Not only is the new Midnight Express 60 Pied-A-Mer the flagship of Midnight Express’s fleet of center console performance powerboats, but it also ranks close to the top of the world’s largest center consoles.
The highly customizable boat naturally has a massive cockpit, but it’s the integration of the interior and exterior design that really makes it special. Taking a holistic approach, Italian designer Giuseppina Arena chose silver and light-gray tones for the luxe cabin (which has twin master suites) that complement the exterior. Powered by quad 627-hp Seven Marine outboards, the 60 can reach speeds in excess of 70 mph. An inboard diesel and surface drives will add 20 mph to that.
Riviera Yachts impresses an international audience with its debut of the luxurious 72 Sports Motor Yacht and the adventurous 395 SUV.
There are several similarities between the United States and Australia. English is the primary language, both cultures like a good party and long coastlines establish strong ties to boating, which naturally brings the countries together in the marine industry. Australia’s Riviera Yachts, for example, started in 1980 and a mere three years later, exported boats to the U.S.
Then in 2000, Riviera opened a state-of-the-art factory in Coomera, Australia, just down the river from Sanctuary Cove, home to one of the top boat shows in the world and where I first laid my eyes on their two newest yachts.
72 Sports Motor Yacht
The 72 Sports Motor Yacht, the largest of all of Riviera’s product offerings, was artfully angled off the dock. This drew attention to her rounded parallelogram windows, which accented the hull beneath high bulwarks forward. Matching black-masked windshields on the main deck and enclosed flybridge said this yacht was styled as a gentleman’s sportfisherman, with a 175-square-foot cockpit, outriggers, teak decks surrounded by no less than a dozen rod holders, a lighted circulating baitwell with window, extra tackle storage, and twin fish lockers. There was no fighting chair, but the cockpit sole is reinforced to accommodate two. Forward twin stairwells lead up to the mezzanine, and the console between them contains a beverage cooler, twin electric grills and a fold-up sink with engine room access beneath.
The mezzanine is set up for dining and entertaining. A forward-facing settee has twin teak tables for convenient entry but when combined, they form one long table that seats 10 with additional chairs. A pop-up window provides an easy pass-through to the galley with pivoting bar stools below. A portside door leads down to a cabin with head, storage, a stacked washer and dryer, and crew bunks; its proximity to the mezzanine and cockpit makes it the perfect day head without tracking through the salon. Engine room access is also through this cabin as is well-thought-out access to a garbage bin in the back of the galley that allows for discreet trash removal.
Cruiser Approved
There’s a crane davit and room to cradle a large RIB on the foredeck. However, this transforms into a comfortable seating area when the tender is removed. Wide side decks with raised gunwales and rails provide safe passage around the perimeter, and a portside door amidships leads to the galley, salon and the internal pilothouse staircase.
The main deck interior layout positions the fully equipped galley aft for convenient access to the mezzanine. Twin, L-shaped lounges in the salon, recessed lighting, high-end furnishings, and glossy walnut cabinetry create a modern, elegant look throughout the cabin. Below decks accommodations include a king master amidships, queen VIP forward and a twin cabin that converts to a double. A starboard twin bunk cabin is standard or can become the master head in the Presidential layout.
An aft-facing stairway from the salon leads up to the bridge lounge, where the skipper and guests enjoy a 360-degree view and plenty of seats to relax. Twin helm chairs give the captain a centerline view of the Garmin glass bridge and through the large windshield. A console to the right places throttles, trim tab controls and other critical functions within easy reach. Starboard seating can be used as a forward-facing lounge with an angled backrest.
A sliding door leads to yet another conversation area on the aft deck, with seating, a table, wet bar, and an aft steering station that provides full visibility of the cockpit for fishing and docking. The Twin Disk EJS Joystick here controls variable speed transmissions as well as hydraulic thrusters for maneuvering the boat smoothly without jerking or lunging.
Optional MAN V12-1900s power this Riviera Yachts 72, and a Seatorque “BOSS” system with V-drives reduces vibration and noise. Shafts are sealed in a tube and bathed in oil from the couplings to the props, while rubber mounts dampen vibration and allow thrust to push on the vessel rather than pressing back against the engines.
