Palm Beach GT50 Open

Palm Beach GT50 Open

High performance, efficient and elegant are the words that Palm Beach had in mind when designing the new Palm Beach GT50 Open. The Open version of these makes its world debut in Miami. Low resistance is the key to the hull design, which is meant to slice through the water rather than plane.

Coupled with the lightweight construction, including a 100-percent carbon fiber deck and superstructure, the GT50 has the ability to reach 42 knots. Efficiency is achieved with the 600- hp Volvo Penta IPS propulsion, which burns 40 gallons per hour at 35 knots. All of this is wrapped up in a very elegant package as befits the Palm Beach name.

54′ LOA, 14′ 8″ beam

palmbeachmotoryachts.com

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Midnight Express 60 Pied-A-Mer

Midnight Express 60 Pied-A-Mer

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.

60′ LOA, 15′ beam

midnightboats.com

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Scout 530 LXF

Scout 530 LXF

At the top of its line of luxury center consoles is the new Scout 530 LXF.

Features that set it apart include the articulating rocket launchers mounted on the hardtop that electronically raise or lower at the touch of a button; the Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer that comes standard and the hydraulic beach platforms that unfold port and starboard to extend the cockpit to 17.5 feet across at anchor.

The Scout 530 LXF is built on the company’s carbon fiber, epoxy-infused, double-stepped, fuel-efficient hull. The epoxy infusion process provides strength for stability while reducing overall weight. Electrically actuated port and starboard beach platforms, when deployed,
extend the cockpit width to 17 feet for more room to entertain and play in the water.

Available in quad, quint or hex engine packages, tests with quad 425-hp Yamaha outboards showed optimal efficiency at 4,500 rpm, cruising at 39.6 mph.

Packed with standard features, the 530 LXF includes a Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer, a unique glass helm, a cockpit island, aft-facing retractable bar stools and a cooler. A mini-galley offers a sink and cutting board as well as a granite countertop.

A Fischer Panda 15kW generator and 16,000 BTU air conditioner/heater (in the cabin
and helm area) ensure everyone is comfortable, and the electric sliding sunroof lets the sunshine in.

53′ LOA, 14′ 8″ beam

scoutboats.com

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Riviera Yachts Debuts Two Models

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.

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.

By Arnie Hammerman, Southern Boating August 2018

Riviera 72 Sports Motor Yacht

LOA: 72′ 3″
Beam: 19′ 8″
Draft: 6′ 1″
Dry Weight: 103,600 lbs.
Fuel/Water: 2,378/264 gals.
Standard Power: 2x MAN 12V-1800
Optional Power: 2x MAN 12V-1900
Cruise/Top Speed: 23/35 knots (with optional power)
Range: 498 nm @ 23 knots
MSRP: starts at $4,265,000

Contact: Riviera Yachts
riviera.com.au

Riviera 395 SUV

LOA: 39′ 6″
Beam: 13′ 9″
Draft: 4′ 7″
Dry Weight: 27,557 lbs.
Fuel/Water: 396/103 gals.
Standard Power: 2x Volvo Penta D6-IPS 500
Cruise/Top Speed: 24/31 knots
Range: 300 nm @ 24 knots
MSRP: starts at $750,000

Contact: Riviera Yachts
riviera.com.au

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Cruisers Yachts 46 Cantius

Cruisers Yachts 46 Cantius

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.

46 Cantius: 46’5″ LOA, 14’6″ beam
338 Bow Rider: 32’11” LOA, 10’10” beam

cruisersyachts.com

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Tiara Yachts C 49

Tiara Yachts C 49

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 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.

tiarayachts.com

Tiara Yachts C 49: 50’3″ LOA, 15’4″ beam

Tiara Yachts 34 LS: 34’9″ LOA, 11′ beam

Tiara Yachts 34LX: 34’9″ LOA, 11′ beam

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Albemarle 27 DC

Albemarle 27 DC

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.

