| Westport 130 |  |
Styling changes on series production yachts usually don’t generate great excitement and
increase sales, but there are, of course, exceptions. Westport displayed its
newest 130-footer (39.6-meter) with a restyled interior at the 2007 Fort
Lauderdale International Boat Show and, apparently, something clicked with the
public.
"The reaction we got at the show far exceeded what we
expected," says Ron Nugent, marketing director for Westport. | Click on the Specs tab at top to see complete list of resources. |
The strong reaction to the redesign resulted in five sales. A
stalwart of the Washington State builder’s line since its introduction in 2000,
the 130 proved its popularity with 23 hulls sold prior to the show. A reasonable
person might deduce that the additional five sales, which account for 17 percent
of the series’ total sales to date, are a result of the restyled interior of the
boat displayed at the show, Hull No. 1523.
Top: The 130’s new salon is more open than its
predecessor. Bottom: The hallway off the open galley is visible to the right.
(Click images to enlarge)
The 130’s usual cherry interior was replaced on 1523 by raised
mahogany panels with crotch veneers and veneers on the tabletops and other
horizontal surfaces. A few walls found on the old 130 also were missing.
Amy Halffman, who shares chief designer duties for the
builder’s 112- and 130-footers with Theresa Francis, says, "We make changes
based on feedback from previous clients."
Philip Purcell, vice president of sales for Westport, refers to
the process as "progressing the product," adding that "owners will come up with
an idea that they would like to incorporate in their yachts. We can make the
change to one boat easily enough. We call that ‘early discovery.’"
Once the proof-of-concept is accomplished—such as the skylounge
changes that were first seen on Hull Nos. 1519 and 1521—and the change proves to
be an economical and practical modification that appeals to the general market,
it is standardized into the design. Hull No. 1515, delivered in 2005, received
the first galley modification, yet it wasn’t standardized until Hull No. 1523 in
2007.
 The master stateroom. (Click image to enlarge)
A few elements have met the criteria and been standardized
beginning with 1523. On previous models, the skylounge dayhead was at the top of
the stairs, necessitating a wider wall to starboard of the flat-screen TV that
faced the room. Relocating the dayhead to the space behind the television not
only opens up the stairway and removes that extended wall, but it also gives the
dayhead a hidden portside entry. The alcove where the bar once stood is now
open, providing space for a games table, office or even a library.
Also, there is now a sight line from the seating area down the
hallway to the bridge—a feature that works nicely in both directions—and the
forward part of the skylounge is open. This not only adds visual space, but the
balustrade, no longer hidden in the stairwell, adds its curvaceous elements to
the ambiance of the skylounge.
"Anytime we have the [chance] to add some light and improve the
view, we take it," Halffman says.
One change made both opportunities available: A window was
installed into what was formerly a solid bulkhead to starboard of the glass
slider on the aft skylounge bulkhead. The bar was moved from its position in the
alcove and relocated to a more socially encouraging position before the window,
making it easier for guests to enjoy a view with their drink.
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