Donald L. Blount and Associates (DLBA) recently completed the design of the 105 Yachtfish project, a concept project vessel that combines characteristics of long-range cruising yachts and modern sportfishing boats. The 105 Yachtfish project has been developed on the basis of enabling eight guests, a captain, and two crew to cruise on extended trips on a vessel that is properly outfitted and configured for real sport-fishing, without sacrificing the comfort and amenities that should be found on a modern motor yacht.
The efficiency of the 105 Yachtfish motor yacht relies on a very long and slender hullform designed to provide increased efficiency and extended range over the higher-speed planing hulls found on most modern sportfishing boats. While slower than most modern sportfishing boats, the shape of the hull allows for an efficient cruise speed that is higher than for typical displacement yachts of similar length. A high sprint speed is possible in the event the owner intends to tournament fish or has other reason to travel faster than at cruise speed. Twin diesel engines coupled with recently-developed pod-drives will allow the 32m Yachtfish to reach a top speed of over 25 knots; cruising at 13.5 knots will extend the vessel’s range up to 2800 nautical miles.
The main deck of the 105 Yachtfish concept contains a salon that opens up forward to a large galley and dining room, and aft to an expansive mezzanine deck perfect for watching the fishing action. Three steps down lead to the cockpit, properly equipped with fish boxes, icemaker, bait and tackle stations, and a fighting chair. Upstairs from main deck, a second large salon is located immediately aft of the bridge, providing 360-degrees of visibility and opening aft to a large exterior deck overlooking the cockpit. Forward, the bridge of the 32m Yachtfish opens on both sides to an exterior walk-around at the forward end of the house.
The 105 Yachtfish design that combines the characteristics of a long-range cruising yacht and modern sportfishing boat would make her an ideal charter yacht.