Review: Mochi 74' Dolphin

Mochi 74' Dolphin​

A Super-Sized, Italianized, Down-Easter!​

by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy​

Taking the often whimsical approach of that prince of the seas, the dolphin, and adding the workhorse enthusiasm of the traditional lobster boat, Mochi brings a sportive touch to cruising. "Ciao,” trumpets the new 74 Dolphin, whose lines infuse the classic lobster boat’s sea-keeping attributes with pleasure and luxury; qualities surely unknown to the lobster-men who first went down to the sea for those tasty treats.​

In all things Italian you expect sensual drama, style, operatic flair with a tremolo, and perhaps a touch of playfulness. Combine that with an American fondness for creature comfort, and you have a yacht with exceptional appeal. It’s all here in Ferretti Group’s series of lobster boats/express cruisers, the Mochi Dolphins. First introduced as the initial 52-foot Mochi Dolphin design, in 2003, it was the brainchild of Norberto Ferretti and Ferretti Group’s designer, Brunello Acampura, with naval architect Andrea Frabetti. The objective was to design a deep-V hull that would be operable in the most severe conditions, yet offer the finest in livability as well.

Powering this creative new denizen of the sea, the MC-74, is a twin set of MTU V-12, 2000 M91s, 1522 hp diesels. Revved up to 2350 rpm they top her out at 32 knots, and at 2000 rpm cruise comfortably at 27-28 knots. On the yacht, you get to this engine compartment through a passageway at starboard, and find it rather spacious. Considering the amount of living room fore plus vehicle stowage aft, It’s well insulated by space alone. Inside, it poses no problem for a six-footer, with 6’4” headroom; a blessing to me. Stainless steel steps allow movement around the engines, and watertight hatches fore and aft assure safety.

With its broad bow and blunt rake angle at the stern, the DownEast lobster boat intrigued the Italian executive, who at first blush, they say, named it “Langoustine.” But as his design team developed the concept, the result became this super-sized, Italianized version of a traditional DownEaster, blending movie-star smooth looks and panache with remarkable sea-keeping. Even if based on an unpretentious lobster boat, this lady has quickly morphed into a graceful dolphin.

From the top at the flybridge, her voluptuous lines flow into each other to form the endless curves. A dual station helm seat allows the captain and first mate to plot the course at the auxiliary helm, while guests loll in the cushy sunbathing pads. Forward of the soaring radar mast – Furuno w/36-mile display – and nav module is a sweeping upholstered U-shaped couch/dinette to take in the panoramic view. The sink and cook top provide for quick snacks. Either underway or anchored in some delightful cove the vista and sunbathing is unmatched.

From the flybridge a stainless steel and teak ladder leads down to the wide, multi-purpose area, the cockpit, which provides a fridge and sink for a full dinner or all occasion party, with weatherproof couches and a teak dining table just steps from the salon. Hidden stereo speakers play the music you want to hear. In spite of its size, the entire cockpit is protected by a “Tendalino” (see below). In addition, the port side of the cockpit is hinged, all glass, to open up to the fresh air.

A clever Mochi-Dolphin innovation is presented at the cockpit. While open to the sun and fresh air, a very special sun shade slides out from the flybridge coping on two rigid arms. Called the “Tendalino”, this electro-hydraulically operated awning provides direct, but clear shade over the entire cockpit area. Easily one of the most useful ideas the marine industry has seen in recent years.

Launching the tender is most exciting, a lot of fun. Stowed in its own garage under the aft cockpit is a parking place that somehow has been overlooked by many designers. A beam-wide ramp drops down to provide the runway for a Zodiac inflatable as well as a two-seat jet-ski.

A retractable walk-way also slides down on the port side, making this one of the cleverest, and easiest, tender launches ever in a yacht this size.

Forward through the glass cockpit bulkhead to the salon reveals a crisp, fresh atmosphere, drawing-room style blended with teak, mahogany, leather and shades of light tan. The expanse of the salon is made visually even more so by its tasteful furnishings. Openness is the key, with well arranged sofas and easy chairs along one quarter, while the airily decorative teak dining table and white leather-covered chairs offer a restful balance. Teak and maple flooring ties the whole together, yet it seems larger than it actually is. Wide windows and inside overhead lighting add to the effect. Light also floods in from the windshields at the helm, forward.

An alternate view, from starboard, presents the 43” LCD TV, viewed from all parts of the room, and especially for the eight dining guests. Wood Venetian blinds control the light input and stifle glare. The Dolby sound system is amplified by Bose speakers.

