Feature: Westport 112 Motoryacht

Westport 112 Raised Pilothouse Motoryacht​

YachtForums’ first review of the Westport 112 goes way back to July of 2005. While styling has been modernized, this iconic design maintains its platform of success with seakeeping ability, impressive cruise speeds and comfortable styling. With the recent launch of hull number 64 in the Westport 112 Raised Pilothouse series, YachtForums is proud to revisit this updated model and present it to our community. So what makes this Westport 112 review different? Somewhere between spoiler alert and full disclosure, this review is virtual. Wait! Don’t hit the delete key yet. Hate to burst your belief in the written word, but when we first began reviewing yachts, we were troubled to learn the frequency of yacht reviewers that never stepped foot aboard a boat, none-the-less taken the yacht out for a sea trial. As much as we reviled at the inexcusability, we have now joined the ranks of those computer-generated reviewers. But, we have a valid excuse: this YF review is being written as COVID 19 numbers are once again increasing in Florida and the prudent approach is to not expose, nor be exposed.

Westport, the largest yacht builder in North America, whose main building facilities are in Westport and Port Angeles. WA, has been building sea-going vessels since 1964. With over 170 fishing boats to their credit, and 35 passenger ferries plying the waters of the Pacific Northwest, the entry into the luxury yacht market has produced 160 motoryachts and precipitated the name change from Westport Shipyard to Westport Yachts. The Westport, WA. facility includes 170,000 square feet of enclosed space; the Port Angeles facility boasts 100,000 square feet. Then there is the 80,000 sq. ft. cabinet shop and 4,100 sq. ft. for the upholstery shop. The Design Department consists of naval architects, marine engineers, and design specialists.

The prestigious list of naval architects that have assisted in the design of Westport yachts includes William Garden, Donald Starkey, and Greg Marshall, with the credit of the Westport 112 design going to the ubiquitous Jack Sarin. One of the better-known Westport owners is Gary Chouest, head of the Edison Chouest Offshore companies known for their Gulf Coast marine holdings including a fleet of 200 commercial vessels. Gary currently owns a 2016 Westport 164. Gary’s son Dino owns his father’s former 2007 Westport. Gary Chouest, whose marketing team declined an interview with him for this review, bought Westport Yachts in 2014. The Chouest family also owns American Custom Yachts of Stuart, Florida. While we’re name-dropping famous owners, credit goes to Orin Edson, founder of Bayliner Yachts, who purchased Westport Yachts in 1997 and maintained ownership until he sold it to the Louisiana based Chouest family 6 years ago.

Westport combines the traditional yachty ambiance with contemporary styling. Sylvia Bolton, based in Seattle, WA., has been bringing her design talents to yachts for thirty years. Westport yachts are all semi-custom which enables the owners to modify the interior décor and furnishings to their personal tastes. Perimeter soffit with crown molding is seen on headliners throughout. All overhead lighting is LED and is controlled with the Crestron system. Serious attention has been paid to the audio-visual systems onboard and include the Kaleidescape movie server system and the Digital Media distribution system, providing a variety of entertainment sources throughout the yacht.

When formal dinners are preferred, this dining salon presents a warm milieu combined with sophisticated gentility. All Westports include china as well as everyday dishware.

Main deck dayhead...

This galley is replete with the latest in appliance gadgetry. The Amtico commercial vinyl flooring adds comfort as well as making for an easy to clean surface. The family-style dinette makes grabbing a fast breakfast or quick lunch most convenient. This galley is so enticing, it almost makes me want to cook – well, that’s a big “almost.”

I’m sure there’s many a captain who would consider this beautiful entry to the pilothouse as the stairway to heaven. The intricate details, partnered with the practicality of wooden steps with non-skid, is a precursor to what awaits at the top.

The vast display of displays should tell the captain everything s/he needs to know about where to go and how to get there. The twin MTUs, with their 2,185 hp thrust, power the 150ton ship at a cool 22-knot clip. One fuel tank divided into three compartments quenches their thirst with a 5,480 gallon capacity. The latest and greatest in navigational equipment, communication paraphernalia, and monitoring systems are all present and suitable for worldwide voyaging.