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

Specifications

LOA: 27′ 4″
Beam: 8′ 8″
Draft (engines down): 2’7″
Dry Weight: 8,000 lbs.
Fuel/Water: 190/23 gal.
Power: 2x Yamaha 200/250-hp outboards
Cruise/Top Speed: 26/41 knots
Range (at cruise): 260 nm
MSRP: $169,000

Contact

Albemarle Boats
140 Midway Drive
Edenton, NC 27932
(252) 482-7600
albemarleboats.com

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Sunseeker 74 Sport Yacht

Sunseeker 74 Sport Yacht

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.

Sunseeker 74 Sport Yacht: 74’10” LOA, 17’8″ beam
Sunseeker Predator 50: 54′ LOA, 14’9″ beam

sunseeker.com

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Formula 400 SSC

The Formula 400 SSC

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.

40′ LOA, 12′ beam

Learn more at formulaboats.com 

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By Erin Brennan, Southern Boating October 2018

Pursuit S 288

Pursuit S 288

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.

30’LOA, 9’8″ beam

pursuitboats.com

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The Highfield OM 390

The Highfield OM 390 is one ‘hull’ of a RIB

Sometimes my job is pretty cool and I get to test drive boats.  In this case, the Highfield OM 390.

But let’s be clear—most of the time, I’m behind a desk, neck deep in keyword research, optimizing a slew of articles for the website. Or trying to understand how to optimize server load by minimizing javascript triggers. So, you best believe when I’m asked to attend a photo shoot for Highfield Boats in Miami, I make it my business to be there.

Our models loved how lightweight the CL260 was. Here, they pull the boat onto the beach.

Which brings me to last week. I was vaguely familiar with Highfield’s brand—we used their versatile CL260 Tender Series in our 2018 swimsuit issue, so I saw firsthand how light the aluminum-hulled inflatable was. The boat was so lightweight that I saw three models pull the CL260 up the beach, unassisted. But the boat was also sturdy enough that one of our staff members towed an enormous inflatable slide out of the frame of a photo with it.

But there were no models or slides in sight at Shake-a-Leg Marina in Coconut Grove, Florida. Just a lot of sun and four different Highfields of various sizes. I was lucky enough to get on the Ocean Master 390—which was quite a bit bigger than the one I had been on before. The Highfield OM 390 (12′ 10″) sported a 50-hp Honda outboard. Certainly powerful enough to ski behind, if the fancy were to strike, and more than enough power to get around as a tender when cruising.

“You’d be surprised how many catamarans use Highfields as a tender,” said Highfield USA’s General Manager Tom Watson. But it makes sense—catamarans, whether power or sail, are favored by long-range cruisers who require something lightweight, durable, and maneuverable, be it for trips to shore or exploring a beach. A lightweight boat also means less fuel to lug around. Plus, Highfield has integrated their fuel tank into the boat, which means no more tanks taking up foot space.  Since the fuel intake is located in the bow, it’s very easy to nose up to the fuel dock or an onboard storage bladder.

Part of the Highfield lineup at Shake-a-Leg marina.

It helps that the OM 390 is easy to handle. I drove the boat up a stretch of the Miami River and was pleased to see how well it handled with a newbie at the wheel. It happened to be the first day of mini-season, so we hovered under a span of the Rickenbacker Causeway to see if we could spot any lobsters. While I didn’t see any bugs, I did see how nicely the OM 390 reacted to passing wakes, some of which were rather large.

Note the Highfield OM 390 on the stern of this catamaran.

“Stability is key,” said Watson. “That’s in part due to our aluminum hull design, and in part to the 20-inch deadrise.” Indeed. I was hoping to get splashed (it was 90+ degrees, after all), but I remained woefully dry.

Watson pointed out that the entire Highfield lineup is actually a great starting point for first-time boat buyers. “It’s easy to handle, fits your friends, and the price point is moderate. Particularly for someone who is just starting out in boating.”

I can’t say I disagree—we’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: RIBS are a do-it-all wonder. Especially if it’s a Highfield.

By Erin Brennan, Southern Boating July 2018

Learn more about the entire Highfield line at highfield.com, like them on Facebook and follow on Instagram.

Tiara Sport 38 LS

Tiara Sport 38 LS

Social Networking: Expanded bow seating, raised dock access, and luxurious appointments…the Tiara Sport 38 LS connects guests to the water.

