A new top speed for the Stanley 38 motoryacht by John Williams Boat Co.

Based on the Stanley 38 motoryacht, a new boat by John Williams Boat Co. is currently being designed to look like the previous model while featuring a redesigned, streamlined hull capable of achieving much higher speeds. The Stanley 38 is a traditional semi-displacement hull with a flat section aft, a slight dead rise and a soft chine, as well as  a little rocker in the bottom and a deep forefront that helps hold her up in the wind when docking. She normally cruises at 18 knots with top speeds around 20-23 knots: the new boat is expected to reach upward of 40 knots.
Bill Wright, JW Production Manager is the customer who commissioned this one-off project, with the aim to be able to “zip around to different locations.”
The idea is to keep the traditional Stanley 38 lobster yacht appearance from the waterline up, while adding a modern underbody and the latest in propulsion units to achieve impressive double top speeds.
Both in the previous and in the current model designed, the pilothouse and cockpit are open and well suited for enjoying the sights and sounds while cruising.  Both areas offer excellent visibility and the entire pilothouse can be enclosed should the weather become inclement. Below decks, a large v-berth forward plus a full head with shower will be found. Finishes are made in the customer’s choice of woods. In addition, the position of the galley can be arranged either up or down according to the owner’s wishes. The accommodations as well can be fully customised.
The 38’s large cockpit can host up to fifteen guests and encourages people onboard to spend time absorbing the natural elements,  while fishing or entertaining.  A table and chairs could be added to the aft settee for the perfect plein air dining area.
Designer Doug Zurn of Marblehead, Mass., is working with the existing tooling to design the hull: it will have a modified deep-V shape, similar to Sabre or Hinckley motor yacht hulls.The designer had already had some collaborations with JW Boats Co. in previous projects: according to him, to reach 40 knots, something unconventional for the yard will have to be done. The construction will be fibreglass over a form core: this way, with two layers of fibreglass over the core, the hull will be kept lighter, which is preliminary to reach higher speeds.
Moreover, to achieve the speed and manoeuvrability desired, the team decided to use a Volvo IPS module drive system, which are considered to be very efficient and fuel and power-wise. They have forward-facing counter-rotating propellers, and the system can be controlled either by a traditional wheel or by a more recent joystick which is much easier to use. The drive system also has the ability to hold the vessel stationary automatically, keeping the boat in the same location regardless of current or wind.
The company expects the new boat to be ready for late summer 2016.