Margaux: AOS 116 Surface Drive

Designed by AMS for automotive industrialist, Margaux is 116 feet [35.4m] in length with a 22 foot [6.7m] beam and a scant 57 inch [1.45m] draft. Power is from twin 16V-149TI DDEC diesels producing a combined total of 4800 bhp [3600kW] and driving through fixed-geometry surface drives with conventional struts, stuffing boxes and rudders.

Margaux was built of welded marine aluminum alloy by Advanced Ocean Systems [AOS] in Ft. Lauderdale Florida USA and cruises at 28.5-knots with a top speed of 34-knots. Soon after launching, Margaux was presented with the coveted Showboats International Most Innovative Yacht of the Year award. The editors of Showboats International had this to say: "...it is difficult to find things about Margaux that aren't innovative." We certainly agree with that as AMS prides itself with going just a few steps beyond what our Clients expect.

The general configuration of Margaux is a raised pilothouse type with a aft fishing cockpit. On the main deck level there is a covered [and enclosable] aft deck which opens into the full-width main saloon through curved, stainless-framed glass doors. Forward of the main saloon is the entry vestibule with day head and aircraft-type pantograph doors to both side decks. Next forward is the formal dining room [with a skylight feeding natural light from the highly-raked pilothouse windshield above] and the fully-equipped galley. Below decks is the machinery space aft, a full-beam owner's suite, two double guest cabins and finally quarters for the captain and two crew in the bow.

Margaux's owner had this to say about the AMS design and engineering effort, "I enjoyed very much working with Gary Grant and his team during the construction of Margaux because in addition to getting a yacht with stunning good looks there were numerous design requirements, such as the folding mast, the enormous air requirement to the machinery space and the good turn of speed, which needed to be integrated. AMS accomplished all that plus more, in fact I keep in touch with Gary on a weekly basis and plan to contract with him in the near future for my next new yacht design."

Interesting exterior forms abound as the closeup below reveals.

The machinery space is a showcase for innovative design solutions and state-of-the-art equipment and systems.

Design features found on the aft deck include precision detail in the teak decking and a spiral stair to the boatdeck.

The pilothouse was designed ergonomically by AMS computers after taking into account the stature of the pilot. Controls, instruments and display screens are logically located according to frequency of use and operational importance.

The AMS design above became the AOS reality below.

Convex windshield glass elements encircle the pilot and provide a panoramic view of over 300-degrees.

The sample design document below is typical in illustrating the level of detail which AMS provided to the shipbuilder, AOS, thus avoiding any misinterpretation of the designer's intent.

Margaux is indeed one of the World's elite superyachts. Its mechanical systems and luxury environment are perfectly integrated with an aerodynamically-correct, yet aesthetically pleasing envelope. Proven advanced technology such as the aerated fixed surface drives and trailing flap stabilization system offer more speed and comfort than expected. Credit to Donna & Ken Chesler of Ft. Lauderdale Florida for some of the photography. ↑Top