395 SUV
On the opposite end of Riviera’s size spectrum, the new 395 SUV proved a popular model with show attendees for its single level, large cockpit and abundant amenities, all signatures of the SUV line. The ample swim platform carries a tender on snap davits plus a railing with a cutting table and rod holders above it. The transom side holds a pull-out compartment designed specifically to store an outboard and is topped by a concealed counter with a sink and electric grill. The cockpit has flip-out seating on the sides and aft-facing fixed seating with a table that adjusts for different configurations.
Interior seating to port is across from the galley and includes a hydraulic pop-up window for continuity to the cockpit. A double helm seat is forward; controls include a joystick for the standard Volvo Penta IPS-500 engines. A love seat on starboard, like the other seating, is raised to provide great visibility whether at the dock, at anchor or when cruising.
The Riviera 395 SUV can sure run.
Twin, electric-opening sunroofs overhead bring in additional light and, when combined with open side windows, ventilate the salon and helm. On the foredeck, a large sunpad with drink holders provides a place to lounge. Accommodations below include a queen master forward, single head with separate shower. A midship cabin beneath the main salon with three single berths, two of which combine into a double.
Tough Decisions
The Riviera 395 is small and mighty. There are a lot of useful features into an easy-to-manage package. Australians and Americans use their boats in similar ways, and Riviera builds them to fit this boating lifestyle. They provide a nice balance of sitting and gathering areas both in and out of the elements. Additionally, the cockpits equally suited for entertaining or fishing, and fast and efficient performance.
The more I thought about these two new models on the opposite ends of the Riviera spectrum, the more I liked them both. The 72 Sports Motor Yacht is obviously a lot more boat, but the 395 SUV has strong appeal.
When comparing spec sheets and pricing, if you are looking to spend four to five million dollars on your next boat, the Riviera 72 Sports Motor Yacht is equally adept at fishing and cruising. Plus it has a host of large entertaining spaces ideal for all types of gatherings. But if your parties aren’t quite as large and you want to cruise with a few guests or have a small family, the Riviera 395 SUV is ideal.
Whatever size or style of powerboat you’re looking for, Riviera Yachts has two great new options. Both the 72 Sports Motor Yacht and 395 SUV will be at the 2018 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. A flybridge version of the 395 SUV should arrive in time for the 2019 Miami Boat Show.
Cruisers Yachts launches two new models: Cruisers Yachts 46 Cantius and the Cruiser Yachts 338 Bow Rider. The 46 Cantius features a main deck with a large three-pane patio door, which allows for a large entertaining area. The galley situated aft complements the large L-shaped seating in the cockpit as well as the salon and dinette area and is just a few steps to the wet bar and barbeque on the transom.
The accommodations deck is highlighted by a midship, full-beam master with private head. The helm offers great panoramic visibility and controls the twin Volvo Penta IPS 600 engines with a top speed of 37 mph and a cruising range of 300 miles. The 338 Bow Rider is powered by twin Mercury 350 Verado engines and runs to a top speed of 57 mph and at 35 mph, she can cruise 310 miles.
The main deck is highlighted by a great cockpit area with ample seating and a wet bar. The aft seat converts to a sunbathing area with a chaise lounge, and the mid-cabin offers 6’2″ headroom with a full head, seating and sleeping areas.
There’s a lot going on at Tiara. From the Tiara Yachts C 49 and Tiara Yachts 34 LS to the Tiara Yachts 34 LX, the company is growing is Sport line dramatically.
The Tiara Yachts C 49 is powered by Volvo Penta IPS 800s with joystick control and can navigate rough seas or cruise smooth in calm waters.
Coupe buyers will feel the openness immediately in the single level salon leading to the lower cabins and spacious master. The master features a private head and centerline queen pedestal berth with innerspring mattress. The VIP shares a day head with the lower atrium but still maintains a private entrance for sleeping. The interior is further enhanced with the introduction of a full suite of hardwood finishes and designer fabrics. The transom showcases a fully integrated, 63-inch swim platform and optional hydraulic lift.
The interior of the C 49 is spacious and open.
Ample space awaits in the aft cockpit of the C 49.
The 34 LS joins the 38 LS in the Tiara Sport lineup, which offers sophisticated vessels ready to meet the demands of day yachting. The epitome of functionality and comfort, Tiara Sport LS models feature walkaround capabilities, multiple and easily accessible social zones and ample lounging accommodations, including wraparound forward bow seating.
