From concepts in the works to new models and products on display, here are some of the exciting finds our editors encountered while scouring the docks at the Miami shows.
Marlow Unveils Voyager 100 “Ice”
For those cruisers unsatisfied by the concept of slower, heavy rolling passagemakers, the new Marlow Voyager 100, recently announced by Marlow, makes for an intriguing new option.
The new class of world-capable yachts has emerged from the state-of-the-art yacht design and building facilities of Marlow. Meet “Ice,” the newest Voyager Class yacht constructed at Marlow’s own design and build facilities. The new 100 will joining the “Vagabundo” Voyager Class introduced in 2010, which cruised extensively in the far north where winter brings impassible ice, south to the remote islands of Venezuela, Guyana, Panama Costa Rica, and circumnavigated the entire Caribbean basin before repeating similar voyages in subsequent years.
Her 3,500-mile range at 9 knots established Vagabundo as a passagemaker to the core, able to cross any ocean in comfort, safety, and able to sprint at speeds in the 18- to 20-knot range for periods in excess of up to 48 hours. Ice will top 100 feet LOA with a beam over 22 feet and her ability to stay at sea for extended periods is remarkable. Designed with redundant systems featuring continuous duty hand-built engines with exceptional strength and mechanical art ensconced in dedicated mechanical rooms with custom environmental systems to take her from the frozen Bering Sea to the warmth of South America,the Pacific or virgin territories in unmatched comfort and safety. Her heavy-duty scantlings feature extensive use of both carbon fiber, Dupont Kevlar in ship-like construction with Marlow’s proprietary Full Stack Infusion©.
According to Marlow, “Ice” is one of the strongest hulls afloat, capable of receiving the “Unrestricted Navigation” designation by the most respected shipbuilding certification bodies in the world. Her five watertight compartments and big-ship cupronickel piping separate her from the pack.
Belize 66 World Premiere Continues in Miami
After making a big splash at the recent Fort Lauderdale boat show, the world tour of the Belize 66 rages on. Available in a Sedan (displayed in Miami this year) or a Daybridge version (on the way), the stunning new model builds on the heritage of a luxury motoryacht that celebrates the styles of a bygone era of yachting, of gleaming hand-crafted interiors and, most importantly, of individuality.
The Belize 66 Sedan on display in Miami is a gleaming three-stateroom, three-bathroom model that takes the concept of a semi-custom motor yacht to new heights. Among her numerous highlights, her voluminous, natural-light-drenched layout and full-beam master stateroom with full-beam master bathroom aft of the stateroom truly stand out in her range.
The array of options available in the Belize 66 begins with the overall layout. Clients may select a single-level lifestyle Sedan or a Daybridge with classic bimini top or hardtop. The hardtop includes a retractable awning sunroof.
Accommodation options include three or four cabins with a large space between the midship master stateroom and the engine room that can be optioned for a wide range of purposes. While the World Premiere model utilizes the space for a full-beam bathroom, it can be customized in many ways including crew quarters and a utility room.
Among the many other options are the layout of the cockpit, including location of the large barbecue unit and the layout of the interior, from a single seat helm on the starboard side most likely to be favored by owners opting for the Daybridge design to a more expansive centerline helm. This option also offers a companion seat on the starboard side and a viewing lounge or second companion seat to port.
The technologies employed include the latest Volvo Penta Glass Cockpit navigation aids and CZone digital switching.
Sea trials have revealed that the very latest Volvo Penta Inboard Propulsions System, the D13 1350, helped her achieve an average top speed of more than 33 knots.
Riviera Motor Yacht Specialist and Belize project manager Doug Nelson said the team was delighted with the Belize 66 trials.
“The Belize 66 is a very special yacht and our team is just so proud of her performance, finish and complete design,” says Belize project manager Doug Nelson. “The latest technologies employed in her build have resulted in a new motoryacht that is really going to make a statement. She is an extraordinary motoryacht, combining classic styling with the very latest on-water comforts for discerning owners.”
The systems, drives, engines and electronics on all Volvo Penta-powered Belize motoryachts are covered by an industry-leading five-year limited warranty to complement the Belize structural five-year limited warranty.
Volvo Penta Wins Innovation Awards
Volvo Penta was honored with five prestigious industry awards at the Miami International Boat Show, recognizing achievements in innovation, customer satisfaction and marketing. The honors included an Innovation Award from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI), an NMMA Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Award and three Neptune Awards from the Marine Marketers Association (MMA).
The NMMA Innovation Award recognized the Volvo Penta and Seven Marine Outboard Propulsion Experience, which made its debut on the Tiara Sport 38LS at the Miami show. This new system integrates Volvo Penta’s Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) and Seven Marine’s high-performance outboards, packaged with Volvo Penta’s Easy Boating solutions such as joystick driving. The result is an unprecedented combination of outboard power with an inboard experience.
“These five major industry awards are an important validation of our Volvo Penta team’s commitment to excellence, inspiration, creativity and innovation throughout our company, both at our global headquarters in Sweden and in the Americas. It also speaks to the engagement of our dealers, distributors, partners and customers,” said Ron Huibers, president and CEO of Volvo Penta of the Americas. “It’s tremendously exciting to work with such a great award-winning team of professionals.”
News of these industry awards comes on the heels of two additional recent Volvo Penta recognitions. Last year, our sister publication, Soundings Trade Only magazine, named Volvo Penta one of the Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in the boating industry. This month, Volvo Penta was recognized as a Great Place to Work by a national institute based on an independent survey of employee attitudes and satisfaction.
Check out our article from yesterday on some of the other innovative things we have seen in Miami.
