Aicon 72 Open: The Aicon Group operates three shipyards in Sicily, at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, and launches some of the nicest boats seen in the Med since the days of Odysseus. The Aicon 72 Open is the newest, a sleek and sexy three-cabin yacht that’s equally adept as cruiser or dayboat. With twin diesels, either 1,500 hp MTUs or 1,550 hp Cats, the 72 Open tops out at 38 knots (cruise 33). Two gensets, 22- and 15.5kW, provide plenty of electrical juice. A garage aft holds the inflatable, and the bowthruster makes snaking into a tight Mediterranean mooring a snap. The side windows in the deckhouse lower electrically, like those on your Ferrari, to make it easier to see aft without leaving the helm.
The 72 Open’s lower helm station, saloon and cockpit are on one level, so opening the after doors creates an extra-large living space. Standard layout is a full-beam master stateroom amidships, and a queen-berth cabin forward. A second guest cabin has twin berths; both guest cabins have their own heads. Two crew can live in a sunken cabin between the master and the engineroom, out of sight, out of mind. But maybe buyers will choose to cruise crewless. Aicon Yacht, (04) 39 090 9385301; www.aicongroup.it
Azimut 105: Designed by Stefano Righini, the Azimut 105 is a dreamboat for folks who cruise with a crowd, or who charter their yachts. Guests will enjoy the large flybridge, equipped with not only a barbeque and wet bar with refrigerator, but a five-jet Jacuzzi as well. Four lounges provide ample area for catching rays.
Carlo Galeazzi designed the Azimut 105 interior somewhat in the style of an Italian villa. Furniture is upholstered with loosely woven natural fibers and can be moved to create a cozy conversation pit, or give each guest his or her space. Colors are subtle, ranging from anthracite to something Azimut calls a “sandy melange. Cabinetry is cherry. Two standard layouts are available: One places the owner’s suite forward on the main deck, with four guest cabins on the lower deck; the second moves the owner onto the lower deck, with just three guest cabins, but adds more common areas on the main deck. (A third layout is designed especially for charter.) Twin 2,000 hp MTUs produce a top speed of 27 knots, cruise speed of 24; 4,491 gallons of fuel provide about 30 hours of cruise time. Azimut, (011) 39 011 93 161; www.azimutyachts.net
Baia ONE: Folks who’ve spent time in the Mediterranean always remark on the sleek and sexy dayboats favored by the Italians. The new ONE from Baia takes the genre to a new height. This 43-foot, 9-inch beauty looks like a runabout on steroids, with a cockpit roomy enough for several signorinas on chaise lounges, a couple of built-in bistro chairs facing a polished-wood minibar and a teardrop table ideal for serving anitpasti. A double transom door opens to a roomy swim platform. Like most things Italian, the ONE is impeccably built and detailed and might be just the boat to make you stop dreaming about that trawler.
The ONE comes in both Sport and Force versions. The Force has a bit more standard equipment, cooler options (a hardtop, for example, cockpit air-conditioning and a bowthruster) and bigger engines: Instead of the Sport’s Volvo Penta D6 diesels and sterndrives, the Force comes with more powerful Yanmars and Arnesons. Both models carry 290 gallons of fuel, 97 gallons of fresh water and visions of la dolce vita. Baia, (39) 081 8687231; www.baiayacht.com
Bertram 670 Convertible: Bertram’s 670 Convertible has been that marque’s flagship since its launch in 2002, but now the boat is even better: The interior has been redesigned for 2006, adding a staircase from the saloon to the flying bridge and cutting down the galley to improve the sense of openness in the cabin. A mezzanine provides space for spectators to watch the action in the 168-square-foot cockpit. Power options now include 1,825 hp Cat diesels as well as 2,000 hp MTUs, which produce 38 knots max, 34 cruise. The 670 C is available in both open- and enclosed-bridge models.
