Rain Shower Heads - A New Shower Head for Your Master Bath

Read article : Rain Shower Heads - A New Shower Head for Your Master Bath

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Nothing is more invigorating than a nice hot shower. To have a wonderful experience in the shower go get a new showerhead for your master bath. Rain Shower Heads are one of the top shower heads on the market. They have so many different styles to chose from that you will wonder how you ever lived without one. Their mission is to create quality craftsmanship with exquisite designs coupled with aesthetically pleasing products. That is exactly what they deliver, I know because I own one myself.

Rain Shower Heads: Traditional Design

The first type of Rain Shower Head is the traditional design. The traditional shower head comes in four different sizes and finishes. You can buy this type of shower head in 10″, 8,″ 6″, and 5 1/2″ diameters. The first in the design series is call "Classic." It comes in a 10″, 8″, and 5 1/2″ diameter. All three sizes are designed with superior craftsmanship and are built with solid brass construction. The Rain Shower Head also is constructed with cast brass nozzles that direct precise stream control and allow better pressure during your spa-like experience. The smaller Rain Shower Head works as well as the other two except it has a smaller number of cast brass nozzles. Rain Shower Arms are sold separately from all three, however, the smaller version can be fitted to your regular shower arm or fitting. They come in Chrome, Polished Brass, and Brushed Satin Nickel. This Rain Shower Head would make an excellent new shower head for your master bath.

Next, the "Porcelain" 6″ Rain Shower Head combined beautiful with functionality. This shower head is made of solid porcelain and chrome-plated brass. It also comes in chrome or polished brass. For an extremely elegant look try combining the shower head with a matching Opus shower arm.

Then, they offer the 10″ and 8″ diameter "Legacy" Design. This is more of an economical designed shower head featuring the dimpled face construction. Even though it has not been constructed with the same cast brass nozzles, it still offers an amazing shower experience in comparison to standard shower heads. It is a full size shower head with same identical body style as the "Classic" series, but without the hefty price tag.

Lastly, there is the 6″ two-toned "Chrome and Brass" Rain Shower Head. This one is my favorite because this is the one that I own. It is absolutely beautiful with a chrome body flat plate design and a polished brass nozzle base. The brass tips are covered with soft rubber ends designed for more effective cleaning in mind for hard water stains. If you are a person that likes to soak in the tub, this shower head will give you a whole new perspective on relaxation.

Rain Shower Heads: Exotic Design

If you have a contemporary master bath then you will absolutely love this concept.. These shower heads are very unique in detailing and creative expression. They are designed to offer superior water pressure. The Rain Exotic line come in chrome, polished brass, and a satin nickel finishes. There is the 9″ "Ultra" shower head that is next to the largest size they make. It has a contemporary curved spoke-like body that delivers exceptional water pressure. The 6″ "Luna" shower head is the most exotic style in this series with a similar design, but with individual heads on the ends of each arm. The 10″ "Oasis" shower head has a much bolder look and would probably be better suited to the males in the house. Then there is the 6″ "Oasis" shower head that delivers the same experience with slightly fewer nozzles in place. Any of these styles will definitely make a statement and take your shower experience to a whole new level. A new shower head in your master bath like this one will make you feel as if you have crossed over into the future.

Rain Shower Heads: The Future Handheld

The last in the line has yet to be revealed, however, I can't hardly wait to see what they come up with after experiencing some of their other products. Rain Shower Heads are top quality and give you a wonderful spa-like escape. These type of shower heads are great for relaxing tired and aching muscles. I think that if you are going to get a new shower head for your master bath, you should consider any of these products.

5 Bathroom Innovation Award concepts to make it into production

Read article : 5 Bathroom Innovation Award concepts to make it into production

Product design awards have a tendency to yield amazing, ambitious but unrealistic concepts, however every now and then works that showcase great innovation reach the production stage.

There have been a few success stories coming out of the Reece Bathroom Innovation Award (BIA) over the past seven years that underpin this trend.

Here are five successful products from the awards that are on the market or being developed for production.

The ‘Halo Shower’(2005)

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 2005, the competition’s inaugural year, Reece awarded its professional BIA to Duncan Ward for his ‘Halo Shower’ design.

The Halo innovation came from its effective redirecting of the droplet array coming from the shower head. This was achieved by inverting the standard rain head shower design which increased the diameter of the droplets and gave the user a sensation of water immersion akin to being in a bath.

The Halo was quickly picked up by manufacturer Phoenix Tapware and has since been sold in Reece stores nationwide.

 

 

 

 

The ‘Eaux Eaux basin’ (2011)

2011 professional category finalist, Joel Roberts designed the Eaux Eaux basin which has since been picked up by Romanian manufacturers. The all-encompassing design consists of a rolling crest trough which acts as its catchment area, spout and splash back.

In use, the spout expels water which completes the basin cycle through an entire crest with a clear blade of water. Eaux Eaux’s lean body is hollowed to embody and eject the water without a hint of fixturing, evoking a playful yet mysterious nature.

The base is secured into a recessed counter top and the stainless steel cast body is coated with a soft touch paint to maximise its tactility.

The Fl’eau Bath 2012

Joel Roberts was also featured in the 2012 BIAs with his Fl’eau bath design a finalist in the professional category.

Fl’eau is a freestanding bath created from a single surface corian body and since 2012 has been picked up by a Chinese manufacturer and will be on show at USA design and trade shows this year.

The Koeda Intuitive tap mixer (2012)

Designed by 2012 Student category winner ShanShan Wang, the Koeda intuitive mixer tap subverts the traditional mixer tap controls. The dial control mixer tap has been picked up for production since its award and will be manufactured in two versions; a non-electrical and electrical version.

The Koeda utilises a modified progressive cartridge that provides an innate dial control. By rotating the dial in a clockwise motion, water temperature gradually changes from cold to hot. Water pressure flow will progressively increase as the dial is rotated further - ensuring users are less likely to accidentally turn up water flow and waste excess water.

Koeda is handcrafted in porcelain and features an aerator that manages the directional flow of the water and softens the water’s texture. A slight bump angled at a 15 degrees incline in the faucet also minimises excess splashing.

A series of six LED lights, efficiently powered by two lithium cells, change from a light sky blue to a warm orange and finally to a dark searing red, indicating the mix of cold and hot water.

The Wind Rain Fire (2013)

Wind Rain Fire was designed by Chris Connell and was awarded the 2013 Professional category award. 

The design features a flush-mounted shower head combined with an extractor fan in one single unit and Connell has hinted that the design has attracted manufacturers’ attention since its win. Connell says he is currently in discussions with manufacturers and believes the Wind Rain Fire will be available on the market in the near future.

By incorporating the shower head and extractor fan in one unit, the Wind Rain Fire eliminates the issue of another appliance on the ceiling and also minimises trade and fit time. The unit places the extractor at the closest point of steam which Reece suggests will minimise foggy mirror and condensation build up on wall surfaces. The shower/extractor is operated automatically by the touch sensor on the shower mixer unit.

Apart of the design also includes an 800mm wide by 80mm strip rail towel-warm. The long flat surface is heated by an internal element incorporating an inbuilt fan, gently blowing heat down the surface of the towel drying the towel much quicker than a conventional towel rail.

The 2014 edition of the Reece BIA will also guarantee another manufactured project with the winner of the professional category promised a prototype model by Omvivo, one of Australia’s leading vanity unit manufacturers.

