Be it an inflatable dinghy with outboard motor for a quick short trip, a family-friendly weekend boat, a spacious cabin boat with galley and wet room for holidays at sea or a fascinating mega yacht: Motorboats are very much in vogue.
In terms of design, the classic formats with flybridge, inside or outside steering position continue to dominate the picture of motor yachts. But there are more and more exceptions: Axopar, for example, brings more corners and edges into play. The Wally Tender with a carbon T-top and a paint job in "Gator Green", which Wally describes as a reminiscence of her first sailing yacht, the "Wallygator", is a real eye-catcher.
Apart from that, it says: "The desire for more power and seaworthiness combined with optimum stability and unique comfort during the trip does not exactly make the demands on the motorboats low. Yet the requirements differ only slightly across all boat sizes.
Small and medium-sized boats, great comfort
Daycruisers and weekenders are all about having fun while cruising, but even in small spaces owners do not want to do without a minimum of comfort or even luxury. Cockpit saloons such as those on the new Jeanneau Camarat 10.5WA are invitingly U-shaped, cockpits open to the sea and can be transformed into a large bathing deck in no time at all.
For the motor yachts and motor cabin cruisers, the manufacturers focus on maximum living space and maximum versatility. Bavaria, for example, invested a lot of time in designing the cockpit of the Vida 33. The result: an L-shaped bench seat with a large cockpit table on starboard, which can be converted into the perfect sunbed for the relaxed moments on board in just a few easy steps. The snacks come from the bar on the port side. Fridge, gas cooker, sink, lots of work surface and storage space make it the perfect outdoor pantry. A hydraulically lowerable bathing platform is available as an optional extra for the extensive bathing pleasure.
Comfort also includes the simplest possible handling. The joystick as a second control option makes boats like the Bavaria Gran Turismo 36 a user-friendly express cruiser. The boat is optionally available with a transverse thruster and two 12″ Garmin screens, which form a comprehensive driving assistance system.
Room for long tours and the large crew: boats from 40 feet
The designers also focus on brightness, space and comfort. The Sealine S430 completes the range with a roof that can be opened almost completely. Below deck, spaciousness, light and flexibility in terms of equipment are what count. Exclusive double berths and a freely configurable cabin on port side are available for the individual crew, whether family, couple or charter.
Space and comfort are also important for Fjord's new boats. Product Manager Andrea Zambonini: "We have developed a completely new boat based on the original Fjord DNA. With the hull with the higher freeboard, we have created significantly more space in the interior to maximize comfort and space feeling. The large hull windows provide plenty of light." Flexibility and individuality are in the foreground. With a total of 90 possible combinations on deck, Fjord 41 XL can be adapted to the customer's individual needs. For the first time, extensive layout adjustments are also possible below deck: a bright guest cabin with windows or a walk-in storage area, a galley or a second toilet. The master cabin can be equipped with a dressing or working area and closed with a soundproof sliding door.
Say Carbon describes the newly revised Say 42 as a "supercar on the water": "There is a clear link to automotive design," says CEO Karl Wagner. Here too, the focus is on space and comfort, but clearly also on speed: the standard drive package consists of two Volvo Penta engines (V8 6.2 l) with a total output of 860 hp. This power, combined with lightweight construction and innovative ship architecture, guarantees a top speed of almost 50 knots. The characteristic wavecutter bow and side wings of the ultra-light carbon hull ensure easy handling and maximum stability even at higher speeds. Due to her lightweight construction, the SAY 42 is extremely efficient despite her performance and consumes up to 50 percent less fuel than comparable yachts on the market.
Gigantic luxury in a class of its own
With super yachts up to 30 meters in length, owners want as much volume as possible and a light-flooded interior. Large sundecks and a timeless design are success factors for the shipyards. Owners who are toying with the idea of chartering their yachts from time to time ask for offers with as many cabins as possible. The demand in this segment is quite stable, especially at the upper end. Shipyards that offer sufficient innovations in design, with even more usable space, and environment, in terms of propulsion and materials, are very popular with both experienced yacht owners and beginners.