Tiara’s first luxury crossover model is the 34 LX. While the 34 LS is all about functionality and comfort with a walkaround deck, multiple social areas, an outdoor galley, convertible sunpad, plus sleeping accommodations and head. With the same power package as the LS—twin 350-hp Yamahas—the LX features bowrider seating forward, flexible seating aft and a sunroof.
All three models will be on display at the Miami Boat Show.
The Back Cove 34O rides on a hull designed to optimize her outboard performance and is the builder’s first outboard-powered vessel. Powered by twin Yamaha 300-hp outboard engines (or optional 350-hp Yamahas or Suzukis), the 34O (O for outboard) runs to a top speed of 37.5 knots. Equipped with twin Suzuki 350-hp outboards, she runs to 40 knots. Her cockpit and helm deck are designed for entertaining with a full galley and an aft-facing seat that converts into a U-shaped helm deck dinette.
Her layout below features a varnished cherry interior with an island double berth. The head situated to port and a separate shower to starboard optimizes both space and comfort. Below deck air conditioning with reverse cycle heat and the standard 5kW diesel generator makes the Back Cove 34O a comfortable cruiser.
The classic boat builder makes a strategic move with the Albemarle 27 DC.
Conventional marketing wisdom has often espoused the idea of “do what you know” and you’ll succeed. It was an idea popularized in the 1980s with the publishing of the book In Search of Excellence that quickly became a business bible of sorts. With changing tastes and business models, however, more companies are choosing another tack, one that says “diversify and sustain the brand.”
This is the path taken by Albemarle Sportfishing Boats as they roll out their first dual console express cruiser, the Albemarle 27 DC. Focused on family fun, the new model embraces the multi-tool approach and delivers a boat that, in addition to fishing, aptly handles waterskiing, diving, cruising, and happy hour entertaining.
With hand-laid, solid fiberglass construction, the deep-V hull has wide inverted chines and a 24-degree deadrise. A heavy-duty vinyl rub rail with a stainless-steel insert ensures those docking mishaps won’t result in expensive damage, and the encapsulated fiberglass stringer system adds strength and rigidity. Like her Albemarle siblings, the 27 DC is built for a fast, soft, dry ride on open water. But unlike her sisters, the 27 DC is configured to do double and triple duty while she’s out.
More is Mighty
The differences start right at the helm. The single-seat with a bolster allows the driver to sit or stand and because the windshield is raised, visibility forward is quite good either way. The compass sits at eye level so it’s easy to take bearings, and a molded footrest keeps the driver comfortable. (There’s one at the companion seat as well.) The dash is well equipped with twin Garmin multifunction displays and a Fusion stereo head. On the shelf below, you’ll find a cup holder and two arrays of rocker switches.
Beneath that is the Yamaha Command Link engine display to the left of the wheel, with the engine controls outboard to the right. The 27 DC is powered by twin Yamaha F200 4-stroke, 200-hp outboards. (A pair of 250-hp F250s is an option.) The top end with the base engines is about 41 knots, so the upgrade may not be necessary.
With plenty of cockpit space, the boat does double duty as a party platform or fishing machine.
From overhead, the Albemarle 27 DC is surprisingly roomy.
The helm offers plenty of gadgets and controls.
The features list on the Albemarle 27 DC is long and runs throughout the vessel. To port is companion seating for two tucked behind a console that hides an electric head and sink. This nicely finished area has a solid-surface counter, a medicine cabinet and a mirror. Unlike many heads shoehorned into consoles, this is actually quite a usable space that women and kids will appreciate.
The Albemarle 27 DC carries 23 gallons of water and since there are a freshwater cockpit shower and a berth hidden behind the helm console, one or two people could conceivably weekend on this versatile model with all the necessities. If that sounds too much like camping for you, the cavernous cabin space also makes a great place to stash wakeboards and water skis. Plus, there is lockable storage for up to 24 eight-foot fishing rods. That’s not too shabby for 27’4″ LOA!