See our coverage of the awards for information about entrant criteria and the judging panel.  

Images courtesy of Reece. 

5 Simple Ways to 'Zhng' Your Bathroom to Boutique Hotel Standards

Read article : 5 Simple Ways to 'Zhng' Your Bathroom to Boutique Hotel Standards

Bathroom #goals

The one thing you look forward to at staycations besides the breakfast buffets and movies on demand on the 42” plasma are the luxurious bathrooms. Stocked with plush towels, free-flow toiletries and if your hotel’s atas enough, a relaxing rain shower! And there’s a way you can take this hotel experience home, with some help from the experts of showers: hansgrohe. 

First to invent showerheads with adjustable jets and the wall-bars on which you mount your shower heads, hansgrohe has had many “eureka!” moments with state-of-the-art bathroom inventions. And we saw it firsthand at their recently revamped showroom - from button-operated rain showers to customizable taps in a spectrum of fashionable colours - with 5 bathroom additions to “zhng” your humble bathroom to one matching a 5-star hotel:

1. Get the hotel “rain shower” experience right in your home 

Raindance Select Overhead Showers

Your best bathroom karaoke sessions are at atas hotel staycations - you reckon it’s the combination of the superb reverb and rejuvenating rain showers. But you’ll also be “singing in the rain” in the comfort of your home with hansgrohe Rain Showers.

With up to 3 spray modes like RainAir (infuses water with air to create a voluminous water-saving spray) or WhirlAir (pulsating sprays that massage you), these overhead showers more than recreate the rain-like experience of hotel bathrooms.

The QuickClean technology in hansgrohe’s rain showers also makes cleaning a breeze because any dirt and limescale build up simply falls off when you gently rub the flexible silicon tip of each nozzle.

Raindance Select E300 Showerpipe Source: hansgrohe

If you’re excited about getting an overhead shower but your partner’s more a hand shower person, get the best of two worlds with 2-in-1 Showerpipes and Shower Panels. All your bathroom needs is an exposed connection to the main water supply and you won’t even have to hack the walls to install these babies.   

2. Change the mode of your shower with the press of a button

From delicate sprinkles to forceful streams, each of your family members has their favorite shower spray setting. And having to forcibly twist the showerhead dials back to your favorite setting every time you step into the shower can be quite a chore!

Raindance Select E120 - 3 sprays in 1 hand-shower (Colour: White Chrome)

But you can now adjust the jets of your shower, fuss-free, with hansgrohe’s Raindance Select hand showers like the Raindance Select E120. Clicking the “SELECT” button has you toggling between 3 different spray settings - Rain, RainAir and WhirlAir. And electricity’s not at all required to operate this clever device!

Remember to check the water pressure you have at home so the hansgrohe consultants can recommend you suitable hand showers.

Not just for hand showers, the Select Technology is also available on a range of hansgrohe showers, including the overhead rain showers. 

3. Bling up your tap handles with Swarovski crystals 

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Never again settle for conventional metallic grey taps when there’s the option of stunning ones with sparkly Swarovski crystals. From the hansgrohe company’s luxury brand, AXOR, comes the closest thing to bespoke taps you’ll find. These customisations are hand-made in Germany, where taps can also be engraved with words and initials upon your request. 

Mandarin words can also be printed for those of you with parents who don’t read English 

You can also customize the heights of your taps to fit your bathroom. Source: hansgrohe

With 15 colours ranging from chrome to gold, these special finishes are not just pretty, they also make the metal more scratch-resistant. Taking customization up another notch, they even give you the option between matte and glossy - and you thought that was only applicable to the photographs you develop! 

4. Impress your guests with these one-of-a-kind taps

When guests come over to visit, the only room more visited than the living room is the bathroom. And all you need are these designer taps to give your visitors some serious tap-envy.  

AXOR Starck V. Source: AXOR

With a see-through faucet made of crystal glass, this tap reveals a mesmerizing water vortex. This is how spray researchers at Hansgrohe pay homage to Klaus Grohe - the founder’s youngest son - and his passion for water. Not only is it easy on the eyes, its easy-click-in design and safety-stop function make it really easy to clean. 

Turn up the zen with the AXOR Massaud’s nature-inspired designs and get a mini waterfall at your bathroom sink Source: AXOR

Bearing an uncanny resemblance to a branch and made with ⅓ less brass compared to regular taps, the AXOR Starck Organic taps are not only eco-friendly but very fancy. Source: AXOR

5. Give your basic bathroom a boutique hotel theme 

Your basic bathroom has a lot of untapped potential and your standard issue BTO bathroom can be boutique hotel material. All you’ve to do is dare to imagine and take inspiration from the urban chic AXOR Citterio M series or classy 1900s European AXOR Montreux series. 

Urban chic minimalist design of the AXOR Citterio M series Source: hansgrohe

The sleek design of the AXOR Citterio M series is the perfect option if you don’t have much toilet space to work with. Resembling the knobs and dials that you see in cars, this bathroom collection designed by the Italian architect and designer Antonio Citterio, ought to strongly appeal to you car aficionados. 

AXOR LampShower by Nendo Source: AXOR

There’s never been a rain shower as quirky as this lampshade that doubles as a showerhead, where the “spotlight” is literally on you as you stand under the water converging at the centre. So get ready to belt out those karaoke tunes. 

The AXOR Montreux Series - Posh up your bathroom with regal designs inspired by 20th century Europe. 

Hansgrohe- the touch of atas you need in your home

There are four types of Singaporeans in the shower. If you’re the chiongster who just whacks water both hot or cold or the hum ji kia who spends 10 minutes making sure the water’s the right temperature, showering is far from a relaxing experience. 

But here to change that, is a line of bathroom fixtures from AXOR and hansgrohe  - from hand showers with intuitive buttons to mind-boggling taps with water vortexes - they’ll completely redefine your idea of bathroom #goals. 

The showroom’s AXOR Massaud collection, featuring a lake-like bathtub and even a towel holder that looks like a branch! 

Catch these bathroom taps and showers in action and head down to the newly revamped hansgrohe and AXOR showroom at 69 Mohamed Sultan Road. With bathroom collections designed by prominent names in the industry - like Phoenix Design, Philippe Starck and Antonio Citterio - you’ll find there are really no bathroom boundaries in your home.

*From now until 28 February, simply pay with your Citibank debit or credit card and get 25% off regular-priced products under hansgrohe brand.

Click here to find out more about AXOR and hansgrohe!

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This post was brought to you by hansgrohe.