What Bertram didn’t change about the 670 C is what made it great in the first place: The boat rides on a proven hull that’s a direct descendant of Ray Hunt’s original deep-V, but now enhanced by the Bertram team’s 40 years of offshore experience. The 670 has a sharper entry for a smoother ride and strakes to throw the spray aside to ensure an exceptionally dry cockpit. Fishermen will also appreciate the large bait-prep area, stand-up rod stowage and voluminous fishboxes. Belowdecks, the 670 C has four staterooms (two with twin berths) and four heads, for when the last line has been reeled in. Bertram Yacht, Inc., (305) 633-8011; www.bertram.com
Carver 43 Motor Yacht: Most two-stateroom motoryachts in the 40-something size range have their cabins cheek-by-jowl, so when somebody snores in one, the folks in the other wake up. Now Consider Carver’s new 43 Motor Yacht: The master stateroom is aft, the guest stateroom is forward, and the saloon and galley in between. Privacy, thy name is Carver. Both staterooms have double berths, an island in the master and an offset forward. Each cabin has an en suite head. The galley is to starboard, opposite a cozy dinette; it’s fitted with granite-style countertops, a two-burner cooktop, upright refrigerator/freezer and a microwave/convection oven.
The 43 Motor Yacht’s carpeted saloon has two Flexsteel barrel chairs on one side, a comfortable lounge opposite. A 20-inch LCD TV/DVD provides entertainment, along with a stereo and satellite radio receiver with four speakers. There’s another lounge outside, on the aft deck, large enough for six adults, adjacent to molded access stairs to the bridge. The aft deck also has a wet bar and stereo speakers; wing doors port and starboard provide access to the side decks, and a wide electronics arch provides shade and UV protection on hot summer days. Carver offers the 43 Motor Yacht with a long list of standard equipment; engine options include twin gas and diesel to 480 hp each. Carver Boat Corporation, (920) 822-3214; www.carveryachts.com
Cruisers 427 Sport Sedan: The folks at Cruisers Yachts claim their new 427 Sport Sedan has the best visibility in its class from both the flying bridge and the saloon, thanks to large windows positioned so crew members standing or seated can enjoy the passing scenery. Even in the midships stateroom, six opening portholes provide cross-ventilation and visibility. Other features of the 427 Sport Sedan include a full skiff windshield to provide all-weather protection and a dash of electronics. Away from the helm, the flying bridge is designed for comfort and entertainment, with a L-shaped lounge, wet bar area and ultra-chic aft sun lounge. The helm console, with its custom captain’s chair, is positioned on the centerline to maximize walk-around space.
In the saloon, there’s an L-shaped sofa to port and a sofa/sleeper opposite. The adjacent U-shaped galley makes it easy to serve guests seated at the crescent dinette. Belowdecks, the master stateroom forward has a queen-sized island berth and a head with separate shower. A second stateroom aft has twin berths that can convert to a queen, a sitting area and access to a second head. Power options include twin 420 hp Volvo Penta gas engines and Volvo Penta and Yanmar diesels from 370 to 480 hp each. Cruisers Yachts, (920) 834-2211; www.cruisersyachts.com
Egg Harbor 50 Sport Yacht: Since Dr. Ira Trocki bought the company in 1999, Egg Harbor has re-emerged as a major player in the sportfisherman universe, good news to codgers who remember the graceful Egg Harbor 37 of the 1960s. The latest boat to rise from Trocki’s Phoenix is the 50 Sport Yacht, described by the company as “a fast gun for the battlefront. The boat comes tournament-ready, with a bait-prep center with tackle drawers, sink, cutting board and freezer. There’s a large lift-out fishbox with a macerator to get rid of the gurry, a recirculating livewell and a generous transom door. Advanced hull design and lightweight composites produce one of the longest ranges of any 50-foot sportfisherman; power comes from twin Cat diesels from 700 to 1,000 hp each.
The flying bridge is set up for the serious angler, with amidships helm offering clear sightlines all around, fore and aft overhangs to extend usable space and a starboard-side opening for easy and safe access. Belowdecks, the 50 Sport Yacht has three staterooms, two with queen berths and two full heads. The galley is up, opposite a convertible dinette, and there’s a roomy L-shaped settee as well. Buyers can select from four decor schemes. Like all Egg Harbors, the 50 Sport Yacht is covered by a five-year hull warranty. Egg Harbor Yachts, (609) 965-2300; www.eggharboryacht.com
Fairline Squadron 66: Since the company was bought by its former management team in 2005, Fairline has introduced three new models, the Targa 47 and 52 Gran Turismos and this Squadron 66; a Targa 38 is in the works for 2006. The new Squadron incorporates many of the cool features found on Fairline’s flagship Squadron 74, including a teak-soled cockpit roomy enough for free-standing furniture. A concealed, remote-controlled hydraulic passarelle makes Med-mooring less strenuous; lights in the flying bridge overhang create a sultry mood after sundown. The bridge is equally luxurious, with a barbeque, wet bar and refrigerator, and enough room to stow a PWC or tender. A crane makes handling either one easy. The Squadron 66 comes completely equipped, right down to the docklines.
