Review: Kaiserwerft 102' "Perfect Harmony"

Few yachts are as striking to behold as Kaiserwerft’s new “Perfect Harmony”. Sporting more curves than Mulholland Drive, the latest Baron 102’ completes a trilogy of launches by Kaiserwerft, who’s previous yachts include Ocean of Love and C’est la Vie.​

Although Perfect Harmony looks like a product of evolution in the sea chain, one can only conclude the futuristic outline bestowed on her is a result of computer-aided generation. Perfect Harmony is the ideal name for Kaiserwerft’s latest launch, as her assertively sweeping lines accurately depict the natural flow of water around the hull, further mimicking this creature’s habitat.

The Baron’s somewhat fusiform shape embodies an anatomical form that can only be described as “shark-like”, with gills on each side and aft ledges reminiscent of dorsal fins. If ever there were a yacht befitting of the name “Great White”, this would be Peter Benchley’s boat!

A distinctively reverse feature are the exterior stainless steel rails that follow the outline of the bow, which are quite short in stature, while larger more prominent rails flank the gangway steps. When the going gets rough, these rails add security to deck members, but not as much security as the glass utilized in the windows of this yacht… it is bulletproof! Manufactured by Technoglass of Switzerland, it is tested to withstand a .38 caliber bullet from 10 meters. The glass also incorporates UV filters that reduce sunlight by up to 40% as well.

As if armor stopping glass were not enough, the lamination schedule used by Kaiserwerft is as tough as a shark’s skin, with a hardcore bottom lay-up that is 30% thicker than the minimum set forth by major yacht classification societies. And if you did run aground, you might not notice it, because Kaiserwerft uses 4 tons of insulation from Rock Wool that dampens vibration and reduces noise levels well below the 30-meter yacht industry standards. Finishing off the dermal layer is an Awlgrip paint and permanent epoxy system.

A trio of oval, vertical portholes on each hull side compliment sets of horizontal eyelets that are generous in size, making short order of securing lines. Behind the raking bow is a proprietary anchor system developed by KaiserWerft. It’s high output Lofrans winch and a chain-wash mechanism are coupled to 316-T stainless steel, polished & balanced anchors. Not seen in this picture is the cradle used for jet-ski storage, manufactured by Schurtz of Austria, which automatically loads and launches tenders from the stern garage via a wireless remote control system. A four-meter NovaMarine RIB, powered by a 50 hp outboard, as well as a Sea Doo are parked in the garage.

Baron has taken a unique step forward in yacht design, viewed from the bow, steps progress downward on each side the flybridge and main deck, converging on the bow. This is literally the anti-thesis of most yachts, which have steps and stairways located aft. The 102’ adapts a sport-yacht flavor owing to an integrated radar arch that blends into the superstructure and ties the deck levels together in a seamless, yet perceptible element. This same theme is carried throughout the entire design, with flowing lines that congregate and compliment each other, creating a multi-dimensional look that is intriguing and reminiscent of something that lurks in the waters below.

The full beam salon is bordered by the Baron’s signature, teardrop windows that are again, bullet proof. Although it looks like one window from the exterior, there are actually 7 panes on each side of the cabin, separated by vertical support pillars. Whereas the exterior design of Perfect Harmony is futuristic, the interior appointments are purely contemporary. The salon is literally enormous, covering 60 square meters! The interior is based on a core of lightweight, marine-grade plywood with waterproof sealed surfaces and genuine wood veneer. Matching wood grain cabinetry and furnishings offset beige leather sofas and chairs, giving a relaxed, but professional atmosphere. Adding considerable dimension and appeal to the décor are generous helpings of glass and mirrors, varying from see-thru, to smoked and blued.

The wide-body salon is separated into two areas, both conducive to relaxing around a central divider/wet bar. The aft salon has modern, curving sofas, strategically placed to allow several guests to carry on conversations respectfully. Just forward of the dividing bar is a flat panel 50" NEC Plasma television screen, built into a corner of the room and easily seen from any position within the forward salon. Excellent space utilization!

Also located in the forward salon are steps that lead to the “tween” deck, a level located between the flybridge and the main deck. Here, a formal “dinette salon” offers an elevated, 180-degree forward view over the bow, including port and starboard quarters. It consists of an oval-shaped dining table, half-surrounded by permanent bench seating with movable, swivel chairs completing the circle of up to eight people. This adds a degree of flexibility to adjust accordingly to the needs of guests onboard. In contrast to the neutral tones generally used throughout the rest of the yacht, the dinette room is off-white in color.

