At the Newport Boat international Show on Thursday morning, I ran into Winn Willard, president of Ray Hunt Yacht Design, aboard the new Hunt 56 by DiMillo’s which he and his team designed. While we were admiring this handsome new cruiser, which we have reviewed, Winn mentioned that Lyman Morse was at work building a custom Hunt 70.
That pricked my interest, so I wandered over to the Lyman-Morse stand, where they are showing the new Hood LM 42, also recently reviewed, and ran into Drew Lymam, president of LM.
Yes, indeed, he is building the new Hunt 70 and was planning that afternoon to announce it to the public. So, herewith, is breaking news from Hunt Yacht Design and Lyman-Morse boat building as presented by the gang at the Blue Creative Group. (George Day)
Some partnerships stand the test of time because each brings out the very best in the other. The nearly 40-year collaboration between Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding and Ray Hunt Design is one such relationship, combining timeless naval architecture, advanced engineering, and exceptional craftsmanship to create some of the industry’s most admired custom yachts. Their newest project, a fully custom Hunt 70 now under construction at the Lyman-Morse yard in Thomaston, Maine, continues that tradition while placing an experienced owner’s vision at the center of the design and build process.
Conceived as an exploration yacht for an experienced cruising couple, the Hunt 70 reflects decades of accumulated knowledge from owners who knew precisely how they wanted to cruise. Drawing from years aboard similarly sized yachts, they worked closely with both Ray Hunt Design and the Lyman-Morse team to develop a yacht that prioritizes capability, practicality, and comfort in equal measure.
That collaborative owner-builder-designer relationship has been a hallmark of every successful Hunt project since Lyman-Morse launched its first Hunt 42 in 1987. The new Hunt 70 represents the latest evolution of that philosophy, where every major decision is driven by the owner’s intended use.
While many custom yacht projects begin with a focus on accommodations and interior finishes, this owner first focused on functionality. Case in point: The expansive aft working deck became a centerpiece of the design, engineered to carry a 4.7-meter RIB, an aluminum skiff, kayaks, and even the occasional golf cart. Twin port and starboard cranes provide safe and efficient launching and retrieval, transforming the yacht into a true expedition platform capable of supporting extended cruising adventures.
Below deck, the interior has been designed for comfortable liveaboard cruising. A full-beam owner’s suite is complemented by a spacious VIP stateroom forward, while additional guests can be accommodated by convertible berths opposite the lower galley. Reflecting the owners’ practical cruising philosophy, the space often reserved for crew aboard yachts of this size has instead been transformed into a dedicated workshop complete with workbench, tool storage, and extensive spare parts stowage.
Thoughtful details throughout further demonstrate the owner’s experience. Generous storage has been incorporated across the yacht, while the owner’s suite features separate his-and-hers heads for additional privacy and comfort. A large galley includes dual refrigerator/freezers, a walk-in pantry, and a dumbwaiter serving the deckhouse, making entertaining and long-range provisioning equally effortless.
Power comes from twin 1,136-horsepower Caterpillar C18 diesels coupled to Twin Disc MGX-5136RV remote-mounted V-drives, delivering an estimated top speed of 28.5 knots and a comfortable cruising speed of 25 to 26 knots with an estimated 600-nautical-mile cruising range..
“Every custom yacht begins with listening,” says Drew Lyman, President of Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding. “This owner came to us and Ray Hunt Design with a tremendous amount of real-world cruising experience and a very clear vision. Projects like this showcase what has defined our relationship with Ray Hunt Design for nearly four decades. It’s a collaborative process where outstanding naval architecture, experienced owners, and our skilled craftsmen work together to build something truly unique. It’s exactly the kind of project Lyman-Morse loves to undertake.”
The Hunt 70 also reflects the capabilities that distinguish Lyman-Morse as one of the world’s premier custom yacht builders. From advanced composites and precision joinery to systems integration, metal fabrication, engineering, and final commissioning, virtually every component of the yacht is produced within Lyman-Morse’s vertically integrated campus in Thomaston, Maine and surrounding areas. Supported by dedicated composite manufacturing facilities, advanced CNC machining, custom fabrication, and highly skilled artisans, the company maintains complete control over quality throughout the construction process while delivering the craftsmanship for which Lyman-Morse has become internationally recognized.
A Spring 2028 launch is anticipated.
Hunt 70 Specifications
Length Overall: 70’9″
Length on Deck: 69’10”
Length Waterline: 62’5″
Beam: 19’10”
Draft: 5’5″
Displacement: 108,000 lbs (half load)Power: Twin Caterpillar C18 diesels (1,136 hp each)
Fuel Capacity: 2,465 US gallons
Fresh Water: 340 US gallons
Estimated Performance
- Top Speed: 28.5 knots
- Cruising Speed: 25–26 knots
- Cruising Range: 600 nautical miles (10% reserve)
About Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding
Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Thomaston, Maine, Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding is one of North America’s leading custom yacht builders and advanced marine manufacturers. The company combines nearly five decades of craftsmanship with state-of-the-art engineering, advanced composites, precision metal fabrication, systems integration, and CNC manufacturing to deliver highly customized sailing yachts, powerboats, superyacht tenders, and specialty marine projects. Operating from its vertically integrated waterfront campus, Lyman-Morse produces virtually every major component in-house, allowing exceptional quality control, technical innovation, and owner collaboration throughout every stage of construction. For more information, visit www.lymanmorse.com.