Getting comfortable requires little effort and even less time aboard the new Tiara Sport 38 LS whether you go fore, aft or down below in the air-conditioned cabin. The boat screams performance machine with new outboard motors. But make no mistake, it is still the luxurious Tiara of builds past.  From teak flooring and plush upholstery, it’s obvious the 38 LS is all about luxury, style, and comfort.

In other words, this is a Tiara through and through. In every way, the Sport 38 LS complements the Tiara Yachts line that offers boats up to 53 feet.

“We were looking for a win-win-win with this design,” explains Andrew Bartlett, Tiara Sport director of design. The 38 LS has a raised platform to the port of the center console, providing enough volume for or a two-person berth. While you can’t walk entirely around the exterior, the port-side platform allows you to get on and off raised docks.

The Tiara Sport 38 LS is not a fishing boat. So, no grumbling from anglers about a center console where you can’t walk all the way around.  It’s a dayboat that puts passenger comfort at a premium as well as offering a generous nod toward performance.

Power Forward

The 38 LS is powered by three Yamaha 350-horsepower outboard engines. That’s enough power to propel the boat to a top speed of 55.6 mph. Back it down to 34.8 mph and you can safely cruise for 253 miles with a full tank of 331 gallons—with 10 percent of the fuel held in reserve. The triple Yamaha engines are controlled by the Yamaha Helm Master system, which utilizes joystick control for easy maneuvering at low speeds and around the docks.

“We are shifting our focus to day boating; the 38 LS is for people to have fun and connect to the water,” said Bartlett. “Our smallest boat is the 31 Coronet, which is powered by twin diesels and is more of a boutique boat. The Tiara Sport 38 LS is helping us become relevant in the 30- to 40-foot category.”

Innovation is found throughout the 38 LS, a big reason why it won a 2018 Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show Innovation Award. One example is the rotating U-lounge in the aft cockpit. The big, comfy sitting station includes a U-shaped couch and folding teak table on a platform that rotates 180 degrees that dramatically changes the layout of the boat. In the forward facing position, the seatbacks are against the transom. Rotate the lounge 180 degrees and the view is aft toward the water.

An elevated lounge looks over the outboard engines. A table lowers to seat height and a fill-in cushion converts the lounge into a huge sunpad. “It rotates easily and then is engaged in the lock position using a simple mechanical latch,” Bartlett reveals. “Once the latch is disengaged, the seat rotates easily back to the secured, latched position. You gain three feet of cockpit space when the seat is rotated.”

Tiara also put an emphasis on engineering and maintenance:  a large mechanical space lies beneath the teak deck and contains the generator and other systems with enough room designed to fit a Seakeeper gyro stabilizer.

Yacht Amenities

Forward of the rotating U-lounge is a mid-cockpit outdoor galley that includes a freshwater sink, barbecue, refrigerator, and Corian countertops. The galley features a fit and finish reminiscent of a Tiara Yacht with its thick countertop, high gloss teak cabinetry, and hardware. In addition, the stitching and upholstery used throughout are high-grade—again the Tiara legacy shows through.

A full-beam hardtop covers the helm and expansive, high-tech dash with twin Garmin 7616 multi-function display screens.  Guests enjoy deluxe seating from bow to stern with comfortable armrests and a wide choice of vibrant accent colors.

“Our goal was to elevate the status of the helm beyond what you would traditionally see in a center console,” says Gabe Rose, senior product designer for Tiara Sport. “We added stainless steel and teak to the dash, but everything is watertight. The tried-and-true switches are robust.”

The driver’s steering wheel is on the centerline. A Yamaha Helm Master joystick is to the left and the throttles and shifters to the right in an advantageous position. Thanks to a power middle seat that can raise or lower, the captain can sit or stand.  The two outside bolsters on the Tiara Sport 38 LS have a step bar that locks while underway.

The foredeck is accessible from the starboard side and features a full U-shaped lounge that rivals any day boat in the market. It doesn’t rotate but does convert to a sunpad. There’s easy access to the anchor (that snugs up to the bow) and power windlass as well as a freshwater washdown connection and receptacles to mount a  custom shade on sunny days.

