Would you buy a new boat today without a bathing platform? That's not possible. Or would you? What used to be made of stainless steel tubes and teak like a customised suit and only available in the aftermarket is now integrated into the hull shape as standard (almost) everywhere. Back in 1990, anyone who wanted a mid-cabin on their sporty 8-metre-class cabin cruiser in the 1980s and 1990s had to search long and hard. They were hardly ever successful. Today, these boats are called family cruisers and have a second bedroom under the cockpit as well as a kitchen and a bathroom. As standard, of course. Conclusion: times are changing.
Who knows whether folding sides and bathing platforms that transform into balconies, pool bars or diving boards at the touch of a button will eventually become a "must-have" or whether they will quickly disappear into the archives under the heading "Once upon a time"? The fact is that today they are very popular with designers and shipyards. You do what you can. Or in other words, what the customer wants.
The trendsetter was Tilli Antonelli's 2011 Wider 42. Anyone who knows the founder and boss of Pershing knows that Tilli always has to move fast. At least on the water. Perhaps that's why it's not Fulvio de Simoni's design, the Arneson surface drives, the stepped hull designed by racing specialist Mark Wilson or the top speed of 50 knots that caused a sensation at the premiere of the Wider, which is made of 70 per cent carbon fibre, but the cockpit. The rather slim (3.50 m) "wellness area" transforms into a 6.60 m wide "veranda" at the touch of a button in just twelve seconds. Even the seasoned expert is amazed.
It's hard to believe, but it actually took six years for Antonelli's Winner 42 to find a copycat. One tap on the tablet is all it takes and the Evo 43 WA is getting really wide. This means that the cockpit side walls move outwards by 1.80 metres. The same effort is enough to transform the rear wall into a bathing area, springboard included. Incidentally, Valerio Rivellini describes the design concept he has created as minimalist. Nevertheless, the boating world is impressed. So impressed, in fact, that the "quick-change artists" are increasingly appearing on the bestseller lists of shipyards and dealers in 2020.
Criticism increases with success
It is in the nature of things that criticism increases with success. BOOTE chief critic Manfred Welkamer, for example, is happy with the uncompromising design concept of the Wally Tender 43, which transforms the cockpit into a terrace. It lacks manoeuvrability. The Wally owner then sits or lies in a completely open cockpit without any support. Looks cool, he writes in his grumbling corner, but only until the first real wave comes and the relaxed company, including table and chairs, goes for a swim. In short, for Manni, these things are good for nothing.
BOOTE reader Carsten Scherf, on the other hand, finds these constructions extremely successful. Swimming, diving, fishing and launching Junior's rubber boat are all much easier for him. His philosophy: "Familiar doors don't open new paths." His conclusion: if innovative boat designers didn't keep breaking new ground and taking risks, there would soon be nothing new in "architecture".
Somewhat less spectacular, but certainly no less effective, are the solutions from the designers of the Azimuth Verve 47 and Pardo Endurance. Both only have folding sides, creating space for two balconies. The reasons for this restraint are the already large amount of space available on the fly (Pardo) and in the bow cockpit (Azimut). What is possible with the new flexibility is shown by Galleons Transformer Range. The "Transformer Range" (400, 460, 500 and 640 Fly) from the Polish yacht builder can be equipped with a Beach and/or Carousel package on request. This includes folding side walls that can be transformed into a bar with a view of the sea as a "storage space" for two comfortable stools, a swivelling stern bench seat, the almost obligatory BBQ grill and a lowerable bathing platform that can be transformed into a tender lift at the touch of a button.
Folding drop sides not just for the "big ones"
Anyone who now thinks that folding drop sides are only for the "big boys" is mistaken. Beneteaus "only" 8.27 m long Flyer 9 proves the opposite. Also flexible and made in France is the Cap Camarat 12.5 WA from Jeanneau. Designer Patrice Sarrazin does not want to withhold the folding "balcony" from the new flagship of the Walkaround series. Meanwhile, his colleague Christian Grande is even more generous and has given the two-and-a-half metre longer (14.27 m) Invictus TT 460 from Bella Italia the mobile "balcony" in a double pack.
Whether as soloists or as a duo, the folding drop sides are always the subject of much discussion in the industry. For those in favour, they are the perfect solution if the cockpit becomes too cramped. They create space and are the ideal exit and entry point for swimmers, divers, surfers and the like. The faction of critics sees a lack of manoeuvrability, additional costs, the weight and the susceptibility of the technology to faults. Those who want more space should buy a larger boat, they argue behind closed doors. Whatever the case, it is striking that it is once again mainly Italian designers and yacht builders who are creating and promoting innovations such as these. Whether they make sense or not. In Germany, Bavaria Yachtbau and HanseYachts AG are currently focussing on "stability" (see comments). In other words, folding sides made in Germany are not an issue. It remains to be seen what will happen in the future. Times are changing.
Comments
Safety comes first
Dr Jens Gerhardt, CEO of HanseYachts AG:
We take a critical view of some of the technical developments. But when it comes to driving aids that simplify navigation or parking, we are fully on board. Technology makes sense if it reduces consumption or increases comfort. Especially, of course, when it improves safety. Where we take a critical view is when the exact opposite is the case.
We also have electrically movable furniture in the cockpit and saloon of the Fjord and Sealine. These are fully developed gadgets (practical devices; editor's note) that make life on board more luxurious and increase the fun factor. When it comes to safety, however, the fun stops for us, which is why we have so far refrained from using fold-out drop sides etc. These gadgets drive up the price. These gadgets drive up the price, are prone to faults and make the boat unnecessarily heavy, which also increases fuel consumption. The supposed advantages, such as a better view of the sea and access to the water, are also very limited. A boat must first and foremost be robust and safe. If the waves and wind force are too high, it is sensible to stay in the harbour - that is part of good seamanship. But sometimes you do get caught out, and then we all want an extra dose of safety. Anyone who has experienced such days at sea will certainly no longer want a movable ship's side.
It must match the Bavaria DNA
Michael Müller, CEO at Bavaria Yachtbau:
We monitor the major trends in the industry very closely and involve our retailers in the early stages of product design. This enables us to identify long-term trends. Customers expect good functionality and well-engineered, solid products from Bavaria. Of course, life on deck also plays an enormously important, if not the most important role for our customers. That's why we spend a lot of time on the design and concept of the outdoor area to create as many social areas as possible that fit in with the Bavaria DNA. Be it fixed elements or flexible solutions. This is particularly evident in our latest model, the Bavaria SR41.
A new sense of space
Udo A. Hafner, designer and managing director of iYacht GmbH:
"Balconies" not only stand for the expansion of usable space, but also offer added value in terms of function. New lines of sight and a new sense of space are created on board. Suppliers and shipyards are increasingly focussing on innovative solutions, as they represent a competitive advantage. The range of control and automation technology from the industry and pioneering materials form the basis. I believe we will see many more of these great solutions in the future, even on small pleasure craft.