The viewing gallery offers a spectacular vantage point. Aside from being a comfortable platform for the backseat drivers or wannabe captains, it’s an interesting place to monitor the displays as well as a nifty lunch spot. The overhead cabinets store the volumes of manuals should one want to read about things like the yacht’s construction which is primarily comprised of foam-cored composite materials with E-glass reinforcements and vinylester resins. Structural framing combines E-glass and carbon fiber reinforcements. Of course the structure is engineered to ABS rules.

Even the lower accommodation foyer shows the touches of casual elegance combined with practicality. Storage aplenty throughout the yacht with much of it stowed away in hidden compartments concealed by displays of art.

The amidships master stateroom offers the respite of an inner sanctum. Westport pays particular attention to sound attenuation including floating joinery connections, acoustic insulation, and sound and vibration dampening materials. The California King centerline bed, with lift-up storage beneath, is flanked by nightstands. Of course there is the requisite settee, which is presumably for comfortably attaching shoes to feet, but everyone knows it’s for tossing garments before retiring that for some odd reason are still lying there askew in the morning.

The master head is opulent as well as practical. The Headhunter MSD treats the wastewater in situ although the vessel’s holding tank capacity is 600 gallons. Two Blue Water desalination units offer 3,000 gallons per day when fresh water is in short supply.

The expansive portside guest stateroom features a queen bed with upholstered headboard with storage and drawers below. The large wardrobe features a full-length mirror on the exterior door. Stowage is enhanced with a five-drawer dresser and 2 nightstands with three drawers in each.

The ensuite guest head features stone with Euro-style frameless tempered glass doors. Headhunter Royal Flush Bravo serves as the throne with all top-notch fixtures included.

The starboard guest stateroom offers flexibility in the sleeping arrangements. While in “standard mode,” the stateroom offers twin beds each with an upholstered headboard. The inboard bed and nightstand are movable allowing the cozy couple or oversized guest to enjoy king-size comfort. The inboard Pullman bunk contributes towards making a great cabin for a few of the grandkids.

With a flybridge dining area like this, no wonder the Westport 112 is so popular in the charter world. Currently, there are 18 Westport 112s available for charter on one charter website.

Does alfresco dining get any better than this! Elegant, simple, and most importantly: comfortable. It says “Welcome Aboard” with style and grace.

In keeping with the format of virtual yacht reviews, relevant information like the engine room and mechanicals is noticeably absent. Aside from the lengthy description of particulars and numerous detail shots, YachtForums’ reviews typically highlight the uniqueness of specific systems, cutting edge technology, or particular points of interest. For more information to include what is missing from this review, I’m afraid we have to wait until the COVID precautions pass or the launch of Hull#65, which might just come first.

In summary, Westport continues to provide this iconic model because success is in the numbers: Sixty-four of the Westport 112 Raised Pilothouse Motoryachts are currently cruising the oceans of the world. Sixty-four hulls of one model, including numerous repeat Westport owners, defines success. We can’t wait to get aboard one and experience her in real-time... without a mask!

by Judy Waldman​

Specifications:

Length: 111'8" / 34.0 meters
Beam: 23' 9" / 7.2 meters
Draft: 6' 0" / 1.8 meters
Height: 34' / 10.3 meters
Cruise Speed: 22 Knots
Max Speed: 26 Knots
Range: 2000 nm @ 12 kts
Main Engines: Twin MTU 16V2000 M86 / 2185 hp each
Electrical: 12/24 DC & 120/240 AC - 60Hz
Generators: (2) Northern Lights, 65KW
Fuel: 5,480 gals / 20744 ltrs
Water: 1000 gals / 3785 ltrs
Displacement:
Full - 300,000 lbs
Half - 275,000 lbs
Light - 240,000 lbs

For more information contact:

Westport Yachts
2957 State Road 84
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312
www.westportyachts.com

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