Category: Motoryachts

Motoryachts are generally over 35 feet in length and built for leisure purposes. The diversity and variety among this category of vessel is as expansive as our library of motoryacht reviews. European style, classic or cruiser-friendly—browse our collection or articles and reviews of the latest motoryachts to find the right boat for you.

Discover the Sirena 78: The Ultimate Blend of Versatility and Luxury

The Sirena 78 is a versatile and roomy boat that can be anything you want her to be.

Istanbul’s Sirena Yachts has made quite a splash in the past decade or so bringing to market do-it-all cruisers that stand out for their seaworthiness, fit and finish, and creative layouts. With a range spanning from 48 feet to 88 feet, the builder has found a sweet spot for ambitious owners with a taste for that modern, European style that has become all the rage. The Sirena 78 is the second-largest vessel the yard turns out, and she packs a lot to like into her 82-foot LOA.

This offering is immediately recognizable as a Sirena for its squared-off lines that convey a certain machismo without veering into boxy territory. Dreamed up by the Argentinian designer Germán Frers, who has many glamorous megayacht projects to his name, she has a low-slung shearline that is gracefully mirrored by the yacht’s flybridge. Five rectangular hullside windows of varying sizes create a sense of movement in the profile and help to separate this yacht’s profile from competitors in a crowded field. A vertical bow also announces that this project has modern intentions, while doubling as an effective way of carrying the beam forward on the accommodations level.

Under Cover

One thing about this model that most certainly affects her lines is the optional layouts on her upper deck. The flybridge can be fully enclosed, partially enclosed, or only have a hardtop. To my eye, the fully enclosed and semi-enclosed versions lose something aesthetically—too top heavy-looking for my tastes—but they also add an enormous amount of protection from the elements. In the case of the fully enclosed version, the 78 takes on the feel of a miniature megayacht because it effectively has a second salon added to the design. And, of course, it will be a popular choice among boaters who do their cruising in colder climes. But personally, if it was my boat—and I was using it in Florida and the Caribbean—I think the hardtop version would suffice, and be prettier to boot. (There is a fourth version available with no hardtop at all, but my skin is far too Irish to be wheeling a yacht for any amount of time under those conditions.)

Regardless of whether the owner prefers air conditioning or not on the upper deck, the 78 has plentiful alfresco entertainment space. Her foredeck lounge is an excellent place to enjoy this vessel while underway. A sunpad for four just forward of the yacht’s vertical windshield beckons the tan among us, while twin folding teak tables are stationed to port and starboard and service aft-facing L-shaped lounges. Forward of that is the stainless steel windlass and a good working area for the crew. Though at this size an ambitious owner-operator could handle the 78, it’s far more likely that a pair of crew members would be doing most of the heavy lifting.

Also Read:

Sirena 58

 

The crew will definitely appreciate the wide side decks with beefy, hip-high handrails. The yacht is a relatively wide 21 feet across. That beaminess plays out favorably in multiple areas of the boat, and this is one of them. Inward-opening boarding doors on both sides of the 78 also make for easy entry and egress.

The side decks sweep back to the yacht’s substantial cockpit. That space is afforded total shade by an overhang from the flybridge and has transom seating and a teak table bolted to the teak sole with a sturdy and chic stainless steel support. A wetbar to port is there when the clock strikes five—or even earlier depending on your temperament and schedule. Wide and easily traversable steps to port and starboard lead down to a swim platform that can easily double as a beach club. The swim platform is hydraulic, of course, and can handle a tender up to 14 feet in length. 

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Cabin Fever

There is also an entrance to the crew’s quarters here. Two crew is probably all you need for a boat this size, but she can be optioned to sleep three. The Turks are not typically known for generosity in size for portions of the boat not reserved for guests, but Sirena is trying to change that stereotype with enough space to not leave your captain fuming. After all, a happy crew makes a happy boat.

I don’t suspect there will be many complaints from the others sleeping aboard either. The accommodations level consists of four staterooms, including a full-beam owner’s suite amidships. The head is aft, where it acts as a natural sound barrier between the king berth and the engine room. The standard layout has his-and-hers areas separated by a shower with shoulder (and belly) space for most Americans. A walk-in closet is an option here, though it takes the space of either his or hers. 

The VIP in the forepeak could almost serve as a second master, owing to the aforementioned beam carried well forward. Large windows keep the space bright, and a comfortable reading nook is an excellent place to escape the hubbub in the boat’s more social areas. Twin guest staterooms mirror one another to port and starboard of the main passageway as well. Both have twin berths and are spacious enough to avoid complaints from the ungrateful. The portside one is ensuite, while the starboard-side stateroom’s head has an adjoining door that lets it work as a dayhead.

Photo Credit: Jeff Brown

The Sirena 78’s Open Interior

One true highpoint for the Sirena 78 is her salon, which like the rest of her interior was penned by the Dutchman Cor D. Rover. It has a fresh and modern open concept with freestanding furniture in an aft sitting space. Both design features are a bit unusual for a yacht this size, but the advantages are clear. For one, an open-concept layout on an 82-footer feels enormous. And two, the freestanding furniture (as opposed to built-ins) allows for a level of customizability that sets Sirena apart. The aft seating area gives way to a portside galley amidships with a full-size refrigerator and freezer. A massive island countertop offers the chef good prep space as well as provides a service area for Champagne and hors d’oeuvres. Forward of that is the yacht’s formal dining area. A nice detail here is that the wraparound windows in the forward portion of the salon are low enough that while sitting down you can still see outside, taking in the vistas of whatever exotic locale you may be visiting. Notably on the open flybridge version of this boat, there is a lower helm forward of the dining area, but on the enclosed and semi-enclosed version the only helm is upstairs.

A really elegant spiral staircase amidships leads up to that flybridge and the upper helm. When manning the wheel, the captain’s eyes are a good 20 feet above the water, and that coupled with the vertical windshield add up to excellent lines of sight. The yacht comes with either twin 1,400-, 1,550-, or 1,800-horsepower MAN V12s. Depending on the engine package, this model tops out somewhere in the low-mid to upper-mid 20-knot range. Humphree fin stabilizers aid the yacht’s deep keel to help keep the vessel stable in rougher conditions. The hull’s flat aft section also provides lift and stability. The builder offers a few different range numbers for this model, but perhaps most impressive among them is the 1,550-nautical mile range seen at 10 knots in what Sirena dubs “economy cruising mode.” If you are not much one for poking around, the yacht has another efficient spot in her range at a fast cruise closer to 16 knots.

The big MANs reside in an engine room that is pleasingly spacious, especially by Southern European standards, a feature that points again toward Sirena’s desire to keep the crew happy to be aboard. The area is well-ventilated and has more than 6 feet of headroom, with excellent access to all main points of service, including the generators, fuel filters, and the engines themselves.

The Sirena 78’s engine room is a microcosm of the boat itself—voluminous, well-laid-out, and pieced together with thoughtful and evident intent. And that kind of combination will fall right in the sweet spot for a lot of eager prospective owners. 

-by Kevin Koenig

SIRENA 78 SPECIFICATIONS

LOA: 82′

Beam: 21′ 3″

Draft: 5′ 7″

Fuel/Water: 2,378/476 U.S. gals.

Power: 2x MAN V12 @ 1,400-, 1,550-, or 1,800-hp

Top/Cruising Speed: 23/16 knots (with 1,400-hp engines) 

Contact:

Sirena Yachts

sirenayachts.com

Sirena 78 Gallery

Marlow Yachts 62E: Custom Luxury Meets Seafaring Excellence

Introducing the Marlow Yachts 62E: Where Luxury Customization Meets Nautical Innovation

The owner of a new Marlow Yachts 62E did his due diligence before deciding.

“Do your homework!” You’ve been told that ever since you were a young child. That translates now to “do your research.” When it comes down to buying a luxury custom yacht, the prudent owner will have done sufficient examination and then some prior to deciding. Case in point: the owner of a new Marlow Yachts 62E.

When You Know…

To be transparent, this owner is a veteran in the marine industry and might have an advantage in knowing for what to check out. Not only did he research this yacht thoroughly, he also researched the company. Those deep dives ultimately led him to the big decision. You see, he’s always dreamed of a boat like this for himself and his family. The homework, I mean research, paid off.

Marlow delivered this 62E as a high-end, customized yacht, like the owner wanted. It has the best of the best, but doesn’t flaunt it. It has a utilitarian feel to it, with a focus on fundamental raw mechanics. There are easy-to-access systems such as the bow thruster
motor that is housed in a mechanical room under the forward accommodation deck. Also here is the hot water heater service for the staterooms. Why not locate the heater closest to its demand point? 

In the salon, the sofa is situated to port, with twin barrel chairs to starboard. This allows for a better view of the TV in the forward credenza.

Upon closer look, you’ll note the table between the chairs is tapered so the chairs can swivel. The credenza was designed to not only house the TV but also serve as a buffet and additional storage. A large high-gloss teak coffee table with a compass star inlay displays the fine craftsmanship at Marlow’s yard.

Trifecta

Forward is the galley, dinette, and lower helm station. These work well together as they are typically gathering points. Well-equipped to create any type of meal, the galley has under-counter Sub-Zero fridge and freezer drawers, Wolf oven and induction countertop with potholders, custom range hood, dishwasher, and microwave. Counter space is essential, and the 62E has plenty of it. Key here is that the galley is fully functional without taking up too much room. Throughout the 62-foot yacht are 10 fridges, freezers, ice machines, and wine coolers.

To port is a dinette under the forward windows with a teak pedestal table. Marlow wanted to maximize the seating here and made the layout three-sided with the table cut to that form.

The lower helm station has everything needed for safe navigation and operation. From a single Stidd helm seat, the operator can access the twin Garmin multifunction displays, Caterpillar engine displays, Glendinning throttles and joystick controls with Dynamic Positioning System, and more. Overhead is a plethora of switches and breakers that may not be used frequently but good to have close at hand.

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On the upper flybridge deck is a semi-enclosed bridge with integrated hardtop, single Stidd helm seat, and double-wide companion helm seat to starboard. The helm is appointed with three Garmin multifunction displays, engine monitors, and bow and stern Sidepower 20-hp electric thruster sticks. Forward windshields are tempered glass with a single pane center and side glass that curves. The rest of the bridge is open, perfect for fair weather cruising. Sit back in the corner L-shaped settee with a teak table or call dibs on the port-side bench seat. This owner opted for custom cushions on the deck space forward of the helm for the grandkids (or pets) to relax.

Opt for the side and aft glass curtains that will enclose the bridge from the elements or go with the full, hard-enclosed Command Bridge setup. There is a built-in aft door that allows easy passage from the enclosed area to the aft deck that can hold a 15-foot dinghy, 1,600-pound Aritex davit, electric grill station, sink, and storage.

