patriot press - american custom yachts · 3,900 points and a narrow 100-point lead. que mas earned...

Keep up with the latest information from ACY at www.AmericanCustomYachts.com. 1

ACY90 Powering Up!

VOLU

ME 47 - 2011

Fax: (772) 288-4993 • Web Site: www.americancustomyachts.com • E-mail: [email protected] CUSTOM YACHTS, INC. • 6800 S.W. JACK JAMES DRIVE • STUART, FL 34997 • (772) 221-9100

Patriot PressNE WS AND INFORMATION FROM AMERICAN CUSTOM YACHTS

(Top left) The galley is under construction as components are being fabricated on the shop floor. The ACY90 features a unique aft galley layout enabling the crew to keep an eye on the cockpit at all times.

(Top right) The cockpit mezzanine overhang features a drop-down flat screen TV (shown in mock-up) and hinged light boxes that serve as cold air vents when open.

(Bottom left) Interior accommodations are in the final stages of varnish and paint in preparation for the installation of the headliner, wall coverings, fixtures and flooring.

(Bottom right) Cockpit cabinetry is shown being dry-fitted prior to final installation. The cabinets will encompass live wells, tackle lockers, a refrigerator and engine room access.

The deckhouse on the new ACY90 has been removed to accommodate engine fitting while final interior installations are underway. Fabrication of salon and galley components will continue on the shop floor until the deckhouse is refitted prior to final paint. Weighing in at 19,000 pounds apiece, the massive twin 4,600-HP MTU V-drive engines are shown being dry-fitted with the assistance of a 70,000-ton crane. The engines have been aligned with transmissions, shaft logs and running gear, and fitted with exhaust manifolds.

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Extended Hospitality!ACY teamed up with Bausch-American Towers to create the perfect entertainment solution for the 72’ Knight & Carver motoryacht MAKARA courtesy of a major top deck extension and custom hard top. The extension adds 63 square feet of deck area with a built-in wet bar and drop down TV. Now, that’s entertainment!

A three-foot piece was cut from the aft end of the bridge overhang. ACY built out the area by 45 inches with sister longitudinal framing and then reattached the cut piece. The combing, deck and underside were then refabricated, resurfaced, faired and painted to match the existing structure.

ACY’s craftsmen created a custom wet bar molded into the existing seating and arch support and installed new stainless steel hand rails. Bausch-American Towers topped off the project with a 330-square foot hard top outfitted with a drop-down TV.


Expectations MetThe 68’ Hunt-designed motoryacht KATE EXPECTATIONS came to ACY for a number of significant upgrades under the careful supervision of Captain Eddie Smith. Highlights included refitting the pilot house helm to accommodate new electronics and modifying the framing and headliner in the master stateroom to accommodate a drop-down TV. ACY also added a clear-ice icemaker to the mezzanine with a custom A/C vent to keep the ice cold. The air-conditioning system was also upgraded to improve cooling in the helm and office areas.

Extensive navigation and audio-video upgrades were performed throughout the vessel by IMS American Marine Electronics. Navigation components include two 15” KEP™ pilothouse glass bridge displays, a Furuno NavNet™ 3D system with radar, sounder and chartplotter. The pilothouse bench cabinet was modified to house the black boxes for the NavNet™ 3D system, as well as audio-video components. Broadband satellite communications and entertainment solutions were provided by KVH® TracPhone V7 and TracVision HD7 systems. New Samsung™ TVs were installed in every room, controlled by Universal Remote Controls™. A security system by GOST™ completed the package, incorporating several remotely accessible cameras viewable offsite at home or office.

Final touches on the vessel included a newly painted hull with the addition of a gold leaf stripe the length of the boat. “The owners are thrilled with the high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail provided by American and plan to return for additional work,” said Smith.

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www.IMSAmerican.com

Florida Highlights

North Carolina Highlights

IMS American Marine Electronics provided state-of-the-art navigation and audio-video installations aboard the 92’ FLAMINGO DAZE, a custom enclosed-flybridge sportfisherman. The bridge helm was outfitted with five 19” KEP™ glass bridge monitors housed behind a smoked radius glass bridge display. Controlled by KEP BridgeView™ touch-screens, the array is programmed to receive interchangeable images on any monitor, including Furuno NavNet™ 3D radar, sounder and GPS; closed-circuit TV cameras; I.S.I.S. monitoring; communications and navigation computers; and XM WX Satellite Weather™. The sky lounge bridge is equipped with three 15” KEP™ LCD sunlight readable monitors receiving the same sources as the bridge helm. A Simrad™ autopilot and OceanView™ Apollo II thermal night-vision camera complete the navigation package.

