Inace 95

He searched the market for an expedition-style yacht with transoceanic range and the structural stamina to voyage anywhere in the world, and a builder willing to incorporate specific elements that the couple wanted. In 2002, he found Brazilian builder Inace displaying its latest at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. "I liked what I saw," he says. More important, he liked what the company said, which was, in effect, "Here’s the hull, let’s go from there."

The first piece of the design puzzle the couple considered as they shopped for their proper yacht was always the galley. "If the galley didn’t suit our needs, or couldn’t be changed to accommodate them, we politely left," he says. Inace took that to heart, and all the required measurements and space provisions in the galley were accounted for prior to the other main-deck spaces being considered. For instance, the large pantry features double doors, and the shelves roll out and lock into place for safe access while at sea. The opening at the breakfast bar can be closed off so the chef works in privacy.

The brief included several non-negotiable design features. Full walkarounds on the main and bridge decks give quick access all around. Also, the crew needed interior access to the lower deck from their quarters in the fo’c’s’le. "They don’t have to walk across the tender deck. It can be dangerous in seaway," he says. It also eases housekeeping chores on the lower deck, which includes a full-beam master suite with his-and-hers baths. Her side features a Jacuzzi tub. Two ensuite staterooms are forward, off the foyer that features a detailed sole of multihued horn.

The owner also wanted on-deck access to the engine room. Discretely located behind the bar, a comfortably traversed stairway leads to the starboard-aft corner of the engine room. Designer Michael Kirschstein worked closely with the owners to finalize Impetus’ details and styling.

Comfort at anchor was important, but large, protruding stabilizing fins weren’t appealing. Quantum Marine Engineering’s solution was its Maglift rotary stabilizer system; Impetus would be the first installation of this technology. During her initial sea trials, she averaged 11 knots in 5- to 6-foot seas, and the owner says the boat was "like a rock." The system was the perfect solution for  Impetus, whose top speed is 14 knots, but she will likely spend most of her offshore time cruising at about 11 knots.

A demonstration convinced the owner that Impetus would benefit from Twin Disc Quickshift 5114 transmissions. The low-speed maneuvering and quick change-of-direction was peace of mind that appealed to him.