Inside the Marlow Yachts 62E: This Custom Luxury Yacht Displays Elegance on the Seas

On the accommodations deck, accessible via a staircase next to the helm, are three staterooms. A full-beam master is amidships with a center walkaround king berth, drawers and lockers on both outward sides, and a vanity/work desk. The vanity has a flip-up top for compartment storage with a mounted mirror, a retractable side-mounted lighted mirror, and pull-out seat. All the sheets and towels were handpicked top-of-the-line. Even the mattress was matched to the one they use at home. A generously sized walk-in closet is to port, and a double sink head is located on the port side with center shower.

Forward in the peak is a VIP stateroom with raised center berth and ensuite head. It is interesting that in the third stateroom, the owner opted for over-under bunks yet no shower in the head. He wanted to focus on maximizing the space in the head by removing the stall. One can certainly shower in the VIP head.

The engine room is accessible via a door in the head that takes you through a hall housing the side-by-side washer and dryer units. For an owner/operator, this makes checking fluids and systems easy without having to step outside. A second access point is via the aft cockpit door and through the crew quarters or optional beach club.

Housing twin Caterpillar C18 diesel engines that produce up to 1,150-hp each, this 91,200-pound (approx.) yacht breaks 30 mph. My time on board saw 26.8 knots (average over reciprocal course) from this semi-displacement hull, with a cruising speed of 23 knots at 2,100 rpm, 94 gph. For extended cruising, dial back to 8 knots and the range will come in at approx. 2,090 nautical miles, burning 10 gph. 

Don’t worry about the roll. Marlow yachts can fit several anti-roll stabilization systems. This one happens to have a CMC Electric Zero Speed Waveless 30 system that offers at-anchor stabilization. If you’ve ever spent a night on the hook in sporty weather, you know this system is a godsend.

When running, the proprietary Velocijet Strut Keels not only protect the drive shafts from impacting foreign objects, they also give lift, reduce drag, improve prop performance, and enhance tracking.

Twin Kohler generators produce 24kW with the Powershare/PGEN system that automatically senses demands and shares the load, when necessary. Other niceties include a diesel heater, dedicated central closet for electronics, USB outlets in key areas, insets in cabin staircase for aesthetics and safety, and more.

The Marlow 62E is also designed to be enjoyed outdoors. The full walkaround exterior teak deck takes you from stem to stern effortlessly. Side and aft gates give access for provisioning or handling lines. Forward of the Portuguese bridge is a foredeck with insert bench seat but also allows for additional lounge chairs. Alfresco dining is compliments of the covered aft deck.

If looking for a large luxury custom yacht in a manageable package that has impeccable interior craftsmanship and finish, then put the Marlow Yachts 62E on your shortlist. Hey, someone else did the homework for you. 

-by Tom Serio

MARLOW 62E SPECIFICATIONS

LOA: 72′ 1″
Beam: 18′ 6″
Draft: 4′ 10″
Displacement: 91,200 lbs.
Fuel/Water: 2,000/370 U.S. gals.
Power: 2x Caterpillar C18 diesel engines @ 1,150-hp total
Contact:
Marlow Yachts
marlowyachts.com

MIBS Preview – Riviera’s 58 Sports Motor Yacht

Riviera

Riviera’s 58 Sports Motor Yacht is the latest in the Australia builder’s Motor Sports Yacht line, which features six models from 46 to 72 feet. The 58 SMY (64′ 8″ LOA, 18′ 7″ beam) includes walkaround side decks, a foredeck lounge, an all-weather alfresco deck for entertaining, a salon with an aft galley, and a fully enclosed, air-conditioned flybridge and helm. Accommodations include three staterooms and three heads, and the full-beam master suite has a private head with a walk-in wardrobe. The yacht comes standard with twin 1,000-hp Volvo Penta D13 IPS 1350s engines and with extended-range fuel tanks, she has a range of 450 nautical miles. rivieraaustralia.com

Sunseeker Ocean 182: Redefining Luxury on the Water

The Sunseeker Ocean 182 is a masterpiece of space, innovation, and elegance.

The Sunseeker Ocean 182 is a yacht that redefines luxury and space on the water. With an impressive 2,060 square feet of interior space spanning three decks, this vessel offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking the utmost in comfort and sophistication.

Her interior embodies the floating penthouse concept. With floor-to-ceiling sliding doors and windows on both sides, the main deck offers an unobstructed view. The spiral staircase has floating stair treads adding to the sense of spaciousness. The semi-open galley is well-equipped with Miele appliances and provides ample space and storage. The upper deck can be fully enclosed for a third indoor living space or left open for alfresco experiences. It’s also home to the helm console, freeing space on the main deck for lounging and socializing.

Also Read:

DENISON YACHTING ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE LISTING OF 88-METER PROJECT PEGASUS

The loose furniture concept allows for a blank canvas for customized specifications on both the main and upper decks. Whether it’s large U-shaped sofas or comfortable lounge seating in the main salon, owners can tailor the yacht’s interior to their preferences. Every inch of the yacht is finished to an immaculate standard, complete with ambient mood lighting, stainless steel trim, and specially designed feature bulkheads.

The Ocean 182 can accommodate up to eight guests in a four-cabin configuration, each with an ensuite. The owner’s cabin, positioned amidships, offers a luxurious escape, while the forward VIP cabin provides an equally lavish experience for guests. Additionally, the crew is well accommodated with four berths, a dedicated crew mess, and a day head.

Her exterior is designed to maximize outdoor space. The Beach Club, with its retractable sea-stair and bathing platform, provides easy access to the water. It can accommodate a tender and Jet Ski. The foredeck offers a social space with multiple seating arrangements, making it ideal for group gatherings.

Powered by twin MAN V12 1650 or 1900 shaft engines, the Ocean 182 can comfortably reach a top speed of 27 knots. At a cruising speed of 12 knots, the yacht boasts an extended range of 1,100 nautical miles, ideal for longer journeys. 

-by Bonnie Schultz

SPECIFICATIONS

LOA: 88′ 11″

Beam: 23′ 6″

Fuel/Water: 3,434/400 U.S. gals. 

Weight: 181,440 lbs. (@ half load)

Top/Cruise Speed: 27/12 knots

Range at Cruise: 1,100 nm

Power: 2x MAN V12 1650
or 1900 shaft

Contact: Sunseeker 

Sunseeker.com

Maritimo S75 Review: Exploring the Beautiful Luxury Yacht

Setting Sail with the Maritimo S75: A Yacht Review

Distances are not only vast around the shoreline of Australia, but unlike the U.S., they are often unpopulated. So, self-sufficiency and resilience are perquisites for motor cruising. The inability to find a safe haven often means staying offshore and to do that you need a sturdy hull and decent range. From its inception, by industry legend Bill Barry-Cotter, this ethos was embedded in the shaft-driven hulls of Maritimo, and the latest is not only the largest at 75 feet but also the most advanced. Let’s dive into this Maritimo S75 luxury yacht review.

Australian builder Maritimo’s S75 is its latest, largest, and most advanced offering.

I saw this during its launch at the May 2023 Sanctuary Cove Boat Show in Australia. “The global launch of the S75 heralds the start of Maritimo’s twentieth anniversary celebrations and what could be more fitting in our twentieth year than releasing this grand vessel, the epitome of everything that is Maritimo,” said Managing Director Tom Barry-Cotter, who has successfully stepped into his father’s shoes at the helm of this Gold Coast-based yard. Also, as we go to press, a flybridge version has just splashed (the M75).

My first impression of the S75 is its striking and sleek profile, thanks to nearly 75 feet of waterline, including the vast 194-square-foot Adventure Deck. Some reverse shear along the topsides also enhances the look, while the tall hull is stylishly punctuated with elongated dark windows that match the targa bar, housing radar and satellite domes, clearly making a sporty statement even at rest. Of course, style without substance is not much good offshore, so there’s a solid glass hull underwater and an elongated keel, both for stiffness and linear stability.

Adventure

Reviewing Maritimo’s S75 Hull No. 1 allows a great understanding of what this vessel is capable of. Hull No. 1 is a general-purpose vessel with large cockpits to suit Australia’s mild outdoor climate. The S75’s signature feature is the Adventure Deck, a huge teak-clad swim platform with a hydraulic aft section to float a heavy tender. It includes a wet bar with electric barbecue in the forward bulkhead that also has an access hatch to the crew cabin. 

A step above this area, with transom doors on each side, is the aft cockpit. Completely shaded by the flybridge overhang, it’s ideal for diners around the transom couch and inner dinette table with bench. 

Yet more lounging space is found by walking along the deep side decks, their tall guardrails guiding me safely to the bow where a double sunbed dominates. Also installed is an oversized Australian-made horizontal Muir windlass/capstan combined with an equally large Ultra anchor, which should give peace of mind at rest. 

The S75 salon roof has been designed for storage, enabling the sedan hardtop to be accessed from the upper cockpit deck via a wide stairway and hatch with davit.

Vast Salon

The low-slung S75 conceals its bulk well, but the salon reveals it in all its glory when entered via the sliding door that opens into the rear galley, adjoining the cockpit dinette. Ahead of the galley is the amidships lounge and offset to starboard is the steering console, with all parts seamlessly blending into this vast space. The U-shaped galley takes up the entire aft section which allows several people to work here. It’s extensively equipped with two large freezer drawers, microwave, and a separate oven with four-plate electric hob, all by Miele. 

A step up on the paneled vinyl floor to the carpeted lounge gives the ambience of a much larger vessel, thanks to that generous beam and tall windows placed at eye height when resting on the couches that surround the area. The dark wood gloss finish is understated and contrasts with the cream leather furnishings. Forward is the staircase down to the three cabins, naturally lit by the overhead front salon window.

The console is a well-equipped with Twin Disc EJS joystick and throttles. The EJS controls the fore and aft thrusters. Given the windage, controlling the shaft drives and thrusters with a simply operated joystick system is ideal for most owners. 

On Hull No. 1, the essentials including tabs, the hydraulic wheel, and Garmin smarts (twin 24-inch glass screens, radar, and autopilot) were all ergonomically laid out in front of the two bucket seats.

Reviewing Maritimo’s S75 Accommodations

The central stairway leading below benefits from the atrium-style layout of the salon windows which gave natural light as I stepped down. Here, a lounge has been optioned instead of a fourth cabin, which created an airy, convivial area. 

Located deep in the hull, using the almost 20-foot beam, the owner’s suite is outstanding with several furniture options including a vanity table and benches with cedar-lined cabinetry. The cabin is a large space with more than six feet of headroom and without any impinging bulkheads around the king-size berth. Elongated hull windows let in light with two opening portholes to increase natural airflow. 

The ensuite bathroom behind the berth uses the entire beam to create a vast ablutions area with twin sinks, freshwater flush electric head, and a generous shower at the far end to starboard. 

Also impressive is the bow cabin because instead of the usual location in the middle, the queen berth is offset to starboard, creating a walking space around it. Finally, the third cabin with its two bunks and rather small portlight finishes off this practical accommodation layout. 

