Messing about in boats since 1975. Online Since 1997.
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The Fast Aluminum Motor Yacht
55' Euro Express Cruiser
Perspective Aft | Perspective Forward | Perspective SideCopyright 2013 - 2015 Michael Kasten
General Concept
The inspiration for this prototype was to combine the excellent layout of the Valdemar 53 and the Vagrant 49, with the hull form of a fast semi-planing type, and to update the styling to being fairly modern.... In terms of styling, there is still a somewhat 'retro' theme here... but nevertheless the styling is definitely modern in all respects.
In order to achieve light weight structure and extreme ruggedness, aluminum construction has been specified - all based on ABS scantling rules.
The hull is that of a semi-planing type. There are twin engines, with twin skegs and twin rudders. This provides redundancy and safety, as well as shoal draft and quite good performance.
The long fine run and light displacement yield an excellent combination of speed and economy. Relatively short overhangs maximize WL length and therefore vessel speed and accommodation space below. Height to the top of the Pilot House is under 11 feet, which allows access to the majority of canals in Europe.
Power
At 55 feet and around 48,000 lb. displacement or so, speed potential in displacement mode is nearly 13 knots. With twin 350 hp engines, 2o to 22 knots is achievable, depending upon the load condition. This is a vessel we can truly call EXPRESS...!!
If somewhat less horsepower were supplied, this hull form can be driven very economically and quickly at 12 to 15 knots. With 800 USG of fuel, at a voyaging speed of around 8 knots approximately 3,500 nautical miles of range is possible.
Interior
The interior layout is assumed to be similar to that of our 55' Valdemar. The exception though is that there is to be a recessed "flying bridge" above the aft cabin, much the same as on our 49'Vagrant design. Yet another excellent layout would be to use on "on deck" saloon and galley as we have detailed on the 50' Vagabond, as featured in the newly revised fourth edition of Voyaging Under Power.
In the perspective views linked here, we have shown the 49'Vagrant type of layout, which has a recessed flying bridge that does not violate the EU canal clearance requirements. At 55' overall length, there is much more room than in the 49'Vagrant especially in the owner's aft cabin.
Alternate Layout
Below are images showing an alternate cabin layout. In this version there would be a master stateroom right forward, with a saloon having settee berths and pilot berths athwart a centerline table aft of that, with a galley aft of the saloon to port, and a larger head compartment to starb'd. In the pilot house there is plenty of room for a large wrap-around dinette with center table occupying the aft end, and plenty of room left over forward for a pair of piloting chairs.
The aft deck is envisioned with an aft facing bench seat / berth on the aft side of the house, with seating wrapping around the stern. A central table with folding leaves would make the whole aft deck into a great party area. With a vast expanse of fore deck, there is no shortage of sun-bathing opportunity..!
In all, the interior and exterior layout are essentially an expanded version of the Roberta Jean 43, which in this case will have considerably more room within the galley and head, and within the pilot house... With greater beam as well, there is room for a pair of pilot berths outboard of the settees... All to the good..!
Further Development
Let's see... fast and easily driven hull, efficient propulsion, elegant retro-cool styling, comfortable and spacious interior... okay what did I miss...??
If this sort of wildness is of interest, please inquire for more detail.
Alternate Aft Cabin Layout - Click for Larger ImageAft Cabin Aft View | Aft Cabin Side View | Aft Cabin Chine Flats View
Please see the AVAILABLE BOAT PLANS web page.
Home | Intro | Our Design Process | Stock Design Info | Motor Yacht Designs | Sailing Yacht Designs | Prototype Designs
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