Boatbuilding News 08.11.24 Feat. Sunseeker, Mase, HP Watermakers, GenSet, Feit Pompe, Besenzoni, Mapei Marine, Yachting Ventures & Dockmate

📰 This weeks Boatbuilding News 📰

🤝Italian Marine Industry Partnership Expands in the US Market

The "Together We Boat" initiative, comprising six Italian marine industry firms, is setting its sights on growth in the US market following its recent showcase at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) in Florida. As part of this expansion, the partnership is also opening a new branch in Fort Lauderdale to enhance sales and support services.

HP Watermakers co-founder Gianni Zucco shared insights into the origins of the alliance, noting that HP Watermakers, Mase, and GenSet initially joined forces due to shared technological goals and long-standing professional ties. Zucco emphasized that the US market has been a key focus since the group's inception, with plans for further expansion into Asia.

“America has been one of our targets right from the beginning of the partnership… being able to attend the FLIBS this year with an expanded group makes us more determined and motivated than ever”

Zucco stated.

Stefano Campanelli, sales director at Mase, highlighted the joint venture's goal of bolstering customer service and technical support across North America. Mase already has a presence in the US, with an office providing spare parts and services to American clients.

“The opening of the first ‘Together We Boat’ service point will be of considerable interest to Mase”

Stefano Campeanelli said.

Giorgio Besenzoni, CEO of Besenzoni, pointed out the benefits of pooling resources, explaining that the partnership aims to respond more effectively to changing market demands. Besenzoni supplies a wide range of equipment for both sailboats and motorboats, including gangways, tender launching systems, helm seats, and boarding ladders.

Mapei Marine, a division of the Mapei Group initially focused on large cruise ships, has recently joined the alliance. CEO Andrea Gerardini revealed that the brand is now collaborating with recreational yacht builders, offering an expanded range of sealants and adhesives tailored to the leisure boating sector.

Feit Pompe, founded in 1947, is another new member of the partnership, contributing its expertise in pumps, fans, fire dampers, and water tanks. President Pietro Calabrò highlighted the complementary nature of each company’s product range, which enables the group to offer a comprehensive catalogue of services and support to marine customers worldwide.

The Together We Boat initiative is establishing a new branch near the Boat Yard on 17th Street in Fort Lauderdale, which will serve as a hub for service and support. The facility includes a showroom and warehouse, stocking commonly needed parts to ensure swift after-sales service. The branch will be managed by Antimo Ciccone of Aqvatech Marine, who brings over 30 years of experience as a large yacht captain.

“I am honoured to be the technical contact for such prestigious companies in a market as unusual and demanding as North America and Canada,”

Ciccone remarked.

This emphasizing the strong reputation of Italian marine products in the US. His team has been active in Fort Lauderdale since July, providing support to the ‘Together We Boat’ brands throughout North America over the past year.

💡 New Startup Day Announced for boot Düsseldorf 2025

Yachting Ventures and the European Boating Industry (EBI) are teaming up to launch a new Startup Day at boot Düsseldorf 2025, set for 21 January. This event aims to spotlight innovative startups in the leisure marine industry and builds on the success of previous pitch competitions held at the Blue Innovation Dock (BID), a forum focused on sustainability and innovation in the sector.

The Startup Day will include a keynote speech, a pitch competition featuring five selected startups, and reverse pitches from investors, where they will share insights into their investment priorities. The event will wrap up with a panel discussion on investment trends and a networking session during a Startup Happy Hour. Startups interested in participating in the pitch competition can apply, with the winning startup securing a stand at boot Düsseldorf 2026 along with media exposure.

Scheduled from 18 to 26 January 2025, boot Düsseldorf is the world’s largest yacht and watersports exhibition, drawing over 214,000 visitors and featuring more than 1,500 exhibitors from 67 countries across 16 halls.

Highlights of the Startup Day Programme

The Startup Day will kick off at 1:00 PM with a keynote address, followed by the Startup Pitch competition from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM.

Five chosen startups will present their innovative solutions to a panel of industry experts and investors. Investors will also participate in reverse pitches, providing valuable insights into their investment criteria, helping startups understand how to align with investor expectations effectively.

The programme will conclude with a panel discussion on current investment trends and challenges in the marine industry. Following the discussion, attendees can join the Startup Happy Hour at the BID Lounge, offering a prime opportunity for networking with investors, founders, and key stakeholders in the leisure marine startup ecosystem.

Call for Startups to Apply

Yachting Ventures and EBI are inviting startups to apply for the pitch competition. The startups will be evaluated based on criteria such as uniqueness, market potential, scalability, and their sustainability impact on the leisure marine industry. The winning startup will receive a complimentary stand at boot Düsseldorf 2026, offering increased visibility and brand recognition. Additional perks include extensive media coverage through Yachting Ventures and boot Düsseldorf’s channels.

Eligible startups are defined as companies that have been operating commercially for less than five years and/or have an annual turnover of less than €1 million.

Strengthened Partnership Between Yachting Ventures and EBI

The Blue Innovation Dock (BID), launched in 2023 by EBI and boot Düsseldorf, has quickly become a central feature of the event, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and ocean conservation in the leisure marine sector. Following the success of pitch competitions at BID in 2023 and 2024, Yachting Ventures and EBI have expanded the programme into a full-day Startup Day event.