Hull and Systems

The hull build is completely solid GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) below the waterline. Rigidity comes from a monolithic GRP liner that is molded longitudinally all the way to the forward cabin—a Maritimo patented technique to enhance hull integrity. Similarly, the decks also have a liner as well as the superstructure, which enhances both rigidity and insulation while creating a monocoque structure intended to last. Deep bilges are another plus to manage any water incursion without losing stability.

Scania 1,150-hp engines were fitted to the review boat, running straight shafts to five-bladed Nimbral Veem propellers. Options include Rolls-Royce Power Systems MTU, which is available in the 2000 Series V10 1,625-mhp per side. Electrical power comes from twin Onan 22.5kW generators. When at rest, twin ARG 250 T gyros can be deployed, with one in the engine room and the second behind on the Adventure Deck. 

At Sea

Reviewing the Maritimo S75 had a perk; taking it to its natural element—offshore. Behind the wheel, I felt the long southerly Pacific swells beneath the stiff hull as I accelerated toward the eastern horizon, and with 10,000 liters (approximately 2,640 U.S. gallons) fully loaded, the S75 can reach those far horizons. 

The motion was heavily dampened and the natural trim—thanks to shaft drives putting engine weight inboard—negated the need for tabs (at least without a full cruising load). 

Turning was predictable, as the S75 hull didn’t heel into turns but neither did it slide; it tracked flat and predictably. I then sought out my wake to test the joinery and other bulkheads, which didn’t complain when the swell crashed into the hull before running obediently off the flared bows as we reached a top speed of 28 knots. All done with aplomb on this most impressive 75-footer. 

-by Kevin Green

Riviera 46 SMY: A Full Review of the Luxury Cruiser

The Riviera 46 Sports Motoryacht scratches a lot of itches in an expertly dialed-in package that leaves little to criticize.

The Palm Beach International Boat Show is one of my personal favorites. It’s not too big, it’s not too small, and it offers easy accessibility to the surrounding town in a way that sets it apart from nearly every other major show. In that sense, it was the perfect venue for the Riviera 46 Sports Motoryacht to makes its American debut. This is a mid-sized cruiser that is as versatile as she is well-thought-out—a solidly built entry from the much-admired heavyweight of Australian boatbuilding.

The Riviera 46 is the baby in a line of Sports Motoryachts (SMYs) that also includes a 50, 58, 64, 68, and 72. These yachts are ostensibly convertibles, but not really. I have fond memories of once reeling in sailfish after sailfish aboard a Riviera 51 in Costa Rica, but these aren’t tournament-fishing boats. However, they are well equipped for some bottom bashing, as the Aussies call it colloquially. This is, thanks to a very workable cockpit that has an in-transom livewell and beefily hinged tuna doors to either side. Any catches can be cleaned and grilled at the sink and barbecue forward and to port, while the same space to starboard has a drop-in freezer and an icemaker. A large hydraulic swim platform acts as an extension of the cockpit space when at anchor and enjoying water sports and can easily hold and launch a tender for when island hopping is on the agenda.

Know Your Customers

Forward of the cockpit is an alfresco mezzanine deck that can either be enclosed in Isinglass or left open. A folding teak dining table to port services a bench, while a mirroring bench to starboard is also at play. The latter lounge space abuts a fold-up window accessing the aft galley, so it’s the best place to sit if you want to be first up when the appetizers start coming out. That aft galley is a nearly ubiquitous design on boats in this size and class these days, but it was the Australians who popularized the laid-back, functional, and versatile layout. The alfresco mezzanine design creates a well-protected indoor-outdoor space good for socializing either underway or on the hook, and it also effectively adds about 30 percent more space to the main salon. It’s an ingenious design touch that shows how well Riviera understands the layouts on its SMY series and also how its customers use the boats. The builder is well-known for seeking out client feedback and taking it seriously when penning new models, and this mezzanine deck is a good example of the fruits of that labor.

The 46 SMY’s salon benefits from having the helm on the flybridge—a staple of the range—in that it feels larger than it has any right to be. Wood options are either walnut or oak in high-gloss or satin—choose wisely, as there is wood seemingly everywhere in the space. That aforementioned galley has a counter running along the aft bulkhead offering ample prep space. There is an induction cooktop to starboard and a sink forward. It’s a relatively spartan galley but one with everything you need to whip up something delicious, and the fit and finish, from the way the cabinets softly close to the smart grooves that run along the interior edge of the counter, is high quality. A second indoor dining settee is forward and to port to handle dinner duties during especially inclement weather.

On the Fly

The Riviera 46 SMY is built on the same platform as the builder’s popular 465 SUV, which is an express cruiser model. What sets the SMY apart is its flybridge, which really opens the boat up for entertaining, with an entire extra deck. The SMY will also appeal to captains who prefer to drive from up top, either for the sightlines or for the chance to get some respite from their guests. The flybridge is accessed via a sturdy interior staircase in the aft of the salon, a grippy climb that will be safe even in a seaway. Up top the helm features twin Pompanette captain’s chairs, Volvo Penta controls, Garmin screens, and an elegant C-Zone system that does wonders to reduce dashboard clutter. A forward lounge area is perhaps the best place to be on the boat when underway and converts into a berth if needed. If someone is sleeping up top, the flybridge can be fully enclosed by Isinglass. There is also a hardtop overhead providing shade, which is supported by thick aluminum tubes crafted with expert welding. It’s details like this that show how much experience Riviera has accumulated in its workforce at its sprawling yard in Queensland, Australia. Notably, the builder fosters one of the industry’s strongest apprentice programs, helping to bring local youths up through the ranks to become expert boatbuilders, and sometimes company leaders.

Fast and Efficient

With the optional 725-hp Volvo Penta IPS 950s, the Riviera 46 can hit a respectably zippy 34-knot top end with an efficient fast cruise of about 29 knots. At that pace, she burns 59 gallons per hour. Less powerful 600-hp Volvo Penta IPS 800s come standard. Either propulsion package will reside in an engine room with solid 360-degree access to all major service points and a reliable 13.5-kW Onan generator forward. Fire-resistant, transverse, GRP fuel tanks can hold up to 660 gallons, while water capacity is 132 gallons.

Riviera added sound and vibration dampeners around the engine room to make the 46’s ride as quiet as possible, a trait that will likely be appreciated most down below on the accommodations level. At 46 feet, 11 inches length overall, the SMY is just a tad too small for a full-beam amidships master, but the forepeak master layout should do just fine. Twin overhead hatches offer good natural light that really opens the space, and an ensuite head with enough room for American elbows is a real asset. Mirroring guest staterooms with twin berths are amidships, and benefit greatly from the not insignificant hullside glazing that fills them with natural light. The two cabins share a dayhead. Besides the convertible berth on the flybridge, both the salon and mezzanine also have convertible berths, meaning this boat can easily handle a large overnight crowd so long as nobody is too picky.

The sleeping arrangements are a good microcosm for this 46 and the Australian boating ethos in general. The emphasis here is to put forward a well-designed vessel that can get you out on the water enjoying nature while spending time with friends and family—and do it all in a package that isn’t gaudy but leaves nothing to be desired. There’s good reason I left Palm Beach having this Riviera 46 SMY marked down in my notes as one of my very favorite boats at one of my very favorite shows.

-by Kevin Koenig

Hargrave 116 Romeo Foxtrot: A Jaw-Dropping Luxury Yacht Review

All Photo Credits: Suki Finnerty

At home on Hargrave’s new 116-foot Romeo Foxtrot

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but when I stepped aboard the Hargrave 116-foot Romeo Foxtrot, the pictures I saw prior to my visit quickly went silent. The real-life visual in front of me spoke volumes as the colors, textures, design features and accents, and even the lighting blended into a work of art. Join Southern Boating on this luxury yacht review and you’ll soon understand.

“As the lead designer on this project, my primary goal was to create a yacht with uncompromising amenities and luxurious comfort,” says Shelley DiCondina, president and lead designer of Yacht Interiors by Shelley in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and designer of Romeo Foxtrot’s interior. “Our first mission was to design a floor plan that’s function was beyond reproach…to create a luxury vessel that has thoughtful gathering areas that are beyond comfortable, feels intimate for long conversations and relaxing, and is easily accessible for crew to deliver discrete service.”

Stepping Aboard the Hargrave 116 Romeo Foxtrot: A Luxury Yacht Review

That’s just how Romeo Foxtrot emerged from the yard. As I said, walking into the main salon gave me an entirely new perspective. First, what appeared in pictures as a skinny, elongated salon and dining area turned out to be quite the opposite. Nearly floor-to-ceiling windows made the space feel much wider, and contemporary accents along with furniture choices made for a large cohesive room with distinctive social areas. It was then I realized the windows were so big because the headroom was unusually tall—seven feet, two inches to be exact.

Exotic walnut-based veneers, marble, wood, and tile are used extensively to create a refined, luxurious feel throughout the interior. Light sand tones everywhere are blended with splashes of browns, ocean blues, patterns, and gleaming glosses. With those interior design attributes and the “picture” windows letting in an abundance of natural light, there’s a spaciousness that lets you breathe yet keeps you wrapped in a cozy, comfortable frame of mind.

Experience the Pinnacle of Seafaring Luxury Living Spaces

The main-deck salon on Romeo Foxtrot has an oversized, plush sofa with matching chair and a coffee table with a wood grain-style runner designed within. Across to port, four seats surround a smaller, raised table with similar features as the coffee table. Each seat is a contemporary design with a velvety backrest that seems to change its mood as the light plays upon it. A bar with sink and mirror-backed shelves is snug in the starboard aft corner while a large-screen television is mounted in the port aft corner. Between them, glass sliding doors open out to the cockpit to expand the room outside with a U-shaped sofa and beautiful glossy table aft. Folding chairs add seating for nine or 10 to enjoy a delightful alfresco meal protected from the elements by the upper deck.

Stairs on each side of the cockpit lead down to the swim platform and beach club, but more on that in a minute.

Turning back into the salon, a modern design element on the headliner wraps down between the windows to separate the salon and dining area, as does the turn from carpet to a beautifully engineered wood floor. Centered along the forward bulkhead is a wide interior circular stair to reach the upper and lower decks. To port is access to the galley and to starboard, a corridor leads to a day head and, eventually, the master stateroom. But before that, with picture windows on each side, is a magnificent dining table.

“The dining table is called a ‘Live Edge Table’ of raw teak,” explains DiCondina. “We could not get the width of the table we required so we had the shipyard cut the plank down the center and flip the ‘live edge’ of the plank to the inside. The table was then laid up with gray-toned acrylic poured to create width on the inside. This way, the raw edge is on view in the center of the table to enjoy. The other benefit is that the table perimeter is smooth and makes for easier table setting and use. We then designed a very clean, simple stainless steel banded base with sub deck that bolted to the floor. The ‘Live Edge’ plank trend is a sophisticated nod to the organic vibe designers are embracing—earthy and starring Mother Nature; whether it’s looking out the windows at the sea or admiring the simple beauty of a plank of wood.”

