Megayacht owners are increasingly seeking highly stylized tenders to complement their mothership. Hodgdon Yachts has been building custom tenders alongside custom yacht projects for the past several years. Similarly, Luiz DeBasto has been designing a variety of megayachts as well as “small” boats that reflect his megayacht design expertise over the same time period. So it was only natural that the two team up for the Onyx 41, a limited-edition tender series.
The Onyx 41 has some really attractive design elements, like a large skylight over the three-sided helm/seating area and V-shaped glass skylights above a below-decks berth and settee forward. However, the megayacht tender really focuses on innovation, with hybrid electric propulsion as just one element. DeBasto evaluated a few shipyards before approaching Hodgdon Yachts with his ideas for the Onyx 41, ultimately selecting the Maine-based builder because of its centuries-old history and engineering track record.
One technical innovation of the Onyx 41 is a fender system that automatically deploys when needed—no need to grab the bumper-like gear and flip it over the rail every time you approach a dock or another boat gets a bit too close. No gimmick here, either: DeBasto created it because when he boats, he finds the task annoying. If you look closely at the renderings, you’ll see three oval hatches along the hull side; that’s where the fenders deploy. This way, the person at the helm can stay put, as can everyone else.
The Onyx 41 has another technical feature created along the same lines of practicality. If you’ve ever stubbed a toe (or worse) on a cleat, you’ll appreciate the fact that the Onyx 41 has ones that disappear seamlessly into the structure when not needed.
It’s interesting to note, too, that there are more technical features that double as creature comforts. These include sliding skylights over the below-decks berth and the skylight over the main seating area and helm. For pure creature comfort, though, all soft goods are stain- and splash-resistant and from Loro Piana, open to owner choice in terms of colors and patterns.
This slideshow gives you a closer look at the Onyx 41, which is available in different hull colors.
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For more information directly from Luiz DeBasto Designs and Hodgdon Yachts on the Onyx 41, please fill out our contact form.
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