As I wrote yesterday, each week from now until the Monaco Yacht Show, I’ll be introducing you to a boat that will be making her debut at the tiny principality’s exhibition. So, meet Nilo, the first launch in Moonen’s new Fast Yacht Series, a.k.a. the 94 Alu–so named because of her length and lightweight aluminum construction.
The 94 Alu developed out of conversations Moonen had with clients regarding its 84 series. They liked the four-stateroom layout and traditional lines, but they wanted something with a bit more volume and particularly speed, since the 84 was a displacement yacht with top speeds in the 12-knot range. So while Nilo has larger accommodations (see the saloon and stateroom shots here), a bigger lazarette, and a longer swim platform and engine room, she’s also a round-bilge, semidisplacement design constructed entirely of Sealium, an aluminum alloy engineered for weight savings without sacrificing strength. (Incidentally, if you Google “Sealium,” and you’ll find a wealth of information about its commercial shipbuilding applications.) Of course, credit for her performance is also due to her engine package, specifically the new Caterpillar ACERTs. Together these elements make Nilo’s 25-knot contract speed possible (though tank tests reportedly showed that 27 knots could be achieved).
The Monaco Yacht Show has not yet released the slip location for Nilo, although Moonen will have stands in the Darse Nord tent and along the Quai Jarlain.
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