Review: Westport Yachts 130' Tri-Deck

WESTPORT 130' TRI-DECK ​

Completing The Trilogy.​

by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy​

The Westport 130' offers an attractive time advantage... she is an already finished yacht. Constructed by the builder, rather than commissioned from a buyer (who then must wait two years or more for the completion of most yachts), the 130' along with its siblings, the Westport 112' and 98', are custom production yachts that are Ready To Cruise... or "RTC". This is practically unheard of in the yachting community, especially on a scale this large. ​

Built on a fiberglass hull with Airex PVC foam, both lightweight and strong, the Westport 130's Awlgrip polyurethane coating exemplifies it's strikingly beautiful finish. Functional design with supreme quality and trouble-free operation are guiding principles in a meticulous process of manufacturing, reports Westport President Daryl Wakefield: “At delivery, our clients can step aboard with nothing more than a suitcase and provisions. We’ve already included everything from docklines and full tanks to cookware, china and linens.”

Picture Caption: The Westport 130 gliding along in Caribbean blue water...

The modern story of Westport Yachts began in 1977, when brothers Rick and Randy Rust were building commercial salmon-fishing boats in the northwest. A changing economy prompted them to apply their knowledge of hardy sea-going vessels to production of luxury yachts. Their technical expertise and industry contacts, plus experience as businessmen rather than fishermen, helped in the transition. Then came orders from experienced yacht designers such as Ed Monk, Jr., and the Jones-Goodell Corporation for a 70-footer. The Rusts invested $100,000 in the first automated fabric impregnator for boat-building molds. With new designs coming from Jack Sarin for 76-footers, then during the mid-1980s a 112’ model, and the nationally acclaimed 98’ Golden Delicious, the Miami Hatteras dealer ordered yachts based on the design; a relationship which lasted into the 1990s. Westport was on its way.

By 1983 the Rusts conferred with Orin Edson (former owner of Bayliner Boats) when he visited Westport. Edson, now a Westport major stockholder and advisor, felt there was a market for large, production yachts which were, at the time, built individually to order. He and Rick Rust (Randy has now retired), along with Wakefield and chairman Rusty Preston, as early as 1989 were evaluating the idea of a production tri-deck yacht with a wide array of standard features. It would take a few more years of development before the initial Westport 130 was launched. But by September 2000 hull #1 was a reality, designed by Bill Garden, styled by Greg Marshall, with interiors by Sheryl Guyon, and a sensation at the Ft. Lauderdale Yacht Show.

Picture Caption: A product of advanced hydrodynamic hull research and computer aided design, the Westport 130 cruises with a nice bow-rise, waiting to be pushed on plane. Designed for optimum cruise at 20 to 25 knots, with a top speed of 29, she delivers a range of 2,300 nautical miles at a leisurely 11.5 knots.

Today, Westport is one of the first to use another labor and cost saving innovation -- Modular Construction. Not new, the technique was pioneered by Henry Kaiser with Liberty ships in WWII, but its use in composites is a step forward in yachts. “The entire boat can be built in four basic components,” Says Randy Rust, now shipyard general manager – one of the original Rust brothers who founded the company. “The hull, main deck, upper deck, and flybridge, each part is nearly completed before the components are assembled.” That means fewer joints and seams, and can pare production times as much as 50%. It also allows simultaneous work in separate locations, spreading the work out so the crews are spread and not congested in one area. Since Westport is one of the largest producers of 95” to 130’ fiberglass yachts, Rust is vitally interested in new ideas and stays fully informed on manufacturing innovations.

Westport hulls are built of laminated fiberglass mat and roving which is applied by automated overhead impregnators – the result of a detailed building plan and synchronized fabrication. Every component and sub-assembly is scheduled and documented by process flow charts tracked by engineering teams. At any one time, a series of four, six or more yachts are processed with quality and efficiency, which would be virtually impossible in a strictly custom build, according to Rick Rust.

