Boatbuilding News 06.12.24 Feat. Princess Yachts, Rossinavi, Barton Marine, Vision Marine, Massimo Marine & Highfield Boats USA

📰 This weeks Boatbuilding News 📰

🛥️ Princess Yachts, the renowned British luxury boatbuilder, has announced plans to cut approximately 250 jobs at its Plymouth shipyard, citing “challenging market conditions” and the need to streamline operations.

The company, which employs around 2,700 people, will begin a consultation process with union representatives and affected employees. The redundancies, affecting just under 10% of the workforce, will primarily target hourly-paid roles across various operational departments.

CEO Will Green acknowledged 2024 as a pivotal year for the business, highlighting improvements in efficiency and the launch of new products.

"We have not been immune to the global downturn that has been affecting the industry. Making any decisions that directly affect people’s jobs is always difficult, but we have a responsibility to all staff to ensure we have a strong business. I am confident that these adjustments, together with the progress we have made on our turnaround plans this year, will underpin a much more robust business long-term and allow us to concentrate on what we do best – building the highest quality yachts in the market."

says Will Green, CEO

The company attributed its financial challenges to rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and delays in the delivery of essential components. Additionally, Green pointed to government tax measures that have “severely impacted” Princess Yachts’ recovery efforts.

Despite these challenges, the company remains buoyed by a strong order book and substantial investment from private equity firm KPS Capital Partners, which acquired Princess Yachts in March 2023. KPS’s £54 million investment has supported upgrades to the South Yard production facility and other operational improvements.

The latest job cuts follow a smaller round of redundancies earlier in the year, which impacted around 40 office-based roles.

Looking ahead, Princess Yachts remains committed to launching new models, including the S80 and S65 released in 2024, and the F58 and V65 planned for 2025. Green expressed optimism, stating that these efforts will help build a “stronger business in anticipation of the market returning to normal.”

Plymouth MP Luke Pollard called the news “awful” for those affected, emphasizing the significance of Princess Yachts to the local economy. “Ensuring they can continue to operate sustainably is vital,” he told the BBC, while also noting the unfortunate timing of the redundancies, which come just before Christmas.

In its statement, Princess Yachts reiterated its commitment to supporting employees throughout the consultation process. While describing the layoffs as “unfortunate,” the company emphasized that these measures are essential to ensure its long-term stability and success.

🇮🇹 Italian shipyard Rossinavi has unveiled Solsea, a hybrid-electric catamaran superyacht developed in collaboration with designer Yves Béhar. Designed for active owners, Solsea prioritizes sustainability, efficiency, and long-distance travel, enabling extended voyages without the need for refueling.

The shipyard highlights Solsea's advanced technology, which enhances performance while minimizing environmental impact. The vessel runs entirely on electric power for daily use and can operate on electric energy for up to 90% of multi-day journeys. Even during transatlantic crossings, it maintains 80% electric operation. Additionally, Solsea can be fully recharged from shore power within five hours.

When moored, the yacht enters a hibernation mode that significantly reduces energy consumption. Solar panels can power onboard systems or transfer energy back to shore, providing enough power to charge a villa, according to Rossinavi.

Equipped with Rossinavi’s proprietary artificial intelligence system, Rossinavi AI, the yacht continuously optimizes its operations. The AI collaborates with the crew to maintain the battery within the ideal 20% to 80% range, maximizing its lifespan.

“It’s been an incredible journey to see how Yves Béhar reimagined the naval platform of our hybrid-electric catamaran. His fresh, external perspective brought a style that is both luxurious and refined. This collaboration began shortly after we developed the Seawolf X concept three years ago and marks an exciting new chapter for us. Now, following the success of the first catamaran equipped with artificial intelligence, we’re thrilled to unveil Solsea, a fresh reinterpretation of this cutting-edge naval technology.”

says Federico Rossi, Rossinavi’s chief operating officer.

Solsea incorporates sustainable materials, including cork flooring from Amorim and 100% ocean plastic, alongside solar panels integrated into shading structures.

“For me, Solsea is a return to simpler, more respectful ways to enjoy the oceans while integrating the future of efficient propulsion, and cutting-edge technologies.”

says designer Yves Béhar

The yacht also features an eco-displacement hull that enhances hydrodynamic efficiency, reducing emissions, noise, and vibrations.

Innovative design addresses traditional space limitations, with features such as a full-width hydraulic rear door that transforms into a watersports platform. The owner’s cabin spans 70 square meters, offering 180-degree views and private balcony access connecting both hulls.

The main deck includes a lounge pool with a retractable hard-top for use during navigation, while the sundeck boasts a bar and a raised lounge area with panoramic views through an open skylight. Solar panels are seamlessly integrated into the yacht's structure to maximize energy capture.

This launch follows Rossinavi’s recent introduction of Nolimits, a new yacht brand featuring five all-aluminium vessels ranging from 30 to 45 meters. Designed by Fulvio De Simoni, the sub-500GT fleet emphasizes heavy-duty construction, spacious layouts, and optimal stability, comfort, and safety.