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How to avoid mistakes when choosing a mixer

Read article : How to avoid mistakes when choosing a mixer

The mixer is an important part of kitchen and bathroom, which directly affects our daily comfort. To verify this it is enough to recall their feelings when the faucet suddenly started to leak or even break. However, how to choose among the enormous diversity of models, especially if they want to save money and time and choose the mixer independently in the catalog online store? Let’s step by step walk through all the options that you should consider when choosing a mixer. The design of the mixers Any mixer is composed of standard structural components: body, spout, mechanism of mixing, control and aerator. The housing of the mixer can be molded or mobile. In the first case, the stationary housing is a mechanism of the spout, and the lever on the side of it. These faucets are reliable and easy to repair, but less convenient to operate. Swivel body allows for greater convenience and water savings, but may require periodic replacement of gaskets rotating part of the mechanism.
Spout or goose — this is the part of the faucet, from which water flows. When choosing a particular model, pay attention to the height of the spout (can be from 2 to 90 cm) and its length (3 to 5 cm). They should correlate with the dimensions of the tub or sink so that water is not hitting the boards, was not sprayed and you have enough space to wash dishes or hands. The aerator attaches to the tip of the spout and consists of a metal mesh through which water is mixed with air. The aerator makes the water pressure is more soft, uniform and comfortable. Different mechanisms of mixing water Depending on the design of the mixer may vary and the mechanism of mixing water in it. Should there be any doubt that this factor will significantly influence your comfort and his life Kran-buksa The usual inside valve mixer tap with two handles for temperature and water head is a device called a crane buxoi. It connects to the valve and directly responsible for the water supply. There are two basic types of crane-books: worm gear and ceramic. The mechanism of the worm tap-bushing is a screw, one end of which is connected with the valve and the other to a rod on which is fixed a strip of rubber. When rotating the crane, the screw moves along the thread inside the tap head parts, rubber gasket is moving around, opening or closing the water supply.
It is obvious that the rubber gasket in the process of operation will rapidly deteriorate, and although it is inexpensive, the trouble of regular changing pads is inevitable. Ceramic crane Bush is characterized by the presence of two ceramic disks, one of which is stationary and the other is attached to the stock. Rotation of the valve causes the alignment of the holes on the discs, the water flowing in the mixer, or displaces them and the water flow stops. This type of faucet head parts are more durable and easy to use, but are more expensive and sensitive to water quality, as even a small grain of sand between the discs could be damaged. In case of breakage, you will have to remove the faucet-the journal box and around a lot of shops to find the suitable for your model of mixer. Crane-axle mixers are usually affordable and easy to repair, but have a high consumption of water and not too easy to manage. Ball mechanism Faucets with ball mechanism equipped with a handle which is adjustable and pressure, and water temperature. They work on the same principle as ceramic crane Bush, but instead of the disks they are placed in a hollow metal sphere with three holes (for cold water, hot water and for mixing them). Cuff and gaskets, locking mechanism ball, fairly quickly wear out causing the faucet may begin to leak. Cartridge Cartridge single lever mixer consists of two discs made of ceramic, as in the case of ceramic valve-boxes, and is a single piece, which, in case of breakage, changing completely. It is compact, most durable and easy to control mechanism. From the design perspective, this option presents the greatest scope for choosing a suitable model mixer. However, you must remember that all single lever faucets are sensitive to water quality and preferably the installation of the pipes filters purification. Various options for the installation of faucets To choose a mixer, you will have to decide exactly where it will be installed, especially now that it offers lots of options for every shape and preferences. Installation options of the mixer: wall (if the bath and sink are so close that you can do it all with one mixer, but in new houses this option is not always possible, as the pipe system in them is hidden and divorced separately for sinks and baths); outdoor (very effective from the point of view of design, however, costly and requires a lot of space variant); embedded (all liner pipes hiding behind the body of the sink or bath); embedded in the rim of the tub (you can find the model of the bath, designed for this type of machine, or embed it in the normal acrylic bathtub); ceiling (ceiling shower can provide a whole range of pleasant sensations and different options of water flow, but not always convenient for technical purposes). Classification by application Do not think that the same mixer suitable for sink in the kitchen and in the bathroom, because they differ not only in design, but structurally, for example, the length and direction of the spout, methods of control and installation, and materials. Consider specific options. Basin mixer As a rule, modern sinks apply embedded single-lever faucet with short fixed spout. The spout height of 12-15 cm is sufficient for washing hands and washing, besides, it would suit almost any, even shallow sink. If the sink located in the bathroom next to the toilet, it makes sense to equip it with a hygienic shower, which are easy to replace and bidet can be installed to separate the bathroom without a sink. Its principle of operation is simple: water passes through the spout of the faucet above the sink, regulate its pressure and temperature. Basin mixer with hygienic shower fitted with a button, clicking which you direct the water flow through the hose. After water treatment, the key should be released and water will again run the spout into the sink. For kitchen sinks In the kitchen are commonly used built-in mixers. Their main difference from the models for bathroom is the shape and size of the spout. For most kitchen faucets are characterized by long, swivel spout, allowing you to wash even large pots. The higher spout, the stronger the water pressure, however, and the likelihood that it would be in a spray, which means you’ll need a sink with a deep bowl. Choose a sink and faucet for the kitchen at the same time it is desirable that their dimensions match each other.
Kitchen faucets include a wide variety of materials. Featuring not only brass, bronze and chrome, but the original mixers-metal and plastic. If the kitchen has a double sink or have the need to wash heavy dishware, you can install telescopic mixer, consisting of several hollow tubes. In this case it is better to choose a trusted manufacturer, because additional connections increase the risk of failure of joints, gaskets, etc. If you want a kitchen faucet it covered a large area, it offers mixers with the exhaust pipe. Inside a small decorative crane hides hose 1-1. 5 m as a conventional soul, which you can use to reach different areas of the kitchen. Bath First of all, we should note that the bathtub faucets can be combined with a shower. Shower faucets are compact and do not have switch shower-bath and the spout, since the water is immediately fed to shower heads. Bathtub faucets with shower — the most common and versatile option. They are usually equipped with low spout and can be either fixed or swivel (suitable if one mixer is used for baths and sinks). In addition, the kit usually comes with a height adjustable shower holder. For shower rack The reception is a bar with multiple shower heads and allows you to combine the functions of a bath and a shower stall. The top rack is stationary watering can, allowing you to change the mode of water flow and provide a massaging and relaxing effect. In addition to the upper lake on the rack is usually attached shower with flexible hose. The alternative is a wall panel lake of arbitrary shape, directing water on you in the form of small rain drops with massage effect, so, it was called “tropical storm”. Ceiling shower Ceiling shower is used to create the effect of home spa, which provides various modes of water supply from tight massage jets, relaxing rain. The size of the ceiling of the heads ranges from 15 to 50 cm in diameter and unusual. This is a great option for relaxation, but a regular shower with a flexible hose for domestic use you still need. Bidet There are various options of mixers for bidets. You can choose a universal model, similar to the conventional mixer, however, is equipped with aerator that allows you to change the direction of the jet. In addition to bidet will fit faucets with hose for hygienic shower and faucets with a spout for bidet function internal padding. In the latter case, the mixer is mounted on the bottom of the bowl. Manufacturers The choice of mixers to suit different tastes and wallet today. Among the budget include a variety of mixers from China. The price of these products are really small however, it is unlikely that you can count on any guarantee of quality. Inexpensive cost and models of domestic production, for example, brand Rossinka. If we talk about popular brands in the higher price categories, well-established in the domestic market, the most popular Grohe (Germany), Hansgrohe (Germany), Jacob Delafon (France), Roca (Spain), etc. In their collections you can find both simple and reliable model of the average price, and the more original and expensive options created by the famous designers. Special types of faucets Modern faucets can be equipped with additional features designed to make your daily life or professional activities more comfortable. Thermostatic mixers The thermostat ensures the water supply is strictly selected temperature and pressure, protecting from unpleasant surprises during water treatment. Thermostatic mixers can be electronic with display for settings and mechanical, does not require additional power source and tuning with levers and valves. Faucets with touch controls Touch mixer has levers and valves and consists only of a crane. It is equipped with a photocell that respond to movement in a zone of about 30 cm using the special lever you set the optimal temperature of the water, which will be switched on and off automatically. Touch mixer will save you from worrying about whether you turned off the faucet and does not burn the children. On the other hand, it is not suitable for the kitchen or for a set of baths, as there need each time different temperature. Basically touch faucets used in public restrooms to save water and hygiene. Cascading mixers Cascading mixers differ from the ordinary form of a spout, from which water flows a broad stream, resembling a waterfall. Their advantages are a stylish and original appearance, durability and the ability to separate installation when the crane is located at one end of the bath, and the controls in another, and the main drawback — relatively high cost. Faucets with suction shower for hairdressers For beauty salons for the convenience of the client and the master used special types of mixers with long pull-out shower. As a rule, they are single lever and is also equipped with an aerator to reduce splashing and ensure a softer stream of water even under strong pressure. Surgical faucets The main difference between surgical mixers — long handle that allows you to turn on and off the water with your elbow, not touching your hands to the mixer, which is caused by increased hygienic requirements. Such mixers can be installed at home, such as in the kitchen and for people with disabilities. Modern faucet is not just a utilitarian device, and the interior decoration, possible to ease your household chores and get pleasure from the water treatments. On the website santechsystemy.ru you can find truly wide selection of faucets for any type of premises, preferences and financial possibilities. You should go and see it for yourself!

