“Each Vanquish is like one of Tom’s children,” says Michael Plantada, Captain of a new 58’ Vanquish, explaining how Tom Steentjes, owner of Vanquish Yachts, treats each of his creations. Capt. Plantada recently returned the 58 to South Florida from an extended Bahamas cruise where the owner entertained family and friends in fine style, utilizing the open bow, oversized fore and aft deck sun pads, deck bar and dining spaces—not to mention all the water toys onboard. The yacht is the latest of several Vanquish models that range in size from 40-52’ to a new 80 Sport Fish and a commission for a 115’ yacht that should be completed in just over a year. The line also includes the sporty VQ 11- and 16-foot luxury personal watercraft that are used primarily as tenders for the larger yachts. The VQ 58 has a VQ 11, that seats five, tucked into its garage, an unseen and unprecedented feature for a yacht of its size.
Design And Construction
Each Vanquish Yacht is custom-built in the Netherlands, a recognized European capital of yacht design, from handcrafted aluminum. There are no molds, so layouts within the hull size can be created according to the owner’s boating lifestyle, from engine size to number of staterooms and heads. But each Vanquish retains distinctive, clean hull lines, from its axe bow and sleek bespoke windshield to the hardtop and boot stripe that extends to the swim platform. The design is done in-house in conjunction with Guido DeGroot Design, a respected Netherlands yacht designer, with input from Steentjes and other team members who listen to their clients and share their insights.
The sturdiness of the aluminum hull is complemented by angular features of the thick, tinted windshield and black Versari pop up cleats which suit the yacht’s sharp angled edges. The centered V logo is an identifiable design feature as the glossy red steering wheel begs a twirl, using fingertip control to command the vessel with ease.
A Wealth Of Options And Customizations
While the open version offers wind-in-your-face freedom, the hardtop model affords sun protection and a unique venting system that circulates air throughout the cockpit. Our test model also had a FLIR on the hardtop and an additional canvas shade with carbon fiber poles—stored in the garage along with two Seabobs and life vests—providing more sun protection when desired. The vast firm sun pads, on both the aft deck and bow, are covered with shimmery Silverguard upholstery; the upholstery is comfortable, withstands the elements and invites lazy lounging or a launch base for watersports.
Clever, Sleek Design Elements
Several design elements like the fixed tables that do not retract, add functional simplicity and eliminate any potential electrical “issues.” The garage operates hydraulically, opening from the aft deck and the center, providing easy access to the tender and toys; a side opening garage is also available. The engine vents are hidden in the lines of the transom which flow smoothly down to the swim platform. Notably, the anchor drops from the bottom of the boat, preserving the clean axe bow lines, a clever design feature. Flexiteek gives the luxurious appearance of teak, but is cooler, with less maintenance. Wide walk-arounds lead from bow to stern, thanks to the 17 “ beam which also provides great stability and handling.
In The Cockpit
The cockpit sink and ample refrigeration provide entertainment enhancements and the owner of the new 58 prefers to visit waterfront establishments and bring food and drink onboard or will provision the yacht with easy to serve food so that guests can relax and enjoy the open water and boat ambiance. Many tucked away storage areas on deck and in the cabin below, facilitate not only supplies, but guest luggage and accessories. A wine cooler, microwave, refrigerator and icemaker provide hospitality features, as does the large stand-up head and separate shower that compares to a lush hotel bath. The private staterooms have ample sleeping and lounging space and the elegant wooden cabinetry and glossy aluminum finishes convey modern elegance.
At The Controls
At the helm, the iconic red steering wheel is the center of attention while the one-piece solid dash and Raymarine glass cockpit keep operation of the Volvo Penta IPS 950 engines simple. (twin MAN 1200 HP with with surface drives are an option.) A clean line of visibility through the seamless dash provides a clear view of the horizon as well as happy passengers on the bow. A sturdy fold-down footrest adds comfort, while the subwoofer beneath the captain’s seat—and an additional one beneath the central deck lounge seat, provide a clear, pumping sound through Vanquish’s own sound system. The company custom-builds its aluminum speakers and flush covers and adds Fusion controls. There is not an item on the boat that doesn’t speak to Vanquish’s eye for detail and we enjoyed a perfect day at sea, cutting through mild chop and attracting the envious and curious stares from other Biscayne Bay boaters.
Handling
The handling of the 58 belies her size. While the aluminum hull is light, making it fuel efficient the axe bow cuts through chop with ease. The 16’ 7” beam seems to help guide the boat as the deep V-hull and sharp bow does is razor-like job, cutting through the seas. The double spray line keeps the ride dry. We were on plane in no time, reaching a sweet spot at 28 mph, 1800 RPM, burning about 40 gallons/hour. We did see top speeds of 40 mph, but why hurry? We used all of Biscayne Bay, playing tag that afternoon with our Vanquish 45 camera boat. The two boats seemed to dance together, skipping each other’s wakes with ease and no rocking, leaving huge grins on the camera crew’s faces. When the jet-powered VQ-11 joined the party, it was like watching a mini-me play with the big boys. The vessel eye candy was enticing as I cut a few tight circles to feel the lean and bite of the hull, with a sideways glimpse at Capt. Plantada who reports that the boat never feels unstable.
Vanquish Value And Customer Care
What does all this cost? There are too many options to quote an MSRP but Vanquish promises value with customer service and care. All Vanquish Yachts are managed from the factory to delivery by a detailing and maintenance partner. Yacht Maintenance Service’s attentive team ensures that all boats are delivered concierge style and can be contracted to provide any management services including a hydrophobic coating to the factory AWLGRIP paint and other care as needed. “There are very few problems as Vanquish sells quality,” said Jared Hassut of YMS, “We are the customer’s backup.”
We eventually had to call it a wrap as Steentjes needed to sea trial the boat with a potential client. His proud smile rose from his chest as he stepped aboard and asked, “Are my boats photogenic?” – sounding like a parent who was afraid to show favoritism among his children. As he throttled out into the bay, a boat load of apparent bachelorette party girls waived energetically giving the beaming “dad” even more cause to smile as he drove into the horizon. Another child, birthed and delivered–on to meet the parent of the next…
Specifications:
LOA: 58.7 ft
Beam Max: 1 ft
Draught: 2.95 ft (depending on engine choice)
Displacement: 17.5 Tons
Fuel: 400 US gal
Max Speed: 50 + knots (depending on engine choice)
Engines: 2x 600 hp Cummings Zeus Pods; 2x Volvo IPS 950 or 2x 1200 hp MAN with surface drives
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