Review: NEW Broward 120' Motoryacht!

Broward's New 120' Motoryacht!​

Revival of a Legend​

by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy​

Broward, the American builder of elegant yachts for what seems a lifetime – indeed, 58 years – has once again rebounded with a fresh approach to present one of the finest new American aluminum yacht designs. In surveying and assessing the wants and needs of owners and crews, Broward has created what Naval Architect Evan Marshall and CEO Tom Lewis salute as its “most everything” yet.​

Broward’s Raised Pilot House 120' is the newest product of its staid traditions and new management; soon to be followed by a 137' Tri-Deck and a 160' Tri-Deck, both by Evan Marshall. Impressive design, with exceptional comfort; the new 120' reaches out to yachtsmen and their crews with added strength and seakeeping abilities. The first of the new 120's is hull #601 and was built on spec by the yard. Hull 602 & 603 have already been contracted and are currently under construction. In order to meet the 2007 boat show schedule and jump start production, Broward chose Genesis Yachtline in Viareggio, Italy to build the first 120' interior. A difficult task to say the least, a template for each interior component was mocked-up in Italy, then shipped to the States for dimensioning and revisions prior to actually producing a part. The result is an interior every bit as stunning as the 120's new lines... and we're certain Broward's original interior designer Gertrude Denison (wife of Frank), would agree.

Broward 120' Starboard Bow...

The now-legendary builder, Frank Denison, who founded the company was enamored by the advantages of aluminum in mega-yacht building. His dauntless enterprise produced yachts that were far ahead of their time. With more than 300 luxurious vessels launched, his name is assured in the yacht building Hall of Fame. Even today, many of his original shipwrights, such as Bruno Fonda and Romain Alphonse – add their 30 years of technical skills with the firm, along with a dedicated cadre of workmen who contribute 20-year expertise and care in the building process.

Broward 120' Starboard Aft...

Broward’s engineers, machinists and craftsmen, all seasoned in aluminum construction, also complement the yard’s services for refit and repair. More than ¼-mile of dockage and yard space is allotted to those essential systems for the yachting world. Based in Ft. Lauderdale’s location, ten minutes south of Port Everglades Inlet – with no bridges – it is adjacent to the Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport; (it also abuts Harbor Town Marina). The yard boasts a 150-ton Travelift and deep water dockage to 12’ draft. Broward Marine accommodates megayachts up to 180 ft. for refit and repair, specializing in metal and/or composite workmanship. These major benefits to yachting are a result of Broward’s new 2-year management and major capital improvement programs. Broward’s full service facility also offers brokerage and marketing for pre-owned motor yachts.

Broward 120' Aerial Aft...

On the B-120’s flybridge, forward, twin steering stations, port and starboard present full visibility from stem – the bow is visible – to stern; locations that simplify docking and close maneuvering in every venue. These posts include navigation and instrumentation, including engines and bow-thruster controls, in the midst of posh creature comforts. For sun or shade, the sundeck lounging area includes an oversize pool/Jacuzzi, as well as sumptuous lounging pads. A semi-circular couch, shaded, with all weather padding, as well as an 8-ft. long lounge, invite relaxing times. Across the broad deck, a bar with upholstered stools awaits thirsty travelers. Implements also comprise an icemaker and electric grill for snacks. All made of aluminum, except the inset fiberglass round tub in the Jacuzzi. Every detail is manufactured by Broward; it also saves weight. Above on the hard-top are the navigation masts and TV modules, radars for 30-mile and 200-mile monitoring.

Flybridge Close up...

The shaded, commodious aft deck follows Broward’s tenets of space and tranquility, with a wide couch and bolster, as well as a bar with stools. Though open, the aft deck features air conditioning outlets as well, to bathe the gathering in cool breezes. Both port and starboard, transom gates and wide stairways lead down to the broad swim platform, which features removable stanchions for safety as well as water games. Teak decking and carpeting make barefoot traffic an agreeable option.

Aft Deck Zoom...

