Owners of Westport 112s had a problem. So, too, by extension, did Westport. Many of these clients wanted to buy bigger while staying in the family, but the Westport 130 was simply too much boat. The length wasn’t the problem, however. Rather, the configuration was. The 130 is a trideck, where as the 112 is a raised pilothouse. Solution: offer a larger raised pilothouse that rivals the trideck for accommodations space. The owner of Black Gold is the first quite satisfied customer. Judging from the yard’s arrangement and the owner’s personalization, other brands’ customers might soon follow.
The Westport 125 profile retains a familial look, while bringing a fresh perspective, too. Note especially the elongated ports below decks. American builds receive criticism (undue) for being too dated, or angular. Black Gold sets that record straight, with curves and overall styling that will stand up to time.
She also has features owners want, but frankly don’t always get in this size. The intimate beach club (top) still offers enough space to sit and watch the included TV. The extending swim platform makes it even more welcoming. A handy day head lies just forward as well. Wisely, for the crew’s convenience, Westport includes a central door in the lift-up transom. This way, when it’s closed, engine-room access is swift. Few European offerings in this LOA combine both guests’ and crew’s needs in this respect.
Yet another excellent example of balancing guests’ and crew’s needs: the master stateroom. Two sets of doors yield entry. When stepping into the first doorway, the crew can set up morning coffee, without disturbing the sleeping owner behind the second. As you would expect, the stateroom spans the 26-foot beam (which, by the way, is the same as that of the Westport 130).
Long popular with American buyers, country kitchens break down the barriers between the staff and those they serve. As a repeat Westport customer, having had an 85 and a 112, the owner of Black Gold certainly embraces the arrangement. The galley aboard his new yacht, though, might just convert a few more foodies. Between the artful foyer leading to it (below left), the equally artful pocket door at its entry, and the combination of a full dinette plus barstools at the prep counter (below right), it’s sure to rival dedicated relaxation zones for attention. (Click on each image to enlarge.)
The 125’s performance should suit Westport 112 owners, plus those of similar-size yachts looking to trade up. Reported range is 2,500 nautical miles at 12 knots, with 2,600-hp MTUs. In addition, cruise speed should be around 20 knots. Both sets of figures match those of the 112. Westport actually based the 125 on the hull of the 112, so it comes as no surprise. Also no surprise: You get increased fuel capacity, 5,480 gallons. Overall, this is not a yacht for simply setting out on weekends.
Westport says the response to the series thus far is good. Come next summer, for example, another customer will take delivery. Two additional hulls are under construction as well, awaiting buyers. (Westport starts all its projects on spec.) The delivery dates span the next several months through to 2018.
Here are a few more looks at Black Gold.
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