New & Notable: Made in Germany
Louisa Beckett
10/01/2005

Bavarian shipyard KaiserWerft has an unconventional philosophy. It prefers to build its new Baron 31-meter series on spec, producing motor yachts that are fully equipped and virtually turnkey before an owner even enters the picture. "We like to lead design and technical specification. The idea is to deliver something extraordinary," said Zed Vohra, managing director. "We will take an order from an owner, but we’d like him to improve on our standard rather than to cut materials and equipment. That’s an expensive statement, but we want to maintain our brand." The concept is apparently working, as five of the series already have been delivered.

The composite-fabricated Baron 31m series has an aggressive profile that defies viewers to ignore its presence in port. The wheelhouse is set back on the uppermost level. (Click image to enlarge)

The Baron 31m’s composite planing hull was originally a Frank Mulder design that predated the shipyard changing hands in 2002. "We bought it and we changed it," Vohra said. Powered by twin 16V 2000 M91 MTU diesels, the yacht cruises at 16 to 18 knots and hits a top end speed of 24 knots.

Click on the Spec tab at top to see complete list of resources.

The yacht’s teak-laid decks are served by ergonomic stairways (top) that link the aft deck (bottom) with an upper walkway to the foredeck. (Click images to enlarge)

Seen in profile, her strikingly contemporary lines hint at the many multilevel living spaces her decks afford both outside and in. Stairs that start at the watersports platform lead up to the pilothouse deck, then descend all the way to the foredeck. This layout allowed the KaiserWerft design team to "have its cake and eat it, too," giving the yacht full walkaround sidedecks for easy crew operations while at the same time taking the main salon out to the 22-foot, four-inch maximum beam. Within the salon, modern geometric settees grouped for conversation or movie viewing are upholstered in a butter-smooth leather. The wood here and throughout the yacht is a gloss-finished Canadian satin nutwood, which imparts a feeling of elegance. "This is a modern, classic style with soft and harmonious tones," says team member Barbara Fuchs.

The innovative interior layout places the dining area on its own level above the salon, up five carpeted steps. Eight guests sitting around the table on a combination of chairs and settees enjoy a 180-degree view through wraparound windows as they dine. Cue the moon and the stars. The galley, located just below, is well-equipped with German-made Miele appliances.

The owner’s suite forward also has two levels incorporated into its design. On the main deck is a comfortable lounge area with a desk and ensuite bathroom with Jacuzzi and shower, accented by nero portora marble. An open flight of steps leads down to a bedroom with a king-size berth.

In an unconventional design, the dining salon is on its own mezzanine level raised above the main deck. A compact galley is recessed below the dining salon on port. (Click image to enlarge)

There is also a full-beam VIP stateroom on the lower deck amidships that serves as an alternate master. In fact, many owners may prefer it. Like the split-level suite, this stateroom has a king-size berth, positioned off-centerline to starboard, a sitting area, a desk and a Jacuzzi-equipped bathroom.

Forward are two guest cabins configured as twins both with ensuite heads. All the staterooms and the main salon feature independent satellite-based audio-visual entertainment systems linked to a central AV server.
The four-person crew quarters are entirely separate, located aft of the engine room. Their accommodations are good-size for a 31-meter yacht, and include a dedicated mess.

Top: The modern salon furnishings feature a square, central seating area and widescreen plasma TV. Bottom: The split-level owner’s suite includes a separate bedroom forward. (Click images to enlarge)

The yacht’s uppermost level is the enclosed flybridge. The helm and single pilot’s chair are set well back. Most of the communications and navigation instruments are by Simrad. An L-shaped settee and table allow guests to enjoy the view through the wraparound windshield. On the sun deck aft, a wet bar and Miele grill serve a large round dining table that can be lowered and converted into a sunning platform with custom cushions. Another pleasant alfresco dining area is located on the sheltered main aft deck below.

The owner’s suite's large lounge and office space. (Click image to enlarge)

The yacht is built to RINA 100-A.11 "Y" classification. All the furniture aboard is made at the shipyard by KaiserWerft’s craftsmen. "We are able to keep our costs down and to control quality because we have no subcontractors," Vohra said. Indeed, at press time he quoted the price of a Baron 31m series yacht as less than five million euros. A 41.5-meter semi-displacement motor yacht is also under construction, scheduled for an October launch.

Contact KaiserWerft GmbH at 49 9441 1767 0. www.kaiserwerft.de
Yacht Specs

Yacht Type: Motor Yacht
Draft: 5' 5" (1.65m)
LOA (Actual length): 102' (31.09m)
LWL (Length of water line): 85' (25.91m)
Displacement: 90 tons
Power: 2x 2,000-hp MTU 16V
Max Speed: 24 kts
Range: 1400 nm  @ 10 kts
Beam: 22' 4" (6.81m)