Yet, owners do have a say in the process; they meet with the builder early in the build and specify a number of options, at no additional charge. The building contract lists all costs, options, and responsibilities, agreed to up front.

Picture Caption: Down a forward stairway to the bow, the circular conversation pit is exactly the right, breezy place to watch where you’re headed on the open sea.

In concept, even a 50-meter tri-deck yacht follows the same procedure. For the hull mold, Westport engineers develop a complex, articulated mold capable of producing the giant hull in a single piece, but also of producing it with integral spray rails, water intakes, portlights, shaft logs, thruster tube, clearing ports, underwater exhausts, and a number of other features. Placement of these inserts and other index points have been plotted in the hull mold using a laser scanner, which can pinpoint loci within a hair’s breadth tolerance – typically less than a fraction of an inch.

Built with Airex coring in the topsides; today’s Westport sandwich construction in the decks and cabins provides thermal and acoustic insulation. Modifications enable Westport to produce every hull as a one-piece, monolithic unit. The greater complexity of these fewer composite parts speeds the build, and also creates a self-reinforcing geometry for improved structural integrity without added weight of external stiffening.

Picture Caption: Spacious back decks easily carry a 17’ RIB tender, with its own davit, as well as several PWCs and/or land scooters; secure but at the ready for land and sea jaunts. Customized fishing chairs can easily be added to the long and inclusive optional features.

High above the skylounge, reached by a curving stairway, the sundeck is completely away from traffic, without even an elementary helm. Yet it too offers a six-place round table – shaded by the wide radar/expedition/electronics arch – with stools at the bar, as well as a barbecue and refrigerated galley. Aft is a broad, padded sunlounge. A delightful escape.

Forward on the skylounge deck, a centered, built-in stairway leads down to an additional circular conversation pit/gathering area on the main foredeck. For sunning, sunset-watching, or an eclectic change of pace, another view of the ocean, unencumbered as far as the eye can see.

Picture Caption: FULL walk-around decks on each level make accessing every amenity easy and convenient, either for guests or crew.

On board, in the spacious wheelhouse center of operations, the theme of quality and style is paramount, with a broad expanse of electronics – the Westport Vessel Information & Control system – displayed before the helm, plus chart and logs in fine wood cabinetry, at easy access. Directly abaft the helm is a huge, deeply pillowed, crescent-shaped observation lounge and table so that guests may applaud the owners/captain’s performance, while he remains in complete control, yet intermingles in the social scene as he sees fit.

The Westport 130’s skylounge delivers cycloramic views. Fully enclosed, it represents a somewhat secluded alternate getaway from the main salon. Its wrap-around settee features a gaming table, facing a complete bar with twin stools nestled at the port quarter, just off the pilothouse passageway. A day head is conveniently located starboard.

Just abaft on the afterdeck is another settee with teak tables and chairs, complete with an inviting whirlpool hot tub spa, and farther back, the 17’ tender (Novurania) rests at the ready, with its own hoisting davit (Nautical Structures). This deck offers all the amenities for day or night partying, sunning, or simple relaxation.

In the main deck salon, social center of this extraordinarily appointed yacht, furniture options are designed to suit the individual owner’s tastes. In one example, a pair of deluxe sofas with individual coffee tables face the center, while stowage cabinets line the walls under large windows, all done in Brazilian cherry and Madrona woods. Her 42” plasma TV rises from a counter when needed. A unique set of ionic columns stand at each end of the buffet cabinet/bar divider, forward, where the 10-person dining alcove is featured under a moon-round ceiling light. The island cabinet gives more than ample stowage for table-ware. End tables are also custom designed with drawers and wine stowage, fingertip available. Other optional arrangements in the moveable furniture category may include a slightly less stylized single couch, barrel chairs, a round game table and chairs, 42” plasma TV, plus a complete formal dining alcove opening without the divider impediment from the more formalized “living room.”

