Special Feature: Effect Ships International ASV 72' Namaste

Effect Ships International ASV 72' Namaste

Air Supported Monohull Uses Hovercraft Technology

The ASV NAMASTE 72’ is a joint project between Studio Sculli and Effect Ships International (ESI).
ESI can today supply Air Supported Vessel (ASV) solutions for most markets and segments.

When activating the air support system, more than 70% of the overall weight of the yacht will be supported on a cushion of pressurised air, entrapped in a very well enclosed air cavity underneath the vessel. In contradiction to a hovercraft, using rubber skirts around the air cushion, the new ASV utilizes solid, rigid hull elements to maintain the pressurised air underneath the boat. At speed the yacht will have additional support from the planning surface elements of the two propulsion gondolas, located on either side of the hull.

A huge number of different vessel sizes, shapes and applications; mono- and multihull, will benefit from the proprietary ASV technology. In recent months, ESI and leading Italian designer Mauro Sculli, have developed a new, innovative 72' ASV yacht with unique styling and capabilities. The “European Power Boat of the Year 2011 – Innovation Award” winning Air Supported mono hull form has been blended with a stylish, yet very functional, topside. The overall beam of the yacht is 6.7 meters, a full meter more than most conventional vessel. These proportions give a sharp, sporty and distinctive appearance.

A generous beam enables a main helm station, arranged with two-three forward facing raised seats at STB side, and one chart table (suitable as a desk) at the center. Unlike most boats, an ASV will operate with almost neutral trim throughout the full speed range, giving excellent forward visibility. Directly above the helm a large sliding sun roof is arranged to let in plenty of air and light if requested. Behind the steering position a mega yacht size dining table, seating 8 in comfort, with plenty of surrounding space. With an inside width of 5 meters, there is plenty of space for socializing in the salon, with two large L-shaped sofas to port and starboard. On either side of the saloon aircraft type doors lead to the side decks.

Moving aft to the cockpit area the positive effects from the generous beam are maintained. The cockpit and sun pad area may be customized and furnished in several different ways depending on the owner’s choice. On the presented alternative the vessel will have a wet bar to port. A spacious tender garage is accessible from the large swim platform. The center section is hydraulically operated for launching / retrieving of tender or water toys. The wider than usual steps from the swim platform to the cockpit will function as additional seating, ideal for chilling out after a swim. From the cockpit wide steps lead up to the sun pad /fly bridge area. Two different layouts will be available; a smaller sun pad fly (as showing on these images) or a stretched fly bridge with a second steering position. On the foredeck of the vessel yet another inviting sun pad / seating area is to be found, with large locker rooms for fenders, ropes and the like on either side.

The ASV concept utilizes a special lift fan system, located far forward in the bow. Air is ducted into the fan room via vents in the upper forward hull sides and via vertical slits on main deck level forward. The double inlet single outlet centrifugal fan is feeding pressurized air, via a duct into the air cavity underneath the vessel. In the aft section the air cushion chamber is enclosed with use of a proprietary enclosure flap arrangement. The system is designed to reduce and control air escape and to reduce power consumption for operating the system. The less flow the less power demand for the lift fan. With the fan system engaged, and with no forward speed, the 40 – 50 ton vessel is effortlessly raising 50 – 60 cm out of the water, thus reducing wetted surfaces and hull/water resistance to a fraction compared with conventional boats. Powering the lift fan system will either be a hydraulic- or electric system, depending on the preference of the owner/builder.

The new ASV NAMASTE 72’ may either be configured for pod propulsion, fitted out with surface piercing propulsion or be operated on Water Jets. Even conventional shaft propellers are possible. Pod propulsion and ASV technology function very well together. The first full scale ASV Mono 65’ test- and demonstration vessel, launched last year, has a twin Volvo Penta IPS 600 (320 kW) installation, and is with such modest power still able to reach 33 knots +. Regardless of propulsion, the ASV hull will deliver a significant reduction in hull/water resistance, securing unrivaled efficiency, performance, environmental benefits and economy in use. Other distinctive features are very modest wake wash and almost no hump.

The new ASV NAMASTE 72’ may be constructed in either conventional GRP (single skin or sandwich lay up) or in advanced carbon sandwich, with resin infusion and vacuum bagging for reduced weight and strength. With a carbon construction, depending on level of sophistication, several tons can be saved. During the development phase of the ASV Mono 65’ Test Vessel, ESI commissioned a full carbon engineering package from High Modulus LTD (NZ / UK). A similar approach is possible for the ASV Mono 72’. When it comes to deciding, most yards and end clients will carry out a price / performance assessment to guide the selection of construction materials and methods.

In this preview of the new ASV NAMASTE 72’, no fixed speed estimates and fuel consumption data were given. However the ASV team is confident in market leading efficiency, performance and mid/high speed fuel consumption with a very good margin. The presented ASV NAMASTE 72 design is the first yacht design presented to the public with the new ASV Mono technology.

To see a video clip, click here... Effect Ships International Test Run

For more information contact:

Effect Ships International
Thor Dahls gt 1A, 3210
Sandefjord, NORWAY
+ 47 334 65 650
www.effectships.com