Dinette from another angle...

Aft of the ‘tween deck are another set of steps that lead to Perfect Harmony’s fully enclosed flybridge. Here lay the latest control and navigation systems, including Simrad’s Autopilot, Satellite Compass, Forward Looking Sonar, Radar, GPS, chart systems and wind instruments. Satellite communication equipment includes the Simrad F55, Sailor H2095C -INMARSAT-C, GSM Single and Dual PhoneCell by Tellular. A weather fax is also included from Navtex.

Two steering systems from BCS of Italy control the ultimate destination. They consist of a low and high-pressure unit, for added redundancy. Maneuvering is provided by Wesmar, in the form of bow AND stern thrusters, each producing 50 hp. Stabilization is also from Wesmar employing GRP Fins for roll control.

The view from the interior of the master stateroom is equally as enthralling with Perfect Harmony, as she is one of only a few yachts with forward windows on the main deck AND a forward deck master suite. These panoramic windows provide an unparalleled view compared to typical staterooms and give a radiant illumination to the owner’s suite during daylight hours. Nifty gadgets abound, including windows that can be sealed with shutters at the press of a button. Located forward of the master are dual, walk-in lockers that flank an entertainment center cleverly concealed behind mirrors and smoked glass. A television responds to a remote control by folding out of, and back into a sideboard.

Master Stateroom from another angle...

Just aft of the master bed is an elevated study and sitting room that again, permits a 180-degree view forward over the bow. An optical partition between the study area and the lower-positioned bedroom gives privacy.

The master bath, located just aft of the study in the master stateroom features twin “bowl” sinks. In a chic exercise that I have yet to comprehend… current designers are using “salad bowls” for sinks!

The VIP is room is located mid-ship. It enjoys a generous view to starboard via backlit, double-insulated windows on each side of the hull. The bed is queen size and offset at an angle to the room, which affords a corner situated sofa and end tables to the opposing side of the suite. An en-suite bathroom with combination bath/shower, washstand and WC complete the most important guest’s room. Opposite the VIP are two guest cabins with shower rooms en-suite. (Notice the woman’s bra at the corner of the bed!)

The VIP sitting area...

Not pictured is the aft companionway leading directly from the cockpit to the sensibly utilitarian crew quarters: two bunk bed cabins, bathroom with basin/shower combo and vacuum WC. A mess with corner bench seat and single-sided galley, washing machine and tumble drier complete the crews quarters.

Not shown is the Galley, equipped by Miele & Siemens of Germany. Redundant supplies abound with equipment that ensures the needs of guests and crew are met with the efficiency one would expect from Germany. Many of the items for food preparation are custom and hand-made for each Kaiserwerft Yacht.

In closing, Perfect Harmony further exemplifies Kaiserwerft's dedication to state of the art yacht building in futuristic bold fashion. Its likeness to a predatory marine animal may be a perfect analogy, because this fish.... commands respect.

Article written by Carl Camper.

Specifications:

Length: 102'
Beam: 22' 4"
Draft: 5' 5"
Depth: 10’ 2”
Weight: 100 tonnes (lightship)
Gross Tonnage: 155 GRT
Year Built: 2004
Construction: Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP)
Class: RINA 100 A.1 1 “Y”

Power:

Engines: 2 x MTU 16V 2000 M91 Charge Air Cooled,
Turbocharged, Electronic Governed, Marine Diesel
Engines 2000 mHP (1471 kW) @ 2350 RPM

Gearboxes: ZF 2555, reverse/reduction gearboxes, ratio 1:2.462

Max. Speed about 26 knots

Capacity:

Fuel: 14,000 litres, 3699 USG
Water: 2,000 litres, 528 USG
Grey Water: 1,200 litres, 317 USG
Black Water: 800 litres, 264 USG
Lub oil: 420 litres, 106 USG
Range: approx 550 NM @ 23 Kt

For further information, contact:

KaiserWerft GmbH
Hafenstrasse 34
93342 Saal a. d. Donau
Deutschland / Germany
Tel: +49 9441 1767-10
www.kaiserwerft.de