Sunseeker Yacht Lineup for Cannes – Robb Report

Read article : Sunseeker Yacht Lineup for Cannes – Robb Report

British yacht maker Sunseeker has had an extraordinary run over the past three years, launching a record number of new models across its different lines. All reflect the design prowess of the U.K.’s largest yacht-builder, but also demonstrate its versatility in catering to very different types of owners. At the Cannes Yachting Festival, eight models will be docked one after the next. They include one world premiere, three show debuts, and four recently launched models. All told, the new Sunseekers show exactly why James Bond’s favorite boat remains at the top of its game.

Sunseeker Predator MKII.  Photo: Courtesy

Predator 57 MK II: World Launch

The Predator series is one of Sunseeker’s signature achievements. Aggressive, elegant, and fast, the Predator 57 and 68 have two of the most advanced cockpit designs in yachting. Defined by curves and nonstop glass, the overhead enclosures also have opening sunroofs covering a third of the space. This feature brings the outdoors in with the push of a button, but it also let Sunseeker turn the cockpit into a climate-controlled saloon.

Who says you can’t do a good thing better? The Predator 57 MK II, an evolution of the two-year-old 57, retains the giant sunroof, multiple social areas, three staterooms, and a captain’s cabin. The MK II’s sweeping side windows are now pillar-less, allowing for uninterrupted views of the ocean. Social possibilities aboard the MK II are covered in every type of weather: The cockpit buttons up nicely in rain or wind, but when the sun’s out, the patio door between the saloon and outer cockpit actually lowers into the sole, turning the deck into an entertainment area. The 57 MK II also has an optional mini-beach club, with an integrated barbecue, overhead shower, and fold-down seating. Belowdecks, the full-beam master suite and large, forward VIP stateroom are both feature en-suite bathrooms. The galley-down layout adjoins an L-shaped lounge and allows for more open space on the main deck.

Beyond its head-turning profile, the Predator 57 MKII reaches speeds up to 40 knots, depending on engine and drive choices. It’s a nimble boat, able to carve turns like much smaller sportboats.

Sunseeker Manhattan 66.  Photo: Mike Jones

Manhattan 66: Cannes Debut

Over the years, the Manhattan line has pushed flybridge design away from plodding, boxy boats into sleek, fast motor yachts. Sunseeker’s new 66 Manhattan fast-forwards yacht design a step further by maximizing volume, both inside and out, and bathing the interior in natural light through supersized windows on the upper deck and large through-hull windows in the staterooms. The flybridge size has also expanded, with sunning areas beside the helm station and aft along the overhang. The open-plan saloon, with the aft galley and high headroom, also feels larger than most 66-footers. (The galley can also be configured on the deck below for more entertainment area in the saloon.)

Sunseeker Manhattan 66.  Photo: Courtesy

The galley-up design, however, let Sunseeker expand the four staterooms, which include two large twins, a forward VIP suite, and a full-beam master suite. The master stateroom has big picture windows on either side, with a sizable en-suite bathroom and closets. It also has a first for a Sunseeker this size: a private stairway that keeps the room secluded and homey. The new 66 also has an optional twin cabin for crew, with separate access through the transom.

Like the Predator 57 MK II, an optional beach club on the transom includes the barbecue, foldaway seating, and a pop-up rain-forest shower that is perfect for washing off the salt after a swim or snorkel. The swim platform is capable of holding a 13-foot Williams 385 Jet Tender. The bow area on the 66 is also worth pointing out, with a significantly larger table and loungers than most similar yachts. Upgrades like these make it clear why the 66 Manhattan has attracted 34 new owners since it was first launched in January. It could easily be one of Sunseeker’s most popular yachts ever.

The 66 Manhattan can be powered by Volvo or MAN diesels, with a potential top speed of 32 knots. At 10 knots, its range is 550 nautical miles.

Sunseeker 68 Sport Yacht.  Photo: Quin Bisset

68 Sport Yacht: Cannes Debut

The 68 Sport Yacht has a modern look, thanks to a curvy but angular superstructure that gives it a contemporary, almost edgy, profile. Add dozens of square feet of tinted glazing to the hardtop, and yet more windows along the hull side, and the 68-footer really has no peers in its class. Thanks to the shape of the superstructure, headroom is extremely generous in the saloon, while the windows provide a clear view to the sea. Sunseeker’s carpenters do exceptional work, so the craftsmanship in the saloon’s furniture and cabinets is outstanding. The same levels of fit and finish can be seen belowdecks, in the full-beam master suite, with its large en-suite bathroom, desk and lounge, and, surprisingly for a boat this size, a walk-in closet. The VIP suite in the bow has a queen-size bed and two hanging lockers, while the third stateroom has twin beds and its own en-suite bathroom. The crew quarters in the stern has twins for the captain and first mate.

Beyond the expansive interior, the 68’s social areas outside are also unusually large. A sunbed on the bow can accommodate a family of four rather than the usual couple, while the L-shaped lounge at the cockpit could provide seating for a party of 12. The cockpit doors slide open normally or, with the push of a button, lower into the floor to create an unbroken space between the saloon and cockpit. It’s that kind of advanced feature that demonstrates the forward thinking behind the 68.

Speaking of which, the swim platform also lowers into the water for launching and retrieving the Williams Jet Tender, or guests can also just have easier access to the water. Depending on engine choice, the 68 Sport Yacht can reach a top end of 38 knots, with a range of 300 nautical miles.

Sunseeker 131.  Photo: Mike Jones

131 Yacht: Cannes Debut

Sunseeker’s new 131 Yacht, which launched last year, has already seen its order book balloon with 10 orders. The beauty about this tri-deck Sunseeker is that no two will look alike. Sunseeker’s bespoke service not only customizes the interior design, but also the internal configurations. The standard layout is for 10 guests in five cabins, though the number of staterooms can be increased or decreased, according to the owner. Sunseeker can also add many, many nice touches like fabric or wood upgrades. The builder will even install “feature” glass panels near ceilings in the master suite, saloon, and upper saloon to augment natural light from those rooms’ already sizable picture windows.

