Review: Warren 87' Express

Warren 87' Express​

Seductive Temptress from Down Under​

by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy​

Peter Lowe, the Naval Architect who dreamed up Warren’s sleek new S87, has slipped a page out of the Louvre, MOMA, or Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Bilbao in Spain. With swooping anti-classic angles, sharply defined, yet offset by smooth transitions; her symbolic aura invites “Go!” It is an attitude of being elevated in space while her modified V-hull skims lightly over 4’-5’ seas and easily tops out over 30 knots. From Australian builder Warren Yachts, she is a luxury yacht to be wondered at and reckoned with, perhaps the precursor of the next new wave.​

Elegance is her middle name and that's only the beginning in a yacht that oozes creative thinking – the overture, if you will – evolving into a one of a kind, so far, melodious approach to the cutting edge of today’s yachting. Warren’s S87 hull is built with solid FRP fiberglass, keel to chine; while an end-grain balsa sandwich conformation adds rigidity to her hull sides and topsides. Structural plywood bulkheads are installed within the mold process, adding strength and unyielding toughness to the overall construction. The result... solid performance! Turns as tight as two boat-lengths are handled superbly with reasonably tranquil heel, and at 25-30 mph cruise, even with a light chop, straight ahead is a primarily hands-off study. A top speed of 36+ mph puts this lady – this sport yacht – into contention with any other craft of 44 tons. Essentially, this silver streak will get there in a hurry, and still be more than fashionable.

Boarding is aft, via the built-in portside sliding passarelle to a wide, teak watersports deck. At the stern; a comfy settee w/sun bed and a large unfurling sail shade, plus a circular snack table, offer a fine gathering place for up to 10, whether the yacht is apace or at anchor. Cushioning is deep and inviting, and the sheltered view off the stern at any speed is, of course, sensational. There’s an electric cooler at the stern for those soothing afternoon libations. And just below, a hydraulically-opened garage houses a Zodiac Pro-Jet 305, w/ launch davit, for evening cruises around the marina or to dart off to the shallow waters of an island.

Check out the clever, open-to-the-heavens and near-beam-wide retractable roof that slides back to reveal the entire interior for an open-air banquet, or to glory in those starry-starry nights on Bahamas or Med adventures. If open air operation isn't enough, follow her full teak walk-around soles forward for a wind in your face thrill ride on the S-87's substantial sunbed.

A close-up of the aft deck’s wing shows design details which help to give this yacht its outre’ flavor. Sculpted in a style that immediately invokes the artistic grace of molded wings, it becomes a touch of Mercury – Roman God of Travel – gliding across the universe. Then meander toward the twin doors, a heavy, sun-shaded curving glass entry to the salon. One soft button-push and they open to receive visitors. The first impression is of size, volume. For example, the headroom throughout exceeds 6’8” – and makes the S87 seem even more spacious than its numbers would suggest.

At the ultra-modern helm are three hydraulically-operated chairs which can rise right up from the forward station, so the captain may see outside, over the top, to the horizon. Laid out with the precision of a swift Navy cutter, these Italian leather chairs face an array of instrumentation that would be welcomed by any Admiral of the Fleet. Gauges and electronics nestle in hooded, lighted alliance, while radar, navigation, and charting screens project boldly from their modernistic cowling. Every monitor for the yacht’s instrumentation presents within instant visual assessment by the captain.

Entering the main salon the impression is immediately one of utmost quality, which is quickly borne out viewing genuine leather chairs, twin half-circle upholstered couches. A light tan, deeply figured, Levanto marble-topped bar with brass plated stools perches on a marble base. Several mirror placements in the salon echo the view from grand oval side windowports, and broad windshields, emphasizing the yacht’s commodious scope. Many surfaces sport African madrona wood (reportedly the world’s most expensive) heavily finished in acrylics. The trim features highly decorative Queensland maple. Close by, but unobtrusive, is a convenient day head. Overhead is a light mother-of-pearl colored ceiling, framed by burled wood covering the air conditioning ventilators and storage bins. They parade in perfectly matched grain by sections, expertly patterned so all appear to meld into one decorative length.

