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Review: Affinity Yachts 90' Luxury Sportfish

Discussion in 'General Sportfish Discussion' started by YachtForums, Jan 6, 2010.

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  1. Affinity Yachts 90' Luxury Sportfish
    Your Wife Called. She Said it's OK to Buy This Boat!

    by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy & Carl Camper​

    Affinity’s showy new yacht-sportfish arrives with an aura of genteel self-assurance,
    sporting top-notch features and confidence. She brings a fresh new page to big-time
    Tournament Fishing that has rarely been touched upon, to this extent. She signifies, like
    many other advances: evolution is essential to industry growth.

    Enter, the Lady of the House!

    Sleek and stylish, Affinity struts with an upper-class credence, a dashing élan. Designed to compete in the topmost fishing ranks, she will also outmaneuver her competition in individual presentation; that is, she will persuade the Lady of the House that she fits perfectly into the sportfishing family equation. There was a time when tournament fishing paraded a bare-chested, mano-a-mano label; where top-notch contest anglers were well-to-do executives who craved competition. Tournament sportfishing yachts centered around 35’ to 45’, with an occasional “huge” 60-footer. Their crews were dedicated, hard-bitten sailors; proudly showing off multiple scars on their gnarly hands, from wire leaders while horsing in the ‘big-uns’. Captains were – and continue to be – tourney professionals who record every catch, exact points in the ocean – lat/long/date/hour/GPS –where big fish were caught, and when. Since various species tend to repeat migratory patterns, their records ultimately predict the most likely places to gun for winning fish in next year’s competitions.