Showing what you have: Outboard
Across all sizes, the trend is towards outboards. Even the larger formats up to 40 feet rely more and more on the visible motor at the stern. No wonder, since they are clearly easier to maintain and are now so quiet that even eight cylinders are almost inaudible. Top speeds can still be reached: the Gran Turismo 36 from Bavaria easily manages between 30 and 35 knots with its choice of 2 x 300 hp or 2 x 350 hp engines. For the boot 2021 Bavaria promises the world premiere of the first day cruiser with outboard motor, the Bavaria Vida 33 with up to 2 x 300 hp.
Considerate fun: sustainability
Climate change and sustainability are the topics of the moment. The car industry has been tinkering with ranges and charging systems for years. And there is also a lot going on in the boat market. The ideal vision: boats with electric motors, powered by batteries that are charged via solar panels and which also supply everything else on board, from refrigerators to navigation electronics, with the necessary energy. "The goal is to make mobility on the water climate-neutral," says Dr. Michael Rummel of Torqeedo. The time is ripe. "And so is the technology. We can offer electric drives that not only protect the climate, but also reduce overall operating costs. The costs for maintenance and fuel are reduced."
"Our market research has shown that our water sports customers on inland lakes would like a higher top speed," says Dr. Ralf Plieninger, head of Torqeedo's technical and operational division. "Thanks to the greater energy density of our batteries, we are now able to combine these speeds with an appropriate range".
The first purely electric yacht has now been delivered by Greenline in the American state of Maryland. She is powered by a 50 kW Deep Blue inboard engine and two Deep Blue 40 kWh lithium-ion batteries with BMW technology. The name Greenline has been synonymous with luxury hybrid diesel yachts for over ten years. In 2019, the company announced that purely electric propulsion systems would be offered for the entire fleet.
Even manufacturers who continue to rely on combustion engines are concerned about fuel consumption and emissions. Say Yachts, for example, uses high-performance Twin Volvo Penta V8, 360 HP engines, which can manage 40 litres at an average speed of 20 knots. To this end, Say advertises the ultra-lightweight construction and particularly sleek design of the yachts, which make them particularly fuel-efficient.
Rapid innovations are expected in e-mobility and fuel cell technology in the coming years. The car industry will present here, professional and finally leisure navigation will follow.
High up: Foiling
Another contribution to environmental protection, combined with a very high fun factor, is foiling. It is currently not only revolutionizing the sport of sailing, but is also triggering a change in motorboat sports, as wing technology is making boats considerably more efficient and environmentally friendly. For example, when the Candela Seven electric motorboat flies over the water on its hydrofoils, energy consumption is reduced by 50 percent, giving it a range comparable to that of a boat of the same size with a combustion engine. The digitally controlled electric motors are complemented by the computer-controlled foiling system, which ensures stability.
Corona and the market
The Corona year 2020 has moved the market extremely. From total uncertainty in spring to completely sold out used boat sheds in summer. Whether new yacht or used boat, family cruiser or fixed hull dinghy, jet ski or cosy runabout: even what for years was on the dock with the dealers has found a new owner this year.
"German, Austrian and Scandinavian customers in particular were asking for new insurance policies, mainly for used boats between six and twelve metres in length," says Sandra Ahrabian, CEO of Bavaria AG. "When we talked to the customers about the motivation for the purchase, the uncertain travel and holiday situation was often cited. An own boat, they said, was probably the safest way to go on holiday. Cocooning with social distancing could perhaps be called the trend. This development continued incessantly, even though ports were closed almost everywhere in Europe, until the travel warnings were relaxed and the second-hand boat market seemed to be more or less 'empty'. However, since a few weeks now, the market for large yachts, with insured sums of up to around €10 million, has also been picking up. Some companies from the accessories sector are even talking about the most successful June in history - and I have heard this from companies that have not only been in existence for three years, but for many decades. Germany, that is clear, is in boat fever - despite travel restrictions and a volatile future.
Fun sports are also experiencing a real boom, triggered by Corona and the limited travel opportunities. Jet skis, power boats or ribs, everything was tried out. Many a first-time rider has certainly acquired a taste for the new hobby and will continue to develop it in the coming years. Dealers, charter companies and outfitters should be optimistic about these prospects.
About boot Düsseldorf 2022:
boot Düsseldorf will take place from 22 to 30 January 2022 in 17 halls of the Düsseldorf fairground. Under the motto "Reboot your business", exhibitors will present exciting new boat models as well as innovative technological developments.
