Marlow Yachts' New 86-footer

Scheduled to debut sometime later this year is the largest offering from Marlow Yachts’ Explorer line, the 86 Cockpit Motor Yacht. Marlow had previously delivered an 82-foot model that combined long-range capability—PMY's test on the 82 produced a 2,599-NM range at 10 knots—with an extended cockpit for sportfishing enthusiasts. Like all of its models, the 86CMY is being built at Marlow’s Norsemen Shipyard in Xiamen, China; the facility has earned a Green Environmental Award from the International Superyacht Society. The 86 will utilize the same cutting-edge methods as the rest of the Marlows, including: Nidacore honeycomb interior bulkheads, Kevlar- and carbon fiber-reinforced hulls, and Core-Cell foam coring. She will be powered by standard twin 835-mhp Caterpillar C15 diesel inboards. For more details, contact Marlow Yachts.

The Devil's in the Details

How much does a yacht really change in the design stage? Dramatically, in some cases, as illustrated by these renderings from Laurent Giles Naval Architects. Project 6H, the result of a collaboration with Peter Insull's Yacht Marketing, evolved over an eight-month research, design, and development program. What started out as a 148-foot expedition yacht with four decks (see Style A) became a 171-foot yacht with a much different profile, particularly forward and aft (see Style B and C, then the final design at the bottom).



Note the high freeboard forward; unlike some hybrid yachty-expedition styles, this one doesn't hide its rugged roots. Note also the signature Laurent Giles element, the dramatic downward curve to the transom. The silver and white paint scheme complements the bold design.

Look for more information in my "Megayachts" column in May.