Review: Bering Yachts 18 Meter Euro-Trawler

The chain locker has fresh and saltwater washdowns but the big protection comes from the 316 stainless steel mirror finished bow protection plates. The bulbous bow, with inset Side-Power 15 hp thruster, has been specifically designed to reduce pitching in heavy seas as well as providing a collision compartment should this behemoth slam its 180,000 pounds into anything substantial.

The bilge keels provide passive stabilization by presenting a lateral resistance and can be most effective at anchor or in beam seas for roll dampening. An additional benefit is the ability to sit on her own bottom, whether for intentional beaching for hull inspection or bottom cleaning or whether it’s an oops moment in misjudging depth. However, with a draft of only 5’4” running aground should be castigatingly embarrassing.

Launch day has the B18 hitting water for the first time where she sat smack on her waterline as proposed. The engine exhaust bubbles are muffled as they exit beneath the swim platform and are dispersed as the B18 trudges on.

Proud Papa is Alexi, Mr. Bering. Hull # 4, a 65’ classic Bering, was launched at the time of this writing and is now headed to the South Pacific. Look for M/V Namaste at the Sydney Boat Show 2014. A B20 and B24 are starting construction next month. Bering Yachts now has a construction yard in Antalya, Turkey at the megayacht stocked Free Trade Zone and is able to offer an alternative to the Bering yard in China (see frame 145 at http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/181882-post145.html). To say that Bearing is on a roll would be contradictory to their go anywhere, bring-it-on philosophy of building seaworthy globe-exploring passagemakers, but they are indeed on their way.

The Builder’s plate is not related to gastronomy but is proof that this vessel has met certain European conformity standards. Category A indicates this B18 is designed and built for extended ocean cruising where wind conditions may exceed Beaufort Scale force 8 and wave heights of 13 feet. Bring it on!

Aside from fresh air ventilation and natural lighting, Plan B is the emergency escape hatch from the master stateroom. It’s always so thoughtful when the builder provides an affixed ladder so you can actually climb out the hatch if need be. The emergency exit is one of the requirements for Category A CE Certification.

The electrical system is comprised of the Onan 23kW generator and the Victron energy system which includes two 3kW inverters and 18 AGM type deep cycle batteries and a whole bank of easily accessed labeled battery switches. All wires run inside a PVC tube or PVC wire loom each with its own jacket. All wires are color coded and the connections are insulated. Of course the electrical system was designed and built to CE standards.

The B18 holds 2600 gallons of fuel in two main tanks and two day tanks. All fuel tanks have electric fuel sensors and there are sight gauges on the day tanks. Reverso fuel polishing and transfer system and auxiliary fuel transfer pump keep things running cleanly. Fuel consumption was proven at 10gph at cruise speed of 8 knots. Maximum speed is just under 10 knots; expected range is 3,000 nm. Of course with the continuous duty commercial Cummins, no problem in pulling back on the throttles and sipping a miserly 2 gallons per hour at 5+ knots and exponentially expanding the expedition range.

For the helmsman who may have had too much to drink, water that is, it’s a long and steep way down to the closest head which is on the lower level. The design calls for an ondeck head on the portside of the flybridge. The glass door is a clue that there might not actually be a toilet in there. I can’t imagine why the owner decided to eliminate the head but has kept the sink, thus making this a sink room with a weathertight glass door. It could have been used for external stairs to the main deck. Lots of options and each owner gets what s/he wants – it’s one of the great attributes of building in steel and a feature that Bering gladly offers: as long as it’s not moving bulkheads, and as long as the naval architects approve, have it your way. The Brig dinghy and accompanying Yamaha 20hp 4 stroke motor is nestled into a stout cradle but is ready for launching with the Steelhead Marine 1500 davit. The adjustable cradle for the accompanying jetski is a useful addition.

The flybridge offers great visibility whether for the helmsman sitting high and dry on his Llebroc or the guests lounging in the various seating areas. The main entertainment area is the six-person settee with the flip out dining table. Two free-standing chairs can be pulled up for eight to eat. The expansive hardtop keeps the general motif of sleek and style including overhead recessed lighting and additionally offers good weather protection. The instrumentation and screen apparati, gadgets and gizmos are well laid out and within easy reach. The electronics include engine controls, bow and stern thruster controls, and Argonaut 19” display screen.

The main deck has an abundance of windows providing panoramic vistas. The amidships staterooms each have 3 vertical windows giving a new meaning to "room with a view". Short of Bering Sea conditions on this seatrial, the coastline offered some interesting distractions.

The B18’s owner has a background cruising his Dutch yacht in the Baltic Sea. After playing in the Med and enjoying the Adriatic, he plans on exploring Scandinavia in his new go anywhere, do anything expedition yacht. The large electrically heated windows will come in handy, as will his electronics suite which is based on Furuno’s MFDBB (Multi Function Display Black Box – whew I was worried for a minute there) with two Argonaut 19” screens, open array radar, autopilot, and night color cameras in the engine room as well as on deck rear facing cameras. Bering has found its bearing, the B18 returning to its Norwegian roots – cool.

The B18 has a unique engine room setup with the engines beneath the floor. This installation contributes to the low sound levels and vibration reduction, but also frees up engine room space and maneuverability. The built-in lights are numerous and allow full engine servicing with dual dexterity from flashlight free fumbling. The centerline Seakeeper gyro is good for 200,000 pounds worth of stability at anchor or at displacement and under speeds.

Aft boarding is easy with the telescoping hydraulic Opacmare passerelle on the port side or the steps from either side of the eurostyle spacious swim platform. The name of this B18 owner is encoded with his initials displayed on the transom. Bering’s customization policy with each owner being assured of getting his/her special yacht unique like none other.

Just how far will the YachtForums team travel to bring our members 'real' reviews, written by experienced editors who have been involved in every aspect of yacht design, engineering, ownership, navigation and maintenance, then report their findings in detail? Here's Judy Waldman in Antayla, Turkey sporting her YF t-shirt!...

Sea Trial Test Data...

Deck Plans; Top to Bottom...

1. Fly

2. Main

3. Lower