Sunseeker 131 saloon.  Photo: Andy Cahill

Taking the place of the former Sunseeker 130, the 131’s designers made quality-of-life improvements like extending the sky deck and upper aft deck by 7 feet. That extra length allows for a larger, fully equipped bar and stools, and more ample seating. The sky deck also has lux extras like a Jacuzzi. The cockpit on the deck below features a dining table for 10 that adjoins the upper saloon. On the main deck, the open-plan saloon has a large social area with sofas and a formal dining table. The enclosed professional galley just forward of the dining area comprises about a quarter of the main deck, while the master suite toward the bow is even larger. The palatial master includes a large bedroom, separate desk and lounge areas, and a full-beam bathroom forward, with his-and-her sinks, shower, toilet/bidet, and even a bathtub.

Sunseeker 131 master stateroom.  Photo: Andy Cahill

The garage will accommodate a 20-foot tender, plus two jet skis. The new 131 can reach a top end of 25 knots, making it unusually fast for a superyacht, or cruise at 10 knots to provide a 1,500-mile range. The hull was designed to perform across its speed curve, providing a smooth, comfortable ride.

Testing out the new Salina 48 Evolution

Read article : Testing out the new Salina 48 Evolution

Caroline Strainig checks out the new Salina 48 Evolution, a slightly tweaked version of the Salina 48.

Charles Darwin’s famous theory of natural selection and evolution was based on the premise that a species either adapts to the demands of the environment or dies out. Mother Nature makes this possible by ensuring different traits crop up from time to time. Those traits - such as skin colour - can increase a particular animal’s chance of survival so it has a higher chance of living to breeding age and passing those traits on.

French manufacturer Fountaine Pajot is applying that theory to its boats in a slightly more business-like way, tweaking models in response to feedback and releasing a new version a couple of years down the track. The new versions have the same name but with the addition of the word “Evolution”.

The Salina 48 Evolution is the tweaked version of the 48 Roger Priest reviewed in CH in October 28. There are only a few changes, and these are largely aesthetic rather than major structural ones. However, they do improve the boat.

Mark Elkington of Australian distributor Multihull Solutions said they include a new interior design by an Italian company called Costa renowned for making the most of small spaces (they also did the Airbuses), an improved helm station, upgraded galley and roomier hulls.

Sail-plan-wise, the Evolution has a new square-topped mainsail — designed to give more sail area in lighter winds but spill air in strong
winds — and a soft-topped dodger-cum bimini with clears to give the helmsman protection from the elements.

Other tweaks include:
• Additional storage in saloon and galley.
• Huge owner’s bathroom for’ard in owner’s hull, which is to starboard. (The original was central and a lot smaller.)
• Larger portholes to afford even more natural light and even better views.
• New cherrywood interior with more timber fit-out.
• New vynilester resin-infused hull.
• Leather bedheads,
• 240L additional storage in starboard hull.
• Even higher-quality fittings and fixtures throughout.
• New galley benchtops.
• Saloon table also converts to a coffee table.
• LED lighting.
• View panel in cockpit hardtop bimini to see the sails when lazing around the cockpit.

Okay, enough of that. Let’s take a look at what you get for your $955,000 plus.

The general look

Any boat is a balancing act between a number of factors, the main ones being space, seaworthiness and speed. It is important that you get the right balance for you, and it is something Mark and his sales team are all too aware of. “It’s no good sacrificing space for speed if you plan to spend 80 percent of your cruising time at anchor,” Mark said.

“The same obviously goes the other way around. I have seen far too many people make that mistake.”

To me, the Evolution looked a cross between the Lagoon catamarans built by a French competitor and some of the more streamlined cats we have in Australia like the Lightwaves built on the Gold Coast. That should mean it should have reasonable space but still perform well under sail.

I won’t go into too much detail because we have already run a full-length story on the earlier version, but the Evolution has fairly plumb bows, huge trampolines with twin single pulpit seats for’ard in both hulls, wide side decks with shrouds well outboard (no running into things in the dark!) and a flat cabin top with good access to the boombag and boom. Access to the cabin top is via a fold-down step on the base of the mast and easy even for someone vertically challenged like me. The huge anchor locker is just for’ard of the mast, with the anchor (45lb plough standard) stored well aft, as are the water and fuel tanks, helping keep weight central, and thus reduce pitching and hobby-horsing. The only exception to this are the engines, which are just aft of the aft berths instead of under them, but the trade-off is no smell and less noise below.

A large hardtop shelters the cockpit aft, which is a great place to entertain with a good-sized table, plenty of seating and lots of stowage. One locker near the door to the saloon is ideal to be converted to a fridge.

A few steps on the side of the cockpit to starboard lead to the large helm station, which easily seats three, and is protected from the elements by a soft-top dodger-cum-bimini. Sail controls come back to a Harken electric winch and two manual Harken winches on the cabin top near the helm. As Roger noted in the previous story, unlike many cats, the traveller in the Salina 48 is atop the cockpit hard cover, so its control lines go to the helm – where you can use power if feeling lazy.

The halyards can be led back here too, but on the test boat they were still adjusted on the mast. The owners of the test boat were a novice couple and Mark Elkington suggests learning reefing at the mast before moving it aft.

Apart from depth, speed and wind and a compass, instruments are owner’s choice so I won’t go into them here.

As are many distributors, Multihull Solutions encourages buyers to tick the box just for basics at initial purchase stage and then add as they work through what they really need at their leisure. Sails are a dacron composite and a screecher and bowsprit are available as optional extras. A Facnor headsail furler and a 1200W Lofrans anchor windlass are included in the standard package price.

Engines are in each hull (40hp standard, 55 optional, choice of Yanmar or Volvo), with lots of space to access those sometimes-hard-to-get-at spots although the owner of the test boat had added a generator in the port hull, which did make that a little squeezier.

Davits aft have been disguised under a large platform that doubles as a sunbed. Within reason the latter can be customised — you can even axe the platform altogether in favour of heavy-duty davits with an electric winch. A swimming ladder and hot-and-cold shower complete the list of features here.

Inside/below

Sliding doors lead into a spacious saloon with an L-shaped settee and adjustable dining-cum-coffee table to port and U-shaped galley to starboard.

Features include twin opening ports for’ard to enable plenty of through breeze. The galley has a high-set gas oven with separate bench-top burner range, front-opening fridge and a second lift-top fridge/freezer.

I agree with Roger that the views are fantastic and the Salina 48 has one of the biggest saloons I have seen on a catamaran.

Below

The Evolution is available in two versions; the accommodation-maximising Quatuor version and the owner’s Maestro version. The port hull is the same in both, with twin berths with head and shower for’ard and aft and a single berth central (in many boats the owners turn this single berth into stowage). However in the Maestro version the starboard hull is given over to a luxurious owner’s hull with a large semi-island berth aft, office and more stowage midships and a large head for’ard.

Escape hatches in both hulls double as wonderful places to watch the fish go by in normal circumstances. Ventilation is excellent courtesy of a myriad of opening ports and ducted air-circulation system. Lighting is LED, so no need to worry about draining the batteries if you cannot sleep and want to read late at night.

Construction

French builder Fountaine-Pajot is one of the world’s most forward-thinking companies, and I wasn’t surprised to learn the Salina 48 Evolution is manufactured with modern technology, which includes an infused sandwich composite hull plus a deckhouse moulded with new RTM eco-technology.