It’s a stunning piece of artwork that seats 10 and is an exquisite example of how Yacht Interiors by Shelley fuses modern design with timeless luxury. It’s a cornerstone to the experience of this luxury yacht review.

Continuing that theme, forward on the main deck is the master stateroom. The spacious full-beam suite features two private heads and two walk-in closets to offer unparalleled indulgence and comfort. The modern element used between the salon and dining room is also used here and focuses the king berth as the room’s centerpiece. Above the headboard and surrounding the very large TV opposite as well as on the dresser drawers is another striking design made with an exotic ALPI veneer. It is also used in the dining room and salon although of differing color shades from silver to walnut. A seating area is to port, and large windows on both sides let in the natural light and provide a visual worth, well, more than a thousand words.

The last space of the main deck is the galley with a center island and all the appliances that create an efficient place for meal prep and service. There’s even a cozy breakfast settee with table in the corner for guests to keep the chef company or go over the day’s menu.

Comfort is one of the benefits of Romeo Foxtrot’s design, and it’s evident in the accommodations belowdecks. Four ensuite guest cabins, all with king-size berths, are designed with separate showers and the same accents found throughout the yacht with marble, silver, and veneers as well as each suite with its own blend of colors. Wide windows above the berths keep the suites bathed in natural light.

The yacht fits eight crew on the accommodations deck forward with access from the galley above to avoid unnecessary interaction with guests. Beside an L-shaped settee with table, full head, and a small galley space, the quarters are also laundry central with two full-size washers and dryers. There’s also a washer/dryer closet in the guest accommodations space for delicate clothing or for a quick wash of bathing suits and such.

The captain’s quarters are on the upper deck just off the wheelhouse. “I think it’s amazing,” says Capt. Chris. “I always say having a captain’s cabin off the pilothouse is a safety feature. The night watch just has to knock on my door almost instantly. He doesn’t have to run down below trying to look for me.” Leaving the helm can be risky in an emergency situation and having the captain within feet can really make a difference.

An Extraordinary Tri-Deck

Romeo Foxtrot has three full decks, including the accommodations level, the main deck, and the upper deck. There’s also the added entertainment space of the spa/sun deck that tops off the yacht’s sleek exterior design. Her spa tub, bar area, and entertainment center with grill make the deck a favorite hang-out.

Go ahead and include the beach club off the stern that has a fold-down teak deck for water sport launchings, a full bar, and a steam room for six, and with the huge sunpad on the main deck’s bow—the choices are endless to find a private spot, or socialize with a loved one or with family, or entertain all your friends. Add the ocean, and the yacht is a mecca for fun in the sun.

There’s no need to worry about what keeps this yacht on the move. Twin Caterpillar C32 engines push Romeo Foxtrot ahead nicely at a cruising speed around 12 knots which will take her between 1,000 and 1,200 miles. At eight knots, that distance almost doubles. She also has Northern Lights generators and a watermaker that produces up to 1,800 gallons of water per day.

“I feel very comfortable as far as she handles,” says Capt. Chris, noting that the yacht is well-balanced and responsive. The stabilizers really help too. “Going across to Greece, we had this really big beam sea and the wind was blowing. I thought, ‘Oh, this is going to be miserable,’ but it wasn’t bad at all. She handles very well.”

Luxury Yacht Review Final Thoughts: Romeo Foxtrot

The interior design is also key in the owners’ comfort as well as the crew’s. “I love the way the boat is laid out,” adds Capt. Chris. “When you walk through it, everything flows. Everything continues one onto the other, which I like…. The elegance is in the simplicity of the layout.” The beauty is being on board and enjoying every moment whether at the dock, cruising to a new destination, or anchored in a cove. Romeo Foxtrot definitely offers that and more. 

-by Steve Davis

ROMEO FOXTROT SPECIFICATIONS – A LUXURY YACHT REVIEW FINALE

LOA: 116′

Beam: 26′

Draft: 6.5′

Displacement: 210 tonnes (462,840 lbs.)

Fuel/Water: 8,500/1,000 U.S. gals.

Power: 2x Cat C32 @ 1,900-hp

Max/Cruise Speed: 20/17 knots

Range: 1,000 nm @ 12 knots

Contact:

Hargrave Yachts

(954) 648-6281• miked@hargrave.org

hargravecustomyachts.com

Tiara EX60 Yacht Review: Luxury Meets Performance on the Water

The Tiara EX60 represents a big step up for the builder, and not just in LOA.

In my mind, Michigan’s Tiara Yachts has always been something of a quintessential American boatbuilder which you’ll note during this Tiara EX60 Review. Its models are typically highly versatile, family-friendly, and have an endearing air of Midwestern humility about them. Tiaras range in size from 34 to 49 feet in length, and though the word “yacht” is in the builder’s name, the emphasis has always very much been on building boats. That is, until now. With its new flagship the EX60, Tiara not only makes a sizable 11-foot leap up the ladder in LOA but also brings to the table a level of fit and finish and other creature comforts that are befitting a real-deal yacht.

Discover the Tiara EX60: A Review of This New Era of Luxury Yachting

The Tiara EX60 I boarded at the Miami boat show had made the trip on its own hull down the Mississippi River and all the way to the Magic City. I was fortunate enough to meet the captain and first mate, a husband and wife team, when I made my visit. They were positively glowing about the boat in a way that far exceeded whatever Tiara was paying them. It was clear that their enthusiasm for this vessel was genuine. They were particularly happy with the portside settee that mirrors the starboard helm. It has its own Garmin screen and Flir readout that took some pressure off the captain as he navigated the oft-foggy and flotsam-and-jetsam-packed Mississippi. They also enthused about the standard Dyson vacuum cleaner and charger that Tiara packed aboard, which helped them keep the yacht spic and span for her big debut. And they raved about the vessel’s 15-inch-wide side decks, which when paired with a door to starboard of the helm, and an electrically opening window to port, made docking exceptionally easy for a two-person team.

A Standout Feature

One trait that immediately grabbed my attention on the EX60 is her level of fit and finish. Tiara has always done a fine job in this regard, but this boat is unequivocally a step up. The builder teamed with Seattle-based interior designer Mary Flores, a megayacht veteran, who imbued the EX60 with her beachy vibe focusing on warm colors and varying textures. All of this model’s soft goods are customizable, a break from the typical three or four options Tiara usually offers.

Space To Stretch Out

The EX60 is a full 16 feet, 11 inches wide, meaning the boat has plenty of space to hold all manner of cool features. The show begins on the hydraulic swim platform, which acts like a transformer, lowering and raising in and out of the water aiding both in tender launching and making this space usable as a beach club. A Kenyon grill in the transom is a very nice touch in regard to the latter. There are also built-in chocks to ensure your little boat rests safe and sound.

Reviewing The Tiara EX60’s Cockpit – Satisfied Is An Understatement

The Tiara EX60’s cockpit, however, may have been my favorite thing about her. It’s a mezzanine setup, which I always appreciate for its versatility. The lower portion on the boat in Miami had a folding teak dining table with bench seating fore and aft. An “Adventure Package” option is also available with a more open layout and fishy accouterments like extra rod holders. Both versions have foldout terraces to port and starboard that make this an excellent space for entertaining. The upper portion for both versions has a high-gloss teak table at the aft bulwark with three modular seats that stow neatly beneath it. This is a top-tier spot to hang out while underway or on the hook, enjoying something cold to drink.

Interior Space

The salon is flush to the mezzanine deck and separated by a sliding glass door with an electrically actuated window to starboard. An expansive aft galley to starboard serves both interior and exterior areas with equal aplomb. Twin Kenyon cooktops, a sink, and a good deal of prep space will keep the designated chef happy. A 55-inch pop-up television tucked to starboard of the counter faces a settee with a high-gloss teak table on the portside. One small detail that I really liked about this table—and which I think is indicative of Tiara’s focus on safety and its customer base—was the cut-out handhold it had that runs along the boat’s centerline. Tiara is at its core a family boat company, and extra handholds, as well as the many rounded edges seen throughout the boat, show the builder’s safety-first DNA. Another thing about the salon, it’s nearly completely encircled by windows and glass, and all at a height that’s easy to see out of while sitting down. It’s a design trait that expertly complements Flores’ laid-back, West Coast aesthetic.

Belowdecks

Reviewing Tiara EX60’s belowdecks features will put a smile on anyone’s face. A full-beam amidships master with excellent natural light and clever stowage tucked into every imaginable crevice. A fold-out work-from-home station next to the queen-size berth is a smart and useful detail, as is the standard safe that fits snugly in the expansive stowage compartment beneath the berth. The EX60 is a three-stateroom vessel, with a forepeak VIP and a guest at amidships to port. It’s a fairly standard layout for a boat of this size and type, but what isn’t standard are the myriad “yachty” touches seen on this, the most intimate of decks. The headboards over the beds have wavy patterns done in teak reminiscent of ones I’ve seen on 100-footers. The berths have inductive phone chargers to either side, so you never run out of juice. And the mirrors in the heads have ring lighting that makes you look precisely 17 percent better-looking, for a nice little self-esteem boost before heading out for the evening.

Another place this yacht certainly has a boost is in her performance. The captain described the EX60 as a Ferrari, and a 42-knot top end with a 35-knot cruise says why. Throttle down to 25 knots and she sips 52 gallons per hour. The boat has twin 1,000-hp Volvo Penta IPS 1350s, making her not only a joy at fast speeds, but a cinch at slow speeds. A Seakeeper 9 teams with Volvo Interceptor trim flaps to keep this boat steady both on the go and at a standstill.

Tiara EX60 Review: A Comprehensive Look at the Flagship Yacht

One last thing about this Tiara: She is exceptionally quiet. That aforementioned sliding glass door that separates the salon and mezzanine reminded me of the scene in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective when Jim Carrey opens and closes a glass balcony door while screaming at the top of his lungs to prove a point to his doubtful colleagues. When the Tiara’s door is open, conversation flows easily between outdoors and in. But when it’s shut, the salon becomes all but whisper-quiet—though I doubt anyone will be whispering about the EX60. She’s a real coup for Tiara, and she’s about to have the whole world talking. 

-by Kevin Koenig

Elegance at Sea with the Hunt Ocean Series 68 Flybridge

The latest Hunt Ocean Series 68 Flybridge reflects its owner’s character.

Each boat has its own personality, even if it’s a simple, no-thrills 20-footer. There are a lot of white boats plying the waterways, which is why one with hull color makes you look a few seconds longer as it brings out more of its style. The same goes when you step aboard. More than anything, the interior truly reflects the owner’s personality, and I was reminded how beautiful the elegant look of rich wood invites one into a timeless space of traditional luxury. 

