Predator

LENGTH: 238ft. 10in. (72.8m)
SHIPYARD: Feadship, Holland
YEAR: 2008

Predator’s radical reverse bow, engineered by De Voogt naval architects to slice through waves, has stimulated more discussion in the yachting industry than many contemporary yachts dubbed revolutionary and, for a time, inspired a number of concepts with a similar bow. A weight-saving design, 12-foot deep draft, longitudinal framed steel hull and four MTU diesels with 23,000 hp coupled to custom-built gearboxes and propellers allow Predator to reach speeds greater than 28 knots. Feadship described the yacht’s engine room as a “temple of technology.” Equipped with giant controllable pitch propellers and zero-speed stabilizer fins, the ride is said to be comfortable even at high speed. The interior by Bannenberg & Rowell includes a spacious owner’s multi-room apartment and two double guest staterooms decorated in Karelin Birch, Macasar ebony and Zebrano, with custom furniture and carpeting. The owner is said to be Russian copper tycoon Iskander Makhmudov. He approached Feadship with the request for a truly innovative yacht and the team at De Vries delivered. The yacht, despite her truly distinguishing features, is not often seen cruising. She was reportedly one of the superyachts to call upon the newly opened Puerto Montenegro marina last summer.

Click here for a feature article from the May-June 2009 issue.

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