The Ocean Alexander Divergence 45 is a welcome contrast from the big boat brand.
When the assignment came in for this sea trial, I thought there was a typo in the email. Sure, it said the boat to test was the Divergence 45, but it also said the builder was Ocean Alexander.
Was this American magazine going metric and specified the size in meters? That wouldn’t be too far off because Ocean Alexander (OA) is capable of building a 147-foot yacht. But no, the 45 designation represented feet, and it was an OA. Wait! What? Yup. Ocean Alexander is now building in the 45-foot range with a new center console “yacht” with
outboard power and true OA craftmanship.
Large Yacht Goes Small
It is not a typical center console, but a center console on steroids. Everywhere you look, there are components and features that are built to large yacht standards; from the deck seating to the cabin layout to the space-age console, it has the ability to be a family platform for diving or fishing as well as for entertaining.
The coolness quotient is high when you realize that both the port and starboard aft bulwarks can fold down to create mini balconies.
Noticeable at first is the single level, full walkaround deck. Transiting from fore to aft is painless thanks to the recessed cabinet pulls and low-profile drawer handles. Cleats are mounted at the top of the gunwales and recessed when not in use to maintain a sleek profile. This is critical when fishing as access around the boat is essential in maintaining the proper line angle to minimize any contact with the boat or motors.
The coolness quotient is high when you realize that both the port and starboard aft bulwarks can fold down to create mini balconies. It adds to the size of the cockpit by extending the beam from 13 feet, 9 inches to 19 feet, 1 inch. When the bulwarks are up, the patented door-within-a-door aids in boarding from either side and thanks to the extended swim platform, boarding is accessible via the stern too.
Plenty of Seats
If you’re concerned about having all your friends on board, you may run out of friends before you run out of seats. OA built ample seating into this model and each one has a
commanding vantage point. Forward is an artfully curved, three-section settee in the bow with cushioned backrests supported on each end by an extension of the coaming structure to the deck.
You’ll run out of friends before you run out of places to sit!
Many center consoles have a seat at the front of the helm, but OA went the extra mile and created a two- to three-person, full-length, forward-facing lounge settee—a voluminous area with grab rails and speakers that will be a favorite with owners and guests alike. Between the bow seating is a hi-lo dining table perfect for drinks at sunset. Lower the table and filler cushions, and this area transforms into a large sunpad lounge.
Midship, triple Llebroc helm seats adorned with thick padding, beefy bolsters, fold-down armrests, and contoured backrests keep captain and crew well positioned regardless
of the seas. The cockpit is centered with a forward and aft bench seat big enough for three each. Well-padded like all the others, the forward seat has a reversible backrest so guests can face forward during the ride out to the fishing grounds or aft when the lines are in the water. The transom seat folds out and can neatly tuck away when it’s time to fish. There’s designated seating for at least 14 of your friends.
On Deck
Entertain guests on deck with the outdoor galley cabinet between the helm seats and the cockpit. This large cabinet houses a retractable flatscreen TV as well as a Scandvik stainless steel sink and faucet, two-burner Kenyon cooktop, Kenyon grill, and U-Line fridge.
Four Fusion speakers pump out music, recessed lighting and forward/aft spreader lights illuminate in the hardtop and a retractable, motorized SureShade cockpit awning extends all the way aft to protect guests from the elements. The standard Kohler 11kW diesel generator keeps those at the helm and in the cabin cool. Options include a Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer, KVH Tracvision satellite TV, FLIR thermal night vision, and a host of other choices to personalize your 45.
Down Below
Designer Evan K. Marshall’s focus on the interior layout was to enhance the owner’s experience. To that end, Marshall starts with six-foot, six-inch headroom in the cabin accessible from a staircase to port of the helm console. Adding side and forward windows in the hull along with a skylight creates an open feel. There’s a mini galley to port equipped with a GE microwave, Isotherm fridge drawer and Scandvik sink and storage installed in a solid, satin-finished wooden cabinet.