Credit: Jim Raycroft

The Hunt 68 is a Home Away from Home

I’m on the new Hunt 68, the latest in its Ocean Series. This particular owner loves the classic, traditional look and after owning a Hacker-Craft, a 34-foot Hinckley runabout, and a 43-foot Hinckley flybridge, he moved to a more comfortable Hunt 68. His model is the flybridge edition. The size gives him and his wife plenty of interior and exterior room to enjoy a day on the water, and with the grandchildren and lots of friends, afternoon and weekend cruises are the norm. “He’s very busy…and it’s really his second office,” says Pat, the yacht’s captain. However, he loves boating and finds relaxation on his home away from home, even spending nights aboard when it’s at the dock. “It’s like a little bit of an oasis for him,” adds Peter Truslow, managing director for Hunt Yachts.

The flybridge and the cockpit are the most lived-in spaces. The fresh breeze and open air are two of the most logical reasons to have a boat; taking a break from everyday life is another. The flybridge model offers two helms, so if the weather does get dicey, the yacht keeps on cruising.

The owner’s priority in the build was elegance and day boating with occasional short cruises, but the yacht can easily handle long distances. Primarily spending the summer up north and the winter in Florida, a trip over to the Bahamas isn’t unheard of. The interior is designed for that purpose and not setup for long distances, but it can be. “I think this boat for him is an excellent layout for just what they do,” says Truslow. “They’ve got the galley up
for entertaining.”

“They don’t do a lot of overnight stuff,” adds the captain. “They wanted to go as minimal on galley as possible. …They’ll do all their cooking on the grill or bring it on from the house.”

Photo Credits: Jim Raycroft

The galley up saves on time and keeps the chef part of the social action. Although smaller than a full galley below, there are under-counter refrigerators, a Wolf three-burner cooktop, and a double stainless steel sink set in an L-shaped counter. Because this owner decided on the galley-up design, they turned the extra room below into a pantry where a washer/dryer could be installed or, in this case, a full-size fridge. 

Accommodations below include three generous ensuite cabins. The midship, full-beam master with an island king berth that has storage underneath boasts a settee to port and a desk to starboard along with a full-height, cedar-lined closet. The VIP cabin with a walkaround queen berth is at the bow, and the starboard mid cabin has twin bunks. The entire level, as well as the salon, shines with the most elegant African Cherry wood (imagine a mahogany color).

Unlike a place where you’re afraid to sit down because you might ruin the furniture, the owners have made this “home” a cozy, comfortable space where they can relax or have family and friends on board in the sun, the shade, or in air-conditioned luxury. Most of their time is spent up on the large covered flybridge that is the perfect spot for additional entertaining. These owners put a huge sunpad along the aft rail. The grill and a sink area divide the aft seating from the L-shaped settees on each side with tables. Two Stidd Admiral captain chairs are forward with a full helm for control. With Strataglass clear vinyl fitted to the hardtop, owners and guests can still enjoy the flybridge in inclement weather.

The flybridge extends far aft enough to provide protection over the main-deck cockpit from the sun or rain. It’s a great area with many uses, from enjoying a meal, sipping cocktails, having a cup of coffee, reading, or watching the kids playing out in the water. A stairway on each side leads down to the swim platform that hydraulically lowers into the water for easy access, which also makes it easy to launch and retrieve an inflatable tender. The owner of this model employs a captain, and the crew quarters and engine room are accessible from this deck. Speaking of which, the engine room has plenty of space for service and as Capt. Pat noted, it’s air conditioned.

FLIBS Preview – The Explorer 62

Built from Experience

Hunt is very well known for its legendary deep-V hull design. The Ocean Series hulls are engineered to be the best riding hulls among others in this model’s category. The hull rises quickly onto plane and affords a comfortable ride throughout a range of conditions and speed.

“These boats are overbuilt,” says Truslow. “They’re pretty heavy, but really solid and structurally sound.”

Capt. Pat gave us one experience when he started the trip north. The forecast heading out of St. Lucie Inlet was for two-foot seas. “We got out there, and it was two-foot seas…for an hour,” he says. “And then it built, and it built, and it built…coming out of the northeast, so we were probably in four to sixes. We threw on the stabilizers and you took a little bit of spray, but it wasn’t stuff coming over the top…. We were walking around. We didn’t have our legs spread apart for balance. It’s a really comfortable boat.”

“It’s not revolutionary, but it’s a planing hall, so it gets up and gets all the dynamic stability because it’s lifted, so it’s drier and stable,” adds Truslow. “And then just about on all of the boats, we have the Humphree stabilizer system with the interceptors and the foils. They’re amazing.”

The Ocean Series is also noted for speeds near 30 knots. This flybridge model has a top speed of 27 knots with a cruising speed at 24 knots, plenty of power with the upgraded Caterpillar C-32 engines to get back quickly if conditions warrant it. She’s also equipped with the most advanced electronics and systems available to make piloting this boat a breeze, including Garmin GPSMAP 8617 multifunction displays, C-Zone to control DC circuits, as well as the aforementioned Humphree stabilizers and fins to smooth the ride.

Owner’s Choice Connects You To The Hunt 68

Hunt makes a point of including owners to be part of the build process that makes it more personal. As mentioned, this owner loves the classic, traditional look, and it shows with it its warm, full gloss African Cherry wood. It’s exquisite and is the accent throughout the boat, including the staircase that winds from the salon to the flybridge. In contrast, the owner of a Hunt 63 chose the opposite, a much lighter theme, and one currently in build is going with a pickled oak that has a somewhat whitewashed look. The point is, Hunt works closely with owners to meet their wishes. For instance, the granite countertops on the 68 exactly match those in the owner’s home. 

Hunt boats are more than semi-custom. “We have the hull and the deck,” says Truslow. “Whatever you want without moving bulkheads and stringers. Ray Hunt Design has literally designed every interior corner and then does the weight studies and all that.” In other words, Hunt doesn’t make modifications without a strict analysis of how the boat will float. “He is involved through the whole process of what the owner wants because if you want a larger kitchen or different equipment, he has to be part of that.”

Needless to say, this new Hunt 68 is exactly what the owner wanted and knows that he’s found a boat that is beautifully built to last; one that he can comfortably fit into the demands of everyday life yet allow for his escape.

-by Steve Davis

SPECIFICATIONS

LOA: 72′ 11.5″

Beam: 19′ 6″

Draft: 5′ 4.5″

Fuel/water: 1,620/490 U.S. gals.

Displacement (half load): 100,000 lbs.

Power: 2x Caterpillar C-18 @ 1,136 bhp (standard)

Max/Cruise speed: 27/24 kts. (standard)

Range: 380 nm @ 24 kts.

Contact: Hunt/Hinckley Yachts

(401) 683-7100

huntyachts.com

The Marlow 70E MKII: Experience Luxury and Performance at Sea

The Marlow 70E MKII yacht takes center stage and performs eloquently. It deserves a round of applause.

It’s not one thing that determines the boat you buy. There’s certainly a first impression, but it’s not until you get down to the brass tacks and see what she’s made of that gets the checklist started. The sea trial is an important test to feel how a boat behaves at sea. It’s also a time when seasoned boaters get a sense of whether the boat will fit into their lifestyle, including comfort, ease of operation, and dependability in the boat’s systems. When the cruising couple I spoke with recently told me of their decision to build a new Marlow 70E MKII, they added one more factor—the relationship with the builder.

“I really came away with a good feeling because of their flexibility and design as much as anything,” say the owners about their first meeting with Marlow Yachts. “Some of the other boats that are this style, you know, you can choose different carpet, you can choose the color of the fabric, but you couldn’t choose a lot of the things that we wanted.” 

The really significant options were already incorporated in the MKII design, such as a large engine room and enclosed bridge. “I wanted the engine room I could walk around in, that was a big deal, and I wanted an enclosed glass command bridge, and I wanted a day head up there,” he adds. “They were willing to do all of that and more for us, and that went a long way with me.”

As Times Change; Transitioning to the Marlow 70E MKII.

The couple spoke with anonymity (and not all things can translate to print), but it was easy to see they were happy and loved the cruising lifestyle. “We’ve been boating most of our lives and when the kids were small, we had lake boats,” they both say at once. “Then, as the kids moved away and went out on their own, we bought our first ‘big’ boat (a forty-two-footer),” he continues. 

Like many boat owners, they consider themselves going through the natural progression of stepping up to larger boats from the 42 to express cruisers in the 50-foot range and up to a 70-foot motoryacht. They enjoyed them all, and over time, they learned what features made their experiences special.

The decision to buy their first Marlow, a 49, wasn’t made lightly. The owners did their due diligence and looked at other builds, but on the recommendation of a friend, they reached out to Marlow and made their first appointment. It was during the sea trial that the owners realized how well the boat handled. 

“I liked the ride. The visibility was good. The engine room was good, and the boat felt solid,” says the husband. “That was a lot of our decision-making to go for the first one. We went with a forty-nine because we didn’t want to get anything, at that time, too big…that we couldn’t take care of, keep clean, polish the stainless, and do all the work. That was important also. We were both still working quite a bit. You have a passion for the water and a love for boating, but you have to sometimes go to work to pay for that too.”

The owners were delighted with the features on their first Marlow and enjoyed it for five years. As the family grew, so did perspectives. “My son decided that he wanted to do more entertaining and more boating, so we decided to partner up,” says the dad. “So we ended up with something a little bigger.”

Step onto the Marlow 70 Explorer MKII

I have to admit when I first saw the owners’ new Marlow 70 Explorer MKII from the marina office, it had the classic Marlow profile, but there was something different. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but then realized it was the owners’ way of matching the metallic stone gray color of the hull with particular trim lines for each level above the deck. It wasn’t white on white, and with the added black mask window treatment, the yacht looked…well, slimmer. 

“We did a lot of playing with the design on the computer for the look that we were looking for, a sleek, modern look for a trawler—a modern trawler, you might say,” says the husband.

And that carries on into the interior as well. “Typically, what you see in a lot of boats is a lot of wood,” he continues. “We used a lot of whites on the walls inside, which we felt brightened it up.” In addition, a lighter teak and ebony wood was used for the floors, a warm golden wood for the cabinetry and accent panels give the interior a soft and natural feel, and the white fabrics along with white with gray etched quartzite countertops articulates a clean, elegant style. 

Then there are the windows. They’re wide, tall, and surround the boat on each deck. They not only allow light in to brighten the interior, even on cloudy days, but they also provide big views of the surroundings. 

“I’m a big window person,” says the husband. “It’s not like a lot of these boats where you see glass everywhere, but it’s definitely different than traditional trawlers.” In the master suite, for example, the owners worked with Marlow to design the windows so when they sat on the side of the bed, they could look out and enjoy the view.

64th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2023: A Grand Showcase of New Boats

Accent lighting is another aspect of brightening up the interior and it’s evident throughout the boat. It adds a unique effect to the modern trawler look the owners desired. Multiple options light up each room differently, but with the same purpose—to see or to create a mood, from under and around the beds, behind accent panels, around mirrors, lining hallways and stairs to the specially made headliner lighting in the salon and the enclosed bridge.

