9/3/2010
Gulf Craft introduces advanced innovations in its Majesty Yachts

Gyro stabilizers and water jets on large yachts improve yachting experience.

Dubai, 09 March 2010: Gulf Craft, the region’s largest and internationally renowned fiberglass (FRP) boat manufacturer has recently announced a raft of exciting new technology solutions that will be incorporated into its yachts, ensuring the UAE shipyard remains at the forefront of the regional and international leisure marine industry.

With new systems designed at improving the experience of those onboard, additions like gyro-stabilisers and jet propulsion ensure time spent on the ocean is enjoyed with minimum shake, rattle and roll.

While gyro-stabilisers are not new in a marine application – early versions were originally used on ocean cruise liners, before being supplanted by stabilizing fins in the 1950s - advances in size, power and weight reduction in recent years have made the gyro-stabiliser a viable option for the yachting market. A gyro-stabilising unit can reduce a yacht’s rolling motion by an incredible 80 percent, whether at anchor or underway. As a vessel rolls in a wave, the spinning rotor of the gyro-stabiliser tries to stay in line and exerts a force directly against the direction of the roll. No fins or tabs are used at all; it’s pure physics.

Industry insiders estimate that only around three to five percent of newly built yachts are currently incorporating this technology, but forecasts that number to increase sharply within coming years. Nasser Alshaali, CEO of Gulf Craft explained why Gulf Craft is one of the first to offer such cutting-edge innovations, “Gulf Craft boats and yachts are now sold in every significant leisure marine market around the globe, and as a leading international brand it is important we continue to develop and improve the experience of our clients. By employing such technology on our craft we lead by example, and in order to remain ahead we must maintain forward momentum.”

In addition to minimizing shakes and vibration, Gulf Craft have recently also become the first manufacturers in the region to fit a jet propulsion unit to a large luxury motor yacht. Installed on one of the company’s popular Majesty 88 models, the Rolls Royce manufactured KAMEWA waterjets propel the craft to a higher top speed while dramatically reduced the noise and vibration commonly experienced on other yachts. With no exposed propeller the jet propulsion units also proved to be more fuel-efficient, more environmentally friendly, reduced hydrodynamic drag, and allowed the yacht to access shallower GCC waters.

While hidden technology improves the onboard environment, state-of-the art audio-visual systems provide the latest entertainment for guests as Erwin Bamps, COO of Gulf Craft, explained in more detail. “Often the entertainment systems aboard our yachts represent a higher standard than is found in most homes. The advances in technology and demand from our clients have allowed us to explore many avenues and incorporate ever more sophisticated systems. We are now installing multi-zone audio and visual systems, with a central music and film library, on larger yachts, while concealed LCD TV units and gaming consoles are now commonplace on even our smaller models. Mood lighting with multi-channel LED fittings is another popular option.”

It is through a continuation of the aforementioned developments that Gulf Craft is confident its product offerings will remain popular, even in economic climates that others find more challenging. Nasser Alshaali commented further. “Consumers and investors alike are currently looking for value. No longer can blue-chip brands command inflated prices. Whether providing a service or product - the purchaser is now looking for quality at reasonable prices, with additional benefits whenever possible. It is in this space that Gulf Craft’s boats and yachts excel, and with this latest crop of technological improvements we are further demonstrating our determination to offer our clients the very latest onboard systems available.”

A selection of Gulf Craft’s Silvercraft sports boats, Oryx motor cruisers and Majesty yacht ranges will be on display at the Dubai International Boat Show, held at Dubai International Marine Club between 9th-13th March 2010.