[Prado]

The boat’s most distinctive feature is a massive swooping stern arch, which supports a hard targa roof that ties into the cabinhouse coachroof. The total effect may seem aesthetically challenging to some, particularly when you factor in the bizarre chevrons of portlights at the roots of the arch, but the arch is, in fact, functional. Several working lines run inside of it (and can be accessed through removable panels), it supports the overhead mainsheet traveler, and it incorporates an elegant overhead deck shower that will inject a lot of style into your cockpit showering routine. more

[juengasa]

The systems installations are particularly impressive. Standard equipment includes a Spectra watermaker, a Fischer Panda generator, a 52,000 BTU air-conditioning system, a 900-watt solar array and a washer/drier, to name just a few of the major items. All this and more is tied together via a digitally controlled Mastervolt C-Zone distributed power network fed by a large 750AH house battery bank. The brain and control module of the system is a pre-programmed iPad tablet that also comes standard with the boat. Systems operation and maintenance are controlled and monitored through the iPad, which sends all data back to the builder whenever it is connected to the Internet. more

[chaseadam]

The goal of Xquisite Yachts is to sell boats already equipped with everything needed for long-term live-aboard cruising and then provide owners with comprehensive lifetime service assistance. The boat and equipment conceived to realize that goal not only won the new X5 catamaran a SAILBest Boats award for Best Large Multihull, but also an award for Best Systems.

[Bth8]

Our test-sail conditions on Chesapeake Bay were challenging for a dedicated cruising cat like this (i.e., less than 10 knots of breeze), but the X5 acquitted itself admirably. With a working suite of standard North Norlam laminated sails (a big squareheaded mainsail and a self-tacking blade jib) our speed was not inspiring—less than 3 knots at a 45-degree apparent wind angle in about 7 knots of apparent breeze. What was impressive, though, was that the boat tacked easily through this negligible wind with very little loss of speed. To heat things up a bit we unfurled the big screecher and hit a much more creditable speed of 5.2 knots at a 65-degree angle, again in just 7 knots of apparent wind. Unfortunately, we did not have a spinnaker aboard to test downwind speeds.

[Comatus]

Based on the amazing success of the Xquisite X5, the joint venture between Xquisite Yachts and Cape Town based Phoenix Marine announces the arrival of their new model, the X5 PLUS.

[kongming208]

‘We’ve have been working on the X5 PLUS design for quite some time, and the first two hulls are already in production. When we started to work on this project our main goal was to improve the sailing performance as well as to incorporate every design feature and new idea based on the feedback from all our existing X5 owners.’
The use of modern materials and build techniques, such as vacuum infusion and composite bulkheads allowed for a significantly lighter build of the X5 PLUS. The 16 tons light displacement, and the much more powerful sail plan guarantees fast and comfortable passages.
The new bow design offers modern looks, while the overall length of the new model is 53’ with the additional bow sprit which is part of the very powerful sail plan of the new X5 PLUS. All the lines are led to the protected helm station and all three headsails are installed on electric furlers, allowing to sail the boat completely single handed in any wind angle or sail plan.
Many other improvements are based on the experience building the X5 over the past 6 years, as well as on the feedback received from all the Xquisite owners after they sailed their X5 thousands of miles:
Besides the great sailing performance, probably the other most important improvement is regarding the electrical system. The new generation 22kWh Li-ion batteries and new high-tech solar panels from Germany are standard now with a total of 2,3 KW high efficiency solar array, which work much better in low light conditions as well. The new panels are built with tempered ‘walk-on glass’ making easy to work on the coach roof, and the new 24V electrical system includes high output alternators, battery chargers and 6kW inverter. This very powerful electrical system allows for fully electric cooking with induction cooktops and electric oven in the galley, and a new electric grill setup incorporated into the wet bar in the cockpit.
The new air conditioners using inverter technology are more silent and more efficient and could be run overnight without the generator, while the large opening portholes on the front salon windows, as well as the much larger forward facing deck hatches above the beds in each cabin offer great natural ventilation throughout the entire vessel.
There are more handholds throughout the boat, and the new electric TV lift in the salon is pivoting for better viewing angles. Waterproof wireless phone charging at the helm and nav station eliminates the need of charging cables. The overhead rain shower in the cockpit is complimented by a pull-out shower, and the shore water connection on the transom helps to avoid contamination of the water tanks with marina water while at the dock. New and much improved multizone Fusion Apollo sound system with more speakers and subwoofer offers great sound quality. The cabinetry got new hardware with soft closing drawers and hinges as well as new latches, while the headroom in the salon was increased by 4 inches. Several different color choices are available both for the interior and exterior. [links]

[caulinda87]

The build time of a new X5 PLUS is almost a full year at 40,000 working hours, so the company only builds four boats each year customizing each yacht to suit the owner’s preference. Based on the success of the previous Xquisite X5, the first nine hulls of this new model are already sold, which means the next available hull would be delivered in 2023 here