Doing double duty is the forward dinette with U-shaped settee and center hi-lo table for dining. With the table lowered, filler cushions in place and forward seat backrest dropped, the settee becomes a queen-size berth.
There’s a separate, standup head (just over six feet) to starboard. A clear Ambassador basin sink complements the Cambria Berwyn counters and wood finish. There’s a Tecma
toilet system, and a glass door keeps the shower stall separate. A Dometic reverse cycle, extreme tropical climate, 10,000 BTU air conditioning system cools the entire cabin area.
Power at the Helm
Four 350-hp Mercury Verado outboards power the Divergence 45, and all I can say is when they light up, hold on. We screamed out of Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, into a confused chop of more than four feet. The 45 skimmed across the top thanks to the sharp entry and 18-degree deadrise at the transom. My wheelman put us into a few tight turns barely pulling back on the throttles.
With a lean into the seas, the 45 came around as expected with assured footing. Although it was too choppy to get clean running specs, I did see that we were clocking more than 40 mph at one point. If it could do this speed in these conditions, then I’m confident it
can hit the 48 mph mark that OA publishes.
The helm is fully loaded with electronics and controls.
Controls for the 45 are at the space-age, carbon fiber helm console that is loaded with Garmin electronics, including three 17-inch multifunction displays for charts and radar,
VHF and more. There’s also Sirius XM, Lenco tabs, Mercury throttles and joystick with Skyhook, Mercury VesselView 5-inch display, Maxwell windlass controller, and other components. Electrical system controls are through the OctoPlex NMEA monitor.
In Style
The 45 comes in two styles: a cruising/dive model and a fishing version for the serious tourney crowd. For the latter, the galley can be converted to a tackle and prep area with
storage drawers for lures, hooks and gear. Additional rod holders are accessible around the boat including six built into the transom, convenient when fishing off the swim platform, as well as a transom livewell. Fish box freezer plates and outriggers are also available.
Owners can choose from a multitude of wood options, paint schemes and even matching engine cowling colors. From Marshall’s prolific pen, the Divergence 45 has a sleek yet aggressive style and design that amplifies the functions of the yacht. The broken sheer that sweeps from the high freeboard forward, the raked windshield and the low-profile
hardtop says this machine means business for both cruising and fishing in style.
Ocean Alexander knows there is a good market for center consoles and outboard-driven vessels and why they’ve taken the bold step with the Divergence 45. It’s not a typo.
The Ocean Alexander 100 is undergoing a redesign since its successful debut in 2014. With world-renowned Evan K. Marshall as the designer, the OA 100 (100’2″ LOA, 23′ beam) has the feel of a megayacht. The innovative use of aluminum I-beams allows for an open interior that lets in natural light. Owners and guests will also enjoy the incredible views at sea.
The Ocean Alexander 100 offers features found on larger yachts, including a newly designed main deck with an on-deck master stateroom. With 10 guests in 5 ensuite cabins and with an enclosed skylounge, the owner has design flexibility for entertainment and guest spaces, and in main areas such as the galley, access to staterooms, crew accommodations, and maintenance areas of the yacht. oceanalexander.com
This year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is showcasing the newest yachts available. With all the gleaming yachts on display, we offer here some of the newest of the new, refreshed and ready for your inspection.
Absolute 52Fly and 56Fly
A relative newcomer on the mid-range scene is the Italian-built Absolute Yachts. Since 2002, the builder has slowly expanded its offerings to include five different lines from the speedy sport cruiser line to the full-displacement Navetta. There is a family styling of sleek exterior lines that are distinctly Italian. This year the builder will unveil two new flybridge models to the North American market, the 52Fly and the 56Fly. Both yachts sleep six in three cabins, including a full-beam master with ensuite, a forepeak VIP and a twin, and have a flybridge made for outdoor living with a BBQ and second helm. The larger model includes extra outdoor space for those who prefer more seabreezes in their hair. absoluteyachts.com
Azimut Atlantis 50 Open
Azimut Yachts has long been a player in the North American market and will be out in full force this year. The Italian builder’s Atlantis line of sport cruisers will introduce its 50 Open. The lower deck can be fitted out with two or three cabins, depending on the owner’s preference. A full-beam master and a forepeak VIP can be complemented by a twin cabin, but it’s the main deck where the Open series shines. Only a few steps separate the swimming platform—with room for a small tender—from the flush main deck, with no steps between the helm, saloon or galley for you to stub your toe. The twin 600-hp Cummins engines ensure a top speed of 32 knots and a cruise of 28.
