Review: Moonen 94' "Nilo"

Moonen Yachts 94' “Nilo”​

A Summer House of Sculpted Sealium​

by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy​

“A summer house” is perhaps the perfect pretext for building a 94’ yacht, to fulfill the yearning for a world-wide view from a different perspective. A summer sea-house grants the ultimate escape from land-bound worldly cares, unveiling its brand new seascape view each morning, far removed from the humdrum, the ordinary. This owner searched for “Sun, sea, and summer.” Moonen fulfilled his dream with Nilo.​

A production yacht, yes, Nilo is the first in a proposed series, but what follows here is a blueprint design which alters that impression of sameness: With in-design thought, creativity, and the escapist theme, Nilo, from the Dutch yard in Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands, has achieved a class by herself. Based on the success of its Moonen 84 (8 sold since 2001), the builder entered into its “Fast Yacht” concept with this new model, which was prompted by customers seeking slight variations. Some wanted a yacht with equivalent accommodations, yet lighter and capable of higher speeds. But there was more to this equation:

As a young naval architect specializing in high-speed surface craft, Moonen’s Chief Executive, Emile Bilterijst, had always wanted to add a high speed range to the displacement genre. It would encompass exceptional comfort, sea-keeping and low noise/vibration levels, with moderate fuel consumption. Ideally, the concept would combine the best of both worlds: high top-speed with great comfort and the luxury features of a displacement yacht. When a new buyer asked for exactly that – “a family summer house with sea, sand and summer,” he sought to make this a reality. Bilterijst’s challenge spurred the creative instincts of designer Rene van der Velden, who conceived the ultimate aluminum yacht design. He envisioned a sportier flair, with an extended horizontal silhouette displaying aerodynamic lines.

Next, Naval Architects Stolk Marimecs diagrammed the semi-displacement hull with a higher length/beam ratio, 110 tons, and a round bilge. This arrangement promised less resistance at cruise, plus stability at higher speeds. Built of Sealium – the aerospace aluminum – this hull boasts extreme corrosion resistance. Added to Moonen’s acknowledged softer ride, maneuverability and seakeeping, plus fuel economy, the design quickly emerged. Crisply masculine, it retains the grace of the 84 model as well.

Then in quick succession came an extended swim platform, more spacious lazarette, plus a lengthier engine room to house a pair of higher-powered CAT ACERT high performance engines. The newness was rushing in. Accoutrements for those behemoths include controllable-pitch Servogear fixed props, performing in high-efficiency tunnels with specially designed rudders. Top speeds of 27+ knots, said the wind tunnel stat print-outs, while Nilo would be pleased with just 25kn. Water-tight bulkheads add to safety factors, for MCA compliance. Rigid company systems for noise abatement and vibration reduction add the capability of near-silent running. So, a grand “Alu!” for the aluminum build.

Overhead, the helicopter shot shows Moonen’s vaunted high-quality build. In its 24 year history, the builder has produced more than 50 finely-crafted yachts from 58’ to 98’, dedicated to solid comfort and seakeeping capability. Its cadre of 50 professional shipwrights and office staff work in The Netherlands, in 26,000 sq.ft. of construction buildings, with an additional 32,000 sq.ft. of open area to bring their creations to life. Once the yacht is operational and leaves the yard, it is still looked after and monitored by an expert staff, its “family”; ready to solve a problem anywhere in the world, with parts replacement, repairs, or navigational situations.

Zoom to Swim Platform: A stern view shows how well Nilo’s extra length and design add to her svelte lines, and her extended performance figures. Sealium construction and this fine design has replied in kind to Emile Bilterijst’s challenge for a fast displacement yacht.

Entering the spacious salon at the stern, the vista takes in not only the living room area, but forward, the dining room, galley, and entry to the wheelhouse bridge. A central staircase leads down to the sleeping quarters. The salon’s airy expanse easily includes sofas and easy chairs, a sturdy cocktail table, plus night blinds for privacy. Clean light ash and oak cabinets hold copious storage.

At starboard in the salon is a drop-down, flat screen TV that jettisons out from a ceiling valance that also houses the HVAC ducts and reverse lighting.

An exquisite, circular design motif marks the dining room, offset from the salon, but connected visually. Set up to entertain six, in chairs and couch, it can be readily expanded. Overhead lighting and a broad window treatment accent the width and depth. The dinner table is placed before the curved couch for informal daytime use.

Separated by an open screen of rough bamboo from the salon area, a multi-functional bar could serve as a computer niche as well.

Nilo’s galley follows the same decorative scheme of bamboo and teak, with a light lemon-colored counter-top in Corian. The lengthy room provides everything a practiced chef could ask for to prepare fine meals – in high style, including a wash basin positioned for a view of the harbor lights.

Following the theme of a summer house, Art-Line designers Marilyn Bos de Vaal and Frank Pieterse decided on a “cozy cruising” adaptation of the standard wheelhouse. An attractive checkerboard cabinet background and decoratively stripped teak decking add a homely yet nautical touch, perhaps slightly abridging the “naval” aura of many instrument combinations. Yet the panel is all business, with an array of nav-screens and a sumptuous pilot’s chair. Several couches face forward, with retractable tables ready to provide meals or games, at the passengers’ whims.

Elegantly designed, the master stateroom is centered on the lower deck, full beam wide, featuring a queen size island berth. Starlight overhead illumination provides softened indirect lighting, yet adequate for bed-time reading. On the opposite wall a 42” flat screen TV offers entertainment and news from the satellite pods on the flybridge. Light colored wood veneers on cabinetry plus raw cane finishes decorate ceiling panels and side walk-in closet spaces. At one beam an office mode dominates, while the other offers a vanity/dresser arrangement.

On the port beam of the fully carpeted suite, Nilo sports cabinets for storage, and an upholstered easy chair. Entrance to the master bath is beyond.

The master bath offers double, unique, six-sided wash basins in its starkly modern decor. Fixtures are top quality and also an avant modern design, while a full width mirror reflects all. The shower door is also mirrored, floor to ceiling glass.

Artwork - such as carved ancient sea charts – spice up commonplace areas such as this hallway entry to the VIP suite. Others are placed in each stateroom. Dedication to the arts emphasizes the creativity and attention to upscale quality which complements Moonen’s trademark. Rich coloring and soft lighting add to the mode.

At the hull's forepeak, the VIP stateroom nestles in with a rounded island berth and voluminous storage beneath. Fabrics and carpeting, as well as wood choices, mirror the interior treatment of the master stateroom.

Nilo offers two guest cabins, between the master and VIP locations. Each has twin berths with accessible bridges converting to doubles. The berths follow the crescent-foot design, plus reading lamps, and bleached wood wall treatments.

The ancient sea chart theme, carved in wood, streams across each stateroom like a film strip.

Crew quarters, at the stern, are tastefully arranged, with full carpeting and featuring wood paneling. With two single bunks, there is also a small kitchen, dining table, and recreational area with a 15” TV, as well as a washer-dryer hiding behind the crew bunk door.