The galley space on the Westport 130 would thrill many a professional chef. It features an "L" shaped layout with large windows and Corian countertops. It’s called a country kitchen-style galley, because it's open to conversing and entertaining. There is a large dinette forward as well. Standard tableware includes 12 place settings of acrylic day to day ware, plus formal crystal and china; cookware and bar materials, as well as table linens. An example of the finely honed skills of the craftsmen in the Pacific Northwest, the galley floors feature in-layed artwork in abstract designs that you simply don't find on conventional production boats. This is truly custom work and one of the many small details present throughout.

Picture Caption: Crew service access doors to the side and foyer grant easy access for provisions and reduce traffic through the owner's quarters and entertainment areas.

The five-stateroom yacht features vast areas of comfort and space, beginning with its owners’ master suite, a full beam (28’) across, with inlaid Crema Marfil marble. Featuring a splendid king size berth along with ample room for a full sized sofa and walk-in closets, it boasts large draped windows on both sides. The master bath, adjoining on the main deck, offers access both port and starboard, his/hers heads and a full size tub spa, a separate glass-enclosed shower, plus commodious closet and hanging lockers with all joinery in warm cherry wood.

Picture Caption: The joinery of the woodwork is as seamless as the fiberglass molds used to create the exterior structures. Each component is mated as part of the original design. The master stateroom reflects this with adornments that flow into one another, resulting in an extremely high quality finish that is ultimately secure and solid.

Westports 130 also sports two VIP staterooms, accessed from a central staircase on the main deck lobby, mirroring each other athwartships, with queen size berths; as well as two additional twin cabins forward. Each is well designed, with wall coverings, marble lined heads/showers, and good size.

Forward at the bow, the crew quarters on the Westport 130 include a double captain’s cabin with ensuite head; two twin-bunk cabins, also with separate heads, as well as a private lounge, galley and settee, plus a washer/dryer. All are strategically placed so that the crew moves easily in and out for daily chores without interrupting the guests. Abaft the engine room at dockside access, the engineer’s cabin meets comfort standards with a double berth, head/shower and stowage lockers.

The Westport 130's optional hard top adds another level of dimension to her majestic layers, while providing a sturdy, maintenance-free protection from the elements. This theme is carried-on throughout the 130', with deck houses that overhang walkways for complete remission from inclimate weather.

The engine room boasts non-slip, quiet flooring from Treadmaster, plus full head-room maneuvering for servicing the 2,735 hp MTU-DDC 12V4000 diesels. Twin Northern Lights 65kW generators fill electric power needs. Shore power is supplied by an ASEA system. There is a Sea Recovery watermaker. Standard equipment includes Naiad stabilizers, Wesmar bowthruster, Traulsen double freezer and Glendenning shore-cord reels.

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Review by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy and Carl Camper​

Specifications:

LOA: 130’0”
LWL: 113’8”
Beam: 26’0”
Draft: 6’6”
Transom Deadrise: 14 degrees
Disp: 370,000 lb. (half load)
Fuel: 9,900 gal.
Water 1,620 gal.
Gray water: 940 gal.
Black water 1,360 gal.
Engines: 2x 2,735 hp MTU-DDC 12V4000
Transmission: Twin Disc
Gear Reduction: 2.5:1
Props: 5-blade Schaffran
Speeds Top speed 29 knots
Optimum Cruise 20-25 knots
Range 2,300 nm @ 11.5 knots
Generator: 2x 65kW Northern Lights
Steering: Jastrom
Engine Controls: MTU
Estimated Price: $13,000,000
Naval Architect: Bill Garden/Gregory C. Marshall
Interior Design: Pacific Custom Interiors

For more information, contact:

Westport Yacht Sales
2957 State Rd. 84
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
954-316-6364
www.westportyachts.com

Deck plans and lay-outs. From top to bottom:

1. Side view
2. Flybridge Deck
3. Upper Deck
4. Main Deck
5. Lower Deck.

Front page running shot...

The Westport 130 Engine Room...

The Westport 130 Workshop...