The Azimut 80 is an evolution of previous yachts, including the 72. The semicustom yachts all feature four ensuite cabins, but Azimut offers interior décor options to fit the owner’s style. And this yacht was designed to take advantage of the outdoor spaces with a massive cockpit and expansive flybridge. Even the interior, with large windows in the saloon and owner’s cabin, was designed to take advantage of the sea. Even at 80 feet, two 1550-hp MAN engines can help propel the yacht to a top speed of 30 knots. azimutyachts.com
Benetti Veloce 140
At 140 feet, the new Benetti Veloce isn’t the standard production yacht, but she’s the Italian builder’s first in a line of fast displacement motoryachts. Cheers, the first in the series, took full advantage of this new hull shape, which combines high-performance speeds with the comfort of a displacement hull. Benetti has dubbed the hull D2P for “displacement to planing.” She’s designed to sleep 12 guests in six cabins as well as 8 crew members. She was also fitted out with the largest engines installed at Benetti’s Viareggio, Italy, yard: twin 3,400-hp MTU engines. Semi-custom means this first of the line has features designed specifically for her Brazilian owner including a sundeck bar, a main-deck gym and massage area. benettiyachts.it
Chris Craft 34 Catalina
American builder Chris-Craft is known for its beautifully crafted runabout boats, and the newest 34 Catalina is no exception. The center console boat takes full advantage of the space with multiple converting features. A molded bimini includes an extra pull-out shade to shade the captain and any guests, the transom seating folds up and down but doesn’t need to be moved to access the swim platform, and two tables can be added or removed in the bow and aft. The space can come in handy when the fish are biting as there are four rod holders, a 40-gallon livewell, and two fishbones. Behind the helm, a small galley can whip up a light meal to replenish the guests, while the center console conceals a cabin and day head. (Showers can be taken on the swim platform with the built-in showerhead.) Chris-Craft has packed a lot of features into a 34-foot boat, perfect for active anglers and sunseekers. chriscraft.com
Fairline Targa 48 Open
The star of the Fairline display of six yachts will be the Targa 48 Open, which is making its Fort Lauderdale Boat Show debut. Designers at the British builder developed a new hullform to take advantage of the highly maneuverable IPS power package on board. The yacht, which debuted at the Miami boat show, has plenty of space for entertaining. Below deck are two ensuite cabins, while the spacious cockpit is covered by a retractable bimini. To really enjoy the sun and sea, the Open has a submersible swim platform for watersports. This first of the 48-foot range even has space in the transom for an optional jet tender. Fairline was able to fit the amenities of a larger yacht into a well-designed 48-foot space. fairline.com
Grand Banks 55 Aleutian RP
No matter how popular a model is there’s always opportunity for builders to evolve and provide additional amenities for boat owners. Grand Banks applied this idea to its 55 Aleutian RP—an evolution of the previous 53. The extra interior volume is designed to make long passages as comfortable as possible. In the main saloon, the entertaining space has been divided into two spaces: lounging on two sofas, and eating and navigating in the raised pilothouse. On the lower level, there are three spacious cabins as well as a necessary utility room, with room for an optional washer and dryer for the owner-operator. The full-beam owner’s cabin has plenty of storage. Through the evolution, Grand Banks maintained its DNA of quality shipbuilding and seahandling. grandbanks.com
Hargrave 94
Custom builder Hargrave generally has one of the most active stands during the show, filled with both new and brokerage yachts. This year, they’ll have two new models available as the centerpieces. In addition to a 76′ wide-body yacht—an evolution of the 76′ with sidedecks—there will be a new 94′ Adventure Us II, which the Hargrave team designed to accommodate the needs of three generations. The extended family is accommodated in four cabins that take into account all of the families’ wants and needs such as spaces that are easy to maneuver for those with mobility issues and king-sized beds. All the tech and gadgets to keep the grandkids occupied are on board, though the full complement of water toys could pull even the most smartphone-addicted guest away from the screen. Holidays aboard will have all the guests gathered around either the flybridge dining table, which seats 18, or the main dining table, which seats 12. hargravecustomyachts.com