The owners saw a design of recessed strip lighting across a ceiling that diffused the light for a softer glow and asked if it could be done on the boat. “I just thought they were the coolest things,” says the missus. “I mean, just very modern, very sleek. It just made the room, and Marlow went to work.” The LED RGBW lights easily change color for the mood or for nighttime piloting. Even the engine room has custom RGW lighting. 

Another modern feature that is rarely found on board is that all the heads have heated floors. The master bath also includes a steam shower. Marlow Yachts works with all owners to customize the boat to their liking. These owners travel with their cat, and Marlow was able to design and build into the accommodation deck a customized litter box. It has access doors from the hallway and from the master suite—luxurious living. 

As You Like

The Marlow 70E MKII provides its owners and guests comfortable living quarters on every deck. Accommodations below offer a full-beam midship ensuite master, a VIP queen cabin forward, and cabins both to port and starboard. Storage cabinets line the hallway and include room for a full-size washer and dryer. There are also quarters for a captain accessible from the cockpit or garage door off the aft swim platform.

On the main deck, the owners opted for a huge galley with island forward. As I mentioned, experienced boaters usually know what they want and don’t want, and besides the large windows surrounding the galley, these owners decked it out with optional Sub-Zero refrigeration/freezer drawers, full-size dishwasher, induction cooktop, and convection oven. A large U-shaped settee with table for conversational dining sits aft and divides the galley from the salon. “It feels like a home,” says the missus. 

The galley deck is raised two steps from the salon to provide more headroom to the forward accommodations below. Mounted on the backside of the galley dining settee is the flat-screen TV that conveniently opens to reveal cabinets for all the entertainment equipment. 

The salon is a roomy living area and leads to the same-level cockpit that has an aft bench with table for alfresco dining. A small entertainment center with refrigeration is tucked to starboard while the stairs leading to the upper deck are to port. Walkaround access to the bow is protected with a solid tall rail as part of the Portuguese bridge. This version does not walk completely around and has two doors up front to reach the bow because the owners wanted to include a large lounge area for sunning and relaxing in the center. Remove the filler cushions and a table becomes available for numerous uses. The bow area also has plenty of room for anchor work, and the missus, with the help of a Yacht Controller, can control the boat while bringing up the anchor, which includes an anchor wash below the pulpit to wash away any mud—much easier than using a separate hose and hand signals directing the one at the helm. 

Speaking of the helm, there’s a reason they call it the command bridge. On the Marlow 70E MKII, whoever sits in the chair truly has the conn. Besides the 360-degree view through the surrounding windows, experience led the owners to choose a navigational equipment package from Garmin. Most helms are customized with the gear desired by owners, and because they were planning to spend more time on board and cruise longer distances, the helm sports three 22-inch and two 12-inch multifunctional displays for charts, radar, sounder, cameras, FLIR and A/V controls. All systems have backups to the backups. One camera is located in the engine room to keep an eye on the power equipment, including the twin 1,150-hp Caterpillar C18 engines. 

“This boat will run very comfortably at nineteen or twenty knots, and the fuel burn is not significant,” says the husband. “I did find out on a couple of occasions that it’s very smooth at that speed. And if you want to really get somewhere in a hurry, you can run twenty-five or twenty-six knots. Most boats that can typically get the kind of fuel burn at ten knots, typically won’t run that fast and get up and go if you need to go. In fact, we ran some hours at seventeen to eighteen knots, and the fuel burn was very minimal.”

Why The Marlow 70E MKII Is The Top Choice For Seasoned Boaters

For these owners, the Marlow 70E MKII new build was their perfect choice. The ability to work with the builder to make the modifications they knew would make them comfortable was key. “We’re able to live aboard longer periods of time, and certainly travel more and be able to have another couple or family on board and not feel like you’re on top of each other,” they both say in chorus. 

They were happy knowing that they got that as well as the performance they were looking for all in one package. They looked at the boat with an experienced eye during the orientation before they actually took delivery. “We did our first trial run with the boat for a couple of days just to get a feel for it and we’re very happy…and that you can print.” 

-by Steve Davis

Highfield Boats Unveils New Models at Exclusive Michigan Event

Exclusive Sneak Peek: Highfield Boats' Latest Models

Highfield Boats hosted its annual dealer meeting at its new 50,000-square-foot warehouse and rigging facility in Cadillac, Michigan, and thought it was a good time to invite a few media reps to show off its latest models away from the hustle and bustle of the upcoming boat shows.

So, the day after the meeting, those few reps got a chance to take a close look at and a fun ride in Highfield’s new Sport 800, Sport 660, Sport 560, Sport 460 with the new FLUX Marine electric power package, and the Classic 340E with an ePropulsion electric motor.

The aluminum hull structure is lightweight and extremely strong and durable.

Although the Northern Michigan air was chilly, the wind was light, and Lake Cadillac was the perfect size to get up to speed and cruise around. It wasn’t as if the new Sport 800 or any of the aluminum rigid inflatables needed much room to power up. It was easy to joke “Zero to 40 in two seconds” which wasn’t far from the truth on the 800 with twin Mercury 150s.

Sport 800: Speed, Power, and Offshore Ready

The world debut of the Sport 800 will be at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, and with twin 150-hp Mercury outboards, she hopped up on plan instantly. We also tested it with one engine and it came up on plan quickly enough, which is reassuring if you’re a few miles out and lose one engine. The 800 is designed to go offshore and can handle rough conditions.

Highfield’s brand new 40,000 sq. ft. warehouse and rigging facility in Cadillac, Michigan, is just getting started.

Sport 660: The Perfect Offshore Balance

The new Sport 660 is also built for offshore use yet is small enough to trailer behind an SUV. This was my favorite of the weekend as it felt really balanced with the Mercury 150-hp outboard. It’s a comfortable, all-around boat with a dual bolster, wraparound captain seats, an option to make the bow seating area into a sunpad, an aft bench seat that includes sturdy hand rails, a flip-up table off the aft hardtop support, and plenty of cup holders.

Highfield Boats: Redefining RIBS (More Than Just Tenders)

Many look at RIBS as tenders to larger yachts, but Highfield is developing their models as boats that fulfill a variety of activities from watersports to exploring. New innovations in hull design and materials make Highfield’s boats lightweight yet durable, stable, and powerful, and working with electric outboard motor companies, its models offer boaters the opportunity to get out and go just about anywhere there’s water. It’s really the chance to get out on the “road” less traveled. highfieldnorthamerica.com

-by Steve Davis

The Ocean Alexander’s 28E: Revolutionizing Yachting with Modern Luxury

Ocean Alexander’s new 28E is ready-made for active, adventurous owners.

The boating and yachting lifestyle, like all things, change over the course of time. Some changes are deliberate and innovative, like the Ocean Alexander 28E.

“When I was a kid, you rarely might have seen an old wooden swim platform. I’m talking about the late fifties…you would see the odd one on a boat, and I would be like, ‘Oh, wow, look at that, a swim platform,’” laughs Evan K. Marshall, reflecting on how the lifestyle of yachting has changed over the decades.

The London-based American yacht designer is telling me about one of his latest creations, the Ocean Alexander 28E model, which has taken the swim platform concept to new lengths. The huge beach deck is a core feature of the muscular white boat, and it gets even bigger when the port- and starboard-side bulwarks lower, increasing the usable space to 338 square feet.

“You have got your own beach, a private getaway. There’s a two-thousand-five-hundred-pound crane, so you can actually carry a sixteen-foot tender, two Jet Skis, and two Seabobs without issue,” says Sally Doleski, vice president of marketing at Ocean Alexander.

It’s a far cry from the narrow swim steps of yesteryear, and it’s a spot-on trend for today’s owners, who have been gravitating to the water’s edge in recent years, wanting to play on and as close to the sea as possible. “We wanted to come up with a design that really embraced active use of the toys when you’re out on the water, with dedicated storage areas to make it more functional,” says Dan Mundy, global head of sales and marketing.

The au courant design is part of a broader strategy of Ocean Alexander to keep abreast of the market—something the builder has very much succeeded at in recent years. Marshall has helped in this endeavor, stepping in 16 years ago to assist with exterior and interior design, first by refining and giving a signature to the existing tooling and then by steadily inserting new models into the lineup. “It wasn’t until, I would say, maybe six years ago when the last of the old tooling boats ceased to exist and the product line [comprised of] completely brand-new designs,” he says.

The Ultimate in Yacht Luxury: Ocean Alexander's 28E Model Unveiled

The E series, which stands for Explorer, is one of the newest designs. It has its genesis in the R series (for Revolution). Both models are about giving guests a close connection to the sea, the R with a beach club, the E with its toy-hauling beach platform, and each with villa-like glass framing the ocean views. And they are finding traction with the market. The 28E made its U.S. debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show last October and quickly went under contract at the event. The gigantic swim platform isn’t the only selling point either; the boat also has the voluminous interior and the exterior living spaces that seem to be in demand these days.

The modernity of today’s Ocean Alexander is clear as I tour her in Fort Lauderdale. The open-plan main deck basks in the sunlight streaming through its floor-to-ceiling windows. Stylish furnishings from Italian design house Poltrana Frou dress the space that flows from salon to dining to galley, which can be open or concealed. 

Also on this level is the coveted feature of an on-deck owner’s cabin. With a king-size bed under a vast forward window, a capacious walk-in closet, and even a heated stone floor in the ensuite, it has all the comforts of home. Guests enjoy pleasant accommodations on the lower deck as well, which has four cabins in this hull, three with queen berths, including a forward VIP, and one with sliding twins that convert into a double.

There is also a small bonus room on the lower deck that can configure in several ways. On the yacht I’m touring, it is set up as a utility space with extra storage, a full-height freezer, and laundry facilities. “We’ve had clients put in rubber matting and it’s the kids’ playroom. It can be a workout space; it can be an office. It’s really our flex space,” Doleski says.

These generous quarters on a 94-foot, seven-inch hull are partly due to the plumb bow—something that is not only fashionable at the moment, but also serves to maximize the interior volume, particularly on the lower deck. “There is a really strong emphasis on getting as much out of the space as possible,” says Marshall. 

All-levels: Luxurious

The full tri-deck design aids in this quest. The top level combines the pilothouse with a second salon, which, like the one on main deck, boasts custom-designed furniture by Poltrana Frau and a 50-inch flip-down television. Here and in the salon below, the light neutral décor Marshall designed on spec is “calming,” as he puts it.

“We very much wanted to have a very open, contemporary feel with the furniture and a lot of glass allowing a connection with the outside, so that even when you’re inside the yacht, you continue that connection with the sea,” he says. “That is something we’ve done with the R and E series. I feel that the 28E really does that.”