A central buffet, also in the striking madrona wood, separates the dining area from the main salon, framed by two enormous pillars, steeped in acrylic finish. These pillars also provide the frame for a 42” plasma TV screen and home theatre cinema to slide up for viewing, or down out of sight. With the TV screen down, the entire room opens to reveal the formal dining area – furnished with 12 place settings of exquisite bone China – and far forward, the ultra-modern helm station.

A few steps down, aport, is a sequestered lower salon, and the galley to starboard. Deep cushioned, curved lounges in soothing café au lait colors, and rounded, brass-edged, pedestal coffee tables provide a quiet conversation nook apart from the top-deck parties. Three tall, ovoid windows and a huge, round skylight illuminate the room and provide broad sea-views. An additional 42” plasma TV for game-watching or near life-size movies rises from the galley’s bar-counter.

An intriguing characteristic of design convenience – all opening drawers and cabinets throughout the yacht are provided with a hydraulic mechanism for “soft touch” closure; swing it within an inch or two and it simply secures itself with a click; no slamming. The galley, continuing the salon’s décor theme of burled wood and vanilla cream ceilings, adds stainless steel and marble to the mix. The equivalent of any modern food-prep studio, it is amply provided with the latest in gadgetry exotica as well as cooking convenience. A complete set of appliances includes a 3-burner electric cook-top, micro-wave and convection oven, double refrigerators and separate freezers, plus a dishwasher, washer-dryer, and the indispensable cappuccino machine. What master chef could ask for anything more.

Below, the Warren 87' offers either a three or four stateroom plan. Shown here, the master stateroom and ensuite head are lavishly laid out and finished. Full-beam, aft, this is a study in luxurious restfulness. The queen size island berth is set on a padded, leather-covered pedestal base, adorned with extravagant fabrics. It lodges solidly under a circular mirror which also reflects and enlivens the room. A 30” LCD TV provides entertainment. Trim woods are madrona and Queensland maple. The head/shower offers a marble vanity and aluminum-framed shower with marble flooring.

In addition, there is a VIP stateroom w/queen berth at the forepeak, as well as a pair of guest staterooms located just aft of the galley/lower salon. One features a double berth while the other has twins, side by side, easily convertible to a queen. Crew quarters, for two on the four stateroom version, or three on the three-stateroom version, are accessed via the cockpit, just forward of the engine room.

Down below in the engine room, accessed via a staircase lazarette on the aft deck, two fine workhorses drive this magnificent machine. Standard are twin 1,300-hp MAN D2842 LE 404 diesels, although Warren’s options go as far as 1,800-hp MTU or MAN engines. Other options include Arneson Surface drives. Power assist hydraulic steering and single-lever MAN electronic controls provide smooth sailing with minimal effort on the part of the helmsman. Engine beds are laminated into the stringers, and three water-tight bulkheads provide for safety at sea.

No question, this rakish, sexy newcomer is certain to cause a stir in the yachting world. Production is scheduled for one new S-87 delivery every three months. Better hurry! <end>

Review by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy.

SPECIFICATIONS:

LOA: 86’6”
Beam: 19’5”
Draft: 4’10”
Weight: 88,000 lbs.
Fuel: 1,850 gals.
Water: 396 gals.
Engines: 2x 1,300 hp MAN D2842 LE404 Diesels
Transmission/ratio: ZF / 2:1
Props: 34 x 39 5-blade Teignbridge Aquafoil 105 DAR
Steering: Hydraulic power assist
Controls: MAN Single-lever electronic
Bow Thruster: 30.8 hp Sleipner
Gensets: 2x 22.5 kW Onan

For more information, contact...

Warren Yachts
757 S.E. 17th Street, Suite 130
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
866-541-3424
www.warrenyachts.com