UPDATE, JANUARY 26, 2017: Otam is adding more options to tailor its Millennium Line yachts as chase boats. Garmin navigation electronics are among the new choices. The IPS propulsion mentioned below is still available, as is the ability for the chase boats to match their motherships. “We actually expect a growing demand for this niche of market, based on a solid number of ongoing negotiations with potential buyers,” says Matteo Belardinelli, Otam’s sales and marketing director.
Read on for our original story.
While Otam builds a variety of boat sizes, something interesting happened with two models in its Millennium Line. Three megayacht owners bought the Otam 45 and the Otam 58HT to accompany the motherships. The boats, with custom touches, serve as chase boats, not tenders per se, due to being too big to keep aboard. Otam sees more potential within the Millennium Line for more buyers like these. Therefore, it’s adding more options to the 45 and 58HT to attract them.
“Chase boat” is an apt description for the Otam 45 and 58HT, since each reportedly tops out at more than 35 knots. They can take owners and guests on excursions longer and more comfortably than traditional tenders, too. While the 45 and 58HT have set layouts, Otam is welcoming customer input into entertainment systems, navigation and communications equipment, propulsion, and of course decor. For propulsion, for example, buyers can request Volvo Penta’s IPS system. Satellite TV capabilities can go aboard, so no one ever misses a sporting event. In terms of decor, each Millennium Line chase boat can match the megayacht’s color scheme and/or soft goods.
Otam says it’s already in discussions with a few potential buyers for Millennium Line chase boats. Even with customization, both the Otam 48 and 58HT can be delivered in eight to 10 months.
To get a sense of the possibilities, consider Lion Cub (above), an Otam 45HT accompanying the Benetti Lionheart. Otam actually delivered two 45HTs to this owner. Then there’s Catch Me If You Candy, a 58HT for the VSY Candyscape II (now Sealyon). Consider, too, Crazy Too, a 58HT commissioned for the Heesen Crazy Me. Otam painted her hull and hardtop in black. Furthermore, it wrapped the deck in a film resembling carbon fiber. Since the sound system aboard Crazy Me is spectacular, Otam installed the same components aboard Crazy Too. Both iPhones and iPad Minis control the volume and more. Satellite TV coverage from multiple countries, plus 4G Internet and WiFi are aboard as well. Finally, Cristiano Gatto Design tailored the interior of the Millennium Line craft to the owner’s requests (though no further details are available).
Extreme? Maybe—if you tend to be a traditionalist. But if you’re among the growing number of owners wanting something to stand out in, you’re in good company.
Leave a Reply