Boats Archives - Page 7 of 58

FLIBS Preview – Sunseeker Debuts Three New Models

Amendment:

Sunseeker is replacing their 100 Yacht with the 90 Ocean at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The enclosed flybridge Ocean 182 and Predator 75 are still making their debuts.

Sunseeker Scores A Hat Trick

Sunseeker will debut three new models in Fort Lauderdale with the Ocean 182, Predator 75, and 100 Yacht. The Ocean 182 (88′ 11″ LOA, 23′ 6″ beam) offers uninterrupted views from bow to stern and space for lounging and socializing thanks to its infinity main-deck salon. Also making its global debut, the Predator 75 (75′ 8″ LOA, 17′ 8″ beam), showcases the iconic Sunseeker performance shape and a top speed of up to 40 knots. The 100 Yacht (97′ 11″ LOA, 22′ 8″ beam, above) offers a flybridge with uninterrupted walkaround access, a first for Sunseeker. The owner’s stateroom comes complete with a private bow terrace and sunbathing hideaways on the yacht making its U.S. debut. sunseeker.com

Sunseeker Ocean 182 Video

Sunseeker Predator 75 Video

Sunseeker 100 Yacht Video

FLIBS Preview – Aquila 47 Molokai Power Catamaran

Aquila Expands Offshore Line

Aquila Power Catamarans continues to expand its offshore line with the Aquila 47 Molokai Power Catamaran joining the 28-footer in the series. The 47 Molokai (49′ 4″ LOA, 14′ 7″ beam) boasts a remarkable 1,048-gallon fuel capacity, 30-plus rod holders, numerous livewells, and ample storage, while advanced fishing and navigation electronics help guide in open waters. The vessel offers abundant seating, a spacious queen berth, or refresh in the full-size wet head at the end of the day. Aquila offers an optional summer kitchen to prepare fresh catch. Buyers can choose from twin 600-hp Mercury V12 outboards or optional quad 400-hp Mercury V10 for greater performance. aquilaboats.com

FLIBS Preview – Sirena 78

Sirena Yachts' Customizable 78

The Sirena 78 (82′ LOA, 21′ 3″ beam) offers a new level of customization from the flybridge to the interior styling. Owners can opt for a conventional open flybridge, semi-enclosed or fully enclosed, while the latter layouts offer ocean breezes when the side windows are open. Large panes of glass illuminate the main-deck salon that includes a dining and seating area and a galley. Sirena Yachts offers three interior designs from light oak to dark-wood veneers. Belowdecks are four staterooms with the master cabin and private ensuite taking full advantage of the 21-foot beam. Each has a private head, though one guest bathroom also serves as the day head. Sirena Yachts offers twin MAN V12 diesel engines from 1,400 to 1,800 horsepower. sirenayachts.com

FLIBS Preview – Walker Bay Generation 12

Walker Bay Is Up For The Challenge

Tenders are asked to do a lot and the Generation 12 from Walker Bay is up to the challenge. The Generation 12 (12′ LOA, 6′ 4″ beam) has a modified deep V-hull for a smooth ride and weighs a svelte 750 pounds, making the luxury tender easy to transport and store. The tender can accommodate up to six people and offers L-shape bow seating and a two-person helm. The console dash has room for a 9-inch chartplotter, gauges, VHF radio, and a stereo. Walker Bay includes a built-in insulated cooler and six stainless steel cupholders as standard equipment, while buyers can add a Bimini top, stainless steel rod holders or a shower with a five-gallon freshwater tank. walkerbay.com

FLIBS Preview – Four Winns’ TH36

Four Winns' First Catamaran

The TH36 is the first catamaran in Four Winns’ 48-year history and is inspired by the boatbuilder’s popular bowrider series. Available in three cockpit layouts, the spacious TH36 (38′ 5″ LOA, 14′ 7″ beam) comes standard with a fully equipped galley and an optional cooktop, tables on sliders, and seating for up to 15 people. The helm is protected by a substantial hardtop and a wraparound windshield that allows for cockpit airflow. Joystick piloting is standard and can be paired with either twin 300-hp Yamaha outboards or 300- or 350-hp outboards from Mercury Marine for easy docking and maneuverability. Belowdecks, two ensuite cabins provide sleeping quarters with queen-size berths and private heads equipped with a separate, enclosed shower. fourwinns.com