The audio-video installation is no less spectacular. Every room in the vessel has been outfitted with Samsung™ LED TVs, fully automated via a Crestron™ control system and programmed for DIRECTV™ USA and GLA (Galaxy Latin America), AM/FM and XM™ satellite radio, iPod™ and Samsung™ Blu-ray disc players. The A/V package is supported by a Denon™ receiver with SpeakerCraft® in-ceiling speakers and JL Audio® speakers for all outside zones.

A complete Garmin® navigation package was installed on SAPELO, a 37’ Spencer express yacht (pictured left). Components include two 15” touch screen color displays with GPS chartplotter and digital remote sounder, along with a 12 kW radar with 6’ open array antenna and an autopilot. Communication equipment includes two Icom® IC-M504 VHF radios with Comrod™ 8’ antennas. A marine stereo system was also installed featuring a Clarion® watertight CD/tuner/multi-media controller, JL Audio® coaxial speakers and a Clarion® 720 W power amplifier. An ACR® RCL-100D 24 V remote control searchlight completes the package.

The 58’ Chadwick FRAYED KNOT received an extensive Furuno® electronics package, including three 12” NavNet™ 3D displays, a NavNet™ 3D UHD 2.2 kW digital radar, a RD30 digital depth and temperature display, and a DFF1 digital black box sounder. Additional components include a backup Garmin® GPSMAP 3205 chartplotter, a Simrad™ AP24 Autopilot, three Raymarine® engine room cameras, and an ACR® RCL-100 searchlight. Final touches include Sirius® satellite weather radio and KVH® TracVision M5 satellite TV.

IMS American removed the existing Raymarine® E120 classic multifunction displays on the main helm of this 36’ Wellcraft and sent them to Raymarine® for new screens and software upgrades. The displays were then refitted and reprogrammed to work with a new Raymarine® E120W 12.1” widescreen multifunction display installed in a custom tower control station crafted by Bausch-American Towers. An Icom® IC-M422 digital VHF radio was also installed.

IMS outfitted this 32’ Jarrett Bay walkaround with a cutting edge navigation package by Garmin® including a 12” GPSMAP 4212 color chartplotter, a GSD 22 2 kW digital sounder and a Garmin® GMR 18 4 kW HD radar. Additional components include an Icom® IC-M504 VHF radio and a Fusion® MS-CD600G marine stereo system with an iPod® interface and Sirius® satellite radio.

The ACY65 FREEDOM made an impressive showing in the Bermuda Sea Horse Anglers Club Billfish Tournament with an exciting second place finish. On day three of the tournament, FREEDOM vaulted into the lead early with two blue marlin releases, but was eventually overtaken by one fish. Their efforts won them the daily release award and second place in the tournament. Angler Alex Chouest was named top junior angler in both the Sea Horse tournament and the Bermuda Billfish Blast. Kudos to Alex, Capt. Albert and Team FREEDOM for a fine job!

ACY fleet vessels FREEDOM, CHACH, BLACK GOLD and FREE ENTERPRISE experienced spectacular blue marlin fishing during the St. Thomas summer and fall full moon cycles. “So many fish were caught between the three boats it was pretty hard to keep track of,” reported FREEDOM Capt. Albert Miller. “We were pretty much ‘one-upping’ each other on a daily basis.” Miller recalled one particularly memorable day in October with team FREEDOM releasing seven blue marlin in two hours and 15 minutes. CHACH Capt. Dave Dalfo reported a big day in October as well, with angler Damon Chouest recording six blue marlin caught in a Grand Slam, along with several days with five fish throughout the season. Capt. Keith Bokenhagen reported six fish caught on a good day in September aboard BLACK GOLD, along with numerous days with multiple releases. Capt. Randy Jendersea reported many fine days of fishing with three fish caught and led FREE ENTERPRISE to a sixth place finish in the Atlantic Blue Marlin “Boy Scout” Tournament with six fish overall. Well done everyone!

