OKEAN 55′ Sport to Make its Debut at the 2018 Fort Lauderdale Int’l Boat Show
OKEAN’S “OPEN UP YOUR WORLD” DESIGN INNOVATES YET AGAIN WITH THE ALL-NEW 55’ SPORT
Following the highly successful launch of the first vessel in the new head-turning OKEAN lineup—the OKEAN 50’ Flybridge Motor Yacht—at the 2017 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, HMY is pleased to announce the world debut of the much anticipated OKEAN 55’ Sport at FLIBS 2018, taking place October 31 to November 4.
HMY is the exclusive OKEAN Yachts representative and works directly and extensively with OKEAN ownership to ensure the boats are built and positioned for optimal sales and service success here in North America.
HMY broker Arthur Grin, who serves as OKEAN Brand Manager for HMY, said that OKEAN and HMY expect an even better reception for the 55’ Sport debut now that the OKEAN name is making waves with their “Open Up Your World” design; featuring the incredibly unique folding balconies, which increase deck space an additional 6’1”. On the 55’, they increase space on the aft deck close to 100%.
Hull #1 of the 55’ Sport will be at FLIBS and has similar exterior features to the 50’. Arthur and the OKEAN team will gauge people’s reactions, accept feedback, and make changes accordingly on future hulls.
There will be several layout and feature options offered and they want to make sure they’re giving customers what they want. Production is currently being focused on keeping the quality consistent with the OKEAN brand. “It usually takes customer feedback to figure out what the public wants. Their opinion is always critical.”
Hull #2 will be set aside for OKEAN owner, Nercio Fernandes, and Hull #3 will be available in February 2019 at the Miami International Boat Show.
BUILDING ON THE 50
As HMY and OKEAN continue to improve the lineup, the majority of improvements to the 55’ are subtle, behind the scenes tweaks, such as systems upgrades, and upgrading electronics and computers. “We learned a lot from the 50’ that we were able to apply to the 55’,” said Grin. “There is a lot of exterior storage, lots of seating forward and aft, and a hydraulic hi-lo swim platform that can accommodate a jet ski or a tender.”
Like the 50’ (and all OKEANs), the 55’ is tank tested, ensuring optimal performance,
which is not the case with every yacht.
The only vinyl on the boat is in the headliner; otherwise it’s all woodwork, featuring natural teak flooring available inside and out.
ENJOYING THE 55
The 55’ Sport model is designed to be a day boat and is made for entertaining. Enjoying and overnight on the 55’ is certainly an option with one spacious complete forward bow suite with queen bed, storage, separate head, and separate shower. This can be completely closed off for privacy by a pocket sliding door, which is also available in the 55’ Coupe.
Below deck, there’s a small efficiency galley with sink, refrigeration and convection oven. On the starboard side is a couch, and port side features an L-shaped lounging area that can convert to a double bed.
The Seakeeper #6 is an option on the 55’ to enhance entertainment comfort, as is a sunpad that converts to a dinette.
Performance-wise, the 55’ features 800 series Volvo Penta IPS800 Series engines rated at 600 horsepower each. She’ll cruise at 33 knots and hit 41 knots at top end. During a sea trial recently with 11 people on board, she easily hit 37 knots.
NO SLOWDOWN IN SITE
The HMY-OKEAN relationship started strong and continues to build. Grin is frequently in Brazil to represent HMY, actively participating in OKEAN’s future growth and development, and he says, “It’s going really well. They’re a new company but have a tremendous amount of experience in the building part of the operation. The owner and OKEAN team are very much involved and very capable, very motivated. OKEAN employs approximately 140 people and are growing. They’re buying more real estate to increase size and space, be more efficient, and speed-up production capabilities.”
Arthur says the goal is to deliver 14 total 50’ and 55’ models (seven each) for the 2019 model year, in addition to their 80’ flagship model that arrives in February 2019.
Don’t miss the highly anticipated debut of the 55’ Sport at FLIBS. Visit the main HMY display and see this head-turning marvel in person, or contact HMY OKEAN Product Specialist George Ivey at 904-476-7831 or [email protected] to schedule your appointment.
