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All Aboard The Choo Choo

Versilcraft's largest flagsip to date – the Planet 120S Hard Top Long Range – does away with the raised pilothouse and offers extra space in the hull for guest accommodation. However, as Phil Draper discovers, the real surprises are to be found on the inside.

Published in: February 2008



The upper saloon also serves as one large lounge and has even better views – virtually 360 degrees. Indeed, the view from a bridge like this couldn't be better for passage making.

A central corridor connects all four guest cabins on the lower deck. The headroom here is particularly impressive — around 2.20m. There is a large full-beam owner's cabin aft that benefits from excellent views on either side from the large semi-circular hull windows. There is plenty of room around its king-size bed too. Beyond the bedroom, there is a walk-in wardrobe to starboard and a large Bisazza-tiled en suite bathroom that not only provides a big spa bath but also a large separate shower area.

Amidships, there are two very generous twin-bed guest cabins, each with extra Pullman berths — always a good idea for the extra flexibility that they provide. Forward, there is a very comfortable VIP double, the décor of which is much the same as that found in the owner's cabin.

The galley, which also serves as the crew mess area, is forwardmost on the main deck – conveniently close to the next door dining area. It also provides access doors onto the side decks on both sides. The crew provision aboard is pretty good for a motoryacht of this size. Accessed by a flight of stairs that drop down forward from the galley, three twin-bunk cabins and three shower-rooms provide for up to six.

This yacht's engine-room also packs a bit of a surprise. For this one boasts triple C32 ACERT Caterpillars that provide a total of almost 5,500hp. Those three engines mean that despite a displacement of 145 tonnes fully loaded, she is still good for a maximum speed of almost 26 knots and a 22-knot cruise.

This model's deep-vee hull not only serves her well when planing, but also at semi-displacement and displacement speeds. Indeed her 'Long Range' designation comes from the fact that her range if driven on the middle engine alone would be a colossal 1,400 nautical miles at a sustainable 12 knots.

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