A little bit of everything
With a nearly nine-foot beam, the Albemarle 27 DC offers a 58-square-foot cockpit that has some tricks up its sleeve, including two double foldaway seats—one to port and one at the transom. This means you can host a harbor cocktail cruise for eight or more, or fold the seats away when it’s time to fish.
A 60-gallon insulated deck box can be used for storage or to hold your catch and has a macerator pump-out system. The insulated multi-purpose transom box is also plumbed as an 18-gallon livewell that is painted a calming blue to keep the bait fresh. A 64-quart cooler is beneath the aft-facing seat to port to keep happy hour snacks cold, and there are cup holders and USB ports throughout to keep everyone’s iPads and smartphones charged.
There is additional rod storage below the starboard gunwale and a raw water wash-down to get any blood and fish guts out of the self-bailing cockpit. A convenient transom door leads to the integrated swim platform and ladder. It’s a nice way to get in and out of the water or dinghy since you can walk the width of the boat at water level and never have to tangle with the engines.
Albemarle offers an optional hardtop with side curtains to keep you dry and comfortable when the weather changes. Cockpit and bow sunshades are also available. Speaking of the bow, there’s plenty of seating there as well. Both port and starboard sides have extended lounge seats with angled backrests that will be favorite places to relax.
High and Dry
Insulated dry storage is under the port bench seat and stainless steel handrails are on both sides. An integrated anchor locker holds the electric windlass with a through-stem anchor roller so a muddy anchor never has to mar the deck. With the anchor locker closed, this bow platform is just large enough for one person to stand on and cast from, and since the Albemarle has pop-up cleats, there won’t be anything on which to snag your line.
The walk-through has been offset to port so both the tempered glass windshield and the composite bow door can be open when running and the wind is funneled away from the helmsman. Indirect lighting throughout creates a soft glow for perfect evening ambiance.
All the wiring is color-coded, electronics are prewired, the whole electrical system is bonded, and LED lights are used throughout to keep the power requirements to a minimum. All the thru-bolted deck hardware is stainless and of good quality. The 190-gallon aluminum fuel tank has a cold tar epoxy coating, and hoses below the waterline have double stainless steel clamps. Seacocks below the waterline are bronze and thru-hull fittings above are stainless steel.
Attention to detail
These kinds of details show Albemarle’s dedication to quality and how they value the needs of their customers. Because this new model is a departure for the builder, it must meet many expectations and may possibly become a harbinger of the future for the brand.
Albemarle Sportfishing Boats joined with Carolina Classics in 2015 and together the companies have built more than 3,600 hulls from 25 to 41 feet. The North Carolina builder is family owned and says that customer feedback created the 27 DC along with market trends. Sure, there will be those who can’t wrap their heads around an Albemarle bowrider, but it’s a good bet there will be more who will rejoice that their favorite fishing machine is now a family-friendly boating SUV.
By Zuzana Prochazka, Southern Boating January 2019
Sporty, sleek, and you could even say aggressive, Predator boats are fast and fun. Sunseeker brings two new ones to Miami: the 32-knot 50 and the 40-knot Sunseeker 74 Sport Yacht. Both have transformative powers and go from an enclosed cockpit boat with superb all-around views into an “open” by opening the hardtop roof and glass bulkhead aft to blend the salon and cockpit.
The 74 even features an innovative mechanism that lowers the cockpit door into the sole. Customization below deck allows each yacht to accommodate an extra couple of guests if wanted, up to six on the 50 and eight on the 74. Both also feature a vast foredeck sunbathing area and a tender garage and beach club amenities aft.
Sunseeker has two debuts: the 74 Sport Yacht and the Predator 50. Sporty and sleek, the new Sunseeker 74 Sport Yacht offers a 38-knot top end and boasts the latest Sunseeker design cues and sporting prowess. The exterior features windows that extend down to the side deck and a helm sunroof, which flood the interior with light and provide exceptional views from the salon in all directions. Belowdecks, there is a generous galley and three spacious ensuite cabins.
In addition, the Predator family is joined by the Predator 50, the new entry point for this definitive range. The Predator 50 runs to a top speed of 32 knots when powered by twin Volvo Penta D8 engines mated to shaft drives. The 50 can be equipped with optional electric steering and joystick control. The design is enhanced by the addition of a fully opening hardtop roof and complemented by forward and aft cockpit seating that can be folded down to create an enlarged sunbathing area.
