Attracting the American market with a fast yacht
The Numarine 26XP, which will be sold in 22 units in spring 2023, is an expedition-style motor yacht that can accommodate 4 or 5 cabins. Launched with a displacement hull, this 26-meter-long model cruises at 9 knots and reaches a maximum speed of 13.5 knots with its two 560-horsepower MAN engines. To attract the American market, the shipyard has developed a gliding version with more powerful engines. This new version of the 85-foot model, the Numarine 26XP Fast, is equipped with two 1,800-horsepower MAN engines, giving it a maximum speed of 31 knots, or a journey of 2 to 3 hours to reach the Bahamas from Miami. However, at a speed of 8.5 knots, the shipyard announces a consumption reduced to 17L/h per engine.
Omer Malaz, founder and president of Numarine explains: "The Numarine line of displacement hull Explorers has proven to be very popular in the U.S., but some people prefer faster boats, especially for weekend or day trips."
A first gliding hull model had already seen the light of day at Numarine in the XP range in 2018, but with larger engines, capable of propelling a bulky boat.
Offer a comfort similar to the larger models
Can Yalman, who has been collaborating with the shipyard for a long time, has once again designed the interior and exterior fittings of the 26XP Fast. Customers can still customize the materials and fabrics. The naval architecture is by Umberto Tagliavini, another long-time partner of the builder. Although this model has the same angular windows and vertical bow as the larger models, it is designed to offer the same comfort and amenities in a more compact space. Finally, its 2.12-meter draft allows it to navigate in shallow waters, including the Bahamas.
A large flybridge of 65 m2
An important design feature of the 26XP Fast is a large flybridge of 65 m2, impressive for its overall length of 26 m, with space to store a 3 m dinghy or two Jet-skis. A larger tender, up to 4.5 m, can be stored on the swim platform. In addition to a second helm station, there is a shaded dining area with bar and loungers on the aft deck. Owners can choose between an extended hardtop or a soft top.
An interior layout of 4 or 5 cabins
Eight guests can be accommodated on the lower deck in two adjoining double cabins, a VIP suite forward and a luxurious 26 m2 owner's suite amidships, which occupies the entire beam. Upon request, an optional 5th cabin can replace the observation lounge located forward on the main deck.
The main living and dining room of 48 m2 is bright and airy thanks to the large windows. The kitchen is placed next to the dining room for easy meal preparation. A section of the living room windows slides out to create a floating balcony overlooking the sea. Including the front deck sofa, the 26 XP Fast has 138 m2 of outdoor space.
The saloon communicates with the aft cockpit through large sliding windows. In addition to the outdoor dining area and a generous sun deck, two side companionways lead to a generous bathing platform. Accommodation for 3 to 4 crew members is accessible from the transom.
A solar panel option to reduce noise
An "Extra Silent" option allows the extended hard-top to be fitted with solar panels to power onboard equipment and reduce the number of generators to one. Constructed of PVC foam, fiberglass fabric and vinylester resin, the Numarine 26XP is completed in 6 to 8 months. The next delivery is scheduled for March 2024.