    Yet, the Lady of the House rarely attended; except for the lavish champagne-tuxedo parties where trophies were awarded, declaring who was the greatest angler of them all in a particular tourney; where one winner rose above Lawyers, Senators, Top Execs, Rich Men. Those are the prized moments tourney guys relish most of all. To the victor, guts and glory. Yet, as that era has evolved, times and traditions have modulated. With the latest amenities – particularly new, attractive and comfortable designs – Ladies are pleased to enter a full, active part in angling tournaments; but, in a relevant, upscale yacht. Affinity, combining the flash and competence of a tournament-winning sportfish, with the cruising/entertainment value of a dedicated megayacht, meets those criteria. Showy, luxurious, capable, as she makes her grand entrance; the Ladies will applaud!
  2. Affinity, as the name implies, is an attraction; a unity of interests. A perfect description of this emerging star. It's both a luxury yacht and an athletic sportfish, leaving little compromise between. It’s the brainchild of a former large Heesen sportfish owner wanting to troll in luxury, but seek fish fast. Unable to find something suitable, he opted to start from scratch, choosing Cheoy Lee to build the new boat based on their expertise in composites, financial stability and the pedigree it would bring to this new sportfish line. Affinity's project manager is Jef Benkelman, formerly a technical expert for Gurit, a world leader in composite materials and technology. Having worked as a consultant to many of the world's top boat builders, training their employees on how to properly lay-up today's cutting edge laminates, the A-90 project presented an exciting challenge to Benkelman; to utilize his expertise to bring about an entirely new line. The result is a revolution... a superb sportfish and luxurious motoryacht.
  3. Because a solid foundation is paramount, the hull, deck & superstructure are all infusion molded fiberglass with Corecell structural foam built to Gurit's specifications & ABS guidelines, but extra measures have been taken to ensure puncture resistance and structural rigidity. For example, the bottom of the hull has been laid up with Kevlar and the outer skin is thicker to add an extra layer of assurance. Both the keel and chines are solid glass. So confident are they in the engineering of the laminate that Cheoy Lee has put a five year, limited warranty on the hull and one year on the superstructure.
  4. Affinity’s aft cockpit displays the core of her mainspring for fighting tournament trophy-size sail, marlin, swordfish, tuna, albacore, shark. Her enormous two-tier aft deck with a 23’ beam, holds a top-rated Murray Brothers fighting chair, plus 8 rod holders and all the gear a master angler could bring. Check out her fiberglass cabinets, a live bait well with viewing window, built-in tackle center, sink, and bait freezer, plus a fish box sporting an Eskimo ice machine. Cockpit controls feature sub-surface mounting with fiberglass cover; there’s also a BBQ grill, transom tuna door, and four tuna tubes in the transom.
  5. This dramatic view of her Crow’s Nest / Fishing Tower, shows off the twin nav/com bulbs above her upper flybridge. Here we see also the fully structured steering station which easily accommodates four people, for long range sighting of lurking marlin. Because it's a long way down to less rocking ground, the helm console has an integrated compartment, located beneath the wheel, for storing handy items such as cell phones, sun screen, binoculars, etc.
  6. Stepping down a notch to the skylounge observation deck, we were surprised to see rocket launchers lining the aft railing. A fish-on from this perch might be awkward. We're more inclined to believe these launchers are for rod display purposes. Decoration, if you will. An aft facing settee is provided to keep the cheerleaders at a safe distance.
  7. This close-up view of the control station demonstrates how readily, yet complete, Affinity’s design backs up the pilot and crew. Instruments are grouped handily, ready for immediate alteration of course or power. On our sea trial with Captain Paul "Cookie" Murray, we were amazed how agile the boat was while backing down a fish. It reacts quickly and authoritatively to direction.
  8. Up out of the traffic, Affinity’s California Deck affords an advantageous observation point overlooking the action on the fighting deck. Double sliding doors lead to the salon. Also offered, an easily accessible long range viewing station for what’s happening ‘out there’ for info relay to the fighting chair. A built-in sink and fridge offer libations as needed. There’s also a quickly accessible storage place for rods/reels, as well as additional storage underneath each of the semi-elliptical seats.
  9. This overhead view of Affinity’s massive cockpit emphasizes the care taken in her design; complete regimentation in aligning cabinets for storage, but easy availability, while the fighting deck remains open for whatever action is next called for. Storage abounds, with cabinets and hatches where ever a void could be filled. The teak work, as expected on a yacht of this magnitude along with Cheoy Lee's years of crafting the same, is excellent, providing sure footing in the traffic areas. From midship forward, non-slip painted surfacing is used.
  10. Affinity’s first class helm station features a five screen display of nav-com instrumentation which also communicates with alternate gear in the upper helm, as well as a Furuno auxiliary display outside on the cockpit. Major electronics include Furuno radar/plotters 1964CBB/NT 25kW vx2 and 1944CBB/NT6kW vx2, with a Furuno sonar, plus a handheld CH256. There is also a Paxcom Cube marine computer, duel video; Nobeltec VNS 9 software, with a 4 Ambient NAV 17” monitor; plus numerous options for searchlights, compass, air horns.
  11. High up in the Skylounge, the atmosphere continues with class, though somewhat subdued as its main concentration is forward on the splendid enclosed bridge and helm, sporting two Stidd helm seats. Still, the comfy U-shaped lounge makes a great conversation nook. Across the aisle is a booth for snacks; and in a secluded corner a convenient dayhead for necessaries. Custom designed circular stairs lead down to the salon.
  12. Making our way down one level to the main salon, the Lady of the House will very much appreciate her living-room amenities, which cover the well-ordered aura of relaxed, at-home design. There is something strikingly different about the Affinity 90' salon, a feeling of openness; one with the surroundings, as banks of windows shed natural light, offering up unsurpassed views compared to traditional sportfish types.
  13. As noted above, this strongly designed dayhead is located conveniently in an obscure corner with its own entry door to the cockpit, keeping salt and scales at bay. Nevertheless, the yacht designer used an imaginative approach to modify an ordinary function as an adventure in modern aesthetics.
  14. A long view of the Salon shows the usage of space and symbolic design, with vast open areas and fashionable placement of furniture. To starboard is a pop-up flat panel for entertainment. See “Details” at the review’s end for a close-up of the highly creative staircase design. It’s so well fashioned, it could be a presentation of fine art in itself.
  15. At starboard beam, opposite the galley, Affinity’s Dining area is crisply laid out in highly varnished mahogany and upholstered chairs, seating eight, against a nicely patterned window seat. Large windows add scenery. Above, a vinyl headliner with a custom built chandelier is recessed to prevent head bumping. Forward, a custom built cabinet with chrome columns and frolicking dolphins houses dinnerware.
  16. To port, a semi-circular, four-stool bar, with black, figured granite counter, opens to the single best Galley set-up we've ever seen on a sportfish. It features high-gloss mahogany veneers and contrasting chestnut flooring. Equipment includes side-by-side GE refrigerator-freezer, also four-burner GE Monogram range, microwave, dish-washer and trash compactor. Cabinets have roller-glide drawers. Her stainless steel sink is under-mounted and best of all... the view!
  17. Her Master stateroom is also artistically arranged, featuring a raised king-size berth, athwartships beam to beam, with recessed lighting overhead and 26” TV viewable at the foot. Her color scheme follows the muted, comforting browns and tans, with special, original artwork. Mirrors on the walls, plus halogen lighting, make the room seem even more spacious. An owners study with book racks are to starboard with a pull-out ottoman. To port, the lady's vanity. Closets are cedar-lined with circuit breaker panels located behind the closet walls for quick access while remaining obscure.
  18. Ensuite his/hers arrangements in Affinity’s Master Head, sporting a jacuzzi tub for two with glass privacy wall, also adopt her excellent design aspects; adroit use of color and texture. The countertop is streaked Italian marble. Especially fashioned lighting offers her modern expressiveness as well. Above the head is an access panel that opens to a waterproof engine room door in case of emergency.
  19. Continuing the streaked marble countertop venue, her grandiose bathroom sink is stainless steel in the latest mode by modern Grohe fixtures. Rich mahogany veneers and mirrors complete the design expression. Her shower door is molded, transparent glassine. To beam, one of several portholes found throughout the vessel, fashioned at Cheoy Lee.
  20. Two VIP guest staterooms, starboard and port, follow her rich color scheme, plus cedar-lined lockers. Double berths with innerspring mattresses are raised, with stowage beneath, and carefully molded wood framing. Vinyl headliners and whisper wall tracking assure privacy and quiet. Each also has a 20” LCD TV built in.
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