Hatteras 70 GT Open
Launching a new boat model is one thing but North Carolina-based builder Hatteras is introducing a whole new series of yachts this year. The new Hatteras Express Series will debut with the 45 EX—designed to accommodate all sorts of boating interests. One model will be fitted out as a traditional tournament-style sportfisherman, and the other will appeal to cruisers, with any and all accoutrements available. The Express Series maintains the classic Hatteras lines while improving its sound deadening and performance. In addition to the two display models, Hatteras will offer a variety of layouts. Over the next few seasons, Hatteras will continue to expand the Express Series, starting with a 52—perhaps just in time for the first owners of the 45 to want a little bit more space. The company is also introducing the 70GT, which brings a new standard to sportfishing vessels while celebrating the convertible style and performance that launched the Carolina legend. The 70GT is proven to excel in any sea condition and outfitted for comfortable, long-range traveling with Deep propeller pockets, closed-cell foam coring, twin 1,900-bhp CAT C32A diesels, optional Sea Keeper gyro stabilization, and multiple crew configurations. hatterasyachts.com
Horizon E88
Semi-custom boatbuilding means that a builder may start a yacht with a general plan, but at any point an owner can step in and make changes to suit his lifestyle in a much shorter build time. Horizon Yachts will be displaying the E88, which underwent the build transition. Horizon had intended this yacht to join their stock vessels before her new owners stepped in. Fortunately, the owners were still able to made the changes needed to accommodate their entertaining needs and focused most of their attention on the outdoor space. A bar greets guests in the cockpit, where the owners also added room to lounge on sunpads and a seating area. For alfresco dining, there’s a table on the bow in addition to the traditional interior dining space, which is served by a pass-through window from the main deck galley. A hydraulic swim platform makes watersports even easier. To really make it their own, the owners eliminated the fourth cabin to create a full-beam master. All the customization gave the owners their dream boat—and in a dream timeline. horizonyacht.com
Horizon PC52
Prolific builder Horizon will be introducing a new model into its lineup of motoryachts, megayachts and catamarans. Joining the ever-growing fleet of Horizon catamarans, the first PC52, Quintessence, is an evolution of the PC60 and maintains the seafaring capabilities and same lines as her predecessor. She was designed by her American owners to be easy to handle without crew, but the yard anticipates the model will also appeal to owners looking to downsize. With a 22-foot beam, three cabins are below deck: the master on the starboard and a VIP and twin to port. The main deck is dedicated to entertaining from the interior saloon and galley to the exterior aft deck and flybridge with a full bar and ample seating. The outdoor space will be put to good use when the owners cruise through South Florida and The Bahamas. Despite being fully loaded with all the amenities, top speed on this 50-footer will reach 22 knots thanks to 550-hp Cummins, making island hopping a breeze. horizonyacht.com
Intrepid 475 Panacea
Building a boat that can appease any type of owner can be a real challenge, but Intrepid Boats believes it has accomplished such a feat in the 475 Panacea, debuting in Miami earlier this year. The 47-footer has an open cockpit with built-in fishboxes, perfect for reeling in big game fish, but when the seats are all in place, six couples can cruise the coast comfortably. The foredeck sunpads are just as adaptable. They can convert to a table for alfresco dining but they also disguise a cabin beneath. The side-entry door leads to an island V-berth, a small galley and a full head with shower. A hard bimini will keep the captain cool at the center console helm, equipped with every piece of electronics the modern boat owner needs. Intrepid designed the 475 Panacea to live up to its name as the solution to nearly every need. intrepidboats.com
MJM Yachts