An unusual arrangement places the galley forward of the salon and to port of the helm, facing the wide windshields. Open style, Mochi-Dolphin refers to this as its “American-style Kitchen.” Of course this allows constant and convenient byplay between the head chef and the captain; plus a full view forward for the kitchen crew. Double-door stainless steel refrigeration, sink, microwave and Ceramic 4-burner food prep are within easy reach, as well as a marble counter top. There is a rigid curtain which can close it off into a party bar. Two doors are forward, one which leads to the bridge; the second for crew moving to other parts of the vessel without disturbing guests in the salon.

Forward to starboard, the helm design is integral with the dolphin curves; a shaped cowl formed over the instrument panel in wood and leather, with a double pilot seat. The huge window treatment allows excellent visibility on all sides. Large pictorial displays present navigation and instrumentation systems to the captain – framed in wood and leather– LCD Color w/incorporated GPS and electro-hydraulic steering. A NAVIOP integrated system monitors electronics with a 15” touch-screen display; all gauges are aligned before the teak/stainless steel destroyer wheel. To his left, the full electronic panel. Flooring is teak.

A sumptuous spread of space allows the full-beam – 22’6” – master suite to boast its built-in walk-around queen berth. Sculptured teak moldings in sensuous curves define the generous bed and its side accoutrements. Tasteful furnishings include a leather love-seat/sofa and decorative vanity mirrors, as well as windows, drapes, bureaus and a grand walk-in wardrobe (boasting a safe-deposit box).

Placed to be readily viewed from the berth or couch is a 20” LCD TV stereo. Additional furniture presents a desk, chair and auxiliary shelves. Carrying out the design theme are teak and maple floors plus off-white ceilings.

Embellishing the master suite are two separate bathrooms – his-hers; according to choice – one features a shower and the other a full size Jacuzzi tub. Each flaunts Ceramic basins and electric Ceramic WCs – plus a bidet in the starboard arrangement. Both sport overhead lockers and shelves, vanity mirrors, and teak wood Venetian blinds. There is one fixed shower with a hydro massage tub that opens to both.

Just slightly less plush than the master suite, the VIP stateroom sports a queen size berth – sensuously sculpted in wood – that dominates the large room, with drawers beneath. Bedside tables add to the convenience factor, as do multiple operational portholes with stainless steel framing. Twin wardrobes offer a huge choice of clothing for any occasion, while a vanity, lockers, and side shelving provide for stowage. A mirrored headboard reflects the room, adding to the virtual visual space. A 15” LCD TV and mini-sound system provide for entertainment.

A guest cabin on the port side features twin berths or bunk beds with drawers beneath as well as reading lights, a wardrobe, fixed windows and opening portholes. One guest cabin, the fourth, features a Pullman, or “French-style” layout, with one standard berth plus a second folding berth, with private bath. It may also be used as an office, or converted to a laundry/ironing room. Many possibilities here.

In addition to the single shown here, the Mochi-Dolphin 74 sports twin guest cabins on the starboard side, two on the port side as well as two guest bathrooms. There are also two separate crew cabins, a crew lobby, and separate crew bathrooms. (see plan views).

An attractive glass-enclosed shower stall with sliding doors typifies the design sense here in one of the guest showers, as in every other facet of the yacht. The Ceramic basin and electric WC w/incorporated bidet offer ultimate ease of living, even far at sea. Overhead lockers and shelves protect valuable accessories, sporting teak and maple flooring, while a teak grating in the shower provides safe footing. There is a large mirror as well as an operational window-port, covered with wood Venetian blinds.

Available as an option is the Mitsubishi Anti-Rolling System, a static-gyroscopically controlled stabilization system which takes away the discomfort of side to side wallowing, even when on a mooring. That’s quite a pleasure when half awake with a morning cup of coffee, you can have it stay in one place on the table. It’s equally advantageous in a surging seaway. So it appears that this Maxi Dolphin is not just another 74-footer. With her mixture of sea-going drama, whimsy, beauty and creature comfort, she appears to be a winning combination.

Behind the genius of Norberto Ferretti – with the melding of fine design and sensuous artistry, the hardscrabble but robust phenom known as a DownEast lobster boat has morphed into, not a pearl nor a langoustine...but a princess of the sea.

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Review by Chuck Gnaegy​

SPECIFICATIONS:

LOA: 74’
Beam: 22’4”
Draft: 5’3”
Displ., laden: 123,900 lbs.
Fuel: 1,453 gals.
Water: 261 gals.
Power: 2x MTU V-12 2000 M91 @1522 hp
Nav. Category: CE 94/25
Certification Modules: RINA B+F
Max Speed: 32 knots
Cruise Speed: 28 knots

For more information contact:

Ferretti Group, USA
1535 SE 17th Street
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
http://www.ferrettigroupusa.com