will customize the cabin but most buyers of the smaller models opt for a small cabin for the family to get out of the sun.
wajer.nl

All In the Family: Palm Beach PB65 and PB42

Palm Beach’s flagship yacht, the PB65 (70′ LOA, 19’2″ beam), has received a substantial upgrade for 2017. The Palm Beach PB65 has a high-quality build,  finishes and teak styling blend seagoing competence with beauty.

A vast, light-filled interior features a salon with power windows, spacious cabins and a rear cockpit that can comfortably host up to eight people. Twin Volvo Penta IPS 950 engines deliver a top speed of 32 knots with a range of 700 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 25 knots. Palm Beach is also debuting the new PB42 (46′ LOA, 14’6″ beam). Her semi-displacement bottom and low center of gravity provide a confident and stable ride.

A spacious, light-filled interior includes luxury staterooms with ample headroom throughout. The climate-controlled salon delivers premium comfort, and power windows forward and aft bring nature closer.
pbmotoryachts.com

Don’t Miss: Numarine 60Fly

Making its U.S. debut, the Numarine 60Fly offers exceptional space on board. The full-beam suite with large picture windows at water level fills the cabin with light and offers picturesque views for those reclining in bed. Three ensuite guest cabins come loaded with stowage space.

The use of glass, leather and stainless steel give the Numarine 60Fly (60’4″ LOA, 16’8″ beam) a contemporary feel. The galley is incorporated into the main salon and divided by a useful bar. Flipping open hatches in the windows or electrically lowering the forward side windows in the main salon allows fresh air to circulate throughout the boat. The new 60 Flybridge is the first Numarine yacht to use all LED lighting.

numarine.com

Sunseeker’s Predator 68 & Manhattan 52

The redesigned Sunseeker Predator 68 MK II (71’2″ LOA, 16’7″ beam) features a cockpit door that lowers into the yacht’s deck, opening it up for warmer climates. A full-width sliding sunroof draws in the sunlight while a smart widow design provides natural light for the living space. A generous salon offers U-shaped seating, bar and social seating at the stern. Powered by MAN V8-1200 engines or upgrade to MAN V12-1550.

The new Manhattan 52 (56’5″ LOA, 16′ beam) is the smallest flybridge model Sunseeker has introduced in more than a decade. The yacht is designed to maximize entertainment, light and living space, with curved glass, a unique main deck layout and well-equipped bathing platform, all ideal for entertaining. Powered by Volvo Penta D11-725 or Volvo Penta IPS-950 engines. sunseeker.com

Sea Ray Fly 460 and L550 Fly

The new Sea Ray Fly 460 (46’8″ LOA, 14’12” beam) is spacious for its size, with storage solutions that increase livability including an expanded flybridge made for entertaining. Both helm stations feature Raymarine widescreen displays, and an available joystick control system provides for effortless docking and control of twin 550-hp Cummins inboards. Inside, the full-beam aft ensuite master and additional forward ensuite guest cabins offer customization options.

The sunlit salon features a convenient aft galley and a flush-threshold multi-pane door that opens onto the social cockpit. Sea Ray’s new L550 Fly (56’3″ LOA, 15’7″ beam) utilizes advanced technologies including vacuum infusion structures and a state-of-the-art digital switching system and three cabins. A well-appointed flybridge is geared for entertaining. Twin 850-hp Caterpillar inboards are available with joystick control. searay.com

Don’t Miss the Prestige 630

The Prestige 630 is recognizable by the yacht’s well-balanced exterior design, its bold, clean lines and the elegance of the bright interior layout. Generous living spaces are designed for comfort with an immense salon, three ensuite cabins, a centerline owner’s cabin, and flybridge.

By choosing high-tech design solutions, such as construction by infusion and the selection of an IPS 950 pod transmission, the Prestige 630 (62’4″ LOA, 16’10” beam) is at the cutting edge of technology. Thanks to Garroni Design, the luxurious interior furnishings reveal a selection of materials, color harmonies and a level of equipment normally reserved for large cruising yachts.
prestige-yachts.com

Don’t Miss the Pershing 5X

The Pershing 5X is the first of the X Generation with a focus on performance and innovation. The 5X (54’2″ LOA, 14’4″ beam) cockpit is protected on the sides by two aerodynamic wings that can be separated or joined to the salon thanks to a unique opening and closing system for the glass door and glazed surface. The main deck features a living room with a dining table, the helm station to starboard and a second forward lounge.

The lower deck has been designed around the spacious, full-beam ensuite master. In the prototype layout version, the VIP cabin is located forward and the dinette is in front of the galley. As an option, a guest cabin or a crew cabin accessible from the deckhouse can replace the dinette. pershing-yacht.com

Jeanneau Leader 30

The Jeanneau Leader 30 (30’3″ LOA, 25’5″ beam) combines a bright interior with comfort and performance. The luxurious cabin features a dedicated bed, and the salon transforms into a double berth. Standard features include a private head, a galley and copious stowage including a large hanging locker.

Buyers can choose an optional lacquer finish for the furniture. Most owners will be lounging in the cockpit on the Jeanneau Leader 30 that features adjustable sun lounges on the bow. The L-shape seating in the rear can also be made into a sunpad. Access to the large swim platform is through a starboard walk-through. An integrated sink with refrigerator behind the driver’s spot comes in handy on warm days.
jeanneauamerica.com

Formula 430 Super Sport Crossover

The new Formula 430 Super Sport Crossover (43′ LOA, 12′ beam) offers incredible versatility with 40 linear feet of cockpit space and a cabin that includes a convertible dinette/sleeping berth, aft stateroom, full galley, and a stand-up head compartment. A fiberglass hardtop with a motorized glass sunroof protects the cockpit’s triple command seating. The helm features the latest in electronic goodies from Raymarine, Mercury DTS with SmartCraft VesselView, and electronic shift and throttle for the quad Mercury 300 Verado outboard motors.

Buyers can upgrade to quad Mercury 350 Verados. Above deck an outdoor kitchen with a Corian countertop, fiberglass molded sink, a bank of drawers to store utensils, and a stainless-steel Isotherm pullout fridge make entertaining a breeze on the 430 SSC. Don’t miss the Formula 430 Super Sport Crossover at FLIBS.
formulaboats.com

Fairline Squadron 48

The Fairline Squadron 48 (50’8″ LOA, 14’2″ beam) premieres at FLIBS. The Squadron 48’s expansive flybridge creates a sociable environment with a large seating area around a dining table that can be lowered to convert into a sunpad. There’s also forward-facing seating alongside the upper helm and a submersible bathing platform which offers a spectacular way to enjoy the water and cool off when the day is hot. The Squadron 48 offers 870 horsepower for speeds up to 30 knots with a cruising speed of 26 knots for a range of 260 nautical miles. fairline.com/en

Evo 43

The Evo 43 (43’1″ LOA, 14’8″ beam) is the first creation of the new Italy-based Evo Yachts brand. Built out of resin-infused GRP, steel and glass, the Evo 43 offers reduced weight for greater fuel efficiency. Powered by twin Volvo Penta IPS 600 engines and drivers, she has a range of 300 miles at 38 knots. The design features a straight bow and high topsides that flow harmoniously toward the stern. The cleats and fenders disappear, leaving clean lines that fully comply with safety requirements on board. The straight-lined superstructure incorporates an 8mm wedge-shaped tempered glass windshield. Don’t miss this newcomer to the U.S. boating scene. evoyachts.com

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