|
Architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe defined the minimalist art movement of the mid-1900's with the oft-quoted statement "Less is more." Both the quote and the movement have been reworked in numerous ways since then, but the key aesthetic remains unchanged: reduce a design to its basic elements. The result is a creation that is inherently simpler, and it's been my experience that this simplicity is an advantage when applied to boats. In the case of the Apreamare Maestro 65, minimalist styling streamlines the vessel and creates a natural feel that actually improves functionality throughout the vessel.
I can see how the design team enlisted this technique on the lower helm. It's split into nearly identical top and bottom sections; you can almost picture the top as an open lid (the appearance is so deceiving that I double-checked to make certain there were no hinges). It contains all of the critical instruments you need while running: MAN engine readouts, a Maptech i3 plotter, a fuel-burn meter, a rudder-position indicator, and so forth. Inset in the bottom section are the autopilot, digital compass, and to starboard ZF electronic throttles. To port are the least-used helm features, including an alarm panel and rows of rocker switches. The placement of the items is tidy and streamlined, and that's crucial. A functional helm provides feedback from all over your vessel and helps a captain make split-second decisions without having to take his or her eyes off the sea.
a d v e r t i s e m e n t
|
Centering the wheel, I push the throttles forward, and the 1,100-hp MAN 10-cylinder diesels accelerate the 88,185-pound vessel at the steady rate of about 1 mph per second. In the wheelhouse the slight groans of freshly installed wood echo off the semicircular vertical glass windshield in front of me. Twenty-five seconds later our speed begins to level off in the 30-mph range, and the trim angle, which has increased quickly, levels off between four and five degrees without the help of tabs. Under my feet I feel the boat ironing out two- to three-foot waves with no more jostling or noise than driving a car over a crushed-gravel driveway. Roll is minimal as we run side-to the waves, even without the help of the optional Mitsubishi ARG gyro. With the throttles nearly wide open, I rotate the wheel three turns to port, and the 65 heels predictably into the turn; I spin it back six turns until she's hard over to starboard, and without hesitation she settles into circles that measure about four boat lengths. This Apreamare's LOA and five-foot draft seem to preclude her handling from being sporty at these speeds, but her reactions are predictable and appropiate for a 65, and within minutes I feel completely comfortable behind her helm.
After a few hours of running off the beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, I take the 65 back inside to put her though some flat-water maneuvers. She performs gracefully here as well, even when I use only the throttles to steer her. Looking aft as I slowly back down, I can see both aft quarters clearly in spite of the galley-up layout (galley-down layout is optional). The galley runs athwartships and is offset to starboard. Two large windows under each section of elevated cabinetry make the sightlines to the aft quarters possible (See photo B). Although the panes produce some glare, they can be lowered if needed. They also bring the otherwise boxed-in galley into the flow between the saloon and the helm, which means the cook won't feel isolated. Another set of 66"x36" ports on both sides of the saloon also slide up and down at the push of a button.
The decor in the saloon is minimalist but not spartan. Our boat has a retractable 40-inch Samsung LCD TV to port and a C-shape dinette along the starboard side appointed with square, near-white cushions. The eggshell color extends to the wall panels, trim pieces, and overheads and increases the impression of spaciousness. In all three staterooms both off-white carpeting and mirrors at the head of each berth add to this effect.
The openness that the minimalism affords extends to the exterior and for the most part continues to be strongly practical. On either side of the cockpit are molded-in compartments that contain winches, cleats, line-stowage lockers, and sinks. A hinged lid not only blends the fiberglass outcropping into the bulwark but also protects the stainless steel parts from salt spray.
|
PAGES:
|
1
|
|
 |
|