The ACY70 QUE MAS returned to Bermuda over the summer to compete in the 2010 Bermuda Triple Crown Billfish Championship. The championship encompasses three highly competitive tournaments attracting the world’s finest fishing teams. QUE MAS proved they were formidable competitors in 2008 by winning the championship and posting the highest cumulative score to date in the tournament series.

The first leg of the 2010 championship was the 6th Annual Bermuda Billfish Blast, held July 3-7, followed by the Bermuda Big Game Classic, July 13-17, and finishing with the Sea Horse Anglers Club Billfish Tournament, July 20-24.

QUE MAS came out of the box swinging on the first day of the Billfish Blast. At lines out, they had released an incredible five blue marlin, with one estimated in the 700-pound class. Their efforts amassed a whopping 2,500 points and earned QUE

MAS the distinction of rewriting history again by recording the highest number of blue marlin ever caught in a single day during a Bermuda tournament. The team added a white marlin release late on the second day to finish the tournament with 2,700 points, setting a new high point record for the Blast and winning the event by a commanding lead. This victory, combined with wins in the 2007 Sea Horse tournament and the 2008 Big Game Classic placed QUE MAS in the record books as the only boat to win all three Triple Crown Events.

In the Bermuda Big Game Classic, QUE MAS added 1,200 points to their quest with two blues and a white. They entered the Sea Horse Anglers Club Billfish Tournament – the final leg of the Triple Crown – with 3,900 points and a narrow 100-point lead. QUE MAS earned another 400 points with two white releases. Their remarkable efforts earned QUE MAS a second overall place finish in the 2010 Triple Crown, missing first place by less than 200 points.

Congratulations to angler Wally Whitley, Capt. Travis Butters and the entire QUE MAS crew for their incredible achievements.

ACY Fishing Report – Year in ReviewQUE MAS has a Blast in Bermuda!

FREEDOM Rides Strong in Seahorse Tournament

St. Thomas Full MoonShines on ACY Fleet

Congratulations to Team QUE MAS, winner of the 2010 Bermuda Billfish Blast.

Capt. Albert Miller and top junior angler Alex Chouest

Team CHACH with something to smile about.

QUE MAS begins another busy day in Bermuda.


Stuart, FL: 772-283-2771 · Beaufort, NC: 252-728-7332www.bauschamericantowers.com

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The 95’ Jim Smith MARLENA received a unique BAT half tower with a custom-fabricated arch. Details include LED spreader and dome lights, an inverted radio box and recessed teaser reels. BAT also installed a custom rail package painted to match the boat.

BAT built a custom full tower with center ladder around the existing factory hard top on the 375 Pursuit Express IMPULSE. Highlights include a custom bench seat and control box, a custom rocket launcher pedestal and a Rupprigger™ package.

The 37’ Spencer Express SAPELO was outfitted with a custom BAT half-tower with integrated radar pod, hard glass enclosure, recessed teaser reels and Ruppriggers™.

BAT removed the existing crow’s nest and repositioned the radar aft to accommodate a new full tower on CLEAN SWEEP, a 73’ Trinity enclosed-bridge sportfisherman.

This 47’ Island Trader motoryacht received a new BAT hard top with a three-sided enclosure, molded running lights and overhead dome lights. BAT also installed custom handrails and a swim platform ladder.

Building around the existing half tower on this 36’ Wellcraft, BAT refitted the vessel with a low-profile center ladder tower with a molded hard top, a new buggy top with custom seat and backrest, and a custom painted aluminum dive platform.

Before

After

BAT North Carolina Highlights

BAT Florida Highlights

AfterBefore


The 98’ Burger LADY CATEE returned to ACY for a complete topside, hull and bottom paint job. ACY removed, polished and reinstalled the stainless steel anchor pockets, stem guard and rub rail, and rebeaded the vessel’s windows.

ACY performed a topside paint and anchor light wiring on this 19’ Hinckley picnic boat serving as the tender for the motoryacht SERENITY.

The 64’ Paul Spencer SIZE MATTERS came to ACY for an extreme makeover and name change. Work included salon modifications and electronics upgrades, as well as a new galley top, bar stools and love seats. ACY also installed a new teak deck and covering boards and performed a complete vessel paint job in preparation for the vessel’s debut as the SEA PAVER.