After years of slowly expanding its inventory and offerings, MJM Yachts will introduce its newest—and largest—vessel to date. The 50z maintains the beautiful lines and family heritage of the other MJM Yachts, as Bob Johnstone has worked to optimize the yacht for both efficiency and performance. With the triple 435-hp engine package, the 50z will be able to top out at 38 knots, but at 25 knots, she’ll have a range of 470 nautical miles. If the IPS package is chosen, a second helm and joystick control will make the yacht easy to dock without a crew. Perfect for long-range cruises, the 50z comes standard with gyrostabilizers for the most comfortable ride. As for entertaining, the 50z is designed to accommodate both daytime and nighttime relaxation. The large cockpit can fit a small gathering comfortably, while the two standard staterooms offer a private retreat. mjmyachts.com
Jeanneau Velasco 43F
The French builder of power and sailboats expands its popular Velasco line of yachts with the 43F. The newest model is an evolution of the 43, with a softened exterior profile thanks to a sloping windshield and a radar arch replacing the mast. The 43F is designed for high-speed cruising in all weather conditions, which is the same through the model line. The interior is contemporary and airy, thanks to tall windows that offer full 360-degree views. jeanneau.com
Magnum Marine
This year Magnum Marine released its anniversary book documenting the brand’s beginnings in the 1960s with Don Aronow, and ends on a photo of the 51, which will debut this year. The blue-hulled yacht was sold to a Cuban-American and will speed through the waters off Miami Beach. Lightweight construction and extensive tank testing makes this vessel as environmentally friendly as a high-speed yacht can be. Her twin 1,600-hp MTUs and surface drives propel the Magnum to 70 mph but only burns 100 gallons per hour. Her narrow-V hull slices through the chop, making crossings in what could otherwise be off-putting conditions. The open yacht has plenty of room to spend onboard during long crossings. The cabin features a master ensuite with a queen-sized berth, main saloon, galley, and crew quarters. Magnum Marine’s newest model will shortly be followed by 60 and 70 versions that will share the same hull form and environmental considerations. magnummarine.com
Marlow 70E
Marlow Yachts has had a busy year developing and launching three new models to debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show: the 58E, the 61E and the 66E.The 58E and 66E replace previous Marlow models, each of which had a run longer than a decade. The 58E eschews the crew quarters of its predecessor, the 57E, in favor of a larger stowage area in the lazarette, perfect for the active owner-operator. In the interior, the styling has been refreshed and enlarged for today’s market. Marlow focused on changes that would make long-range cruising even more comfortable for the owner—from the stand-up engine room to larger cabins.The evolution of the 66E from the 65 improved both efficiency and range as well as a sleeker new profile and 25 percent more interior volume. Not only do the cabins and main saloon have increased space, but the cockpit also has more space and stowage. The increased speed and range will make the 66E an even more sought-after Marlow than the 65. With semicustom design, Marlow was able to adapt its 61E to incorporate an enclosed bridge to accommodate all-weather cruising. It’s that attention to detail that keep Marlow Yachts in demand. marlowyachts.com
Monte Carlo 4
Italian yacht designers have again partnered with Beneteau to produce the latest in the Monte Carlo line. A strong competitor in the 45-foot range, the new Monte Carlo 4 offers a clear delineation between daytime entertaining and nighttime relaxation. The daytime will be spent either on the main deck, which stretches from the cockpit to helm on one deck, or on the sleek flybridge. The two dining tables, one indoor and one outdoor, can seat six for meals, which can be prepped on the main-deck galley. When it’s time to turn in, there are two lower deck ensuite cabins, a full-beam master with large windows and a forepeak VIP cabin. The Monte Carlo 4 offers proven Italian design in the brand’s newest and most compact package. montecarloyachts.it
Monte Carlo 86
