136ft Custom 50-kt Water Jet
Launched in 2005 and conducting sea trials as of April, this stunning new superyacht is stirring up the local banter in the Ft. Lauderdale yachting world.
The team at Gary Grant [AMS] Ltd designed this yacht, named after "eagle" in German, to have an overall length of 136 feet [41.5m] and a beam of 28.5 feet [8.7m] primarily to fit into an existing boathouse. Power is from twin Paxman 18VP185 18-cylinder diesels producing 5247 bhp [3912 kWb] each and driving KaMeWa 71 series waterjet pumps. Comprehensive towing tank testing and computer simulation show that 50-knots is easily achievable, even at full load.
Construction is of cored, carbon fiber and fiberglass composite laid in CNC-milled female molds. The hull geometry is a monohedron semi-V with 15.5-degrees of deadrise midship with all hull surfaces convex in form for enhanced rigidity and strength. The chine beam is 24.5 feet [7.5m] and two horizontal 1 foot [0.3m] wide chine flats are incorporated as well as three precisely-located lifting strakes per side.
The general vessel configuration (above) is unique in that there are three decks but the first appearance seems to indicate a raised pilothouse type. This is due to a continuous reverse-curved line from the top of the boat deck bulwark to the bow. This also makes the forward deck more of a cockpit, providing a private respite for the crew.
A primary design requirement directed by the Client was that all normal deck-fitted equipment be hidden from view for both aesthetic and aerodynamic reasons. Thus, one cannot observe the radar antennae, the jet skis or tender, horns, spotlights or the two satellite domes. Even the SSB antennae are hidden when not in use. Extensive design time was spent by AMS before a final overall solution was agreed to by the Client. We feel that the clean and uncluttered look was well worth the effort.
Once a 3D digital model was completed, scenes were rendered from several view points in order to fully understand how the completed yacht would look. Since both the exterior and main saloon were modeled, this scene (above) looking into the yacht was possible. As soon as the final exterior form was signed-off, a 1:12 scale model (below) was produced directly from the 3D digital data for further evaluation of the yacht's exterior form.
With a yacht capable of 50+ knots one is not surprised that the allocation of space for engines and propulsion be somewhat greater than for a less capable vessel, however luxury accommodations are not compromised in the least. Below decks their are four generous double guest cabins and commodious crew quarters for six. The main deck features an open main saloon and dining area, a professional gourmet galley, a large pantry area and the owner's suite. On the upper deck there is the pilothouse with an exterior walk-around, a skylounge with raised seating and an expansive after sundeck.
In addition to corralling 10,494 diesel-fueled horses, the machinery space (below) features an air conditioned control room, two sound-proof generator rooms, pump room and transformer room with plenty of space left over for day tanks, water making and treatment systems, ships batteries as well as storage for the telescoping passerelle.
As the waterjet tunnels were integral to the hull, precision computer models (below) were produced by AMS in order to match the KaMeWa pump components. These data were then used to CNC mill molds to within 0.1mm.
Exhaustive towing tank tests were conducted with a 1:12 scale hull model (below) in order to evaluate speed and trim under variable loading conditions. The testing technicians remarked that the AMS hull geometry allows very efficient running over a wide range of loading with minimal bow up trim.
PROJECT PRESS:
- USA Boat International [June 1999 pg. 32]
- ShowBoats International [July 1999 pg. 34]
For those wondering, in the German language, the word for "eagle" is "adler". ↑Top
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