Author Peter Janssen

Cruising Life
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Rare Gray Whale Sighted South of Nantucket

The New England Aquarium in Boston just said that its survey team sighted a gray whale off the southern New England coast last week. The gray whale species has been extinct in the Atlantic for more than 200 years. The Aquarium’s survey team was flying 30 miles south of Nantucket when they saw the whale. They said it repeatedly dove and then resurfaced, appearing to be feeding. The team’s plane circled for 45 minutes, as the scientists took pictures. They later reviewed the images and confirmed that they had indeed seen a gray whale. “I didn’t want to say out…

Boat Reviews
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Shannon Unveils New Amphfoils

The Shannon Boat Company in Bristol, Rhode Island, recently unveiled its plans for a new series of Amphfoil hydrofoils that are designed to revolutionize boating. Shannon says it developed the Amphfoils after eight years of R&D and it has patented the design and technology in 40 countries around the world. They use new hydrodynamic and aerodynamic technologies to redefine a traditional hydrofoil and deliver speeds of up to 70 mph and a range of 350 nm. They also use 75 percent less energy than a traditional gas- or diesel-powered boat, according to the company. The Amphfoils combine the stability of…

Boat Reviews
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Williams Launches SOLAS-Approved Tenders

Williams Jet Tenders just launched the first models of its 18-foot DieselJet 565 and 20-foot 625 models with SOLAS approvals, meaning they are fully certified rescued tenders under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. The certification means the standard Williams tenders  have been customized to meet the SOLAS requirements and testing, which include a three-meter drop, self-righting capability and an endurance trial. For owners, it means they can have all the advantages of a high-quality Williams DieselJet tender plus the safety and rescue capability recognized by the SOLAS certification. A yacht owner would not have to…

Boat Reviews
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New Jaktar 30 “Ready for Adventure”

The striking new Jaktar J30 adventure boat from Sweden just made its U.S. debut at the recent Seattle boat show. The new all-aluminum Jaktar, with its strong, functional looks, is made for adventures and exploration in the far north. Indeed, the company says it is both “ready for adventure” and “engineered for exploration.” For his part, Bart Bouwhuis, a partner of Vripack, the Dutch design studio, calls it “the utility knife of boats.” With room to sleep four people, a small galley, enclosed head and shower, and fully enclosed helm deck, the Jaktar is ready to take a family on…

Engine Room
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Cox Launches New 350-hp Diesel Outboard

Cox Marine recently introduced its new 350-hp diesel-powered outboard. The British builder says it’s the largest V-8 diesel outboard in the world. The new 350 is designed to narrow the gap between gas- and diesel-powered outboards. Cox started its move into the international diesel outboard market with a V-8 300-hp entry, which was approved for sale in the U.S. a few years ago, satisfying all the environmental and safety regulations. The 350 simply ups the ante. The new 350 generates 776 pounds of torque at 2600 rpm, compared to 707 pounds on the 300, according to the company. It also…

Cruising Life
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C-MAP Updates Charts for North America

C-MAP just announced that it has updated its charts for North American with enhanced images and more detailed information. Founded in 1985, C-MAP has become a leader in digital marine cartography and cloud-based mapping. Its C-MAP App makes planning and navigating simple and easy. It’s made for your smart phone, tablet or personal computer, and you can personalize a chart with the layers you want and view it any time you want in the palm of your hand. You also can check the weather, create your own route, or rely on C-MAP’s Autorouting to do it for you. Now, the…

Boat Reviews
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Two Oceans Launching 870 Blue-Water Cat

Two Oceans is almost finished building its new 870 blue-water, power catamaran in its plant in Cape Town, South Africa. Powered by twin 715-hp Cummins diesels, the new Two Oceans is designed as a luxury home on the water that can cross oceans and carry its owners safely to destinations around the world. Two Oceans Marine Manufacturing was founded in 1989. For the past three years, their smaller catamarans, as well as an ECLIPSE line of 50- and 60-foot outboard-powered, express cruisers, have been sold by HMY Yacht Sales in the U.S. If you think, correctly, that a three-deck, 87-foot…

On Watch with Peter Janssen
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Ferretti Building New 80 with Foredeck Terrace

Ferretti just announced that it’s making a new Infynito 80 with a lot of volume inside and out and a creative covered “all season terrace” on the foredeck. It also has a more conventional multi-deck beach club aft. The Infynito 80 is a smaller sister to the Infynito 90 that was introduced last year, representing something of a design break from the Italian builder’s sleek and luxurious line of motoryachts. The idea is to provide more interior space for relaxing and entertaining on a blue-water cruiser, starting with a raised, plumb bow with lots of beam carried forward. It’s 78…

Cruising Life
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Brunswick Using AI for Self-Docking

Brunswick, the largest boat builder in the United States, is using artificial intelligence to develop autonomous docking systems in its boats. Indeed, it has formed a partnership with Apex.AI to develop autonomous technology throughout its boat lines. The new collaboration means that Brunswick will incorporate Apex.AI’s Apex.Grace and Apex.Ida products into Brunswick’s existing autonomous system. The Apex products have been certified for safety. The Apex software will be applied to current – and future – sensors in Brunswick’s own docking technology. Jan Becker, the Apex.AI CEO, said the software will “enhance the safety, functionality and convenience of recreational boating.” Apex.AI…

Boat Reviews
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New Fjord 39 Heading for Palm Beach

The new Fjord 39XP, with the German company’s aggressively styled minimalist lines, will make its world debut at the Palm Beach boat show, starting March 21. Andrea Zabonini, the product director of HanseYachts AG, Fjord’s parent company, said the new 39 “embodies our commitment to innovation and luxury.” Designed by Patrick Benfield, the British naval architect, the new 39 offers a mix of head-turning looks, performance, and understated luxury. It has joystick control for easy low-speed maneuvering and docking, while two 400-hp Mercury Verado V10 outboards  provide the power. The new 39XP cruises at an easy 25 knots, and tops…

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