Monte Carlo Yachts is still a relative newcomer on the yachting market having just launched its first yacht in 2008. Over the last six years, the Italian builder has slowly grown its line of yachts and this year introduces its fourth and largest yacht yet. Despite the larger size—both in length and beam—the MCY 86 continues the evolution of the brand’s exterior styling, but the interior offers owners the flexibility of a semi-custom yacht. The lower deck can accommodate three, four, or five cabins while the upper decks have a variety of available floorplans. The fold-down balconies are the newest technological advance, which provide extra outdoor space as well as uninterrupted views from the main saloon. The rest of the main deck is designed for entertaining. The saloon blends into the main dining room forward and the cockpit aft. The wide-open flybridge has room for sun loungers aft, while fixed furniture offers shade behind the second helm. The bimini features a retractable awning to make the best of any weather day. There is even room for a Jacuzzi. Monte Carlo Yachts designed the amenities of the MYC 86 to satisfy an owner looking for a larger yacht. montecarloyachts.it
Ocean Alexander 100
Yacht models are continually evolving products, and the newest Ocean Alexander is the perfect example. The new 100-footer was developed based on feedback from owners and potential clients of the OA 90, who were interested in chartering the yacht but felt there wasn’t enough room. Ocean Alexander examined the layout and ended up expanding the crew quarters, which can now accommodate five, including the captain’s double cabin. They also expanded the galley, pantry, and wine cooler to make service easier for the crew—or an owner-operator. Finally, the flybridge was expanded and, in the first model, features an open layout with a bar and Jacuzzi for entertaining or sunbathing. Like the 90′, the 100′ features four ensuite cabins, including a full-beam master. The yachts also share the same high-end finishes and appliances, so new and returning Ocean Alexander clients will recognize the quality of the fit and finish, and charter guests will appreciate it as well. oceanalexander.com
Oceanic Yachts 90
Searching for a yacht with transatlantic range and Italian design can be a difficult requirement list to accommodate, but the expansion of the commercial yard Canados into the yachting line Oceanic Yachts offers both. Oceanic Yachts began with a 140-foot, this year will introduce a 90-foot, and in 2015 will add a 120-foot. The yacht line is designed to increase both interior and exterior volumes, carry tenders and toys on board, and run at an economic speed with low fuel consumption. The 90-footer introduces the builder’s DiElec mode, which lets the captain alternate between twin Caterpiller C32 Acerts for speeds up to 27 knots or twin generators for 8 knots. The crowning design feature of the 90-foot is an upper deck master suite with a private deck; three additional cabins are on the lower deck. Oceanic paid special attention to sound dampening between the cabins, social spaces and engine room. The designers were even able to fit a 21-foot RIB in the tender garage. The careful planning behind the newest addition to the Oceanic Yacht range carries on the tradition of the brand. oceanicyachts-shipyard.com
Paragon 100
The decade-old Paragon Motoryachts will be introducing its newest 100-footer this year. Built in Taiwan, the salty American-design Tenacity is a high-volume yacht capable of making long passages. A roomy crew area aft on the lower deck can sleep four, and the guest quarters forward features three double ensuite cabins including a full-beam VIP. The main deck has a large open saloon and two dining areas, one inside and one out. The master cabin is on the bridge deck with an aft-facing bed and a private deck. Tenacity was built to an owner’s specifications and makes a perfect template for a long-range cruiser. paragonmotoryachts
Prestige 420
French builder Prestige will be introducing two new models on each end of the size spectrum. The Prestige 420 is the smallest in the builder’s Express line of yachts. The hull was designed to provide a lot of internal volume and also reap the most efficiency out of the IPS systems. On the main deck, plenty of windows were added to the main saloon to keep it bright and airy, and each of the two lower deck cabins is accessed by its own staircase for privacy. On the other end of the range, Prestige will introduce its largest yacht, the 750. Prestige designed the yacht to bring guests as close to the sea as possible with wide windows in the saloon and an extra-large swim platform. The yacht can sleep eight guests, including a main-deck master and a full-beam VIP on the lower level, and two crew aft. This Fort Lauderdale Boat Show will reveal how the Prestige model line is expanding—in both directions. prestige-yachts.com
