Zeelander Z72 - Debut for the shipyard flagship at 2019 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
by Alexander Razinkov 2 Nov 2019 21:17 UTC
October 30 - November 3, 2019
Zeelander Yachts unveiled the Zeelander Z72 yacht at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show 2019. She is the striking flagship of the Zeelander fleet, all of which will be on display at Ft. Lauderdale. The Z72 has an unmistakable profile that is pure Zeelander and harkens back to the classic yachts that ushered in the era of modern yachting. Yet this yacht carries with it the DNA of high-tech evolution to deliver an exceedingly comfortable, quiet onboard experience, while also including the performance the world has come to expect from Zeelander.
Zeelander Yachts' impressive full range - the Z44, Z55 and Z72 yachts - on display at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show 2019.
This Dutch shipyard is able to combine many benefits in the Z72 through its smart use of technology. Take the wheel at the helm console, an angled, ergonomic pod on centerline. The helm's glass-bridge electronic-navigation displays share complete information about all ship's systems. There are three extremely large uninterrupted panoramic windows for a perfect 360-degree view. The glass is curved in two ways, making it very difficult to manufacture.
"We really pushed the boundaries for noise and vibration reduction of the Z72. At full speed her measured sounds level are an astounding 72 decibels, but the experience is even quieter. All you hear is the water of the wake and people in conversation," said Floris Koopmans, Marketing Coordinator at Zeelander Yachts.
Triple 1,000-horsepower propulsion for a top speed of 40 knots
The optional triple 1,000-horsepower Volvo Penta IPS1350 propulsion system delivers full control of the yacht through helm joystick control, though a wheel and throttle and shift levers are also included.
"From the very beginning when the first Volvo Penta IPS system came on the market, Zeelander was the first to incorporate the systems into our drawings," said Floris Koopmans. "Just like we were the first to use the 1350's as twin set up in our Z55, now again Zeelander is the first, or at least a very early adopter, of using the most powerful Volvo Penta IPS engine's in triple formation."
The optional triple-pod propulsion package delivers a top speed of 40+ knots, and also affords the pinpoint close-quarters maneuvering for which the Volvo Penta IPS system is well known. She handles easily and comfortably. "We found that many of our owners want to operate the Z72 by themselves. It's the joy of yachting," added Koopmans. "We made that as easy as possible, by installing systems like the intuitive Volvo Penta IPS, Humphree trim tabs, and easy to use controls of the entire ship."
The Volvo Penta IPS system operates low sound levels. The system transmits power through the IPS pod projecting from the underside of the hull, so the point with which the force of the props meets the hull is spread over a larger area than on a conventional, shaft-driven boat. And since the engines need not bear the brunt of the propulsive force vector of the props, they can use softer engine mounts that absorb more of the vibration from the powerful diesels, and the exhaust through the pods is well under the stern of the hull.
High technology and smart design
This quiet operation is very much part of Zeelander Yachts' design philosophy. Their engineering team has spent an exceptional amount of time and resources to make her whisper quiet, ensuring owners and guests will enjoy their holidays in supreme silence.
"The Z72 is truly a Zeelander Yacht. It is extremely silent," said Koopmans. "She is a prime example of tranquility, with unsurpassed levels of soundproofing and vibration control."
The vacuum-infused GRP hull uses vinylester resin and its single monocoque construction to eliminate the squeaks and creaks of other lesser builds. An available gyro-stabilization system quietly adds more comfort by eliminating the roll from the hull.
The large gatherings can be facilitated through many seating areas and ample space and headroom as the Z72 overheads are 2.2 meters high in most of the areas on board. There are also six different social areas and guests are able to move around freely. A galley is positioned to serve the dining table and the aft deck with equal ease. Conversation areas are designed to welcome large groups of guests, yet there are enough of them that can afford spaces for more intimate moments as well. The curving stern unfolds to reveal a unique 112 square foot (10.4 square meter) beach-club swim deck, connecting her guests with the sea in ways that many larger yachts cannot accommodate. The tender garage is large enough to fit a Williams 345 jet or larger. It fits 4 seabobs and could even be paired with a small personal watercraft.
With a three-stateroom layout over the 19.7-foot (6-meter) beam, the accommodations are finished to a superyacht level of comfort and understated style, reminiscent of the classic yachts that initially attracted so many to the sport. The Zeelander Z72 will surely garner even more attention as more see the model taking to sea or plying the coastline, and experience her high-tech comforts and quiet operation.
"That's why our clients call every Zeelander Yacht a masterpiece. A Rolls Royce of the seas," Floris Koopmans sums up.
Zeelander Z72 Brief Specification
LOA (swim platform extended) - 72.4 feet - 22.07 m
LOA (swim platform closed) - 66 feet - 20.11 m
Beam - 19.7 feet - 6 m
Draft - 4.9 feet - 1.5 m
Weight - 99,000 lb. - 44,906 kg
Engines - 3/725-hp Volvo Penta IPS 950
- 3/800-hp Volvo Penta IPS 1050
- 3/900-hp Volvo Penta IPS 1200
- 3/1,000-hp Volvo Penta IPS 1350
Top Speed - 28 to 40 knots, depending on power
Range - Up to 630 nautical miles @ 24 knots
Construction - GRP vacuum-infused with vinylester resin
Design Category - CE-A Ocean
Accommodations - 3 double staterooms, 1 crew