Belowdecks, buyers can choose between a standard four-cabin layout and a three-cabin set-up with an office/laundry room. Both arrangements include a full-beam master stateroom amidships, a queen guest cabin forward and a twin to port. Crew will live aft, in a twin cabin with head under the cockpit. The saloon, galley and lower helm are on a single level, with direct deck access from the galley as well as through the saloon-handy for line handling and crew use. The Squadron 66 can be powered with twin MAN or Cat diesels from 1,100 to 1,550 hp each; a 22.5kW Onan genset is standard. Fairline Boats of N.A., (954) 525-7430; www.fairline.com
Ferretti Group: Aprea Mare already makes yachts that look like no one else’s. When first introduced 20 years ago, the classic Aprea Mare echoed traditional Italian fishing boats, evidently provoking the same nostalgic reaction that Americans had to the first leisure-oriented lobster boats. With the new 65, however, they seem to be making another design statement-one that combines a pilothouse worthy of a trawler with the high gloss of a luxury motoryacht. The teak-capped dark blue hull encloses a three-cabin layout, with a main cabin amidships; the saloon boasts large windows to add to the pilothouse’s panoramic view. The spatial flow between saloon and cockpit is generous, even sweeping when the transom folds down to form a swim and lounging platform. Pleasure is matched with power thanks to twin MTU V-10 2000s, which bring 1,550 hp each to the party. According to CEO Aldo Aprea, the company is slated to present a whole new line in the 65’s style.
Some yachts are interesting because of styling, while others have innovative engineering for the tech-minded. The Ferretti 881 is a bit of both. From the style aspect, the boat’s large hull windows, intended to provide light to the master suite and head, are almost underwater when running at speed. Sit back, relax and watch the fish go by. Aside from the master with its marineland view, the Ferretti has another double cabin forward, along with a pair of twins. Each has an en suite head finished in cherry and marble. Aft of the master are two crew cabins with access to the engineroom.
Now for the tech side: While most yachts rely on stabilizers to attenuate rolling, Ferretti uses a gyroscope. The anti-rolling gyro (ARG) provides stability from the spinning rotor. And the ARG works even when the yacht’s at rest. Standard power for the Ferretti is twin 2030 hp MTU diesels running through V-drives; they produce a top speed of 32 knots, cruise of 27 knots. Cruising range is 400 miles. The yacht has a stern garage for toys, with a drop-down door that, when open, becomes a teak-decked water-sports area.
The Mochi 44 Dolphin is a lobster yacht with an Italian accent, and possibly the smallest yacht to have a tender garage in the stern. The Victory design team managed to create this while still finding room belowdecks for a large master stateroom with an angled berth. Furniture and paneling are teak. A forward guest cabin, with twins, seems larger thanks to clever use of mirrors. The saloon has a U-shaped settee with table and the lower helm. Standard power is twin 575 hp Volvo Penta diesels. www.ferrettigroupusa.com
Grand Banks 59 Aleutian RP: Folks with their eyes on the far horizons, but who still feel the need for speed, will fall in love with the Grand Banks 59 Aleutian RP. Like all Grand Banks, it has a jaunty, go-to-sea profile, looking for all the world like a 10-knot cruiser. But under the hood is enough power to push the Aleutian to 25 knots for those days when you just gotta let loose. The boat rides on a modified V-hull (by Sparkman & Stephens and Grand Banks) that’s been tank-tested. Propeller tunnels cut draft to just 4 feet, 10 inches, so almost nowhere is off-limits. Like all Grand Banks, the Aleutian is built tough enough to pass along to your grandchildren, even if you’re still just a kid at heart.