Taking its cue from the 430 SSC, the 400 SSC combines confident Super Sport performance with Formula’s versatile open bow and cabin Crossover elements.
Formula’s crossover fleet gets its fifth member with the introduction of the 400 SSC.
The Formula 400 Super Sport Crossover puts comfort at a premium. The full-height windshield encloses the entire width of the cockpit, and the layout allows guests to move beyond the confines of a center console’s narrow, pilothouse tradition. The fiberglass hardtop with full-width motorized glass sunroof opens to the sky, while seating zones, from the expansive bow to triple helm seating and U-shaped lounge aft, expand choices for all.
See the video we made on a sea trial last month.
Quad Mercury 350-hp outboard motors respond instantly to electronic shift and throttle, and Mercury’s Joystick Piloting helps make maneuvering easy. Top speed is 61 mph with a cruising speed of 37 mph. The 400 SSC’s cabin accommodations offer amenities that are unprecedented in an open bow design, including a convertible dinette/sleeping berth plus aft stateroom bed, stand-up private head and galley with sink and microwave.
The new Pursuit S 288 combines fishing features with luxurious seating details.
Integrated hardtop and console appointments make this boat appealing to avid anglers and families alike. The aft cockpit quickly converts from an entertainment/social zone. With fold-away aft and transom seating for a wide-open space ready for trolling at a moments notice.
Additionally, insulated in-floor fish boxes, a livewell in the transom, rod holders, and tackle storage are all standard. At the helm, a new sport-style glass windshield with a fully integrated fiberglass hardtop delivers a superior running experience. Of course, that is true to Pursuit’s proven ergonomic designs.
The interior console has forward access and includes new appointments and finishes along with a covered head and integrated fiberglass sink. The molded door includes a forward-facing seat, which accents the seating area in the bow with port and starboard lounges.
She runs on twin Yamaha 300-hp outboard engines. The Pursuit S 288 is expected to exceed 50 mph and cruise comfortably at 32 mph with a range of 340 miles.
New to boating or want to hone your skills? There will be on-water boat handling classes during the Miami International Boat Show.
Fear of handling a boat in close quarters is a common feeling expressed by many boaters. The organizers of this year’s Miami Boat Show would like to help people get past that fear. Offered every day of the show from February 15-19, on-water boat handling classes at MIBS. These training programs will run in one- or three-hour sessions.
The one-hour sessions will cover close-quarters, open-water and anchoring skills in single engine outboards. Skills addressed include steering and maintaining maximum boat control at slow speeds; managing momentum; how to slow and stop quickly, and
turning the boat around in tight spaces.
The three-hour sessions will cover basic, advanced and precision control in twin outboard and sterndrive configurations.
Professionally licensed captains will be teaching effective use of the three most important close quarters handling skills: steering, shifting and throttle control. Participants will also learn techniques for docking the boat confidently in windy conditions and station keeping in the wind as a proactive safety tool. miamiboatshow.com/on-water
Nordhavn acknowledges that not everyone wants to fish or dive, so its new version of the Nordhavn 59 Coastal Pilot is for those who don’t need a cockpit. Extending the aft and main deck all the way back, the Coastal Pilot has a roomier salon/galley and engine room, which has full standing headroom aft. Water babies will still get their fix of the sea thanks to an integral swim step.
The Nordhavn 59 Coastal Pilot is capable of both fast cruising speeds and extended passagemaking. Powered by twin Cummins QSM 11 715-hp diesel engines, the 59 CP runs up to 20 knots and can cruise more than 1,000 miles at reduced speeds. She offers a modern profile with a contemporary, open interior that emphasizes stainless and horizontal grain accents and radiates light throughout.
Main deck accommodations provide for a large galley, dinette and a lower helm station with double helm seat. This arrangement is very appealing for a coastal cruising couple as it eliminates the isolation and separation of a raised wheelhouse.
Nordhavn acknowledges that not everyone wants to fish or dive, so its new version of the 59 Coastal Pilot is for those who don’t need a cockpit. Extending the aft and main deck
all the way back, the Nordhavn 59 Coastal Pilot has a roomier salon/galley and engine room, which has full standing headroom aft. Water babies will still get their fix of the sea thanks to an integral swim step.