On the main deck, the yacht’s most prominent entertainment area is the salon, the living room, broad and spacious, welcoming to crowds, yet also a lovely, quiet haven for two. An extensive couch arrangement offers conversational seating for a crowd, with a large coffee table. Two adjacent areas provide easy chairs and a table. The room decor, done by Broward’s staff design team, is carried out with decorative woods, including highly finished cherry and mahogany. Fabric areas are hand crafted Italian panels.

Salon Aft...

An alternate view of the salon shows rich details in woodwork and tasteful appointing. In the far corner is the 40” plasma TV w/surround sound, readily viewable from any corner of the room. When not in use, the trompe l’oeil effect: the panel displays an actual, framed, fine art oil painting, which, at the touch of a button, rolls up to reveal the TV screen. Glass topped coffee tables and overhead, decorative valances complete the drawing room impression.

Salon Forward...

Just forward of the salon, the beam-wide, formal dining room presents an enormous dining table, fashioned of inch-thick frosted glass, serving ten. Chairs are rattan and mahogany, captain’s style, thickly padded, in Danish modern design. Walls are festooned with decorative glass cabinetry, set in carved cherrywood framing. The overhead features a light tan with mahogany valances and star-point lighting.

Dining Area...

Just forward of the salon, the galley takes pleasure in its display of fine woods accented by stainless. Designed with the same modernist flair as other venues on the yacht, it presents an island prep area with a satellite sink, in addition to the twin wash basins with a view - all set in a light granite countertops; the same which covers the floor of this “country kitchen”. Complete equipment includes double-door refrigerator/freezers, ovens, six-burner cook-top, dishwasher and trash compactor.

Galley...

Immediately next door, to port, is a novel dinette arrangement, also done with excellent decor. A large, thickly upholstered booth fits along the port side of the yacht, ready for a quick afternoon or midnight snack, or a leisurely breakfast. The notable difference in its approach is a series of excellent, back-lighted pictures along the wall behind the booth, shown here. Also, above the area shows a novel set of lights, in frames that match the picture sizes. All are outlined in vivid cherrywood framing.

Dinette...

The Pilothouse deck features a wheelhouse richly done in light tan, teak and leather, with optional single or twin adjustable helm chairs. Behind the steering station, a comfortable L-shaped settee welcomes on-lookers who are fascinated watching the Captain’s choices and navigation skills. With a sparkling teak-strip floor, the nautical theme pervades, as night and day offer varying views through the massive aft-raked windshields.

Wheelhouse...

Although there is an elaborate wooden, destroyer-type steering wheel – fully operable of course – most or all navigation is done by a single joy-stick, according to Mac McLaughlin, Broward’s Chief Financial Officer, as he supervised my tour. This reflects the tech modernization which is spreading throughout the industry. As technology develops new methods, Broward also retains its post as a leader in modern innovation. The panel holds the full array of radar, sonar, chart plotters, flat-screen monitors and communication equipment. Logs, autopilot, security cameras, are all here in the nerve epicenter of this yacht.

Instrument Panel...

At the bow, B-120’s opulence continues, with the Master Suite’s extensive, luxurious presentation of space and decor. Dominated by the king-size island berth, the suite sets the interior decor motif with elegant use of selected fabrics and natural grained cherrywood. Furnishings and carpeting, as well as the ceiling pattern, follows the theme of light tans accented by darkened woods. To port is a full-length upholstered couch; a large free-standing chiffonier, in dark cherry, guards the foot of the bed.

Master Corner View...

Broward knows that few things are better received by yachtsmen than a main deck master. This alternate view of the stateroom shows the double sliding doors that lead to the master bath. Because the B-120 has a 24' beam, the suite is wider than most full beam masters that would normally be relegated to lower decks in order to achieve the same.

Master Side View...

