Review: Offshore Yachts 72'

Offshore Yachts 72' Pilothouse​

Built to withstand time.​

by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy​

When a yacht’s designed length reaches past 65’ or so, many owners step back and decide they can’t handle the requirements of that size vessel. So, they hire a captain and/or crew, and spend their time on other yachting needs. But Offshore Yachts offers a slightly different approach with their 72'... ​

The Captain and his Lady – experienced owners – can opt to take this sparkling yacht to the Carib, Baja, Alaska, or wherever their hearts desire, with comfort and confidence, on their own. The difference, as expected, is in the build. Presenting its classic, crisply-styled yacht design, Naval Architect W.I. “Bill” Crealock added certain advantages to lend the yacht seaworthyness as well as cruising speed. Noted for his designs that personify comfort and strength characteristics – no doubt accented by his own 8 years of cruising experience – his O-72 design also sports a long keel, plus with its wide beam, a low center of gravity.

That promises not only comfortable motion offshore, but ease of handling and sure-footedness at sea. Adding to her stability is her two sets of chines; one just above the boot top and the other below the waterline to act as stabilizers and also lessen spray. Propeller draft is 5’4”. Each of these design attributes combine with her power plant to offer an agreeable speed for a cruising yacht, at 16 knots, with a top of 20. While the Offshore 72' is faster then conventional displacement yachts of similar size, the hull's 60 degree entry, which tapers back to 12 degrees of deadrise at the transom, provides a ride of equal comfort to the typical trawler.

The company was started just post WWII, when Richard Hunt began with fiberglass construction after a stint with the U.S. Navy. There was a lot to learn about this new material, and his sons joined the venture in the late 1950s. He got together with Crealock to foster the growth of fiberglass yachts in America; a hook-up that is still productive for Offshore, as Robert Hunt now runs the business.

High up on top, O-72’s flybridge helm sets the stage for clean and crisp design. A full molded hardtop overhead wards off sun and rain, while the open design allows complete visibility all around. Weatherproof single or twin captain’s chairs face a fiberglass cowling with radar and all operating instruments at hand. To starboard, covered stairs lead down to the pilothouse. Behind the command center a large L-shaped settee allows the whole party upstairs.

The Offshore 72' is a study in plug inserts & pulls. The Flybridge BBQ (and sink shown in the following image) are examples of components requiring more complicated molds to facilitate one-piece results. Not... second-thought or bolt-on additions.

All exterior cabinets are push/lock & sealed. This is a flybridge that welcomes washdowns. Again, many sub-components are molded in, resulting in a clean, fluid finish... a result of attention to detail in the conceptual stages.

Aft, through a weatherproof door, a stainless steel ladder leads down to the aft deck below. The aft deck space – textured and tinted with a non-slip surface – holds a 15’ Novurania tender, with launching crane, or provides enough room for any group activity. Or... an R-22 heli pad?

Offshore utilizes a solid glass hull below the bootstripe and closed-cell foam from the waterline up. This includes all stringers, bulkheads and framing, which are laminated with Vinylester resin. Offshore favors a sturdy build and lays their boats up a bit heavier. The feel and ride confirms this. Solid! This is a yacht built to withstand the elements, emerging no-worse for the wear.

The covered aft deck is large in size for a 72' and provides quick access to all points, with full walk-around decks, port/starbord access to the cockpit and a stainless ladders leading to the tender deck. Split, granite-topped tables seperate a settee that spans the aft deck. Overhead lighting is abundant and well placed. The covered deck areas of the Offshore 72' are nearly equal in square footage to it's interior space. This is a boat for living aboard and enjoying the outdoors.

Something no boat should be without, an aftdeck control station. Sure, a good captain can "feel" her into a slip from the traditional helms... but can it be successfully repeated?

Looking aft through the oversized glass windows shows the visual scope of area open to passengers, as well as the back deck and swim platform. Since the aft deck can be completely draped, it easily becomes part of the entertainment area of the salon.

Carrying out the décor of light ash, mahogany, and teak woods with complementary lounge and floor coverings, the salon presents a warm welcome to its visitors. Deep cushioned couches and a large cocktail table situated at arms length add to the ease of the moment. Dark upholstered easy chairs across the space offer more relaxation and comfort in the friendly atmosphere. Fabrics and arrangements are options, of course, but the interiors shown here make this a favored escape to quiescence.

Handily situated between the Control Center and the Saloon, the Galley is compact but well designed to serve its purpose, both during cruise hours and evening dinner parties. With an overhead large microwave oven and cooktops below at counter level, there are adequate storage areas and cabinetry for any occasion. Walls and floors here are also mahogany, teak, and light ash woods. A double counter sink is set in light onyx marble with stainless steel basins and faucets, next to a giant window which will please the chef.

A high traffic area, the wheelhouse corridor is the central hub connecting the salon, galley and wheelhouse on the main deck, with staircases and ladders leading to the flybridge above and the master below. Stowage abounds with cabinets placed whereever an interior void is found.

As the most popular venue during cruising hours the helm station sets the pace with a deeply upholstered couch just aft, and full visibility with large windows for the passengers. Cabinetry holds cruising guides, and at starboard, a stairway leads to the flybridge. Doors on each side allow easy egress for docking or navigation.

Just below, in the fully enclosed main deck pilothouse is the nerve center of the yacht, with twin captain’s chairs and visual displays of all functions available at a glance. The wood destroyer wheel accents an overall light ash, mahogany, and teak décor, including numerous cabinets, ceiling/overhead, as well as some wall treatments.

The well finished wood adds a warm glow, as shown in this close-up; an extremely welcome seagoing touch that many of today’s production yachts have discarded, for whatever reason, and replaced with fiberglass and wall coverings.

Set forward, the VIP stateroom features a fitted queen-size berth with side mounting steps, wood paneled walls and bedside storage cabinets. The wood décor here is curved, molded to fit the circumstances and usages. The room sports copious headroom even over the raised berth.

A virtual duplicate of the Master head, the private VIP head enjoys identical wall and sink décor, complete with the ebony and alabaster cabinet top. The shower, too, is large enough for adults.

Set amidships, centered fore and aft, the master stateroom provides a comfortable haven at anchor or running, with the least movement on the yacht. Its king size berth has molded corners and adequate storage beneath. Embossed wood dressers hold several seasons’ worth of costumery, while cedar-lined walk-in closets provide for large items. Lighted bed-stands are at each bedside.