Hargrave Custom Yachts debuted its latest launch, a 30.9m 101 RPH motor yacht, during the Fort Lauderdale boat show.
The new raised pilothouse (RPH) fibreglass motor yacht includes many of the favourite features found on previous Hargraves, including an incredibly spacious 'country kitchen' forward and generous crew quarters for up to three crew members. She accommodates eight guests in four suites, including a full-beam master.
Interior designer Shelley DiCondina of Yacht Interiors By Shelley experimented with texture in the new 101 RPH yacht. ' trying to get into more textural features rather than just putting art on walls,' she says, showing off the custom headboards in the VIP stateroom, which boasts a king-size berth. Other inspiration is found in the use of curves and elliptical figure eights, along with pearl touches, which gives the interior an Art Deco feel.
Up top, the flybridge hosts plenty of seating, a spa tub and a well-equipped helm. Powered by twin 1,700hp Caterpillar C32 engines, she reaches a top speed of about 24 knots and cruises comfortably at 18 knots.
The new 101 RPH is part of Hargrave's, 'grand vision to get into the instant gratification business' as Hargrave CEO Mike Joyce tells us. Hargrave is running three platforms in this series, which includes the Hargrave 125. Hargrave customers supporting the new build of new yachts allows the builder to bring different design cues and updates into each year's new launch.
Mike Joyce spoke with Boat International, explaining why 100 feet has been and remains the sweet spot for the custom luxury superyacht builder. 'It goes back to Jack Hargrave, who would explain to owners when they came in that one hundred feet was ideal because as you went bigger, more space went to machinery and crew space and owner's space really didn't go up that much,' says Joyce. 'He imparted to us that one hundred feet is ideal, and I still think it is. And also, you can more places with it, getting into more harbours and cruising grounds.'
Joyce notes that Hargrave will always build slightly smaller and bigger than the 100-foot mark. 'What you do, is you listen at the boat show to what people tell you, so it might be a 95 or 92,' he says. He recounts that this brought about the Hargrave 76, which debuted in time for last year's Miami Yacht & Brokerage boat show. 'With the 76, we heard someone say, "I just want something my wife and I can run ourselves."' Next up from Hargrave, the 80 is expected to arrive in 60 days.
'We are a small company, a family business, and our strength in that is that we can change tomorrow morning,' says Joyce of Hargrave's ability to be flexibile. 'We couldn't build 20 of the same boat if we wanted to, but we can change on a dime.'