The accommodations plan shows a roomy saloon with an L-shaped settee a couple of steps down from a spacious galley and dining area, both on the same level as the lower helm. The full-beam master stateroom is amidships on the lower deck, with a large guest cabin with queen berth forward and a twin-berth guest to port. There are three heads, one of which doubles as a day head. In Grand Banks tradition, there’s ample teak joinery with luxurious fabrics and first-class fixtures and fittings. Aft of the engineroom, there’s a cavernous lazarette below the roomy teak-soled cockpit. Grand Banks Yachts, Ltd., (800) 809-0909; www.grandbanks.com
Horizon 76: Since 1987, Horizon has delivered more than 400 semi-custom motoryachts to customers around the world. At the Miami Show, the company will feature its four-stateroom Horizon 76. The 76 is built with the SCRIMP resin-infusion process to maximize strength while reducing unnecessary weight; the hull is solid below the waterline, cored with Divinycell above, and is available with propeller pockets to reduce draft for thin-water cruising. Power is a pair of fuel-efficient 1,500 hp MTU M93 Common Rail V10 diesels. The 76 carries twin Onan 27.5kW gensets, and comes with hydraulic bow and stern thrusters and ABT stabilizers.
The 76 is available in two layouts, each with the full-beam master stateroom amidships, a VIP cabin forward and a twin-berth guest cabin in-between. Two additional cabins are aft of the engineroom; one layout has a twin and a single, while the other layout replaces the twins with a double berth. Both have a spacious “country kitchen, a large saloon and a day head on the main deck. The flying bridge has a custom hardtop, enclosure and air-conditioning. Horizon America, (561) 626-5615; www.horizonyacht.com
MARLOW EXPLORER 72E-LR: A new take from the meticulous mind of David Marlow is the Explorer 72E, called a “Long Range Cruiser and equipped with a bulb bow for serious offshore passagemaking. A longer waterline, larger fuel tanks and twin Lugger 700 hp engines provide a fuel-saving 19 knots for 1,300 miles, topping out at 21 knots; or, you can downshift to trawler time and run up to 3,000 miles. Nida Core Honeycomb is used throughout to take weight out of interiors while enhancing the rich, luxury feel that is a Marlow specialty. Synthetic teak decks are another advance, saving 1,500 pounds even as they go three to four years between varnishings. If the 72E’s owner’s intentions are serious, they can go about their expeditions secure in knowing it is the only yacht in its class to qualify for a Lloyds GMBS for Offshore Class One certificate. Contact Dottie Rutledge at (561) 483-8710, or email dottie@rdyc.net
Nordhavn 64: The Nordhavn 64 is a new addition to the company’s ever-growing line of long-range, full-displacement passagemakers. The new boat has cruising ranges of 1,600 nautical miles at 10.3 knots and 3,000 nautical miles at 9 knots, both under full-load conditions. The hull form, a refinement of Nordhavn’s Modified Full Displacement design, uses fuller aft sections to reduce squatting and pitching, while increasing static stability. Power is a single 400 hp Detroit Diesel with a dry exhaust; this eliminates the raw-water intake and pump, reducing the risk of problems at sea. A Lugger wing engine with its own shaft, folding prop, fuel supply and battery provides “get-home power should the main engine fail. It can push the Nordhavn 64 at 4 to 5 knots.
The high bow and extra freeboard of the Nordhavn 64 provide lots of interior volume. There’s a king-sized, walkaround berth and a desk in the midships owner’s stateroom, with two hanging lockers roomy enough to hold clothing for a circumnavigation. One guest stateroom has a double berth, the other one twins; both share a large guest head. The galley is large, with full-size appliances, including a Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer, four-burner Thermador stove with oven, trash compactor, dishwasher and top-load freezer. A bar wide enough for three chairs separates galley and saloon. Finally, long-distance cruisers will like the commercial-style pilothouse, with chart drawers, a four-person settee and table and a double-sized pilot berth for the off-watch. P.A.E., (949) 496-4848; www.nordhavn.com
Ocean 42 SS: Ocean Yachts is retiring its longtime favorite, the 40 SS, and replacing it with this sleek 42 Super Sport convertible sportfisherman. The new boat adds more than a foot of beam to create lots more interior volume than suggested by the two-foot length increase. Ocean says the 42 SS’s interior volume is “unsurpassed by any comparable product on the market. The boat has two staterooms and two heads with enclosed showers and Corian countertops. The saloon has an L-shaped lounge with rod stowage underneath (sofabed is optional), a plush upholstered chair, a teak table and an entertainment center with 20-inch LCD TV and a Bose Lifestyle 18 stereo CD/DVD player. A second LCD TV and stereo live in the master stateroom, forward on the lower deck. Headroom in most belowdecks areas is 6 feet, 6 inches.