Princess 60
Princess Yachts has always had a formidable display at the world’s boat shows. This year at Fort Lauderdale will be no different. In addition to its many lines of popular motoryachts, there will be new and refreshed additions to the models. The Princess 60 has long been one of the most popular yachts from the builder, but the refreshed version has wraparound windows to let light into the saloon. Above, more seating and stowage has been added to the flybridge. New to the model lineup is the Princess 43, an entry point to high-end family cruisers. A large swim platform eases into the cockpit, which is then separated from the saloon with sliding doors. The flybridge features plenty of seating and sunpads and will probably be the spot where the family congregates. The lower deck features a main cabin in the forepeak and a starboard aft twin cabin. princessyachtsamerica.com
Pursuit DC 325
The hybrid cruiser and fishing boat has been taking the market by storm with Pursuit leading the pack. The latest in the family-friendly, angler-approved vessels is the Dual Console 325. This bowrider boat is designed to handle whatever the day brings, whether that means handling a hard day fishing or cruising. There’s refrigeration and an optional electric grill to keep everyone on board fed and happy and when it’s time to drop a line, the DC 325 has plenty of gear stowage and cockpit space. A hardtop and fixed windows keep guests on this 35-footer protected from the sun or rain. The forward ladder lets guests disembark where the draft is shallower or directly onto the beach. The DC 325, the newest addition to Pursuit’s lineup, is the latest boat to bridge the divide between cruising and fishing—ideal for everyday boating.pursuitboats.com
Regal 2800
This American builder is an expert in the family cruiser and designed the new 2800 to lead the market in design, fuel efficiency and speed. With sleek lines from the bow to the cockpit, the entire boat was designed to be flexible for whatever the day throws at cruisers. The helm keeps all the controls nearby with a wraparound design, while the cockpit can go from forward-facing speedster to wraparound lounger. To increase the speed and decrease fuel consumption, Regal designed its FasTrac hull and developed the 2800 to work with the design. A full-beam, below-water step reduces drag and improves overall performance. With the open layout, Regal has designed the 2800 to fit any day cruiser’s need. regalboats.com
Riva 122
The glamorous history of Riva lives on in the Riva 122 Mythos. Riva gained worldwide stardom with Brigitte Bardot posing on the boats in the 1960s, and now the Italian company debuts the largest addition to the Riva range. The 123-foot yacht was designed for high-speed island hopping or cruising along the Mediterranean coast. Her twin 3500-hp MTUs are capable of propelling the lightweight aluminum yacht up to 28.5 knots. A foredeck seating area will be the best place for guests to feel the breeze in their hair. Speed wasn’t the only consideration. Throughout the yacht are high-end fit and finishes, chosen so that every guest on board basks in luxury. The flybridge is solely for sunbathing and lounging in the Jacuzzi. The exterior profile of the Mythos maintains its sleek coupe profile by omitting the bimini. Inside, Riva designers created a flexible, open-plan layout. The saloon flows easily into the dining space on the main deck. Below, the Mythos can sleep up to 10 in three, four or five cabins. The Riva 122 Mythos is designed to get guests to the party fast—or just bring the party along. riva-yacht.com
Sanlorenzo SD112
Italian builder Sanlorenzo has had a busy year of launches and new models. The newest to the North American market will be the SD112, christened O. The semi-displacement yacht has already attracted attention even before the boat show circuit–the builder had sold five more of the line before O even launched. With the dedication to outdoor living and well-planned layouts, it’s easy to see why. The main deck strives to be as versatile as possible. It’s totally enclosed if the weather turns foul but, more important, the door separating the cockpit and main saloon disappears and two fold-down balconies open to truly catch the sea breeze. O maintains the exterior lines of other SD models, which allows this tri-deck yacht to stay streamlined. She’ll sleep 10 in five cabins, a main-deck owners’ cabin and four cabins on the lower deck. Her interior décor was designed to suit her Central American owner’s tastes and incorporates many Italian designers. O is just the first SD112 to launch, but Sanlorenzo will also have two planing yachts on display—the SL96 and the SL106—an ideal offering for you to compare and identify your perfect yachting style.sanlorenzoamericas.com