This extended collaboration aims to provide more opportunities for startups to connect with investors and industry leaders, highlighting the increasing emphasis on innovation and sustainability in the yachting industry. The Blue Innovation Dock continues to bring together experts and stakeholders to discuss sustainability topics such as boat building, propulsion systems, marina management, and marine tourism. With the introduction of a full-day Startup Day, Yachting Ventures and EBI are deepening their commitment to supporting emerging businesses and fostering innovative solutions to shape the future of the leisure marine industry.

🛥️ Sunseeker Unveils New 94 Yacht Model for 2026 Amidst News of Company Sale

Sunseeker has had an eventful few weeks, not only confirming its recent sale after months of speculation but also revealing a brand-new yacht model. At the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), Sunseeker International and its US distributor, One Water Yacht Group, debuted the 94 Yacht, presenting it as a "floating sanctuary."

Andrea Frabetti, CEO of Sunseeker International, expressed enthusiasm about the launch.

“We are enthusiasts and proud to introduce the 94 Yacht, a remarkable new addition to our esteemed yacht range. Building on the success of our 100 Yacht, the 94 Yacht exemplifies the concept of a luxurious home away from home on the water. Collaborating closely with British design studio, Design Unlimited, we have crafted an entirely new interior design for this model, and we are excited to unveil our latest creation to the world.”

High-Performance Features and Cutting-Edge Systems

The 94 Yacht comes equipped with twin MTU 10V 2000 M96L engines as standard, delivering a top speed of 26 knots. It features the Humphree X-Series interceptors for advanced stabilisation and trim control, ensuring a smooth ride. Additionally, the yacht is outfitted with a Simrad navigation system and a Sonos audio setup, enhancing both navigation capabilities and entertainment quality on board. Despite being marketed as a vessel offering premium on-the-water entertainment, this claim primarily highlights the inclusion of Sonos 8” speakers across all exterior social areas.

Luxury and Customisation at Its Core

The new model boasts an interior design that reflects Sunseeker’s commitment to luxury and meticulous detail. Collaborating with Design Unlimited, Sunseeker has incorporated high-quality materials such as natural leathers, cotton, and wool, alongside premium fabrics and linings to create a sophisticated living space.

The exterior design features a semi-concealed anchoring system and a Besenzoni passerelle. It also includes an integrated tender recovery system compatible with the Williams SportJet 395, along with an optional jet ski launch system. The yacht's hydraulic rise-and-fall platform can lift up to 1,000 kg, accommodating tenders weighing up to 950 kg and providing easy access to the water.

Customisation and Flexible Accommodation Options

Sunseeker is offering extensive customisation options for the 94 Yacht, allowing owners to personalise their vessels with upgrades such as advanced navigation stations, enhanced wet bar facilities, and refrigeration systems tailored for tropical climates.

Accommodation is highly flexible, featuring an optional full-beam lower deck stateroom in place of the standard aft port and starboard double cabins. This configuration allows for accommodation of up to ten guests and four crew members. The crew quarters are designed with both functionality and comfort in mind, equipped with modern amenities and ample storage space.

With the launch of the 94 Yacht, Sunseeker continues to expand its luxury yacht portfolio, appealing to clients seeking high performance, customisation, and comfort on the water.

😮 Dockmate Unveils Redesigned DPS V2 for Easy Retrofit

Dockmate, a leading manufacturer of wireless remote controls for yachts, has introduced the revamped Dockmate Positioning System (DPS) V2, specifically engineered for easy retrofitting. The redesign aims to enhance safety and ease of use while simplifying the installation process for boat owners.

Unlike traditional aftermarket dynamic positioning systems that require extensive hardware, DPS V2 integrates seamlessly with the existing Dockmate Receiver. Since the Dockmate Receiver already manages control of engines, motors, and thrusters, the new DPS V2 requires minimal additional components, making it a more cost-effective and streamlined solution.

“When we released DPS this time last year, we knew we had created functionality that was in high demand by boaters around the world. “That said, it was important to simplify the hardware for a more streamlined installation and manufacturing process. The operation of DPS V2 is exactly the same as the award-winning DPS system, but with a lot less parts, reducing complexity and weight. We’re extremely proud that DPS V2 has already been nominated for the DAME Design Awards 2024. Our customers are going to love it, and our installers will appreciate the elegant simplicity of the system”

says Dirk Illegems, president of Dockmate.

Enhanced Features for Easier Docking

Bill Karmis, sales director at Dockmate USA, highlighted the benefits of the redesigned system, noting how it simplifies docking and on-water operations, making them more accessible to a broader range of boaters.

DPS V2 features two operating modes: Ocean Mode and Precision Mode.

• Ocean Mode uses the boat’s engines alone to maintain its position for twin-engine setups, while for single-engine boats, it combines the engine with proportional bow and stern thrusters. This mode is particularly useful for short-handed crews, allowing the captain to leave the helm briefly to manage mooring lines and fenders when entering a marina.
• Precision Mode employs both engines and proportional thrusters simultaneously to maintain the vessel's position and precise heading, offering enhanced control in tighter or more challenging docking situations.

Streamlined Upgrades with Modular Design

The modularity of the Dockmate Wireless Remote Control System allows for easy upgrades. If a boat's Dockmate rev.G+ Receiver is not already compatible, it can be updated with minimal hardware changes to support the new DPS V2. This approach minimizes waste and negates the need to produce entirely new receivers, making it an environmentally friendly solution.

Dockmate assures that the installation process is straightforward, requiring only a brief calibration sea trial to get the system operational. For additional details, boat owners and installers are encouraged to visit the company’s website.

With its simplified design and enhanced features, the new DPS V2 is set to be a popular choice among boaters looking for a reliable and easy-to-install dynamic positioning system.

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