Standard power is a pair of 510 hp Cat diesels that push the 42 SS faster than 30 knots and more powerful engines are available. The boat rides on a seaworthy hull developed in 2003 by Dave Martin and the Ocean Design Team, and now incorporated into every Ocean. Martin added deadrise forward for a softer ride, down-angled strakes to improve tracking and stability and increased propulsion efficiency by straightening the waterflow over the propellers and rudders. This hull heads offshore in weather that keeps others at home. Ocean Yachts, (609) 965-4616; www.oceanyachtsinc.com
Ocean Alexander 98: Ocean Alexander will introduce its new 98-footer at Miami. The yacht comes in Motor Yacht and Yacht Fisher versions; both are powered by twin 1,400 hp Caterpillar diesels, carry 4,000 gallons fuel and 650 gallons freshwater, and displace about 240,000 pounds. Both models enjoy modern, elegant exterior styling, and both are built of high-tech composites, including carbon fiber, vacuum-bagged to maximize strength and stiffness and minimize excess weight.
But belowdecks, the two yachts are much different. The Motor Yacht has a giant master stateroom amidships, with a king-size berth and his-and-hers heads. Three guest staterooms have queen berths and en suite heads, while the forepeak holds V-berths. Aft, crew quarters include separate captain’s and crew’s staterooms sharing a head. The galley, dinette and breakfast bar on the upper deck are a good place to hang out informally, while the vast saloon has the formal dining area and lounges aft. The Yacht Fisher, on the other hand, is set up with twin berths in two guest staterooms and the forepeak, and a master with a conventional single head and a king. A lazarette replaces the crew quarters. The Yacht Fisher’s upper deck is also arranged differently, more in keeping with the yacht’s piscatorial intentions. Both yachts can carry a RIB and toys on the flying bridge. Ocean Alexander, (206) 344-8566; www.oceanalexander.com
Outer Reef 65: Folks looking for a rugged long-range cruiser should check out the new Outer Reef 65 Pilothouse MY. The boat’s seagoing profile is no disguise: The 65 is set up for adventures on the far side of the horizon. Twin 500 hp Caterpillar C-9 diesels can provide speed for shorter passages or extended range when throttled back. Fuel supply is 2,000 gallons. Two Northern Lights gensets, 16- and 8-kW, provide plenty of juice for enjoying the yacht’s creature comforts away from the yellow cord. Naiad stabilizers help smooth rolling seas, and a Side Power bowthruster helps avoid docking mishaps.
Below, the Outer Reef 65 has a huge owner’s cabin amidships and a VIP cabin forward, both on the lower deck. A spacious saloon, galley and lower helm station occupy the upper deck, and the flying bridge has port and starboard L-lounges for, well, lounging. There’s room on the bridge for a RIB, and maybe a couple of water toys, too. The Outer Reef 65 is toughly built of hand-laid fiberglass with foam core above the waterline; vinylester resin fights osmosis. This is a yacht that should please even the most exacting bluewater cruisers. Outer Reef Yachts USA, (954) 924-0013; www.outerreefyachts.com
Sea Ray 60 Sundancer: At press time, this sleek 60 Sundancer was so new Sea Ray could send only preliminary specs; the first boat will be on display in Miami. Like all Sundancers, the 60 combines elegant styling, sumptuous interiors and exciting performance with so much standard equipment buyers can almost ignore the options list-unless they want ultra-cool underwater lights, or separate crew quarters, or a passerelle system for Med-mooring.