[gebler]

The lazy jacks got in the way a bit, as they are apt to do, so Tamas lowered and raised the main in a dance familiar to most sailors. The only thing notable about this procedure was the ease with which it was achieved. I forgot to time it, but the whole procedure, including his pauses for explanations and to answer questions (including the lazy jack issue), could not have taken more than 5 minutes. here

[obinine]

I was surprised when Tamas turned on the auto-pilot and the boat’s wheel did not move. I knew that the X5’s steering was hydraulic, but did not realize that meant no wheel movement while on autopilot. Tamas explained that since it was hydraulic there was no need for the wheel to move -there was simply a separate hydraulic pump for autopilot. more

[andrewegc]

We crawled around a under the chart table and inspected the wiring. Everything was neat, labeled, and really well done. The same neat runs and labeling were found throughout the boat. [links]

[qube]

I did not get much information on the procedure in the event of hydraulic failure. In hindsight, I should have asked a bunch more about the steering system. This requires some more research. Most guests, myself included, took a turn at the helm while motoring. Unsurprisingly, the helm had no “feel” to it as a cable system would, but the boat was very responsive. here

[ichi]

Bottom line -we love it at the dock. There are faster boats, there are more luxurious boats (not that many actually), and certainly roomier boats, but few seem to strike the balance the X5 does. Walking around a boat at the dock is not enough to know whether it was truly a sexy beast or a crone in lingerie. (Game of Thrones reference for those few of you unfamiliar with the best show ever (and even better books).)

[true]

LOA 51ft BEAM 26ft 6in (8m) DRAFT 4ft 3in DISPLACEMENT 40,000lb (light ship) Sail Area 1,023ft 2 , Fountaine-Pajot, catamarans-fountaine-pajot.com

[The Script]

LOA 44ft 3in BEAM 24ft 7in (7.5m) DRAFT 4ft 4in (board up); 9ft 10in (board down) DISPLACEMENT 19,840lb (light ship) SAIL AREA NA, HH Catamarans, hhcatamarans.com

[mike_3296]

Fountaine Pajot teamed up with Olivier Racoupeau Design to reimagine sustainable cruising aboard the Fountaine Pajot 51. The deck has been retooled to create more space, not just for sunbathing, but power as well. The Fountaine Pajot 51 comes standard with 30ft 2 of flush solar panels, which under perfect conditions can provide an output of up to 2,000 watts. The large flybridge provides additional living space topsides and allows guest to keep the skipper company, albeit from a slight downward angle, as the steering pedestal is located on a split-level platform to starboard. There are four layouts, including a “Maestro” cabin version with four guest cabins; two Maestro cabins with two guests; one Maestro and three guests; or six guest cabins (the latter likely to be seen in the charter market). The galley spills out into the cockpit, which has a large, protected dining table. The boat is designed to be easy to handle. As a result, in spite the massive 1,330ft² of living space, this is a boat that doesn’t take a pro to sail.

[jstn]

For those feeling the need for speed, there are few ways of making knots that look more fun than doing so aboard the new Marlin 33 tri. Available in both “cruise” and “race” versions, the boats are infused in carbon fiber and epoxy, then post-cured for maximum rigidity. The amas fold in for easier transport, and bulkheads are fabricated with foam cores in the interest of stiffness and weight savings. Both versions of the boat boast carbon-fiber booms, sprits and rotating wing masts, with the race version having the greater air draft and more sail area. Belowdecks, the Marlin 33 offers standing headroom in the saloon and no less than six berths, two of which are in the main cabin. See, this really is a cruiser! The manufacturer would like nothing better than to create a new one-design class for the boat. Any takers?

[Siegmund]

LOA 58ft BEAM 27ft 10in DRAFT 4ft 6in (boards up); 10ft 11in (boards down) DISPLACEMENT 31,785lb (light ship) SAIL AREA 2,191ft 2 , Balance Catamarans, balancecatamarans.com

[franklions99]

It seems there’s always something in the works at Balance Catamarans, with the latest example being this impressive-looking 58-footer. The latest in a long line of well-crafted performance cruisers, the boat has all the trademarks of a Balance cat with its sleek lines, powerful rig and high-aspect daggerboards. Hull #1 will be constructed entirely in epoxy, carbon and Corecell M foam, but the boat is also available in E-glass with some carbon reinforcements in high-load areas. Hulls and deck are vacuum-bagged, and the mast, boom, forward crossbeam and spreaders are carbon with Kevlar standing rigging. (Aluminum spars are also an option.) Stacking doors separate the saloon and aft cockpit and allow the two to be combined into a single, large free-flowing space. The boat’s trademark VersaHelm allows you to steer from beneath the shelter of the hardtop in dirty weather, or from up high when the sun shines. It’ll be fun to see this boat when it launches.