How she sailed

On the day of our outing we had hardly any wind, so it is probably fairer to refer to Roger Priest’s outing in stronger winds back in 2008, although I will note that even in the light winds, she was responsive and I had no issues tacking. In fact, I had to be reminded by Mark Elkington that the other parties on board had things to do later in the day because I was enjoying myself so much I had forgotten time constraints and was heading down SE Queensland’s Moreton Bay as if I didn’t have a care in the world!

On Roger’s outing in 13-16 knots true he recorded 6.1 knots at 40 degrees apparent and 7.3 knots at 45 degrees. Then a broad reach at 100-110 degrees apparent produced speeds of 9-11 knots.

On our outing under motor with the optional 55hp Volvos we achieved 6.5 knots at a mere 1700 rpm and 8.4 knots at 2400 rpm.

Because the motors are just aft of each interior cabin instead of under the berths as they are in some catamarans – plus have water- and smell-tight bulkheads between them and the accommodation, this means that motoring does not create noise or smell issues, which is a plus, although in many instances you will use just one motor anyway to conserve fuel. I went and lay on a bunk aft while we were motoring and the sound was such a low hum I could easily have fallen asleep. The downside is that the engines are a little further aft weight-wise, but  Mark assured me they were still central enough not to exacerbate pitching and the 48 was extremely comfortable offshore.

Summary

Roger Priest liked the original version in 2008, and from what I saw, the Mark II has only improved on an already-winning recipe. Oh, and if you’d like something a little cheaper or different, Multihull Solutions also sells the Mahé 36 Evolution ($395,000), Lipari 41 ($525,000) and Orana 44 ($725,000). Those with spare cash to burn can go for the Sanya 57 ($1,650,000) or Galathea 65 (POA).

SPECIFICATIONS
Length 14.3m
Beam 7.7m
Draught 1.10m
Displacement unloaded 10.5T
Mainsail area 80sqm
Genoa area 56sqm
Motors two x 40 CV diesel or 2 x 50hp optional (choice of Yanmars or Volvo)
Bridgedeck clearance 0.8m lightship
Fuel 480L
Water 750L
Standard version four double cabins
Owner’s version three double cabins with workshop/single bed fwd
Quatuor version four doubles
Distributor:
Multihull Solutions Australia, 33-45 Parkyn Parade, PO Box 15, Mooloolaba, Queensland 4557,ph 1300 855 338, (07) 5452 5164 mobile 427 88 99 10 www.multihullsolutions.com.au

What about those Mark 1 queries?
Roger Priest had a few suggestions for minor tweaks in his October 2008 story, which I put to Mark Elkington.
Roger:“No standard shelter from sun, rain or spray at the helm. Others (especially Australian cats) do this better. The dealer is working on an Australian-designed add-on because the factory option is only a sun shelter.”
Mark: “No, an option and fitted to almost every order; we do customisation as well for specific clients.”
Roger: “Stern berthing cleats need re-locating. You have to stand on one to enter the boat from an alongside berth. EC Marine is shifting this cleat, pending a factory change.”
Mark:“Option for relocation, but most of our clients like this position.”
Roger: “Lack of a dedicated start battery for the starboard engine, allowing current and voltage surges through electronics.”
Mark: “Separate start batteries now standard.”
Roger: “Two of the three heads in the standard boat are manual, thus having no maceration for legal discharge in some Australian waters.”
Mark: “Again, most our orders are bluewater sailors who like a few manual heads. Electric are options and fitting to most owner versions.”
Roger: “Small standard sewage-holding tanks. With three couples on board, the standard boat will only last between 1 and 1.5 days before needing to discharge or pumpout the three 45L tanks.”
Mark: “150L now standard.”
Roger:“Lifelines are not standard across the bow (they are an option).”
Mark: “Most production cats and one-off’s have no lifelines across the bows. Yes, they are an option, but only ever requested for charter.”

11 Most Badass RVs You Can Buy Today

Read article : 11 Most Badass RVs You Can Buy Today

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Driving cross-country in a multi-million dollar RV is an experience few Americans will ever get to enjoy. While many may fawn over massive machines like the unstoppable Zetros 6×6, few of us have the means to obtain a purpose-built doomsday machine. Sure, there’s the obvious financial obligation, as luxury RV setups can run north of $3 million, but concerns about parking, maintenance, winterizing, insurance, and who’s going to drive the damn thing are also factors to consider.

Earthroamer XV HD is about as ferocious as it gets outside of military spec | Earthroamer" />

Riding atop a Ford F-750 chassis, the Earthroamer XV HD is about as ferocious as it gets outside of military spec | Earthroamer

Fortunately, many of the world’s elite moneymakers have the means to hire a trained driver, and with some of these land yachts running well over 40 feet long, merging and parking can be a real pain for the untrained. But RV enthusiasts aren’t just into slate tile floors and crystal chandeliers, and hardcore 4×4 vehicles are still a hot commodity as they crush terrain by day and then raise their rooflines at night for spacious living.

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Newmar’s King Aire line takes a unique, but very ornate approach to RV-making, and the amount of time, money, and energy that goes into making one is insane | Newmar

We recently took the time to peruse the web in search of some of the most over-the-top RV options money can buy, and came up with a surplus of unique options. There really is something out there for everyone, and if your pocketbook is up to the challenge, you can have an entire penthouse suite on wheels built to your personal taste.

1. IKON by Renegade

The IKON by Renegade is one purpose-built RV, with trailer towing being one of its strongest suits | Renegade

The IKON by Renegade takes semi-truck styling and combines it with luxury amenities and industry leading self-sufficiency. From handcrafted solid hardwood cabinetry and plush Villa Ultraleather furniture to quartz countertops and heated porcelain tile floors, the good life comes standard in this RV. Tech-wise, it also features things like Samsung 4K LED TVs, Bose Home Theater Sound, and a set of high-tech stainless steel appliances that deliver the goods when it’s time to eat.

It also features VegaTouch control systems, which have dual 10-inch touchscreen controllers with iPad, smartphone, and tablet compatibility. This means you can integrate interior lighting, systems monitoring, HVAC controls, window coverings, awning and slide-out controls, and a whole lot more into an all-in-one touchpad that doubles as a monitor for the perimeter observation camera system.

The Renegade IKON can be outfitted with all manner of amazing interior amenity | Renegade

Buyers will love finding features like hand crafted hardwoods, and a Theater Mode that automatically lowers the shades, dims lights, and raises the 50-inch Samsung UHD 4K TV so it can automatically tie into the Bose home theater system. While a porcelain tile shower and adjustable LED vanity lighting systems are also nice, it’s the Renegade’s attention to towing capacities and ability to be lived out of for weeks on end thanks to its oversized water, septic, and fuel tanks that make it a preferred RV for motorsport enthusiasts.

2. Winnebago Brave

Winnebago Brave takes vintage styling and applies modern technology and mechanics to form a restomod RV | Winnebago" width="757" height="424" />

The Winnebago Brave takes vintage styling and applies modern technology and mechanics to form a resto-mod RV | Winnebago

Back in the late 1960s and 1970s, there was no mistaking a Winnebago motorhome for another RV thanks to its bold “Flying W” badging, iconic “eyebrow” designs, clever interior, and boxy body lines. But over time the iconic styling of yesteryear began to morph into a mish-mash of ho-hum engineering and bland RV styling.

But now it’s time to fall in love with classic RV styling all over again, because Winnebago has followed in Dodge’s Challenger footsteps and has rolled out a resto-mod version of the machine that got America hooked on RV life in the first place.

