Building a new yacht; seeking suggestions

Hi Nilo,

It sure is a challenging project, but I still have my doubts about marketing the yacht as a semi. It is a niche concept like the 114 even if it doesn't have the Explorer emphasis.

I've briefly played around with the drawing and there were a few changes that did have some softening effects. I stretched the curve from the center section towards the aft. This didn't interfere with the views from the salon.
I also tried to put 3 portholes in the center section which also broke the surface. The single porthole is the center of attention in that section. It emphases the size of the surface. Last thing I tried was a little against Moonen tradition. I darkened the roof and mast to a medium/dark grey. This also flattened out the height of the yacht. Dark colors do have obvious disadvantages on the higher surfaces.

Congratulations with your new endeavour, Nilo! It will be interesting to follow this new project from the start.
I already like the design, and with Rene, you can't go wrong really. But as the whole point in posting is to receive feedback, here's some initial thoughts...

Judging from the shadows, I assume the master cabin is full beam?
I am not so fond on big forward-facing windows on the main deck. Not only for the safety aspect when taking green water onboard, but also for the privacy aspect. The foredeck is usually a working and/or relaxing area for the crew. Will guests in the owners cabin be comfortable with that, or will they keep the blinds shut all the time anyway?
Also because of the windows, the stairs from the bridge to the foredeck will look more like an afterthought.

Good luck and keep posting,

Bruno

It seems a lot of thought has already gone into this! And indeed, a good yacht is always the best compromise between a long list of wishes. Some more thoughts that crossed my mind:

Would it be an idea to shift the second tier of the superstructure (wheelhouse and skylounge) one or two meters towards the aft? I think it would do good to the profile (more robust look), but at the cost of some aft deck space on the upper deck. On the other hand, you can create a more secluded seating/sunbathing area in front of the wheelhouse, which can be nice in mediterranean ports where everyone is moored stern-to and the quays are full of tourists.

The porthole in the "big white surface" seems to be too low to look through (form the inside) . It may well be intended that way (e.g. near a staircase or under upper galley cupboards) but it looks like "form preceded over function". Also, you may want portholes in the side doors on the main deck, which will then not be in line with this "cosmetic" porthole. In a rough sea, it's best to check outside for rollers before opening a side door, so I would definitely want portholes in those doors.

Points I really like are the knuckle line in the aft of the topsides (would the boat become too modern if this was repeated in the deck overhangs?), and the windows of the skylounge which are set further outboard, increasing the space and light inside and giving a forward view from the skylounge.

Bruno

I like the straight windows better. I think it fits in better with the main deck lines. The boat looks GREAT!

Dockboy93

I think the option with raked windows looks better, consistent with the raked windows of pilothouse. I really like the design, excited to see how it turns out either way.

Have you considered reverse raked windows for the pilot house providing for less heat load, better visibility and no interior light reflections at night?

I believe it would provide a powerful appearance, leaving the main deck windows vertical.

Just my opinion....I could be wrong.

I have to second Stan's opinion. Reverse raked pilothouse windows would look better and be more functional. If not the reverse rake, then I think having BOTH decks' windows designed vertically would be more visually appealing. Many of Trinity's boats have vertical windows for both the wheelhouse and owner's suite. I like that look as well.

Hi Nilo,

it was nice to finally meet you in person at the METS. I hope you had a good time in Holland. Do drop by in The Hague for lunch if you have time next time around.

I personally prefer profile 5-C, with both windows raked. I think it looks more seaworthy (I don't like the idea of green water smashing straight into vertical windows). I also think that it will be nicer to incorporate "floating" teak steps from the bridge deck to the foredeck when the windows are raked.

A few considerations:
- If the window mullions are quite big, the visibility through the raked windows will be worse than through vertical windows. You can opt to finish the mullions with just insulating paint and a leather or veneer finish instead of the bulky rockwool and plywood structure around them (which would be better from a noise perspective though)
- I doubt the window in the wheelhouse side doors can be made that big (a.o. because of storm locks in the door). Or is it a smaller window with a paint effect? It may be better to draw an existing door type to avoid disappointment at a later stage.

My 2 cts.

Bruno

window wheelhouse

Dear Nilo,

I have read this thread and for most of us it is nice to be involved in the process of yacht building this close. For most of us this is the closest we get.

I know Moonen well as we supplied a lot of stainless steel railings and outfitting items to them in the past. They have their own stainless workshop now and the people from this workshop are doing their work very well.

The issue "wheel house door" has already been resolved, but I like to add some to it for the rest of the people reading this topic. It is possible to make a full perimeter glass and have the dogs in the structure behind the glass.
One advice to you, to make sure that the doors close well, try to keep the profile on the inside flat, while you can keep the profile on the outside according the profile of the boat.

Another thing. Maybe, I missed it in the conversation, but you changed the sundeck. It looks like it is not very accessible with all the navigation on top. Beside that you have skipped the windscreen. Is there a reason for that?

As for the railing, did you consider oval tube railing instead of teak. Less work and it is not something you will overlook when you look at the railing.

Kind regards,

Mike Gilsing