At last autumn’s Monaco Yacht Show, Kingship gave the media a brief overview of a new megayacht model range, called the Ocean SUV Series. While details were still being refined, the concept was a crossover between an explorer yacht and a traditional luxury yacht.
Now, Kingship has released drawings and full facts. The model you see here is the 116, the “middle child,” if you will, of the Ocean SUV Series family. The other two models are 90 and 150 feet. (On a side note, these are only slightly different than what Kingship originally had in mind. At the press conference, the management team announced an 87, a 116, and a 148.)
Kingship’s founder, Roger Liang, approached Sergio Cutolo of Hydro Tec to be the series’ naval architect. Cutolo has penned the lines and engineered many different styles of yachts, including trawler-like megayachts. Liang wanted the series to emphasize long-range, fuel-efficient cruising; abundant stowage for world cruising; and a comfortable, sensible interior.
Cutolo likens the look to Land Rover’s Range Rover series. He points to how the Range Rover was a variation of the original SUVs from the car company. Likewise, the Ocean SUV Series has stylistic variations on expedition yachts, mostly via softer lines. This still keeps the look “frill free,” as Kingship puts it. The aluminum superstructure and steel hull are also intended to be simpler to maintain.
Inside, there are further variations on the luxury-yacht theme, with an emphasis is on practical materials. Even with that, each will be capable of entertaining 10 or more guests. The 90, for example, will accommodate 10 people and four crewmembers. Each will also have the creature comforts yacht owners come to expect. To that end, the 116 will feature an on-deck master. And both the 116 and 150 can include elevators.
Caterpillar is the engine of choice for the Ocean SUV Series. Top speed for the 90 should be about 11.5 knots, according to Hydro Tec, with cruise speed at 10 knots. The 116 should top out at 13 knots and cruise at 11.5 knots. The 150 will reach a maximum 15.5-knot speed and 14.5-knot cruise speed. Respective ranges are anticipated to be 5,000 nautical miles, 7,500 nautical miles, and 9,500 nautical miles. Each of those will certainly serve owners wishing to remain at sea and away from docks for long periods.
Furthermore, each Ocean SUV will be built to RINA classification and comply with MCA Code regulations. Specifically, the 90 will meet MCA’s MGN 280 Code category 2, which governs small pleasure yachts in commercial use (meaning charter). The 116 and 150 will comply with the MCA Large Commercial Yacht Code (widely referred to as LY2).
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