Review: Lazzara LMC 76' Motor Yacht

Lazzara LMC 76' Motor Yacht​

Angular, Edgy and Ahead of the Curve!​

by YF Publisher Carl Camper​

Tampa, Florida’s yacht entrepreneur Lazzara adds yet another superb new yacht to its brilliant history.
At the 2010 Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show, this All-American in-family enterprise for half a
century unveiled its splendid new, ultra contemporary Lazzara Motor Cruiser, the LMC-76. ​

Teaming with Cummins MerCruiser Diesel to build the first triple-pod-propelled motor yacht, company President Dick Lazzara and Cummins Diesel President Alex Savelli proudly announced their newest showcase. A combination of high style with excellent performance, she presents handsome good looks that are both cutting edge and yachtsman traditional. Meticulous planning and design, plus excellent appointments and materials make her the latest bold addition to the company’s long list of successes. Eagerly awaited by Lazzara fans, especially those who favor traditional motoryacht style and livability, the new LMC-76 is a motoryacht whose time has come… again. Gone are the swoopy, signature lines of the past. This edgy approach will appeal to a broad swath of ages and taste. Real yachtsmen (and yachtswomen), behold… Lazzara has your new yacht!

The LMC-76 is the result of a tenacious family that refuses to give up. While the world economy stumbled, Lazzara stepped up to be better positioned for an economic recovery. Inside of three years, they engineered and built the LSX-75 Fly, the larger LSX-92, the new LMC-76 reviewed here and even an LSX-120, which has been mothballed until monetized. In the midst of a rapidly changing shift in core consumer values, Lazzara realized a return to mortal-size, manageable live-aboards with big boat amenities was in order. From that notion, that vision, the LMC-76 went from drawing to displacement in record time, literally debuting as a last minute entrant at FLIBS 2010, with workers putting the final finishing touches on the boat while it was in transit to the show.

The YachtForums crew had originally scheduled a sea trial of the new 76’ in the days following FLIBS 2010, but the boat needed to return to the yard for final fit-out. In early February 2011, we met with the captain - YF member “BrandonW” - the son of Lazzara Yachts managing partner Craig Williams, and got a chance to coerce the three Cummins into action. Departing from deep in Ft. Lauderdale’s New River on a busy Saturday afternoon, we headed for the Port, using brainless boaters as an obstacle course; the ideal environment for testing Mercruiser’s Zeus Pod system and that Futaba-like joystick that turns neophytes into seasoned captains with the twist of a wrist.

The LMC-76 is the first vessel with Cummins Mercruiser’s Zeus Pod system in a triple, side-by-side configuration, resulting in unparalleled flexibility in maneuvering -- travelling sideways, spinning, or any combination. She’ll cruise at 24+ knots, or slow for a very long range at 10 knots; she is a first in this very competitive market. With a 76’5” length and 18’5” beam, her three Cummins QSC 8.3-litre 600 hp engines are mounted far aft, allowing more living space forward. Drive-by-wire systems allow the Captain’s use of her joystick for intricate maneuvers, without bow or stern thrusters. And when the captain needs to take a break, her Skyhook° autopilot systems takes over, holding position and direction to within a few feet. The Zeus drive system also has a built-in trim tab, but only for negative trim, which has proven unnecessary thus far. Tunnel-mounting of the pods, along with aft-facing, counter rotating propellers has added an increased level of protection from unseen, shallow strikes; however, the yacht is still able to navigate on two, or even one engine if needed.

