Review: Marquis 720 Flybridge Motoryacht

Marquis 720 Flybridge Motoryacht​

Setting New Standards...​

by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy​

From the aggressive sheer of her bow, to the sculpted silhouette and sleek,
chiseled swoop of her superstructure, the new Marquis 720 is a pleasure of the seas and senses.​

Marquis Yachts, located on Lake Michigan in America’s Midwest, now challenges the planet’s leading production yacht builders with pizzazz, aplomb; a startling entry to the mid-size yacht class. Following up on the successful launches of other stylish Marquis models; the 59 and 65; this 72’ Marquis chose to leap forward; not look back. With an interior design by Valentina Zannier, leading partner of Italy’s Nuvolari-Lenard Naval Architects, in Venice; the result is a traffic stopper, inside and out, built to high-style European contemporary vision; yet birthed from, yes, homey little Pulaski, Wisconsin. Marquis' group continues to be the major upscale arm of Genmar Holdings, Inc., which boasts approximately 3,500 employees at five manufacturing centers. This company builds 15 premier brands of recreational boats and yachts. They have become known for training and treating their employees very well. The result is a higher level of production boat building, manifesting itself in the new Marquis 720 Fly.

At her Miami International Boat Show Debut, more than 300 invited guests were greeted by Irwin L. Jacobs, Chairman of Genmar Holdings LLC, and Robert Van Grunsven, President of Marquis Yachts. Entertainment was live jazz by the band “Sound of Vision;” plus molto magnums of Henri Giaud French champagne, with hors d’oeuvres; as well as a tasty dinner presented by A Joy Wallace, of Miami Beach catering fame. Also on hand, Carlo Nuvolari, principal of the Italian design firm, who hosted presentations on high-end yacht design. Interior designer Valentina Zannier was not able to attend, but remarked “It's so exciting to see concepts I’ve developed for one-off megayachts incorporated into a yacht this size.”

Style is only a part of her attractive qualities. M-720’s Fiberglass hull utilizes U.S. Navy-style construction with hull and deck plate forming an integrated structural element – “box-beamed.” It’s cored fiberglass encapsulating high-density foam core below the waterline and end grain balsa core above the waterline. The deck-plate utilizes tubular aluminum rails, mechanically fastened and laminated to the hull sides around the entire circumference. Hull bottom is molded with Knytex substrates; sandblasted in preparation for bottom paints to assure adherence and eliminate the “peeling effect.”

The compact yet spacious rear main deck displays how modern molding techniques add a very attractive flavor to ordinary conveniences. While descending from the Top Deck, the partially shielded staircase blends into the overhead, rounded. Sliding glass doors to the Salon make an everyday occurrence appear extra special. The plain table on the bleached teak rear deck answers many needs.

The sleek silhouette of her flybridge, because it blends so well with her lines, doesn’t readily flaunt all the aspects of her helm, and hull. But they are there, whether in the open design or her enclosed pilothouse option. Her Command Bridge is quite roomy up top, sporting a Captain’s chair to starboard with its sporty tilt steering wheel; and a matching companion seat to port. These seats are exceptionally comfortable with an array of adjustments, including the option to swivel, recline, raise/lower or stand/sit. With a helm offset to starboard for a better feel when nudging a piling, Marquis' full wrap-around console is possibly the most comprehensive panel in the business.

The cowl presents space for top-quality equipment as desired. Displays are digital LCD for engine instrumentation and diagnostics. Dash is wrap-around fiberglass with brushed aluminum accents. A navigation package plus radar includes RayMarine E-series multifunction displays, 240 VHF, WASS GPS sensor DSM digital sonar module, E6606 bronze transducer, and 4KW scanner open array. The windscreen isn't the typical plexiglass with a routed edge type, but stainless-framed and as stout as the superstructure.

Aft of the helm on the fly deck, an ultra-leather lounge accommodates at least six adults, plus three comfortably at the curved, multi-level stand-up bar. The entire design is soft-molded, with no corners. An attractive, monogrammed-accent stainless steel gate separates the lounging area from the rear deck and the entire deck is non-skid with optional waterproof carpet. Taking a tactile tour, it's quickly evident the flydeck is robust in nature. From the materials chosen to the engineering and installation, this is well-conceived flybridge.

On the main deck, the M-720’s handsome Salon boasts Calia Italia handmade white leather furniture with a wide sofa; four matching chairs. Set over flooring of hand-laid Brazilian Cherrywood planking; hardware highlights are polished stainless steel. There is a light metal sconce with linear architectural detail, by Cantalupi of Viareggio. Overhead is an architectural, stylized feature in oak hardwood. Her entertainment group includes a 42” LCD TV built-in to an enclosed cabinet, plus DVD w/changer; 5.1-channel home theater speakers; also a Sirius satellite radio system, and an Apple iPod dock.