The goal of getting the most out of the space extends to the exterior decks as well. In addition to that signature aft platform, there is the teak-laid upper aft deck with a dining area, a wet bar, and a Jacuzzi surrounded by sunpads. The main aft deck below has two loveseats cozied up to a coffee table, so those wishing to stay comfortably dry and shaded can watch those playing on the beach deck and in the water from a lofty vantage point. And, of course, no yacht is complete nowadays without sunpads on the foredeck and a settee and table from which to sip a sundowner at anchor.

The exterior styling is just as modern as the interior design, complementing the hull designed by Giovanni Arrabito. “His design office has always been known for very pronounced, aggressive chine lines at the bow, which also give the hulls so much character and a chiseled look, which we’ve combined with some chiseled features (in the superstructure styling),” says Marshall.

Arrabito hulls are also renowned for their seakeeping characteristics, and the 28E can reach up to 20 knots powered by twin 1,650-hp MAN V12s. While the yacht is not designed for an owner-operator (the aft crew quarters are comprehensive with three cabins, two heads, and a small galley), Ocean Alexander provides a simplicity in operations that any hands-on owner can appreciate.

“From an intuitive and user-friendly electronic management system by OctoPlex to the inclusion of bow and stern thrusters for ease of maneuvers to plug-in controls at strategic locations for ease of docking, Ocean Alexander continually gives careful consideration to systems design that allows the owner to be fully engaged in the handling of the yacht without being overwhelmed by multiple systems,” says Mundy.

The reception to the 28E has been “phenomenal,” Mundy adds, further proof that the builder and designer are in sync with the market. “When people step onto the expansive aft platform and see the bulwarks lower, they can immediately see how they would use and enjoy that space while at sea.”

-by Kate Lardy

Horizon FD100 Yacht Review: Luxury, Space and Comfort at Sea

Unveiling the Luxury: Horizon FD100 Yacht Review and Insights

No builder I know of is capable of fitting quite as much boat into a given footprint as Horizon. The Kaohsiung, Taiwan-based builder is an expert at making the most of its interior spaces. In the case of the FD series, which ranges from a 75- to a 125-foot project, that goes double—so much so that Horizon seems to have the rest of the industry playing catch-up. The plumb bow and high windage seen on the FD models have been imitated by various competitors of late. All these unique attributes and more will be covered in this Horizon FD100 Yacht Review.

It seems once customers step aboard an FD—like the FD100 that was on display at the 2022 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show—the interior volume on more classically designed yachts simply no longer cuts it. It’s a desire that has changed the face of the motoryacht market in recent years. And when you add in Horizon’s focus on seaworthiness, fit and finish, and smart design, what you end up with is an effortlessly comfortable and formidable vessel. There is a trade-off, though. You are going to have to get used to her lines.

Unveiling the Luxury: Horizon FD100 Yacht Review and Insights

The Cor D. Rover-designed FD100 is the opposite of sleek. If you’re looking to slide into some slick Mediterranean port and dazzle the Europeans with your cultured sense of aesthetics, the FD100 is not the boat that will do that—at least at first glance. Her squared bow and chunky superstructure make her look like a floating YETI cooler. To wow your new continental friends, you’re going to have to invite them on board.

The FD100: A Marvel of Design and Engineering

The FD series effectively became popular once yachtsmen gleaned a certain shift in perspective. Namely, it really doesn’t matter what your boat looks like from the waterfront cafes—because you will be on board your boat looking at the waterfront cafes.

But before we step aboard, let’s start with the exterior entertainment area that will greet most guests, the impressively sized beach club situated just inside the yacht’s hydraulic swim platform. A full bar with a refrigerator, freezer, twin barstools, an L-shaped settee to port, and a television forward are all revealed once the transom garage door flips up. Through a passageway leading forward is an outsized crew mess more apt to be found on a 120-footer, plus two crew cabins and a comfortable captain’s quarters. Horizon’s clientele tend to be more owner-operator focused than some of its competitors, but at this size, crew is all but a necessity. These accommodations will surely keep them happy.

The engine room should also be appreciated by the staff, with six feet, six inches of headroom throughout, good access for maintenance on the twin 1,600-hp Caterpillar C32As, a white gel coat sole for easily spotting spills, and plentiful handholds throughout—all with exceptional welding at the joints. It says a lot about a boat’s build quality when even the welding in an out of the way area like the engine room stands out.

Master Craftsmanship: The Main Deck & Accommodations of the Horizon FD100

Above the engine room, on the main deck, the cockpit has a massive teak table with strikingly tight joinery while a bar to starboard handles alfresco libations. (One thing about Horizon builds, you will never be very far from a bar—they are all but littered about.)

Entering the salon, guests will be struck by the beachy and laid-back appeal of the space, highlighted, at least on board the boat in Lauderdale, by a light-oak motif, and chairs surrounding the forward dining table that were upholstered with a very chic, slubby weave.

The galley that serves that dining table is both large and versatile. It has an island counter in the center with loads of space for meal prep whether the chef is cooking for family or for a fiesta. And depending on the occasion, doors and a partition can enclose the space completely for privacy or leave it open for conversation. A full-size Sub-Zero refrigerator forward is one clue that this yacht is built for longer voyages.

One of the FD100’s major features is her main-deck master, something that you won’t find on every vessel in this size range. The FD100’s beam (which maxes out at 23 feet, 4 inches) carries well forward due to its snub-nosed design. This characteristic pays off in spades in the enormous master, which is easily accessible for older owners. An island king berth faces forward here and floats in a veritable sea of stowage areas, including twin, cedar-lined, sole-to-ceiling hanging lockers to both port and starboard. Hullside glazing carries forward on the FD100 as well, allowing for plentiful natural light that interplays with the light oak to keep this ensuite stateroom unusually fresh-feeling and bright.

Spacious Living Onboard: The Horizon FD100's Full Size Pied-à-Terre

The rest of the Horizon’s cabins are on the lower accommodations level. With the main-deck master, the yacht can easily fit five staterooms, making it ideal for both larger families and for chartering. The wide beam also comes into play down here, where mirroring ensuite VIPs amidships will be helpful in ameliorating skirmishes among guests as to who gets the better room. Both staterooms are large enough to feel like miniature masters and have the same beachy ambience and similar stowage capacity as the actual master, thanks to large, cedar-lined hanging lockers of their own. Leading forward from the VIPs, a full-size Miele washer and dryer in the companionway is another long distance-cruising detail. Two more staterooms, a large guest cabin in the forepeak, as well as a smaller one to port with bunks, round out the space.

Decked Out: Unpacking the FD100's Tri-Deck and Skyline Configurations

The FD100 is available in two configurations, the Tri-Deck (with a flybridge) and the Skyline. The Tri-Deck version at FLIBS had a helm on the flybridge that was fit for an admiral. Four Garmin screens conveyed all manner of operational data while a wheel that was two feet, six inches in diameter offers assured, old-school steering. This yacht is unlikely to find too many seas where a wave might make it up to the windshield, but if it did, the inverted rake would clear it quickly and safely, while also adding an “expeditiony” feel to the vessel’s lines. Three Stidd helm chairs are available for the captain and some mates, while an L-shaped settee to port is the perfect spot for guests curious as to how the whole show is really run.

Unlike its slightly larger sistership the FD110, there is no bulwark separating the aft portion of the flybridge from the helm station. And this, my friends, is where you’ll find the party. Yet another bar with three accompanying stools greets guests as they enter the area. It’s accompanied by a giant, built-in cooler, a propane grill, and a Jacuzzi. An SM2500 Steelhead davit to aft and to port handle tender duties here as well.

The flybridge on the Tri-deck model has further seating, a sunpad, and an outdoor helm. It adds even more entertainment space to what is already a tremendous 101-foot yacht. But volume and space has always been Horizon’s play—and they do it exceptionally well. 

Why Go Big: The Horizon FD100's Promise of Space and Entertaining Ability

The Skyline FD110, which is essentially an enclosed version of this model, just doesn’t really compute in my brain, short of any bridge-height restrictions. The FD100, as extensively covered in this Horizon FD100 Yacht Review, is a yacht for people who go big or go home. If you’re aiming for onboard space and entertaining ability, with the FD100, you may as well go all the way.

Kevin Koenig

An In-Depth Journey: Upgrading to the Horizon E81 Luxury Yacht

One couple’s Valiant journey to upgrade to a Horizon E81.

“We’re going to need a bigger boat,” the wife said. These were the words that ultimately led one couple to their decision to build a Horizon E81 model. The husband was retiring and wanted to live on board full time; the wife welcomed this idea, but she desired a boat that felt more like a house than their current Marlow 58. 

They took their time deciding where to build their “house,” working with their broker, Jimmy Rogers, and speaking with several builders. This wasn’t their first rodeo. They were hands-on owner-operators who had custom-built their Marlow, so they each approached the project with a very specific vision.

The Unique Design Solution of the Horizon E81

A Horizon E81 Hull Layout

When considering options for their new vessel, the Horizon E81 became their top choice due to its flexibility and willingness to accommodate changes to its designs, but the problem was none of the Taiwanese builder’s existing series quite fit the bill. She liked the space and light and a modern feel that Horizon’s FD series offers, but he preferred a sleeker exterior styling, like that found in the E series. “I wanted something beamier than the E, but I didn’t want an FD,” says the husband. “I wanted a boat that was more traditional-looking.” 

Fortunately, Horizon was able to compromise. Another couple had the same reservations about the FD series’ looks yet appreciated its volume, so Horizon found the solution in marrying its beamy V series hull with the superstructure of the E, creating a new and more voluminous E model, the E81.

 The first hull had just gone into production, and this couple commissioned the second.  

The couples’ desire for more space is the trend now. Another couple had the same reservations about the FD series’ looks yet appreciated its volume, leading Horizon to find the solution in marrying its beamy V series hull with the superstructure of the E series, ultimately creating the Horizon E81. “Volume is the direction we’re going,” says Elise Caulder, sales and new build consultant with the U.S. dealer. “When people came to talk to us about new builds, and especially customizing new builds, it was always, ‘I want as much as I can get into this boat.’ We were constantly stretching the boat, constantly trying to figure out, ‘Okay, well, how do we get you four staterooms?’”

Customizing and Modifications for Comfort

While the length, looks, and volume of the E81 suited this couple’s vision, there were a few things that needed modifying. This is where Horizon, a true semi-custom builder, flexed its versatility muscle.

“The Horizon people, Roger Sowerbutts [director of Horizon Yacht USA], and company, bent over backward to continually change the design to meet our needs. And that was before we gave them a red penny,” says the wife. This is where the Horizon E81, a true semi-custom builder, flexed its versatility muscle.

“We must have worked for six months with them going back and forth with drawings and sketches and ideas. Then we finally made our first deposit,” adds the husband.

One of the most important changes was access to the engine room and crew quarters, which on the first hull is through the transom plus a hatch in the aft deck opening to a ladder. Horizon redesigned it to create a proper staircase from the aft deck leading below. 

