New On The Scene

Cutting begins on the first steel sheet for the Bandido 148.

The steel megayacht market can now count one more among its members. To mark the event, the Horizon Group held a traditional Chinese ceremony for the start of the construction of the Bandido 148 Explorer Megayacht—a move that brings the boatbuilder into a new era by growing its model lines to include the steel luxury megayacht market. The steel hull and aluminum superstructure will be delivered in 2010.

The latest addition, under construction at Premier Shipyard, is a result of collaboration among the Horizon-Premier team, its dealer Drettman GmbH in German, and designer Juan Carlos Espinosa. Espinosa was tapped to design Horizon's first steel megayacht following the success of the Premier 130 and Bandido 75. The Bandido 148 will meet BV Classification, ICE Class, and MCA LY2 Compliance. The vessel will be powered by twin MTU 12V4000M60 1,800-hp engines, and reach a maximum speed of 15.6 knots, a cruising speed of 12 knots and a range of 4,500 nautical miles. The Bandido 148 will also will feature ABT’s TRAC stabilizers and four 22-square-foot fins driven by TRACSTAR technology will provide stability when at anchor or underway.

The first Bandido 148 Explorer Megayacht will have accommodations for eight guests in four staterooms on the lower deck amidships. Eight crewmembers will be situated in four cabins—with private bathrooms–forward, plus laundry facilities and a crew's lounge. The full-beam master suite with a king-size bed, office, and his and hers bath with a Jacuzzi can be found on the main deck forward. A large galley, full-beam dining saloon and main saloon are also located on the main deck.

Moving to the upper deck you will find the pilothouse and the captain’s stateroom, a large skylounge, an exercise room and a sauna, both which are designed with fold-down balconies. The Bandido 148 will accommodate an atrium staircase connecting all levels plus an expansive flying bridge with spa pool for ten, lounging areas, bar and dining amenities. In addition, the tender will be housed in a garage aft of the engine room and accessed via a hydraulic garage door off the transom.