Style Seeker

To port of the helm console is the sliding cabin entry door. The sliding door, a carryover from Tiara’s Yacht line, provides civilized access to the luxuriously air-conditioned cabin. The cabin features a double berth, an enclosed private head, and a flat-screen TV. There are also lots of storage spaces as well as access to the distribution panel.

“We use real wood veneer at Tiara, and this is teak and beechwood,” says Jeremy Sturgeon, who is responsible for all the interior design at Tiara. “You will also see here we have full RGB (red-green-blue) lighting. You can control it with an app on your phone. Just put your finger on a color wheel and basically choose any color you want—there are RGB lights hidden all over this boat. It really lights up at night and is exciting to see with music playing and lights changing.”

Comfort, luxurious appointments, mood-setting lighting, an overnight for two, all in under 40-feet LOA? If this is what the first model looks like in Tiara’s new line, then we can’t wait to see what else they have in store.

By Doug Thompson, Southern Boating May 2018

tiarasport.com

SPECIFICATIONS

LOA: 38’ 1”
Beam: 12’ 6”
Draft (motors up): 2’ 4”
Draft (motors down): 3’ 6”
Weight (dry): 18,600 lbs.; (tested): 22,376 lbs
Fuel/Water: 331/50 gals.
Power: 3x Yamaha 350-hp outboard engines
Cruise/Top Speed: 34.8/55.6 mph
Range @ cruise: 253 nm
MSRP: Call for price

 

CONTACT

Tiara Yachts
725 East 40th Street
Holland, MI 49423
(616) 392-7163

Sea Force IX 41.5 Sport Center Console

The Sea Force IX 41.5 Sport Center Console (41’8″ LOA, 12′ beam) comes loaded with features like dual transom dive/boarding doors and an electric head. Other features include the 16,000 BTU air conditioning in the cabin/console, which also is plumbed to the helm area, refrigerator and 440-pound-per-day ice chipper with above-deck dump.

Stay comfortable in three-wide helm seating with flip-up bolsters and armrests, recessed seating across the transom and additional lounge seating in the bow. Intended to get
you there in style, this tournament ready sportfish will be equally well suited to the yacht tender and Caribbean cruising markets. Powered by triple 350-hp Yamahas, she runs to a top speed of 55 mph and cruises at 35 mph with a 400-mile range.

seaforceix.com

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Adler Suprema Hybrid

The Adler Suprema Hybrid (75′ 10″ LOA, 19′ 10″ beam) is a semi-custom, carbon fiber, hybrid motor yacht from Swiss-based Adler Yacht. Built in Italy, the new HMS hybrid
propulsion system offers transatlantic range. Powered by twin Caterpillar C18 1,180-hp diesels and twin HMS E-Unit 100kW electric motors, the yacht has a top speed of 30
knots and cruises 3,400 nm at 8 knots.

Under battery power the Adler can stay a full day in a bay, offering all amenities on board without generator or engines—no noise and fume and vibration free. Designed by Nuvolari-Lenard, the layout is elegant and spacious, combining interior comforts with the large exterior space and different layouts between three and five cabins.

adleryacht.com / hms-hybridmarine.com

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Regulator 34

The Regulator 34 (33’10” LOA, 10’11” beam) offers a design that maximizes space to the point of rivaling its 39-foot competitors. Regulator’s signature deep-V hull, designed
by Lou Codega, is matched by low bow rise and peak performance. The 34 runs to
a top speed of 56.7 mph and its optimum cruising speed is 35 mph powered by twin
Yamaha 350-hp engines.

Fishermen’s favorites include a 42-gallon transom livewell, 220-quart transom fish box, and 3X Deluxe Tackle Center with rigging station. Let out your lines with optional Taco Grand Slam 380 outriggers with carbon fiber poles, and keep the fish on ice with an optional refrigerated chill plate for the transom fish box. A berth features sleeping accommodations for two and abundant rod rack storage, and there are a starboard boarding and dive door and removable watersports tow bar.

regulatormarine.com

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