The 80’ Lazzara JUST DESSERTS returned to ACY for a variety of annual maintenance items, including new headliner installation, dashboard veneer repairs, canvas work and a new crew area glass door. The main engine hoses were replaced, along with a broken stabilizer shaft. The vessel also received a full bottom job and hull detail.

The salon and bridge cabinetry in the 76’ Whiticar BOOMER was modified to accommodate new drop-down and swing-arm TVs installed by IMS American Marine Electronics. ACY also stripped and resurfaced the transom, applied new gold leaf lettering and clear coat, repainted the mask and applied a new boot stripe.

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDWEST PALM BCH, FL

PERMIT NO. 19466800 S.W. Jack James Drive · Stuart, FL 34997

COMING IN OUR NEXT ISSUE


On October 29th and 30th, over 400 VIP guests representing the “who’s who” in the marine industry gathered at the Bahia Mar Hotel to enjoy two evenings of island style fun and excitement at the

American Family of Companies 2nd Annual VIP Boat Show Bash. The American Family would like to send a massive “mahalo” to our valued sponsors who helped make these parties a huge success.

Our gratitude goes out to presenting sponsors Marina Pez Vela, KEP Marine and KVH for their tremendous support. Special thanks to sponsors Shadow-Caster Marine LEDs, Seakeeper Gyro Stabilizers, ATL Fuel Bladder Tanks and GOST Security Technologies for their contributions. Props to our friends at InTheBite Magazine, Finest Kind Offshore Tackle and Marlin Magazine for their continued support. And big shout outs to our musical guests Poor Offer for bringing their unique reggae rhythms, Terra Tiki for their incredible hand-carved tiki decorations and Polynesian Proud Productions for bringing a taste of the South Pacific with their authentic hula performers. Everyone had a fantastic time. We are truly indebted to our sponsors and supporters for helping us spread the Aloha!

ACY EXPANDS CANVAS COMPANY

American Family SpreadsAloha in Ft. Lauderdale

Ask the Yacht Doctors©

This feature answers commonly asked questions posed to ACY regarding boat construction, maintenance and repair. Please fax your question to 772-288-4993, or e-mail it to [email protected], in care of the “Yacht Doctors©.” If your question is selected, we’ll send you an ACY T-shirt. (To protect your privacy, your name will not be used.) The doctors are always in!

Q: I read your article about towing eyes in the last issue. I am thinking about having a towing eye installed on my 40-foot sportfisherman and then hooking up with a buddy of mine who has a boat capable of towing it to Costa Rica. Can you share any safety concerns and preparations we should make before embarking on a journey of this kind?

YD: The most important factor during any open ocean trip is crew safety. It is the crew’s responsibility to inspect the shackle and bridle on regular intervals to make sure the gear is secure. This can be a very hazardous undertaking, especially during rough seas. When we prepare our yachts for open-ocean towing, we affix safety lines from the tower legs to the forward cleats for the crew to clip safety harnesses to during gear inspections. It’s important to safely secure all extra lines and have a spare bridle and extra towing eye bolt on hand.

It is also extremely important to make sure the vessel being towed can be unhooked and its engines started immediately in case of an emergency. We suggest having a trailing pump installed in the engine room to keep cool oil circulating to the gears so they don’t overheat while the propellers and shafts spin during towing.

A final precaution would be to program both the mother ship and towed vessel together into the AIS to avoid interference from other vessels. Stay vigilant at all times and reduce risk wherever you can. If you follow these simple guidelines and have a capable captain and crew on both vessels, you should be well on your way to a safe journey.

Captain Albert Miller motions “all systems go” after a thorough inspection of towing gear in preparation for FREEDOM’s 2005 journey from the Florida Keys to Brazil towed behind mother ship C-CONDO.

Design & Production by AMG CreativeManaging Editor ..............................................................Chris ShultzArt & Editorial Director ..................................... Jennifer LaCombeEditorial Support ..................................................... Monica FalgoutPhotography .....................................................................Chris Shultz

patriot press - american custom yachts · 3,900 points and a narrow 100-point lead. que mas earned...

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