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Fall Boat Show Preview

By Yachting Staff

October 4, 2007

Updated: October 4, 2007

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Since 1966, Windy has been building yachts in Norway and Sweden that represent the best in Scandinavian craftsmanship. The 52 Xanthos is a new model from this builder, one that’s distinctive for its very polished interior. There’s a main salon, master stateroom with en suite head, plus two guest staterooms amidships. Many of the spaces are finished in solid hardwoods; leather upholstery covers the seats. The slick power sunroof is a must-have option. A large glass bulkhead separates the enclosed bridge from the cockpit, where there’s a wetbar and grill for dining alfresco. The driver gets a power helm chair, as does the navigator, to port. Specifications: LOA: 52’0″. Beam: 14’5″. Power: (2) 558-hp Volvo Penta D9 diesel inboards. Base price: $1,159,900. Windy USA, www.windy-usa.com

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Using its precision five-axis profiler, Viking has created a complex new deck mold for its popular 52 hull. The new Open model is based on a proven running surface and boasts outstanding fishing and cruising features, among them a luxurious, two-stateroom/two-head interior finished to the company’s demanding specifications. The observation mezzanine that faces the 148-square-foot cockpit includes lounge seating, a bait freezer, and engine room access. Three Murray Products ladder-back chairs on the bridgedeck add comfort at the helm. Specifications: LOA: 52’10”. Beam: 17’3″. Power: (2) 1,100-hp MANs. Base price: $1,429,640. Viking Yachts, www.vikingyachts.com

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The new 3900 shares the same hardtop and contemporary styling found throughout the Sovran family of Tiara Yachts. It’s built with the same quality construction and precision engineering that Tiara owners have come to expect. But it also features Volvo Penta’s IPS enginesand the new IPS joystickfor fingertip directional control. The combination makes for foolproof docking and maneuvering. Due to the compact nature of the IPS engine installation, Tiara’s designers were able to expand the size of the salon to include a step-down lounging area. Specifications: LOA: 41’7″. Beam: 14’0″. Power: (2) 352-hp Volvo Penta IPS 500 gas azipod drives. Base price: TBA. Tiara Yachts, www.tiarayachts.com

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Looking every inch the racing machine, Sunseeker’s new Superhawk 43 sports three powerful engine options turning stern or surface drives and a top speed of up to 50 knots, depending on the propulsion selected. A traditional wood-rimmed wheel and burl walnut grace the helm console. Twin sunpads are aft. A teak-covered swim platform is large enough to please the water sports fanatics in your family. For overnighting, the cabin features a large double berth forward, plus a comfortable upholstered dinette that converts to another double berth. A well-equipped galley is standard. Specifications: LOA: 43’0″. Beam: 10’8″. Power: not specified. Base price: $458,787. Sunseeker, www.sunseeker.com

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Flagship of the Rinker fleet, the 420 Express Cruiser gets its sparkling performance and shallow or deep-water cruising versatility from twin counter-rotating sterndrives. The extensive list of standard equipment includes a washer/dryer, trash compactor and multifunction radar/GPS/chartplotter. Notable options include a bowthruster to simplify docking and a hardtop with integral DVD player and custom canvas. There’s a queen-size berth in the mid-cabin, a convertible dinette in the salon and a large double forward. Specifications: LOA: 44’6″. Beam: 13’10”. Power: (2) 425-hp MerCruiser 496 Mag HO/Bravo III XR sterndrives. Base price: $458,805. Rinker Boats, www.rinkerboats.com

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Beneath the beautiful lines and tumblehome, the Hatteras 60 is a technological wonder with a resin-infused hull that is lighter and stronger than ever. Divinycell coring is in the hull sides, decks and superstructure for optimal stiffness. Base power is a pair of Cat C30 diesels turning eight-blade Nibral props. With this propulsion, she cruises at 30-plus knots and tops out over 35 knots. A two-level mezzanine overlooking the cockpit provides room for fishermen. Options include an enclosed bridge. Specifications: LOA: 59’10”. Beam: 19’0″. Power: (2) 1,550-hp Caterpillar C30 diesel inboards. Base price: TBA. Hatteras Yachts, www.hatterasyachts.com