Nestled between the stylish helm station and the comfortable salon, the dining area reflects a high fashion combination of veined granite flooring and countertops, in a deliciously attractive chocolate/honey/gold shade color scheme, surrounded by light oak cabinetry. Set to serve six, the table features an inlaid symbol of the Nuvolari - Lenard marquee, a star symbol noted world-wide as fine naval architectural design. Her optional lower helm station, just forward, allows the Captain full control of the vessel, as well as participation in the social commentary. The M-720’s galley is an open concept with a full-size Range-oven w/hood in brushed stainless steel; plus a microwave/convection oven and full-size Jenn-Air Refrigerator/freezer. For clean-up, she has a two-basin sink, stainless steel, undermounted. Multiple storage facilities throughout.

On the lower deck, an alcove/foyer sports a floor of Italian marble with stylized Spanish Emperador marble inset in a pattern, and trim. The handrail leading down the stairway is stainless steel; and stairway trim, oak wood with ultra-leather upholstered trim. Wall covering in this attractive pseudo-entrance is a silk-cotton blend in attractive colors, while courtesy lights illuminate the expanse.

Of M-720’s three (possibly 4) dedicated staterooms, the Master is most lavish. Beam wide with voluptuous quietude in design and shade, the Master Stateroom dotes on space and comfort. Specified with light and dark shades for oaken cabinets, drawers and hanging lockers; her Rubelli fabrics – Venice imports -- reflect the ultimate tastefulness displayed throughout. Ralph Lauren carpet in a robust light honey shade makes a perfect contrast/foil for the deep browns of the “California-King” pedestaled berth’s ribbed coverlets. Her upholstered leather headboard is matched by surrounding bolsters. The raised berth also features copious storage beneath. Lighted panels – with dimmers – are secreted on each side. A Pair of carpeted walk-in closets, a sofa, and storage cabinets complete the decor.

To starboard in the master stateroom is a large flat-panel display, suspended between dark oak columns with high polish end caps. An impressive mount, to say the least, but it blocks one of the starboard hull windows.

In an almost spiritual reflection, the Nuvolari & Leonard 4-point marquis is embedded into the ceiling. This signature radiates throughout the vessel, but unlike a corporate logo, one need only peer at the lines of the 720 to recognize the identify of the designers.

In the Master Bath, marble floors and counter tops reflect the interior color scheme, with Spanish Emperador tan-streaked tiles, repeated also in the shower, (spacious enough for two). The clear glass shower door cordons off the space from mirrors and 4-shelf medicine cabinet, and vanity. A raised wash basin is fed by a unique, angular faucet. Fixtures are polished stainless steel.

With light oaken wall paneling, and chocolate-toned leather padded furnishings, the VIP stateroom uses textured fabrics. Startling color schemes make her guest rooms a treasure to be aboard. With a queen size, raised berth , she also provides double night stands with cabinets under; over fully carpeted Ralph Lauren decks. The design interior boasts Rubelli and Bergamo linens, solid oak doors, steel hardware. Special lighting includes recessed overhead, overberth, and recessed areas under the berth. An overhead hatch entices daylight and moonlight.

Near the quality level of the Master, the VIP head offers granite floors and stainless steel polished hardware, with a mirrored bulkhead over the vanity. The toilet is a Tecma, Silence model, full size, electric flush. The VIP shower stall has a bench seat, frosted glass door, and non-skid sole. A detachable shower head is convenient for use as a hand shower, while below the vanity, a basin sink mounted in the counter is marble-topped, custom fitted, with a sea rail.

The M-720's gleaming white engine room is the perfect setting for the power that moves this motoryacht. Possible power options: twin MTU 10V2000 @ 1360-hp, or 1500-hp diesels; or CAT C32 1421-hp or 1676-hp; Marquis 720 is outfitted to deliver performance, speed and comfort as far and as fast as her owners may desire. For quick clean-ups after scrubbing the bilge, a washing machine is located just under the power panel.

Readily checked from its polished diamond plate catwalk, MTU's 10V2000 diesels post some shining numbers too with a cruise speed of 25 knots, topping out at 29 knots. Keeping these over-grown glow engines quiet is a room with SoundDown perforated 5052 aluminum surface, using a polyester-epoxy hybrid powder coat face & nonwoven acoustic material backing; sublayers of fire-retardant foam with metalized mylar vapor barrier.

Cleanliness is godliness in the aspect of a seagoing, independent, “small village.” Shown here is Marquis’ glittering driveshaft cover protecting the eager, dependable messenger which takes its direction from the engines, then turns the 5-blade certifiable NiBral 38” propellers to move the ship.

Marquis 720’s distribution power panel delivers every detail of navigation electronics, VHF, WASS, DSM digital sonar; AC/DC, transducer, video, cameras, safety systems, etc. performance, monitored by the Captain and/or Engineer. Easy to read; each switch chronicles a particular electronic measurement in its action phase or at rest.