“It is really nice and useful because my wife and I pretty much run the boat by ourselves,” says the husband. “I like to do engine room checks while we’re running, and I don’t want to be climbing down a ladder. I’m certainly not going into the transom when we’re [underway].”  

This modification required lengthening the aft deck. Instead of the staircase to the top deck being integrated into the house, there is space forward of it that opens to a staircase leading down. The side effect is a vast aft deck, taking away a smidgen from the interior salon, but not so much that it’s noticeable. The owners partially used this gained deck space to have a cabinet specially built to store a boarding ladder.

They also chose to enclose the bridge which adds living space in keeping with their aspiration to have a home on the water. In addition to the helm, there is a showpiece stone-clad bar with a convenient pass-through to the aft deck and a dinette opposite. The table can lower to convert the U-shaped settee to a temporary bed for an off-duty watch person during overnight hops. The enclosed top deck is also the quietest place underway, far removed from the hum of the Caterpillar engines.

With the helm protected by the enclosed bridge deck, the main deck is all open-plan living space. It’s on a single level with no obstructions from the aft sliding door to the dining area under the forward windows, a feature this Horizon E81 proudly displays.

Inside the Horizon E81: A Spa-Like Aesthetic

The wife created a spa-like aesthetic here and throughout the interior with a calming neutral gray and white palette and plenty of leather and stones, the most striking being the galley’s island waterfall countertop in quartz. “It’s light and bright,” says the wife. “With the enclosed bridge, we definitely have five distinctive areas, maybe six, each like little vignettes, but I can take a pillow from the bedroom and put it in the living room; everything is sort of a mix and match.”

Below are three staterooms—a cozy twin with sliding beds that make a double and a forward VIP in addition to the spacious full-beam master amidships. In place of a fourth cabin is an office. By making that room a bit smaller, the master gained extra closet space, an important consideration for liveaboards. The suite encompasses two good-sized closets plus a walk-in and a generous ensuite, lavished in the same deeply veined quartz used on the main deck.

Technical Innovations Within

Building a new model like the Horizon E81 also gave the husband a chance to install the tech and systems he wanted. This included air conditioning in the engine room for comfort during maintenance work, ElectroSea’s CLEARLINE system, which uses electrochlorination technology to prevent sea growth on the raw water lines, and Dometic’s Spot Zero. Coming from a blue-hulled boat, he is a big fan of the system that leaves no water spots after washdowns using tank water, but he found himself jealous of the pressure others enjoyed with dock water. So he fixed it on his new boat. “We plumbed in a separate system with wider, larger piping. I think we have a three-quarter-inch piping for the outside hose bibs, and a separate pump just to power the washdown system,” he says.

He picked 1,700-hp Caterpillar C32s, which offer a software upgrade over the standard 1,600-hp ones and eke out another knot in top speed, bringing them to 27 knots. For ease in maneuvering, he incorporated the Dockmate remote control and added fixed docking stations on either side of the main deck.

“I want to make everything as easy and redundant as possible,” he says. In line with that philosophy, he specified extra pumps for the A/C’s raw water and dual pumps for steering. He also appreciates the boat’s two fuel tanks with no belly tank. “I don’t want to be dependent on transfer pump working or not working and the switches going bad,” he adds.

The Horizon E81: Meeting and Exceeding Expectations

As Southern Boating toured the finished Horizon E81 yacht named Valiant at the Fort Lauderdale boat show when it was fresh off the ship from Taiwan, the owners were anxious to take delivery and start the next phase in their life. They were also thrilled with the results. “I have high expectations, but this exceeded them,” says the wife.

-by Kate Lardy

The Exquisite Marlow 58E Motoryacht – Discover Its Inspired Luxury

The Perfect Recipe

Experienced owners cook up a new Marlow 58E.

Typically, a chef does not make a perfect signature dish on their first attempt. It can take several iterations in choosing the right ingredients, knowing which seasoning will enhance the flavor without overpowering and determining the sought-after tasty balance. This could surely differentiate between a plate that gets lauded or one that’s sent back to the kitchen. It takes experience, fortitude, and lots of taste-testing to achieve the highest goal.

It’s pretty much the same way when researching a new yacht. It takes time to create the perfect custom vessel. All of the qualities mentioned above should come into play. They did with the newest Marlow 58E motoryacht, and for very specific reasons.

Owner Jeff Saplis knows his way around a kitchen and creating perfection. With a history in the food business, from working in his high school cafeteria slinging grub to fellow students to running and owning a number of fine eateries, Saplis was determined to instill that knowledge to designing his third Marlow. Key area of concern, as to be expected, was the galley/country kitchen.

As Saplis expounded to me with pure passion in his voice, “I love to cook and I love to entertain,” the Marlow 58E allowed him to setup the galley and interior as he liked. There are several components that Saplis and his wife, Anna, identified as “must-haves” to make this work.

To Have or Have Not

Located forward of the salon and up a few steps, a plateau includes a spacious U-shaped settee/dining table (it’s more than a dinette) nestled under the windshield and an aft U-styled galley. Saplis purposely enlarged the size of the dining table, explaining that this is the main dining spot on the yacht other than the aft deck. 

“It’s big because I don’t want to eat dinner in the living room.”

Jeff Saplis, Owner Tweet

With two movable stools along the outer side of the table that also can be used to sit at the galley counter, there’s standing and sitting room for all.

There is not a bad view in the house thanks to three large forward windows along with side windows (all with electric blinds) and port/starboard deck access doors (yes, with windows). Using space for the table, Saplis opted for just a flybridge deck helm. “Why use up all that space below for a helm when the enclosed bridge works fine?” he added. Good call.

The running joke among the Saplis’ friends in the BVIs, where he has lived for 25 years, is where’s the best place for dinner? “On Jeff’s boat!” is the typical answer. That’s because Saplis has everything he needs to create perfect meals. Four 30-inch Sub-Zero fridge/freezer drawers and a separate ice machine keep things cool (there are two 24-inch freezers elsewhere on board), while the full-sized GE oven and four-burner induction cooktop complete with pot rails get things hot. Saplis also installed a top-of-the-line Wolf overhead hood that vents directly to the outdoors and not just recycles the air. Two recessed sinks, over/under storage and cabinets, and what seems like a mile of Vetrostone counterspace fill the area. But there is no microwave. “Real chefs don’t use them,” Saplis said.

Salon Style - The Marlow 58E Way

Additional well-thought-out ideas abound. Jeff and Anna like to entertain, so the salon has long and comfortable port and starboard beige Ultraleather sofas to seat as many guests as possible. Surrounded by rich teak walls and flooring in a satin finish and a high-gloss coffee table with two portable ottomans, the salon is warm and inviting.

The fact that Marlow doesn’t run ducting and vent lines behind the seating, allowing them to be pushed further outward, offers more usable interior space. Ducting runs through vertical air lockers in the aft corners with filtration to the outdoors. For safety, an overhead teak grab rail is the icing on the cake for the salon.

Alfresco dining can be enjoyed on the aft deck that is fully covered by the flybridge deck overhang. Foldout chairs can be added to the standard transom bench for the table.

Reach the integrated swim platform via the twin aft gates. There are also side gates for dockside access.

Marlow yachts have full walkaround deck access, so grabbing lines or loading provisions is easy. That’s important when you have an owner/operator setup and a limited number of hands. It also means there’s no interrupting the crowd inside when there’s work to be done outside.

Let's Fly Away

Access to the flybridge deck is available from the aft deck exterior staircase or the interior staircase near the galley. The helm is protected on three sides by extra-large glass windows and along with the open aft section (that can close up with Isinglass-style coverings), visibility is unimpeded. With the aft side covered, this yacht becomes an all-season cruiser.

The centerline helm houses three 22-inch Garmin multifunction displays, Volvo Penta engine monitors, 20-hp Sidepower bow and stern joysticks, Naiad fin stabilizer controls, and dual Icom VHF radios, but there’s still room for Saplis to add a few controls if he likes. With an overhead console that houses the switches, breakers, and other “glance-at” displays, Marlow styles a very user-friendly helm. 

Saplis opted for a carbon-fiber steering wheel which is as strong as metal but brings some tough looks to the helm. Of note is the side space for a paper chart (yes, people still use them) and twin Stidd helm chairs (handy for the companion).

Aft is an L-shaped settee with fiberglass table. Saplis opted for a no-wood exterior for easy maintenance along with the ceramic coating on the entire yacht that eliminates waxing. All decks are fully covered with non-slip surfaces. 

There is plenty of space out on the flybridge aft deck. Grill up the day’s catch at the mini galley, also with sink, fridge, and storage. Store the dinghy up here utilizing the 1,000-pound crane, or make this a getaway spot with a few lounge chairs.

Creature Comforts

An interesting thing I found when checking out the master stateroom below is that there is no TV. Saplis explained that he and Anna did not want one in the master. “The room is for sleeping and relaxation.” 

But the cabin is not plain and bare either. Saplis wanted a king-size mattress, and that’s what he has. “It matches the one I have at home,” he says with a smile. There are more than a dozen drawers and lockers in the full-beam master, and the ensuite head has a single sink and a large shower stall with custom tiled walls and a rain head shower. 

A door in the head leads to a compartment that houses a full-size washer and dryer. It also offers access to the engine room (access is also from the transom), a nice idea for Saplis to keep an eye on the powerplants and house systems without going out the back.

Midship is a stateroom with double berths, and forward is the VIP with access to the shared head that also has a generously sized shower stall. 

Interior access to a mechanical room that houses pipes, electrical runs, access to the bow thruster motor, and other systems is under the hallway floorboard. 

Power When Needed

Speaking of systems, you can get to all of them in the engine room. The Volvo D13 engines are robust on the power side and also somewhat slim on the footprint side. You can get around the blocks to any system mounted outboard, including the two 21kW generators. This is essential for the private owner who does their own mechanical work.

Winding up the Volvo D13s will yield 24.5 knots at wide open, a nice cut of speed for a 58-footer. Cruise at 18.8 knots burning only 62 gph or slow to 9 knots, sipping only 9.5 gph to extend your range. The Marlow 58E was not designed to be a “go fast” yacht, but more like a “go and get there without worry” vessel that suits the owners just fine. 

When it’s time to play in the water, the beach club at the transom offers the ability to enjoy cocktails or pull out the toys. There’s also a bunk and small head to avoid going up to the main deck or if an additional crew member is required. The beach club can also reconfigure to a storage/work area to carry extra parts and supplies.

As Saplis knows, every dish is all about presentation. This Marlow 58 is dark gray Awlgrip on the lapstrake hull, and the white superstructure accents the soft lines of the yacht yet highlights the overall design. The Marlow 58E is one dish that will not be sent back to
the kitchen. 

Tom Serio

As a freelance photographer, I have been offered the opportunities to step aboard some of the beautiful yachts in the world, capturing not just their opulence but a bit of their soul. My work has been published globally complimented by my writing in many respected publications.

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