Marine

Rolls-Royce-powered Aeroboat S6 brings speed and luxury

Rolls-Royce-powered Aeroboat S6 brings speed and luxury
The Aeroboat S6 can do 40 knots thanks to its twin Rolls-Royce Series 2000 M96 engines
The Aeroboat S6 can do 40 knots thanks to its twin Rolls-Royce Series 2000 M96 engines 
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The stern converts into steps for swimming
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The stern converts into steps for swimming
The Aeroboat S6 has two Rolls-Royce engines
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The Aeroboat S6 has two Rolls-Royce engines
The Aeroboat S6 can sleep four
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The Aeroboat S6 can sleep four
The stern superstructure is made of carbon composite
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The stern superstructure is made of carbon composite
The Aeroboat S6 can do 40 knots thanks to its twin Rolls-Royce Series 2000 M96 engines
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The Aeroboat S6 can do 40 knots thanks to its twin Rolls-Royce Series 2000 M96 engines 
The controls of the Aeroboat S6
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The controls of the Aeroboat S6 
The Aeroboat S6 has a teardrop cockpit
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The Aeroboat S6 has a teardrop cockpit
The Aeroboat S6 made its debut at the Saatchi Gallery in London
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The Aeroboat S6 made its debut at the Saatchi Gallery in London
The Aeroboat S6 profile
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The Aeroboat S6 profile
The Aeroboat S6 owner's lounge
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The Aeroboat S6 owner's lounge
The Aeroboat S6 plans
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The Aeroboat S6 plans
The Aeroboat S6 shower room
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The Aeroboat S6 shower room
The Aeroboat S6 stern
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The Aeroboat S6 stern
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Boat building is as much an art as a science – maybe more. So it's no surprise that Aeroboat chose the Saatchi Gallery in London to unveil its S6 yacht. Designed by British-based Claydon Reeves design studio and BMT Nigel Gee, the 65-ft (20-m) aluminum and carbon-composite yacht combines a number of luxury features as well as a pair of Rolls-Royce MTU V10 2000 M96 engines for a top speed of 48 knots (55 mph, 88 km/h) that makes it just as much a speedboat as pleasure barge.

At first glance, the Aeroboat S6 looks like a fat cigarette boat until you realize its scale. In fact, its aerodynamic hull with its bluff nose, sweeping transom, and recessed lights and mooring ports can carry up to 12 passengers and sleeps four in a surprising degree of comfort.

The curving superstructure is dominated by the teardrop cockpit available open, or as a hardtop or fixed bimini for sightseeing and al fresco dining using a concealed table. Forward is the helm with Rolls-Royce joystick controls for more accurate maneuvering in port or when coming alongside other craft. Next to the helm station is a bench with the Header Rail Readout, which provides passengers with updates on speed, course direction, and estimated time of arrival without pestering the helmsman.

The Aeroboat S6 plans
The Aeroboat S6 plans

Aft of this are two sun beds that convert into a single sunlounger as needed. There are also hidden television screens that slide away when not wanted. In addition, the S6 boasts a passerelle that connects to the Aerostairs – a stepped transom with disappearing rails that raises for boarding or lowers for swimming. Meanwhile, there are mooring stations in the bow, which is accessible through bomber-style doors revealing space for a life raft, lines, fenders, and anchors.

Below deck, there is a surprisingly roomy and large owner's lounge with expansive view ports that converts into a master suite for sleeping, a complete galley with optional fresh water maker, a second Pullman cabin aft for the crew or guests, shower room, head, and a garage for a 12-ft (3.8-m) tender or two jet skis.

Based on the larger SV12, the S6 is 65 ft (19.6 m) overall, 16.4 ft (4.99 m) abeam with a draft of 3.8 ft (1.15 m) and displacing 47 ton. The twin Rolls-Royce Series 2000 M96 engines punching 1,500 bhp each combined with Kamewa waterjets give it a range of 400 nm (460 mi, 740 km) at 40 knots (46 mph, 74 km/h), while a gyro stabilizer allow for comfortable seakeeping.

The stern converts into steps for swimming
The stern converts into steps for swimming

"The positive reception from the market to the first Aeroboat spurred us on to develop the project into a new brand and line of yachts," says James Claydon of Claydon Reeves. "Each aluminium and carbon built yacht shares the same DNA and form language, and is adorned with user-focused features to deliver an unparalleled experience."

Source: Aeroboat

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1 comment
1 comment
Stomps
A client of mine has a 29 foot wooden boat with a V12 Rolls Royce Merlin. Seats two and goes faster than it should...