Vintage interior within the Winnebago Brave looks straight out of the 1970s | Winnebago

The all-new Winnebago Brave takes vintage styling cues and blends them with modern practicality, efficiency, safety, and useful amenities in order to give the next generation of motorhome enthusiast an RV that is both retro and reliable. While you won’t be able to pick one up for the $4,000 price tag associated with the original, these classic and quirky motorhomes are priced to fit a more modest budget, and can be customized in a wide array of colors and interior design layouts.

3. Global X Vehicles Pangea “Perky Mog”

Pangea roof lifter" width="757" height="504" />

Global X Vehicles takes safety orange and gives it a new purpose on this Pangea roof lifter | Global X Vehicles

Global Expedition Vehicles’ Pangea Lifting Roof version of the unstoppable Mercedes-Benz UniMog can be built on either a medium or heavy duty chassis, and can be tailored around various cab configurations. Referred to as the “Perky Mog,” this clever 4×4 RV has a unique lowered position that allows the windows to be covered with the hard side top section, while maintaining full walking height within. Once in the raised position, a huge loft area becomes exposed, which can be reconfigured to the buyer’s preferred sleeping layout, and can hold up to two queen size beds.

Pangea Lifting Roof monster are gorgeous living quarters that feature ornate wood floors, and a loft for sleeping | Global X Vehicles" width="757" height="504" />

Inside the Pangea Lifting Roof monster are gorgeous living quarters that feature ornate wood floors, and a loft for sleeping | Global X Vehicles

Since each vehicle is tailor-made to the buyer’s specifications, there is no cut-and-dry approach to purchasing one of these machines, so be prepared for a lengthy build list and turnaround time. A few of our favorite touches include the G-KAS mounting body isolating mount system, having cab-to-cabin access, exterior tool/utility boxes, how the seating area converts into an additional sleeping space, and how the stair treads are hinged and lift to reveal hidden storage. Add on a duo of high efficiency 200-watt PV solar panels, a 140 gallon fresh water tank, amazing off-road capabilities, and the ability to buy one in 16- to 18-foot lengths, and you’ve got one hell of a capable 4×4 RV on your hands.

4. Newmar King Aire

Engineered to embody “the pinnacle of luxury travel,” the Newmar King Aire takes style, comfort, and technology to a whole new level, with the 2017 model sporting a restyled exterior, and a Spartan K3 tag axle chassis that has been attached to a steel superstructure. Inside, contrast cross stitching highlights the dash, which features a wireless non-slip charging pad, full LCD driver display, and two 12.1-inch touchscreens for system controls and 360-degree outward visibility. Meanwhile, a one-off 11-speaker JBL cockpit audio system and exclusive fabrics from Ralph Lauren add additional flare to the front of the cabin.

King Aire line takes a unique, but very ornate approach to RV-making, and the amount of time, money, and energy that goes into making one is insane | Newmar" width="757" height="482" />

Newmar’s King Aire line takes a unique, but very ornate approach to RV-making, and the amount of time, money, and energy that goes into making one is insane | Newmar

For tailgating purposes, two Girard Nova side awnings extend over a specially designed sidewall housing a 43-inch Sony 4K UHD TV and a Bluetooth-compatible Bose soundbar, which rests atop one of the tallest basements in the Class A segment. Buyers can choose Maple, Cherry, or Rift Oak hardwood cabinetry, while polished porcelain plank tile, heated and cooled Pompeii leather front seats, and a 49-inch Sony 4K UHD TV come standard, with a Blu-ray/DVD player and Bose CineMate home theater system. The King Aire’s master bath is available with an industry-leading 50-by-34-inch shower, complete with full tile and a Fresca panel with massage sprayers and a foot washer, and even comes finished with a Whirlpool stacked washer and dryer.

5. Earthroamer XV HD

Earthroamer XV HD is about as ferocious as it gets outside of military spec | Earthroamer" width="757" height="409" />

Riding atop a Ford F-750 chassis, the Earthroamer XV HD is about as ferocious as it gets outside of military spec | Earthroamer

EarthRoamer has just expanded its product line in order to offer the highly anticipated F-750-based XV-HD. Designed to accommodate up to eight people comfortably and sleep six, this off-road RV features enough ingenuity to make living off-grid for a few days a breeze, as the HD offers anyone looking for wilderness adventures both driving prowess and fantastic amenities.

Extra windows and a raised roof allows living quarters to feel anything but confined in Earthroamer’s XV HD | Earthroamer

The XV-HD takes luxury off-grid ingenuity and infuses it with solar panels, a monolithic battery bank, 46-inch military tires, 200 gallons of fresh water, a compact washer/dryer, and a whole lot more. At just over 35-feet long this is no mini RV either, giving all the more reason for Earthroamer to utilize Ford’s 6.7-liter PowerStroke Diesel engine and all 725 pound-feet of torque.

6. Bespoke Coach Sprinter Van

typical Bespoke Coach Sprinter is not overtly adorned with external upgrades, but leans more toward a VIP look | Bespoke Coach" width="757" height="466" />

A typical Bespoke Coach Sprinter is not overtly adorned with external upgrades, but leans more toward a VIP look | Bespoke Coach

This next road trip specialist is a bit of a hybrid, because while it isn’t a massive RV, it isn’t really a van either. Bespoke Coachworks has been customizing vehicles in Southern California since 1985, and over the past 30 years has created countless custom audio, video, interior, and exterior solutions for celebrities and the elite. So when the Sprinter van finally began getting imported and badged by Dodge and Freightliner back in 2007, requests for customized versions flooded their ears.

After decades of working with companies like Bentley, Rolls Royce, and Mercedes-Benz, the thought of pimping out vans seemed a bit strange, but after one luxury van conversion spawned the next, Bespoke Coachworks knew it was on to something. From opulent mobile offices, to family coaches with built-in beds and entertainment suites, this unique chassis offers an endless array of options for anyone wanting a small and swanky RV, all without the headaches associated with piloting a land barge.

The interior of one of Bespoke Coach’s Sprinter vans may not be large, but it certainly is luxurious | Bespoke Coach

Bespoke Coach’s luxury mobile office incorporates the best technology, design, and materials into a first-class experience, tasking top engineers, designers, and fabricators to make coaches that are both user friendly and innovative. A few of our favorite options include the driver wall partition with motorized privacy window, custom upholstered walls and ceilings, the marine-grade circuit breaker panel, and those Maybach inspired captains chairs. There are also standard iPads, Samsung TV screens, power inverters, customizable lighting, Focal audio upgrades, and Dynamat sound deadening throughout, with a laundry list of unique upgrade options waiting on the wing for the right price.

7. Marathon Show Coach

Marathon Coach, Inc. is widely revered as the world’s largest luxury bus converter and dealer, and specializes in taking commercial buses supplied by Prevost and customizing them into the most opulent RVs imaginable. Built around a Prevost H3-45 chassis, these custom buses feature engineer-driven technologies and a unique “California design viewpoint” that leans toward shades of warm taupe and rich chocolate brown, with deep indigo blue accents inside and out.

Inside, buyers will find things like a marble, limestone, and travertine “basket weave” floor inlay that has been surrounded by Italian porcelain tile, as well as a custom fireplace enclosure designed for both ambiance and warmth. There are soft touches like velvet tufted sofas finished with chrome nail heads, and a stitched leather recliner at the large work desk for when duty calls on the open road.

