On The Way And In The Water

New models and new launches are everywhere as we head into an early Spring. Upcoming boat shows across the globe will offer plenty of chances to debut and Hinkley, Horizon and Gulf Craft have joined the list of builders showing off their latest.

Hinckley T34 On Track

The Hinckley Company, which is showing its brand new Talaria 48 in Palm Beach, says the first hull of its T34 will be ready for launch in July. The model, announced by company president and CEO Jim McManus at the 2011 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, will be well suited for pulling kids on tubes or enjoying a sunset cruise.

“When we embarked on this project, we did a lot of homework and polled a lot of boaters,” McManus said. “They overwhelmingly expressed an interest in a simpler boat, one without too many of the things that often go unused. The Hinckley T34 is fitted out to encourage an owner to use the boat even if he or she only has a short window of opportunity. The one thing the boaters we talked to aren’t prepared to give up is speed,” McManus continued. “It’s part of the fun, part of the sport.”

The new boat is equipped with twin Yanmar 6BY2- 220s, and with those as standard, the boat is predicted to attain a top end speed of 30 knots, or 33 with the optional 260s. Because of the non-variable load characteristic of jet propulsion systems, Yanmar is providing an unprecedented five-year warranty for the engines. Hamilton Jets is supplying the company with the Hamilton 242 product developed exclusively for Hinckley’s applications.

The lines of the Hinckley T34 clearly carry on the tradition established by the Picnic Boat. The signature curve from rooftop to cockpit coaming, the tumblehome, and the half-round toe rail describing the sheerline are familiar hallmarks. Brand watchers will also recognize the patented Jetstick at the helm and the boat’s scant 22 inches of draft.

For more information, visit hinckleyyachts.com

Horizon Delivers 120 to China

Horizon announced in December it sold its second yacht over 100 feet to China in a year. Featuring an exterior design by American designer JC Espinosa, the RP120 Muses includes DNV certifications on both structural safety and stability. Her low-resistance hull is designed to optimize performance.

Muses has an open bridge and comfortably accommodates 10 guests and five crew. Powered by twin MTU diesels, she reaches a top speed of 16 knots. She is fitted out with zero-speed stabilizers, bow and stern thrusters, and custom AV and navigation systems. She is the first yacht for her new owner.

For more information, visit horizonyacht.com

Gulf Craft Launches First Majesty 135

Gulf Craft recently launched the first hull of it Majesty 135 design. With three decks and more than 41 meters in overall length, it is the builder’s largest Majesty model to date. The semi-custom model employs comfort-enhancing features such as an on-board elevator and zero-speed stabilizers, as well as a spacious and richly decorated interior featuring a bamboo veneer theme, gold-plated fittings and marble and granite finishes.

Interior design was done by CDB Yacht Design, while structural design and naval architecture came from Gulf Craft’s engineering team, YD Design of Italy and BMT Engineering of the U.K. The yacht is scheduled for delivery to her owner in April.

For more information, visit gulfcraftinc.com