Forward, the Master’s head fills expansive space at the bow. Upon entering from the master stateroom, the eye is treated to a uniquely creative Jacuzzi bath tub and shower, carved from Italian alabaster/aerugo-grained marble into a near-waist high oval. The shower, just a step away, is also a unique presentation, free standing, glass with an identical marble backdrop, large enough for two. Beyond that in a separate enclosure are a commode and bidet. At the forepeak, twin walk-in armoires display costumery to meet any occasion.

Master Head...

On the lower deck, aport, reached from the central, granite-floored vestibule, is a spectacular VIP Suite with its king-size island berth. Just slightly less plutocratic than the master suite, it sports a large ensuite head/shower, lush carpeting, plus twin bed tables and lamps, as well as a double armoire and vanity. Aft of center on the lower deck, twin guest staterooms face each other across a wide aisle, each connected to the central atrium amidships. Both offer queen-size island berths with high-gloss cherrywood dressers and night tables. Large, double hanging lockers and vanities are placed at the central wall/bulkhead, separating the two staterooms. Each has its own ensuite head/shower.

VIP Suite...

Granite countertops with twin washbasins jettison out to greet guests in the VIP bath. Nestled into a contrasting array of dark woods and patterned wall treatments, a large bath/shower crowned with matching granite and finished with chrome fixtures is complimented by the suite’s very own porthole.

VIP Head...

Across from the VIP stateroom, starboard, the guest twin stateroom offers a pair of comfortable twin berths with storage beneath. A bed-table/dresser stands between them, with a bed lamp and mirror. To starboard are two oval ports for increased lighting. There is a hanging locker and a private head as well.

Crew quarters on B-120 are placed forward, instead of aft as on many megayachts. This leads to a happier crew, says Broward's Mac McLaughlin, because of the quieter environment. Broward has also surveyed numerous crews of large yachts, based its design for quarters to allow more room, convenience, as well as more private space for the crew. This includes larger rooms, adequate stowage, and a more spacious mess. Crew on B-120 number 5 or 6, including the Captain, to serve owners plus 8 passengers.

Guest Twin...

Through a spacious door at the lower aft deck, the engine room is easily accessible. Here the mammoth twin MTU 16v 2000 diesels easily move this massive water chateau on the brine. Rated 2,000 hp at 2350 rpm, they produce a 20-knot cruise speed, with a 23-knot maximum. Because the aluminum hull requires much less structural accommodation than fiberglass, there is room, according to McLaughlin, for larger fuel tanks, and this B-120 could be fitted with up to 9,000 gallon tankage, though most yachts this size are able to carry much less. This engine room offers great space for generators, bow thrusters, water-makers – all components; with 7-ft. headroom and extensive walk-around aisles, for servicing. Exhaust silencers and widespread sound control materials throughout help assure quiet voyaging.

At the entrance of the engine compartment, a special room is set aside for the electrical system. The main distribution system is modular, a free standing enclosure containing all components for operation, control and distribution of power from onboard generators as well as shore power. It’s constructed in accordance with ABS guidelines.

Engine Room...

On each level of the yacht, Broward has engineered convenient access to every system. Ease of maintenance is a primary objective, in that all electrical systems and wiring are secreted in the overhead, not in the sidewalls. Servicing requires only the removal of a ceiling panel and all connectors are readily exposed for diagnostics. It is this kind of planning that separates a new yard from one that has launched 100's of yachts... and still services them today.

With its luxurious new 120', the name and brand “Broward” has indeed made a giant step on its way back to preeminence in the yachting industry.​

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Review by Chuck Gnaegy
Photos by Shaw McCutcheon​

SPECIFICATIONS:

LOA: 120’
Beam: 24’
Draft: 6’03”
Fuel: 9,000 gals.
Water: 900 gals.
Power: MTU/DD 16V2000 – 2000 hp or Caterpillar C32 ACERT – 1825 hp
Cruise Speed: 18-20 knots
Max. Speed: 22-25 knots

For more information contact:

Broward Yachts
750 N.E. 7th Avenue
Dania Beach, FL 33004
954-925-8118
www.BrowardMarine.com