HYS Yachts transforms retired commercial vessels into High-Value, World-Class, Luxury Yachts. The desire to own a world-class luxury yacht has become much more affordable thanks to the uncommon efforts as well as experience the HYS Yachts, Philippines provides.
55m motor yacht Ark Angel (ex Tiara II and Galapagos) before and after her refit by HYS Yachts
Since 2000, HYS has proved to be “the little yard that could”: no multi-million dollar infrastructure; no palatial offices; no Armani suits or on-site espresso machines. However, what these commercial-to-luxury yacht conversion specialists lack in big yard glamour, they more than make up for in high-value, fully-customized yacht conversions completed at a fraction of the cost of US or European new builds.
Located within the former Subic US Naval Base in the Philippines, HYS Yachts – cited more and more frequently as the world leader in the highly specialized commercial to luxury yacht conversion niche – has seven successful conversions and nearly a dozen major refit projects (including one for venture capital mogul and yachting luminary Tom Perkins) currently under their belt. A few of the more notable HYS conversions include the 49m superyacht Western Isles, the 55m motor yacht Ark Angel (ex Tiara II and Galapagos), and the 50m luxury yacht Northern Sun.
Well-Tooled Micro-Management
Headed by British Expats Mark Prangnell (CEO and Lead Project Manager) and Simon Jupe (Naval Architect – BSc CENG MRINA), HYS has assembled an extraordinarily skilled international management team of steel and aluminum fabricators, mechanical and electrical engineers, carpentry and finishing specialists to orchestrate and quality control each step of the uniquely challenging commercial to luxury process.
Unlike most shipyards, HYS management has developed a seldom seen hands-on approach to every aspect of their projects by working side-by-side their hand-picked, highly-skilled Filipino labor force to ensure the absolute perfection of each step in the conversion process.
“We’re not a stamp-it-out, tack-it-in production facility with high-ticket welding robots” Pragnell notes. “We’re a fully custom yard with a gifted, human workforce. Since each conversion requires that we work within the original hull dimensions of each donor vessel, almost everything must be done to a special and often unique specification.”
This, he admits without reservation or apology, entails a significant degree of team level micro-management. “As it turns out, and as our track-record shows, micro-managing each conversion hasn’t been detriment to our efficiently at all” Prangnell adds. “Not only have each of our projects been accomplished on time and on budget, but we’ve found that a hands-on, shoulder-to-shoulder working relationship with each member of our talented labor force has actually become one of the primary keys to the success of each conversion and refit we do.”
Formula for Success
In the late 1990’s, Prangnell and Jupe, long-time friends and colleagues in previous yacht-related endeavors, seized upon the game-changing concept of converting recentlyretired commercial vessels into world-class luxury craft.
As the essential hull structure and propulsion systems of these relatively inexpensive “donor vessels” were already in place, Prangnell and Jupe reasoned that a cosmetic and functional transformation would be efficient to execute as well as attractively cost-effective for anyone in the market for a
luxury yacht.
For the investment-minded, they also knew that the comparatively low cost of each completed project – coupled with first-quality materials and workmanship – would afford their clients the unexpected bonus of immediate, and frequently significant, resale value.
The commercial to luxury conversion model Prangnell and Jupe conceived of – and continue to refine for the benefit of both yard and client alike – is a savvy business strategy which has always lead to satisfied expressions on all sides of the table.
HYS find’s it’s reward in transforming retired commercial vessels into a sleek, world-class luxury yachts – as well as, of course, an acceptable profit margin provided by internationally-competitive Philippine labor costs.
The ship owner is rewarded with an unexpectedly affordable, fully customized, visually spectacular motor yacht that can either be held and enjoyed for years to come, or quickly flipped for a handsome profit.
Other Services
Over the years, HYS has also answered a growing need for luxury yacht refit services throughout the Southeast Asian region. From the re-planning and construction of new interior/exterior spaces to the installation of nav/com packages, to hull and superstructure repainting to laying new teak decking – and pretty much everything else in between – HYS has successfully served the refit requirements of many notable, regionally operated yachts including the ITASCA, Ark Angel (originally converted by HYS), Dr. No (originally converted by HYS), and many more.
HYS also offers mothball services (enabling owners to temporarily decommission their luxury investments and cut back on all non-essential crew expenses during inactive cruising schedules and lean economic times), as well as international conversion/refit consulting.
Next Steps
Now that word is getting out about the dramatic, cost effective transformations coming out of this inconspicuous Philippine facility, are there any plans for yard expansion?
“We are constructing a 50-meter over-water boat shed which will keep the conversion wheels cranking no matter what the weather. Other than that, anything is possible” Prangnell offers. “But for now, our yard and location is quiet, secure, and completely adequate for the work we do. Our past projects are confirmation of that.”
“One thing is pretty sure though…” Prangnell adds with a smile. “We probably won’t be getting an espresso machine anytime soon.”
