The prestigious Dutch builder Moonen Shipyards presents two amazing new superyacht designs developed for owners searching for a contemporary approach within the award-winning Moonen quality template: the 100-foot raised pilot house motor yacht, designed by the well known Rene van der Velden, as well as a new fast displacement motor yacht concept by Nick Mezas, available in three lengths between 18 and 24 metres.
Moonen 100 RPH superyacht designed by Rene van der Velden
Development: Moonen 100 RPH
“Over the decades we have become renowned for producing timeless motoryachts,” explains Emile Bilterijst, managing director of Moonen shipyards. “These superyachts are built for a wide range of clients in four diverse formats – fully custom projects, displacement cruisers, explorers and fast displacement motoryachts. These new designs will help us serve an even more varied clientele looking for an unconventional approach. It is Moonen’s direct response to changing market demands.”
The Moonen 100 raised pilot house superyacht by Rene van der Velden features an owners stateroom on the main deck, with extra space in the beam thanks to the narrow walkways forward, which are now only intended for crew members to use. Elsewhere the yacht has the most economic layout possible for a boat of the size. “The challenge with a raised pilothouse configuration is that it can take a lot of space away from the flybridge,” continues Bilterijst.
“To counteract this we have placed the tenders in a stern garage from where they will be launched by slipway rather than an overhead crane. This yacht is an ideal option for an owner looking for a more modern aesthetic within a clearly identifiable Moonen style of gentlemen’s yacht.”
The second new luxury yacht is by Nick Mezas and is available in three sizes of 18, 20 and 24 metres. “Over the past 20 years, Moonen – like many yards – has seen the length of our boats pushed upwards by its clients,” says Bilterijst. “This has an inevitable impact on the organisation, product, quality levels and costs. We have had several enquiries from entry level owners, and it is vital that we do not price ourselves out of this area.”
24m Moonen motor yacht design by Nick Mezas
24 metres Nick Mezas design
This new semi-series of smaller yachts will be built to CE regulations rather than class. Although there will be no change in terms of quality (“we can’t build anything less than Moonen quality,” says Bilterijst), the designs benefit from a careful analysis of systems and equipment. The boats will, for example, feature only one anchor instead of two in a pocket as is usually the case with Moonen yachts, which in turn means just one anchor winch.
“A lower price and smaller yacht will attract a younger public,” expects Bilterijst. “This is also the thinking behind the more aggressive styling, while simultaneously retaining the essence of Moonen quality in terms of fuel savings, low noise and vibration levels, and the exceptional comfort of a round bilged hull. We anticipate that these clients will probably steer the boat themselves and travel with young children. The yachts will be fitted with Volvo IPS propulsion, so the engine room is placed far aft. They will fit seamlessly within our fast displacement philosophy and be capable of reaching 22 knots.”
The IPS configuration leaves lots of space free in the forward section for four cabins. This is in line with the idea that there is unlikely to be a full-time crew onboard. An open-plan layout in the saloon/wheelhouse area also reflects the social aspect of the owner and his friends/family at the helm.
“We look forward to welcoming a new generation of owners to the Moonen family,” concludes Bilterijst. “These exciting new designs show once again our commitment to serving the broadest possible clientele with the most diverse motoryachts.”
