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Design Clash: Gulf Craft 111 vs Ocean Alexander 30R

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Yacht News, Mar 11, 2022.

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  1. Yacht News

    Yacht News YF News Editor

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    At the start of the Dubai Boat Show, local builder Gulf Craft unveiled a new boat to their lineup called the Gulf Craft 111. I saw the design and thought...nice but it looks rather familiar. In my mind I said it looks very Ocean Alexander. So a quick look to their Revloution line of new yachts to confirm my thoughts? Anyone else seeing what I am seeing or is it just me? It is also similar to Horizon's FD offering too.

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  2. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    Like all industries, there are a lot of copiers. Some very good at it. I see much from the Turkey builders. Nothing wrong with imitation if you can build a good product at a more competitive price and reach more customers.

    I grew up in NC in the middle of the furniture and apparel industries. One of the most successful furniture manufacturers was often joked about and it was said their research and development department was made up of a few people with cameras. However, they could take competitor's designs and still almost beat them to market. In Apparel in the US, it was shop European markets and know we ran behind. In fact, it got easier, no reason to go to Europe, just shop Montreal.

    I have seen so much laughter over recent years over some of Sunseeker's designs. Yet, now I see similar from nearly every Chinese and Turkish builder. Those windows everyone made fun of, now everyone has.

    In boats with builders like OA who didn't traditionally own yards, often the yards they used were the first to copy. Reality is there are not that many things to do with boat designs and we're in a copycat world.
  3. gr8trn

    gr8trn Senior Member

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    Sure, I see it. The devil is in the details as is usually the case.

    Olderboater brings up copycat in terms of product. I sure see it in eyewear. Just on look at the design of Warby Parker eyeglasses an you will find Tom Ford, RayBan, and many other copies. Now try to mount a lens in the knock off, and then adjust it properly to the human skull and you find out what you have.

    As for these two yachts, I wonder what the details would tell us about Gulf Craft vs. OA. I have no idea but I wonder if buyers even wonder such things.

    I do know there is a product or knock off of said product for everyone.

    I remember back in the 1980's I had to have Vaurnet sunglasses asap when I had my first job. I knew folks that were fine with Phonets. Pho as in phony. Vaurnet or Phonet? Whatcha guuna do?
  4. Yacht News

    Yacht News YF News Editor

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    The more pertinent thing you asked is "if buyers even wonder such things".
  5. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I m not sure I see similarities between the stow beyond this horrendous bulky design which unfortunately is becoming popular. The pilothouse is completely different for instance.

    the only things I see are the notches along side but that is now common on many boats so people get a better view when seated in the salon.

    both are massive eyesores