Scout 300 LXF
The newest addition to Scout’s LXF line, the 300 is part of the center console builder’s highly sought-after boats that combine high-performance sportfishing and luxury cruising. For fishing, there are in-floor fishboxes as well as additional storage under the forward seating and under the starboard console. For hosting family and friends, there’s plenty of seating as well as dual swim platforms. The fully cushioned berth folds up for standing room and there’s an electric head. The 300 LXF incorporates the builder’s newest innovation to control the electronics via buttons on a key fob. Another innovation is the NuV3 hull designed to increase fuel efficiency. scoutboats.com
Sea Ray 470 Sundancer
Walk into nearly any marina in the U.S. and there will be a Sea Ray tied up, and soon there will be three new marques among them at the docks. A sporty new 19 SPX will be offered with three different packages: Elevation, for towing; AllSport, for fishing and skiing; and Comfort, for family-friendly cruising. The customizable boat will also be offered with a variety of propulsion packages and at an affordable pricepoint, which includes the motors and trailer. Sea Ray will also introduce the newest addition to its line of deckboats: the 270 Sundeck. Available in either sterndrive or outboard, the 270 features the popular aft-facing transom seating. Finally, the popular Sundancer line has a new model. The 470 took lessons from the 510 and applied them to the newest coupe. For cruisers in often-unseasonable climates such as the shortened summer season of the north or the blazing heat of the south, the 470 offer a seamless indoor-outdoor option to keep guests comfortable. The three newest Sea Rays are expected to be as popular as their predecessors. searay.com
Sunreef 70
Last year Sunreef introduced IPS into its 60 Power. This year, the 70 Power 1 Life was launched with the propulsion system, designed to make handling and maneuvering the beamy catamaran much easier. The built-to-order Sunreef also has an hydraulic swim platform to ease boarding from a tender. In the case of 1 Life, Sunreef didn’t need to redesign the yacht to introduce a new model. sunreef-yachts.com
Tiara 44 Coupe
Although most boat builders tend to go larger when introducing a new boat model, Tiara will be introducing a more compact version of its new coupe line, the new 44 Coupe. The 44 will have the same fit and finish as the larger 50 Coupe and offer a selection of interior color options. Also similar to the 50, the 44 will be powered by IPS drives. Tiara designed the layout, which also mimics the 50, to separate the active daytime from the downtime night. In the forward cabin there’s a two-cabin, two-head layout, with the master in the forepeak and a twin aft. That leaves the main deck for entertaining, with the wraparound table, galley and helm in the saloon, and a large seating area in the cockpit. Tiara’s expansion of the Coupe line with the new 44 was designed to attract a boat owner looking to expand their cruising range. tiarayachts.com
Viking 92
Viking Yachts has been busy designing and building three new models to debut to appeal to every style of boating. For the sportfishermen, Viking has the new 52 Sport Tower, modeled on the hull of the popular and proven 52 Convertible. The New Jersey-based builder replaced the saloon with an open deckhouse to make accessing the cockpit seamless. And for the competitive angler who needs just a touch more room, Viking has a new flagship in the 92. The yacht has six cabins on the lower level to accommodate an entire crew during the long days of a tournament. For the cruiser, Viking has reintroduced a motoryacht, its first since 2001 while maintaining its dedication to exceptional seakeeping and handling. Inside, the fit and finish of the 75 is top notch, from the four staterooms on the lower deck to the open flybridge. On the main deck, the open saloon blends seamlessly into the dining area, the galley and up to the helm. There are plenty of cozy spaces in this well-laid-out motoryacht. vikingyachts.com
By Alyssa Haak for Southern Boating Magazine October/November 2014