FLIBS Preview – Blackfin 400CC

Blackfin Boats' New Flagship

The Michael Peters-designed 400CC is the new flagship of the Blackfin line. The 400CC (39′ 10″ LOA, 12′ beam) is a fishing machine with dual rows of heated helm seats, removable transom seating, a dynamic aft station, in-floor fish boxes, a 70-gallon baitwell, and ample rod stowage in the gunwales and cabin. With 1,600 horsepower from Mercury outboards on the transom, the 400CC has a top end speed of 70 mph. The center console has a forward-facing console lounge and a spacious, air-conditioned cabin with a forward berth, enclosed shower, a toilet, and a sink. The helm is loaded with Garmin electronics. blackfinboats.com

FLIBS Preview – Aviara AV28

Aviara AV28 - A Luxury Day Boat

The AV28 from Aviara is a luxury day boat that can be customized for the on-water experience. Buyers can opt for outboards, a sterndrive, or a surf-centric forward-facing drive mode, and to optimize the experience, Aviara includes custom tabs, ballast, and SurfStar, wave-tailoring technology from sister brand MasterCraft Boats. The open cockpit on the AV28 (28′ 2″ LOA, 8′ 6″ beam) includes L-shaped seating, convertible helm seatbacks, dual loungers, and abundant stowage. Notable features include a power-folding hardtop, a submersible swim platform, and a head in the driver’s console with an electric toilet and a sink. The helm has dual screens with easy access to the GPS, lights, and stereo. aviaraboats.com

FLIBS Preview – Cigarette Racing’s 52 Thunder

Cigarette Racing's Loaded 52 Thunder

The new 52 Thunder from Cigarette Racing is loaded with technology including backrests that slide out of the gunwales, hatches that open with a button, and tables that hide seamlessly in the sole. Available with five or six Mercury Racing 500R outboards or four 600-hp Mercury Marine outboards, the 52 Thunder (52′ 1″ LOA, 14′ beam) is an all-new hull with a 23-degree deadrise. The helm has seven fully adjustable, shock-absorbing captains chairs, and the dash features three 24-inch Garmin displays. The three bow loungers or the chef’s kitchen on the stern are great spots to entertain. Below, Cigarette Racing included an 8-foot-wide cabin with an enclosed head and a shower. cigaretteracing.com

FLIBS Preview – Tiara 48 LE

The New Tiara 48 LE

The new 48 LE from Tiara Yachts is the largest model in the Luxury Express series, ideal for entertaining or extended excursions. A rotating lounge on the stern has an integrated electric grill and a teak table, and the area can be expanded with easy access to the water thanks to a foldout portside terrace with an integrated swimming ladder. The cockpit is fully enclosed with a galley and dining area, and a sunroof and sliding doors to let in breezes. Belowdecks, the 48 LE (48′ 4″ LOA, 14′ 2″ beam) includes a pair of private sleeping quarters with room for up to four people and two heads. Base power is triple 600-hp Mercury V12 Verado outboards. tiarayachts.com

FLIBS Preview – Highfield Sport 800

The all-new Highfield Sport 800

The all-new Highfield Sport 800 is a rugged rigid-inflatable boat (RIB) that is great for offshore exploration. Equipped with single or twin outboards up to 150 horsepower each, the RIB cruises at 27 mph for a range of 230 nautical miles. With room for 15 people, passengers will appreciate the smooth and comfortable ride of Sport 800’s aluminum hull and tubes. Premium features include a hardtop, swim platform, bow sundeck, console with 12-inch multifunction displays, and a cockpit table for six served by an under-seat fridge. A Blue Sea dual-circuit battery switch enables the Sport 800 (26′ 8″ LOA, 9′ 7″ beam) to be equipped with two optional batteries to power accessories when away from the dock. highfieldnorthamerica.com

FLIBS Preview – Galeon Yachts 450 Hardtop Coupe (HTC)

Galeon Yachts - 450 Hardtop Coupe (HTC)