This slick beam view of the LMC-76 illustrates more than fine, cutting-edge design... it shows a proven hull at work. The LMC is essentially based on the very successful 68-S platform, but stretched. For all practical purposes, the accommodation deck is the same module as the LSX-75, but that's where the similarity ends. The 'house' on the LMC is not only traditional motoryacht, it is minimalistic, which means an entirely new set of engineering principles applied. To create an interior environment that is truly one with the surrounding elements (no joke, a full 360 view from anywhere on the main deck), Lazzara had to use a lot of glass, which means fiber went missing. To compensate, carbon-based support members and the house glass were combined to achieve the required structural rigidity. During our sea trial (not these pictures), we headed out Port Everglades as blustery 20 knot winds were building 2' to 3' chop with an occasional 4' roller. The kind of conditions that make for a wet boat outside and noisy boat inside. Surprisingly, this was not the case with the LMC-76. This boat was quiet, smooth and dry. The only noises emanating from the interior were the occasional creaks from joinery while the hull absorbed 3' chop at 22 knots.

This bow shot shows the ship at speed, propelled by triple Zeus pods twisting 6 stainless props in counter rotation. The Zeus drive commands less hydrodynamic drag than traditional, exposed running gear, with as much as a 30% gain in wide-open fuel economy partly due to its hand-laid, vacuum bagged fiberglass construction with a light weight balsa cored hull. Now before you raise an eyebrow at balsa, keep in mind some of the world's fastest and notably strongest boats are built from the same sandwich... Skaters! While some think "wood & water" don't mix, just like foam floats and solid glass is slow, balsa - as a core - is a proven ingredient in Lazzara's hulls, with over 140 vessels afloat today. It's also a better sound insulator, which was evident in our sea trial. Also worthy of notice here is the convenient arrangement of snack tables on the sunny, easily accessed foredeck, as well as the two more ‘bow-riding’ areas above, on the make-shift Portuguese deck, which we affectionately refer to as a "Bow Rider with Altitude".

A side view running illustrates her fine design aspects, yet allows excellent views from all areas. Tinted V-Kool windows protect from strong sun rays, allowing up to 77% of visible light to pass while eliminating over 96% of infrared and 99% of ultraviolet light. The yacht also boasts a 92,000 BTU air conditioning score. On the subject of windows, one of the most unique memories we’ve ever recorded on a sea trial was watching water pass by – at eye level when seated - in the master stateroom. It was right out of a Jules Verne novel. And finally, if nothing else, this picture exemplifies the carefully balanced use of stainless steel and polished teak hand rails as an artform.

From overhead, this helicopter view illustrates the ship’s roominess and comfort with teak sun chases and plenty of room to stretch, or for daddy to get his dance on. Nav-com equipment includes Simrad RS-87 VHF radio, Telular cell phone GSM and International telephone system. Note: on the back deck, could that be an elevated TV screen? No, it’s simply a divider that doubles as a book shelf, but anything is possible, because hull #1 arrived at the 2010 Ft. Lauderdale show with only minutes to spare. Hull #2 will have a few upgrades. More on that later...

The roomy and comfortable bow deck offers excellent forward visibility and seating, with pedestal mounted tables for snacks in the sun, or toasting sunsets. The sunpads are made to look like leather, complimenting the bold blocks of wood, but are an ultraviolet resistant material. Our sea trial presented waves large enough to send water through the hawse pipes. If they had one-way scuppers, we would have returned with a dry boat, which is impressive based on the water we encountered.

Her flybridge dining arrangement provides comfortable settee seating, with aft deck access via the stairway. An outdoor island cooking grill stands ready for use, sheltered under a super-light, but ultimately stout carbon fiber hard top. Visibility aft, like any motoryacht, is akin to backing a Prevost into a 1-car garage, so to aid in docking, an auxiliary joystick is located aft on the flybridge for backing down tight slips.

The fore-fly seating is yet another example of Lazzara’s mastery of space utilization. In what can only be described as a bowrider with altitude, this close-up of the tables with aft-facing, wrap around seating truly allows guests to engage the captain. Molded plexi windscreens keep buffeting at bay. A forward cabinet door provides access to a small storage and electrical component area above the galley deck. A good place to store cushions and the like.

