Victoriano’s bottom is solid fiberglass and her topsides and superstructure are cored with closed-cell foam. Structural engineering follows the recommendations of Norwegian classification society DNV (det Norske Veritas) and classification is offered. Systems are designed in accordance with U.S. standards, which Joyce suggests eliminates the confusion at the yard that sometimes occurs with boats built to European standards. Most of what goes into Hargrave yachts, from engines to sinks, is shipped from the U.S. to the yard for installation. “We start at the back end—reliability and serviceability,” says Joyce who notes that Jack Hargrave was not into gimmicks, either. “There was no advantage to being aboard the first wagon train wandering west—the equipment we specify is proven.” Victoriano is powered with a pair of 1,675-horsepower Caterpillar C32 diesels and has a maximum speed of 21 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots.
“I figure I’m the luckiest guy in the world,” said Joyce. “Folks that we build yachts for are some of the brightest, most successful people on the planet, and when they talk, I listen.” Joyce is betting that boats like Victoriano are the future—and since luck’s got nothing to do with how a Hargrave is made, odds are he’s right.
Hargrave Custom Yachts, (954) 463-0555, www.hargrave.org