The 60 Sundancer’s streamlined styling is a product of a sharply raked stem, swept-back windshield and Euro-style reverse transom. The gentle break in the sheerline adds a bit of attitude, but the hardtop has twin sunroofs to add joie de vivre. Belowdecks, the master stateroom stretches full-beam amidships, with a VIP cabin forward; both have queen berths. A third stateroom has upper and lower singles. The well-equipped galley makes feeding the whole crew a snap. Power for the 60 Sundancer is a pair of 1,051 hp MAN V10 diesels. Sea Ray, (800) 274-0979; www.searay.com
Uniesse 70 MY: The newest addition to the Uniesse line is this 70 MY, a Med-styled motoryacht set up for both cruising and day-boating. Standard power is twin 1,300 hp MAN diesels, which produce a top speed of approximately 34 knots, but the Miami Show boat will have twin 1570 Cats, which will add about 3 knots. At those speeds, folks on the spacious flying bridge will have plenty of that wind-in-the-hair feel; the bridge has lots of lounging and sunning space, too.
Below, the Uniesse 70 MY has a full-beam master stateroom, a VIP cabin forward (both with queen berths) and a pair of guest cabins, one with twins. Each guest cabin has an en suite head; the master head has a bidet, for that Euro-clean feeling. Crew quarters are aft. The upper deck has an efficient galley, lower helm and saloon with port and starboard lounges. Uniesse USA, (954) 759-3424; www.uniessemarine.com
Vicem 67 Flybridge: Vicem Shipyards (pronounced “veach-em) has launched its latest yacht, the impressive Vicem 67 Flybridge. Like all Vicems, it’s from Turkey, where the company’s 140 craftsmen build yachts from 52 to 105 feet; 28 have been sold in the U.S. Built entirely of cold-molded mahogany, the 67 has the graceful lines of a classic wooden yacht, but with the advantages of modern technology: The multiple layers of planking are sealed with resin to prevent rot and minimize maintenance. The 67 Flybridge’s spacious cockpit is built entirely of teak and mahogany, in the style of elegant boats of generations past. A curved staircase, capped by a stainless steel railing, leads to the spacious flybridge, with seating for eight and a private sundeck.
Belowdecks, the 67’s saloon features a 30-inch flat-screen TV that disappears quietly at the push of a button into expertly joined custom cabinetry. The galley area includes an island to create plenty of countertop space; it includes full-sized Sub-Zero appliances and built-in cutlery drawers. The master cabin features custom cabinetry to house a computer network, while the master head (with a private vanity area) is finished in fine marble. The guest cabin has four berths (including two that fold up into the bulkhead), while a VIP guest cabin features an oversized berth and private head. There’s also a crew cabin for two. Powered by 900 hp MAN Common Rail diesels, the 67 Flybridge cruises at 24 knots, with a top speed of 28. Vicem Yachts, (954) 713-0737; www.vicemusa.com
Viking 64 Convertible: Seems like there’s an interesting new boat from Viking at every boat show, and this year is no exception. At Miami the New Jersey company will premiere its luxurious 64 Convertible, a boat designed to please serious fishermen and cruising yachtsmen alike. The focal point of the 64 C is its 180-square-foot cockpit, with a mezzanine deck beneath the flybridge overhang; it’s an ideal place to watch the action without getting underfoot or obstructing the captain’s view, as well as a comfortable perch for dockside relaxing. For that touch of practical decadence, the mezzanine can be cooled by a gentle mist of water from sprays mounted under the bridge overhang. A climate-controlled enclosed flybridge is also available.
The 64 C is available with three or four staterooms and three heads; the forward stateroom can be fitted with crossover berths rather than the standard queen, in case there are folks aboard who’d rather sleep alone. The master features an athwartships queen berth with stowage under, his-and-hers hanging lockers and a four-drawer credenza. A 20-inch flat-screen TV and Bose entertainment system provide diversion. In the saloon, there’s a choice between an L-shaped sofa and bar stools at the galley counter, or a U-shaped sofa; both include a hi-lo table and a 42-inch plasma-screen TV. Twin diesels from either Cat or MTU produce top speeds approaching 40 knots and mid-30-knot cruise. n Viking Yachts, (609) 296-6000; www.vikingyachts.com
