Series-built yachts incorporate a lot of proven technology, but sometimes they strike new ground of their own. Such is the case with the fourth 97 from Moonen Shipyards.
A sistership to Moonen’s Livia, which was delivered last year, the new Moonen 97 has a displacement-style steel hull and accommodations for eight. Styling is by Rene van der Velden, and the interior design is from another frequent collaborator, Art-Line Interiors. Even with the same team onboard, however, some changes have been made. For one, Moonen incorporated composite piping instead of metal piping for potable water and chilled water, and throughout the engine room. The reason: It now paints the engine room and other key areas where the pipes run before laying pipework. Previously, Moonen craftsmen welded the pipes inside these areas, installed them, and then painted. The new approach precludes permitting “dirty work,” so to speak, from going on. Moonen believes it’s a better, higher-quality approach. The composite nature of the pipes still meets Lloyds classification, too.
The eventual owner (the yacht is for sale) and guests won’t see that, of course, but they will appreciate another change. Moonen provided 50 percent additional clearance between the propellers and the hull bottom. (The propellers are mated to twin 600-hp Caterpillar C18s.) Water coming off the props creates vibration, which in turn can transmit bothersome sound. The extra clearance should reduce both of those.
Later this month, I’ll be visiting Moonen and will be aboard the 97 for a sea trial. I’ll have photos and hopefully video of her out on the water, as well as of her full-beam master, VIP stateroom, and two guest cabins. More details to come following the visit. In the meantime, if you’re interested in acquiring the yacht, visit the dedicated Moonen 97 website.
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