A minimalistic, yet fully instrumented helm features a GPS/plotter/radar/sounder, Furuno console, and touch pad displays. Included are the CMD joystick control, Station transfers; start/stop panels. Two 20” LCD displays monitor radar & navigation. A CCTV system includes cameras for engine room and aft deck. Hull #2 will feature a plexi-windshield that raises and lowers out of the helm with the touch of a button, to minimize wind on long passages.

To starboard, the Fly Settee grants guests the same commanding view as the captain, but with landlubber controls, such as grab handles and drink holders. All-weather simulated leathers and varnished woods add traditional touches to the LMC-76’s ultra contemporary design. You can definitely feel a sense of excellent plan-ahead design, but you also feel other influences, such as the pattern in the upholstery which is very reminiscent of the C8 Spyker Aileron, an exotic car with an aviation history.

Just aft of the helm bench is an inlaid, open air dining table, keeping in-theme with the teak/chocolate contrast that dominates throughout the yacht. As with everything else on the flybridge, the settee features weatherproof seating. No matter where you took up residence on the flydeck, seating was comfortable and the layout was engaging, with only one snag... the wood-framed, block stanchion located at the end of the dinette seat had a sharp, 90 degree angle that wasn't friendly to shins.

Her highly finished bar adds to the party with an offset glass counter top raised above the bar, allowing hi-top chatters to belly up for libations. There are plenty of storage nooks and crannies, plus a small sink to facilitate clean-up. Lazzara makes party planning simple, but did they really plan for a rockin' party? Stoves aren't the only surface that needs fiddles.

The mahogany-edged, chopping block theme continues on the Aft Deck, with a six seat dining table under protected cover. Stepping aft to the swim platform, aka “the sport deck”, a dive locker awaits behind a hydraulic garage door, as well as a hand held shower for eager, salty swimmers. There are two sets of steps leading to the swim platform. One of them is hinged and can be raised for auxiliary access to the engine room.

The LMC-76’s salon seems much larger than her extravagant 18’ beam/width, due to the grand mirror-finish of her wood grain ceiling. What gives the salon so much space is in fact... the space outside of the boat. With 360 degrees of unobstructed views, stretching from knee height to near ceiling, the horizon becomes your infinite place. She seems to expand as we move through to greet the fine accoutrements: two sectional sofas with storage, an ottoman and end tables, plus a staircase with a cross section so narrow, it disappears from your line of sight.

Lazzara has created a true, open air feel with the LMC-76, making owners and guests “at-one” with their surroundings. Looking aft in the salon, the visual comfort expands as well. Whether seated or standing, the salon offers a near 360 degree panoramic view. Check the couch, in splendid soft, cool white. Majilite overhead panels, wide window treatments with pleated shades add to the contemporary flavor. Plus, of course, the mammoth Toshiba LCD TV screen, with a fine collaboration of Bose Lifestyle theater systems and surround sound that rises from a starboard panel in the salon.

Located midship, her dining area echoes the clean, white upholstery set against dark, contrasting, highly finished wood. Overhead lighting above the dining table not only illuminates, but reflects the block-wood theme. Easily seating six, in plush comfort, a pass-thru is located over the shoulder for those final condiments.

Opposite the dining table is a wetbar, nestled into a corner adjacent to the starboard sliding door and day head. Although we can't imagine it would get much use, it's a nice feature that adds convenient storage and an additional sink.

Readily accessed, her galley and snack nook are set up on the main deck. Though compact in design, it allows free flow passage while including all necessities. A country kitchen style, it is one of the only places onboard that doesn’t feature a chopping block. Go figure! Instead, granite counters are used to insure years of scratch free performance. Stainless appliances run the gamut with a microwave/convection oven, commercial size fridge, a cook-top range with a curved glass exhaust hood, and finally… a galley view unmatched by many yachts.

The LMC-76 features, what should be mandatory on every flybridge boat, a main deck helm for motoring when the weather turns inclement. This compact helm duplicates the instrumentation found on the flybridge, which is minimal at best thanks to technology. A wheel, a pair of sticks, a joystick and a couple of displays… yachting made simple.