Galeon Yachts’ all-new 450 Hardtop Coupe (HTC) is a versatile offering that builds on its popular 410 HTC released in 2021. The 450 HTC (45′ 9″ LOA, 20′ 8″ beam) is available with two or three cabins and two private heads with showers. The sport yacht features the popular Beach Mode, fold-out wing platforms to expand outdoor space, and a summer kitchen to enjoy meals under the retractable cockpit shade. Large windows let plenty of sunlight into the salon that includes a small galley to port and abundant starboard-side bench seating with a table. Standard power for the 450 HTC is twin 480-hp Volvo Penta diesel engines with a 450-gallon fuel capacity. galeonyachts.us

FLIBS Preview – Maritimo S55

Maritimo Brings The M60 and M55

Australian builder Maritimo is bringing two of its models to FLIBS, the M60 and M55.
M60 (61’ 9” LOA, 17’ 2 beam), which carries the legacy of the acclaimed Maritimo 60, is a remarkable addition to the M-Series Flybridge Motoryacht family. She showcases a meticulous focus on design and detail. The M55 (56’ 10” LOA, 17’ 2 beam) sets a new standard for long-range cruisers with her sharp exterior design, expansive entertainment areas, and high-performance capabilities. She features reimagined adventure and lower cockpit spaces, including an optional tender garage. The huge skylounge maximizes space, complemented by Maritimo’s renowned climate-controlled flybridge. Two dedicated lounging areas and a generous aft flybridge deck with a full hardtop provide ample relaxation space. The aft galley seamlessly connects the upper cockpit to the salon, with two-stage vista sliding windows that transform the area into an indoor/outdoor oasis. Belowdecks, the M55 offers three staterooms and two ensuites, including a full-beam king master stateroom, queen forward stateroom, and twin starboard guestroom. These yachts embody Maritimo’s commitment to style, safety, and comfort for extended cruises. maritimoamericas.com

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.

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.

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

The Viking 90: A Majestic Revelation in the Sportfishing World

The exceptionally well-appointed 90 takes on the vaunted mantle of Viking’s largest sportfish with a style all its own.

When the International Maritime Organization announced tier III emissions regulations a few years ago that would go into place in 2021, a chilling sense of disquiet fell over the typically cocksure and testosterone-driven sportfishing world. The previous decade had seen a considerable jump in the lengths of the ocean’s biggest convertibles. There was a time when a 55-foot battlewagon was about all any fisherman could ever hope for, but these days 80-foot-plus is nearly par for the course. Perhaps none of those monster fishing boats was more iconic than the Viking 92, a leviathan that dotted the world from Cairns to Kona, Quepos to Baker’s Bay. But with a load line length of more than 24 meters, it was on the chopping block. Unknown to many, this was the inception to developing the Viking 90.

Viking is no stranger to dealing with legislation poisonous to its business. The Healey family led the charge back in the 1990s when the luxury tax threatened the entire industry. Thus, the builder found itself back at the drawing board, quite literally in this case, designing a new flagship for its convertible line that would squeeze in just below the 24-meter limit without losing an inch of its commanding air.

So was born the Viking 90, which made her world debut at the 2023 Miami International Boat Show. Sitting front and center on the main docks, she was positioned to be the star of the show. And she didn’t disappoint.

The Viking 90, Because Size Matters

Viking knew, of course, that it would have to make some compromises with this slightly smaller rig (the 92’s LOA is 93 feet, 4 inches; the 90 is 90 feet even), but one place where it refused to budge was on the business end. The 90’s cockpit is 224 square feet, the same size as the 92, and it is one hell of a dance floor. There’s a 203-gallon livewell in the transom, twin 103-gallon in-sole fish boxes, and a gorgeously burled and finished fighting chair by Release Marine. The chair sits square over a powerful Seakeeper 35 that should nail the boat in place when bottom bashing or drifting. Just forward in the first row of mezzanine seating (there are three, but who’s counting?) is a door to an engine room that houses optional twin 2,635-mhp MTU 16V 2000s and twin 40 kW Kohler gensets in a space with seven feet of headroom and a gleaming white gelcoat sole.

The yacht’s triple mezzanine seating is a coup, and a design built off customer feedback. Not surprisingly, on a boat meant to be hauling in some of the largest animals swimming in the sea, everybody on board wants a good seat to watch the action unfold. Viking accomplished this feat with a layer cake of seating options that gets more posh as you move forward.