Marathon Show Coach is a swanky, multi-million dollar cruiser designed for the world's elite | Marathon Coach Inc." width="757" height="504" />

The Marathon Show Coach is a swanky, multi-million dollar cruiser designed for the world’s elite | Marathon Coach Inc.

In the back you will find features like an oversized glass and limestone mosaic shower with a telescopic, glass pocket door that goes opaque at the touch of a button, an integrated, 8-inch rain shower head, as well as a hand-held shower wand. There also are Hans Grohe faucets and fixtures, custom-made hammered stainless steel sinks, a walk-in closet, a TechLink electrical system, and Crestron controls.

8. Sportsmobile Classic 4×4

With the camper lowered and doors closed, this house on wheels turns into a 4×4 Ford battering ram | Sportsmobile

The Sportsmobile Classic is one of the most recent creations in a long line of heavy duty 4×4 “Adventure Vans” coming out of Sportsmobile. After a successful prototype testing phase, the Classic 4×4 can now be had in a Ford Cutaway body that molds it with a steel reinforced fiberglass shell and an integrated penthouse top that drops flush into the shell for streamlining purposes.

The Sportsmobile 4WD Vehicle is designed to appeal to the most discerning off-road enthusiast, and in order to do so only the best heavy-duty components are installed for a balance between maximum off-road performance and on-road comfort. Over five decades of experience in the designing and manufacturing of van campers has led to this point, and while these machines can only be had on 2008–2014 Ford E-350 models equipped with the 6.8-liter V10 and barn doors, sourcing a gently used donor shouldn’t be an issue.

Sportsmobile has long been synonymous with hardcore off-road vehicles that can be lived out of | Sportsmobile

Full production of the Classic started in late 2016, and the 4WD Conversion model includes a lot of hardcore 4×4 upgrades. A few key features include an Advance Adapter Atlas II All Gear Driven transfer case, a Dynatrac Pro-Roc 60 front axle, Dana 60 rear axle, Fox 2.0 Performance Series Shocks, a high knuckle front end for extra tie rod clearance, and an extra heavy duty steering arm.

We could go on about the military wrap springs that were specifically designed for this van, or how the front sway bar comes with a quick disconnect system and custom shocks, but it would take forever to go over this list of performance upgrades. Finished with a practical and rugged, adventure-ready interior, this RV is a pop-top for the most discerning 4×4 enthusiast.

9. ShowHauler Motorhomes

melding semi tractor trailer strength with high dollar RV resplendency | ShowHauler" width="757" height="568" />

ShowHauler specializes in melding semi tractor trailer strength with high dollar RV resplendency | ShowHauler

ShowHauler Motorhomes are heralded as “the safest motor coach on the road,” and their coach frames utilize a unique tubular steel structure consisting of super strong floors, sidewalls, and ceilings. The underbelly is completely undercoated, block foam is placed between steel side-wall supports prior to bonding aluminum exterior walls to the frame, no rivets are used, interior walls are reinforced to create a structural cage, and adhesive bonding is used to apply a bubble type insulation.

Being built on a standard truck chassis with a higher Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) than a typical motorhome allows for greater carrying capacities, so weight is never a concern and neither are highway crosswinds nor oncoming traffic. Internally, buyers get to choose the hardwood they want for cabinets and fabric patterns and colors, all window framing is finished with hand-formed hardwood, counter-tops are genuine Corian, and buyers can choose either polished ceramic tile floors or carpet.

A ShowHauler interior can be outfitted with anything the buyer desires, it just depends upon how deep your pocketbook goes | ShowHauler

We personally dig the cab pass-thru, having 7-feet of interior headroom, the cab-over bunk and vent, the 12 gallon gas/electric water heater, 30,000 BTU ducted gas furnace, and the ability to tow damn near anything. ShowHauler Motorhomes are part luxury living quarters, part big-rig, and all cross-country cruiser.

10. Mercedes-Benz Zetros 2733 A 6×6

Mercedes-Benz Zetros 2733 A 6×6 is one hell of an intimidating RV | Daimler

We eluded to it in our intro, and here it is up close. The all-wheel drive behemoth commonly referred to as the Mercedes-Benz Zetros 2733 A 6×6 is based off a semi with a cab-behind-engine layout, and offers sensational traction and versatility, plus customizable living arrangements.

This triple-axled truck typically weighs in between 25 and 27 tons, and while its powertrain and chassis configuration either come out of the Actros and Axor series of full-size work trucks, it also utilizes a unique Unimog/G-Class 6×6 approach. Powered by a 7.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine, this lumbering beast only puts down around 326 horsepower, but generates around 1,000 foot-pounds of torque in the 1,200–1,600 RPM range.

With room for ATV loading in the rear, this 27-ton monster is all you need to dominate the wild | Daimler

Buyers can opt for either a hydraulically/pneumatic nine-speed manual transmission (eight forward gears plus crawler), which has a direct-ratio top gear, or they can get the six-speed Allison 3000 SP/PR automatic. The permanent all-wheel drive VG 1700 transfer case has an off-road ratio that is about 20% lower than its all-wheel drive cousins, so crawl control is a strong suit here. Towing capacity has also been increased by about 70% when compared to the on-road gears, and torque distribution between the front and rear axle(s) is 1:3.21 thanks to the splitter box, which becomes 1:1 if the differential lock is engaged.

All told, the Zetros has three mechanical differential locks, all of which can be easily selected via a rotary control that shows the logical sequence in which they need to be engaged. Drivers must start with the center-axle before engaging the rear, with the front remaining the final option, reserved for when terrain is at its most extreme.

11. Iveco Astra HD8 8×6 Expedition Truck

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Expedition Trucks always has something insane on its for sale page, like this 8×6 behemoth for instance | Expedition Truck Brokers

Our final contender today comes from Expedition Truck Brokers, a company that has specialized in connecting buyers and sellers of expedition trucks for over 20 years thanks to a crew that tackles every aspect of the purchasing and customization process. Everything from buying and building, to long distance overland travel and selling transactions get attended to by this highly trained team of 4×4 specialists, and getting things right requires “first hand experience with vehicle based travel in rough conditions through remote regions.”

Simply put, Expedition Truck Brokers sources hardcore off-road “wheel estate” for private individuals and professionals in order to provide the ideal vehicle for overland journeys, expedition support, promotional events, and film. While most people would never need something as insane as an 8×6 diesel behemoth, there is a very particular kind of clientele out there that has the bankroll and need for something like what you see here.

Iveco Astra HD8 8x6 also features 8 wheels and more torque than an ocean liner | Expedition Truck Brokers" width="757" height="504" />

It may take eight hours to parallel park, but this Iveco Astra HD8 8×6 also features eight wheels and more torque than an ocean liner | Expedition Truck Brokers

While plenty of other heavy-duty RV options are available on the Expedition Truck Brokers’ website, it’s this Iveco Astra HD8 that has our vote for most badass of the bunch. Professionally manufactured in Germany, this chassis has been widely revered internationally as a construction and mining industry staple, but never a weekend getaway machine … until now.

A few of our favorite highlights and features outside of the Astra’s massive cabin and practical living quarters are the highly autonomous multi-climate design that handles both tropical and frigid environments, and the 600 horsepower EURO-5 Cursor 13 diesel engine. There’s also that dedicated motorcycle platform, all those external storage units, and a slew of locking differentials designed to tackle any terrain.

(cheatsheet.com, https://goo.gl/I0gYaI)

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