🇬🇧 Barton Marine has unveiled a newly designed range of Genoa cars, the result of extensive research and development over several years.

The 2025 product line, showcased at METSTRADE 2024 in Amsterdam, emphasizes durability, functionality, and a sleek modern design aimed at both sailors and OEMs worldwide.

Crafted from lightweight aluminum, the cars come in pin and towable variants, with anodized finishes in black or spectro silver to suit a variety of preferences. Available in two sizes—25mm and 32mm GT—these cars are designed to fit existing track layouts. Additionally, a heavy-duty 32mm option is offered for larger yachts and higher load capacities. Inserts are included to ensure compatibility with tracks on yachts globally, eliminating the need for new track installations.

The Genoa cars prioritize performance and longevity. The anodized aluminum construction enhances resistance to harsh marine conditions, while corrosion-resistant nylon inserts ensure smooth, low-friction operation. Pin-down versions feature ergonomic plungers that are easy to operate with gloves or wet hands, maintaining a streamlined design to minimize line snags.

The 25mm cars are ideal for yachts measuring 7-10 meters (23-33 feet), offering a maximum break load of 2280kg (5016lbs). These models accommodate lines up to 16mm (5/8”) in diameter and weigh between 247g (8.7oz) and 297g (10.5oz). The towable track end with a becket supports lines up to 8mm (5/16”) and weighs 121g (4.3oz).

For yachts ranging from 9-15 meters (30-49 feet), the 32mm cars provide robust options. The GT versions have a maximum break load of 3280kg (7216lbs), while the heavy-duty (HD) versions can handle up to 5970kg (13134lbs). These models support lines up to 16mm (5/8”) and can accommodate two lines simultaneously for versatile rigging setups, with weights ranging from 561g (19.8oz) to 820g (28.9oz).

Barton Marine’s latest innovation aims to deliver reliability and efficiency to sailors, addressing a broad spectrum of sailing and rigging needs with precision-engineered solutions.

🤝Vision Marine and Massimo Marine have joined forces to create a 30-foot electric pontoon boat designed for both commercial and recreational use.

The new platform combines Vision Marine’s expertise in electric propulsion with Massimo Marine’s manufacturing capabilities. Currently under development in Garland, Texas, the boat aims to deliver a dependable, turnkey electric solution. Alexandre Mongeon, CEO of Vision Marine, notes that this type of product has been a long-standing request from operators and nautical bases.

“We aim to bridge the gap efficiently, delivering what the industry has long demanded. By combining our world record breaking, third-party-tested technology with Massimo Marine’s manufacturing capabilities, we’re creating a solution that is as dependable as it is innovative,”

Says Alexander Mongeon, CEO

This partnership not only focuses on production but also on advancing sustainable marine transportation. The electric pontoon platform provides additional benefits, such as eligibility for various municipal, state, and federal grants and incentives.

"We’re proud to partner with Vision Marine’s innovative propulsion solution, bringing truly efficient electric propulsion systems to the commercial and recreational space.

“This collaboration showcases our shared commitment to innovation and sustainability, providing customers with high-performance electric pontoons through Vision Marine’s factory-direct distribution along with our networks.”

says David Shan, CEO of Massimo Marine Group

The combined direct-to-consumer model and expansive distribution network are expected to make electric boating more accessible, helping to expand the market for sustainable marine solutions.

🇺🇸 Highfield Boats USA, a leading manufacturer of rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), reports holding nearly 30% of the U.S. market and has recently expanded its sales network.

The company’s latest dealer, its 15th, is Sea Native Boat Sales, based in Key West, Florida. Sea Native operates alongside its sister company, Sail Away, which specializes in catamaran sales and charters. Located at Perry Marina on Stock Island—the largest wet slip marina in the Florida Keys capable of accommodating vessels up to 300 feet—Sea Native offers prime access to the boating community.

“Almost every one of the catamarans we sell has a tender, so this was a natural progression for our business to move in”

says Amy Michaud of Sea Native.

“We have always seen the smaller RIBs as essential to the cruising lifestyle, but we now realise that RIBs are ideal vessels no matter what your boating interest may be. For example, many of the larger RIBs have the ability to take numerous friends out fishing or exploring waterways on day trips. RIBs provide an incredibly smooth and safe ride in rough seas – which is one reason they are used by the government and military. Financially, RIBs tend to be a better value when compared to similar-sized vessels, and they are lighter weight, which increases their fuel efficiency.”

Christophe Lavigne, president of Highfield Boats USA, describes this expansion as a vital element of the company’s 2024 strategy, which includes starting domestic RIB production at its Cadillac, Michigan facility. The company has also partnered with engine manufacturers such as BRP, Flux Marine, Ilmor, and Zero Jet to broaden its product range.

“We are delighted to welcome the team at Sea Native, with their unique experience and insights into the Florida Keys boating and sailing markets, to the Highfield dealer network,”

says Christopher Lavigne, president

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