Review: H2X 88' M-Cat "Bradley"

H2X YACHTS: MCAT 88' ​

Design Alert! ​

by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy​

Modern contemporary design advances slowly, by degrees; but on occasion a striking new image breaks through, destined to resound in the idea output of future planners. Witness fine art’s Picasso. And a “Today” example: the Hummer burst upon the auto scene – an imaginative, burly presence which influenced many a car model in the ensuing years. ​

Now here, YachtForums.com presents a bold, virile concept in what may be the “Hummer” of cruising yachts; a strong, masculine, yet still elegant design. The yacht is the H2X MCAT "Bradley", a remarkable statement that is surely the MRAP of yachting’s today and tomorrow, certain to influence the new generation of naval architects.

Despite its brawny facade, the MCAT offers genuine comfort in contemporary elegance with its apartment-approach to the modern yachting lifestyle. While the MCAT is just shy of 88’ LOA, its catamaran configuration flaunts a beam of 34’10”; offering a generous two-bedroom apartment-size lodging space for life aboard, plus voyaging. That measure is the equivalent, claims H2X President/Chairman Sebastien Grall, of a single hull vessel one and one-half times longer, 120’.

Plus, its shallow draft of 3’6” allows this floating adventure-lodge to go where few others have gone before, in complete confidence. While top cruise is 20 knots, it can range 1,000 nm at 10 knots, with twin MAN 1300 CV diesels and dynamic hydro-jet propulsion. Designed by Naval Architect Gilles Vaton, with interior by Sebastien Grall, the MCAT congenially claims to sleep an entire party of 14.

The French shipyard, H2X Yachts & Ships, with only 100 employees, cannot compete in size comparison with the giant yacht builders, but instead specializes in creative innovation. Located at the entre’ to the French Riviera – near Marseille-Provence and Nice – with 33,000 sq.ft. of workshops, the state of the art equipment in its La Ciotat shipyard tackles ambitious projects. These are the hulls and superstructures, growing to one-off luxury yachts.

All operations are made precise through its research center, equipped with CAO electronic software and CFAO equipment, which includes numeric plasma cutters and machining axles. The MCAT 88 utilizes aluminum hulls and decks, with a composite superstructure for reduced weight and ease of maintenance. Muted tones of ultramarine blue and dove silver-grey add to its mystique. The MCAT 88 will be the largest multi-hull displayed at the Cannes International Yacht Festival; and the only multi-hull presented at the upcoming Monaco Yacht Show.

Bradley’s massive foredeck, just below the wheelhouse, features twin facing couches, arrayed on the wide expanse, with a huge tile party table in between. Teak decks add a more nautical flair, contrasting with the grey and blue molded fiberglass deckhouse. It is equipped with a double Jacuzzi spa and well-shaded lounge. The designers have modeled this area to encourage large outdoor parties, both underway and in the slip.

Shaded but open to the breezes, the main aft deck further promotes outdoor partying with curvilinear, weather-proof couches and built-in tables, over nautically archetypical teak decks. This area surveys the swim platform, reached by double sets of stairs, port and starboard.

Side Deck...

Stairwell to the swim platform (x's 2)...

Launching the tender, or a set of jet skis, is also a simple, automated process on Bradley. While stowed underway between decks at the stern, hydraulic activation brings the tender platform down to sea level, where easy boarding is afforded from the swim platforms at both sides.

The wheelhouse helm presents three stainless leaning rails, guarding individual 19” LCD screens of instant data to the captain, plus several smaller, auxiliary screens. Views of all ship’s locations and equipment allows transit of continuous information. Large, squared windows forward are framed in heavy oaken beams. Immediately aft of the captain’s chair, to starboard, stairs lead to the main salon, where sliding doors open to the side decks and access to the foredeck.

The MCAT's wheelhouse, topped with satellite and navigation pods, offers fully instrumented panels facing its adjustable leather captain’s chair. Satellite contact allows continuous worldwide coverage incorporating audio and video multimedia. Electronic gear includes NMEA Navigation, GPS, Gyrocompass, Radar, ECDIS Chart Plotter, Sounders and Auto-pilot.

Spacious, with its own private sundeck and panoramic view; the owner’s master suite dominates the top deck, just aft of the wheelhouse. Its queen-size island berth nestles on the port side of the ship, facing fore and aft, with light oak and wengewood decor in a soft satin finish. A pair of lounging easy chairs finish the decor.

The berth faces the far wall which has a 32” drop-down LCD screen, complete with subwoofers, DVD, FM, MP3 and Ipod connections, as well as a video camera and game player. Fully carpeted, it boasts walk-in closets, his and hers.

Finished in soft whites and natural woods, the master bath sports its own unique design, with oaken cabinetry, a clear glass sliding door for the bathtub/shower, which has a unique wood rim at the top. A large mirror is framed above the white basin.

Dominating the main deck, the main lounge is a compartmentalized, but open floor plan, arranged with contrasting colors and fabrics. Accented by exotic tones of ceruse oak for wall partitions and dark chocolate tones of wengewood, the room also sports strip teak flooring.

Centered in a motorized up/down cabinet a 42” plasma TV with Panasonic PRO HD screen, satellite CD, DVD, DIVX and IPOC connection. Five Mirage speakers present surround sound and 360º diffusion. Sound extension includes the forward and aft decks. Modern design flourishes here, too, in airy ceiling treatments and a modern abstract design cocktail table.

Salon view aft...

Set across from the living room area, the dining room features a large table seating up to 10. Surrounded by the curvilinear design concept, it is fashioned in the identical pale ceruse oak cabinetry and dark-chocolate wengewood flooring gracing the entire living space. Modern Danish design chairs are high-backed and upholstered to match. Windows and starlights add mood.

Contemporary design exemplifies creativity in the interior layout of the salon, as this wood stairway winds its way, seemingly unsupported, up through the airy space. Crafted of ceruse oak beams and onyx treads, with faux candlelights on each step, its nimbleness leads to the wheelhouse.