The first level of teak bench seating is for the fishermen. The second layer, with an upholstered settee for three, is for the anglers who aren’t fishing. The third and highest layer is for everybody else, with an L-shaped dining settee, air-conditioned seatbacks, and a 43-inch fold-down television in the ceiling. Stowage compartments are scattered throughout the mezzanine levels under seats and armrests, with seemingly endless space for fishing gear and even a dedicated spot for storing shoes.

One Salon or Two?

The mezzanines were sweet, as was expected, but it was the salon that made me say, “Holy cow!” A massive, L-shaped Lumix countertop to starboard is tastefully underlit and immediately grabs attention upon entering the space. The piece was first done on an 80 as a special order but comes standard on the 90. It is real yacht stuff. Truth be told, looking around the salon, you’d have to think hard to remember you were just in a fishing cockpit. High-gloss walnut throughout lends more than a touch of class and a 65-inch pop-up television to starboard makes rainy days fun. A secondary wet bar aft and to starboard with the same underlit counter as the primary bar only elevates the pursuit of leisure. It sits below an elegant floating staircase with tightly thatched leather braiding its handrail that leads up to the Viking’s enclosed flybridge.

That flybridge is easily large enough to act as a second salon. These enclosed convertibles offer a few major advantages. One is that multiple groups on the boat can have their own space to get out of each other’s hair if need be. It’s also excellent for anglers with visions of chasing fish to far-flung destinations. As nice as wind in your hair can feel, if you’re making the trek from South Florida to Cabo San Lucas, you’re going to want as much protection from the elements as possible while running the boat.

Take Command

To that end, the interior helm station is commanding—no pun intended. Five expansive Seatronx multifunction displays (MFDs) convey all manner of data which dances just below a single pane of unobstructed glass. Notably, the 90 is the first Viking to ever be designed for five MFDs. Omnidirectional sonar comes standard on the 90 and provides a 360-degree view of the fish around the boat. It’s a feature some anglers say makes fishing so easy that it almost feels like cheating, but it’s also a must for any boat that wants to compete at the highest levels.

Lines of sight from the blue Stidd helm seat with slick, gray suede piping weren’t quite 360 though, and you’ll likely need proper posture to see the bow. Behind the helm was a comfortable L-shaped lounge with a hi-lo cocktail table and a dedicated Sub-Zero refrigerator for cold drinks back at the dock. The aft of the bridge deck had a high-gloss walnut pocket door that slid open to reveal a small mezzanine with seating and a command station for backing down on a fish.

A ladder from the mezzanine led up to the boat’s skybridge, which is a Spartan affair, with one helm seat and maybe a handhold or two less than I’d like to see when you’re a few dozen feet above the waterline. But it’s a cool place to drive a boat! As I nestled into the Stidd chair and surveyed the Miami show from its highest point, I imagined dropping the hammer, hearing the gargantuan MTUs rev up, and flying out across the swells at the 90’s reported 38-knot top end. I soon heard myself start humming Jimi Hendrix: “Excuse me, while I kiss the sky.” It’s that visceral experience that I suspect is the real draw for many future owners of this 90.

The Game-changing Viking 90: A Fusion of Luxury and Premier Sportfishing Functionality

After conquering the world from on high, the 90 offers accommodations that will keep boaters well-rested for another day of fishing. The boat has a full-beam, amidships master with an island king berth, his-and-hers head, and a walk-in closet. There’s even a makeup station—certainly not standard fare for a fishboat. But then again, this is a far cry from a normal convertible. With the 90, Viking reaches into other realms—particularly that of megayachts. That’s what this boat feels like, especially with the high level of fit and finish and the attentiveness to space and ergonomics. If you owned a boat like this, the fishing could almost be an afterthought. But this is Viking after all, so let’s make sure to put the emphasis on almost.

With this boat, Viking has once again shown itself to be a resilient and creative brand, two traits that have placed the heavyweight sportfish championship belt squarely around its waist. And with a new fishing flagship leading the way, that doesn’t seem to be a title it will be relinquishing anytime soon.