Hargrave 82 Capri
Tested By Capt. Ron Svoboda
There are a lot of custom yacht manufacturers out there these days, but one name stands out amongst the rest. Hargrave is known for building rugged, traditional motor yachts and the addition of their new 82 foot Capri, depicts that philosophy.
The Capri’s all fiberglass construction will ease long cruises while her Naiad stabilizer will smooth out the bumps along the way. Propulsion is handled by a pair of Caterpillar 3412 1400 hp engines, spinning five blade props through drip-less shaft seals. As we enter the state-of- the-art engine room through a heavy, insulated door astern, we find the attention to details very satisfying. All monitoring, service and maintenance items are within easy reach. This includes the two Onan 27KW generators. This engine room also contains watertight bulkheads and double insulation to help keep noise to a minimum.
As we board the cockpit, we find a wide settee aft, accompanied by a long, multi-leaf table. The table is of brilliantly inlaid, multi-colored hard woods and finished to a high luster. Just forward in the cockpit is a Corian counter top that conceals a sink, icemaker, refrigerator and storage.
From the aft deck, we enter the main salon through a large stainless steal sliding door. You are welcomed in by the alluring opulent European décor. Cherry-wood and leather are everywhere you look. To starboard, are two leather barrel chairs and a burl inlaid wood table. A cherry-wood cabinet conceals the 42 in. Sony flat screen TV that rises up via an electric lift. Of course the TV is complimented by a VCR and surround sound stereo system.
To port and aft, is a large leather L-shaped sofa and the accompanying coffee table, which carries on the cherry-wood with a burl inlay. As does the salon’s formal dinning table, situated just forward. A curved leather settee and three chairs make up the dining arrangement.
Walking forward, you notice the large spiral staircase that leads down to the master and guest staterooms. At the bottom of the stairwell, the master stateroom is aft while the two guest rooms are forward. Both guest staterooms have twin berths, a TV/VCR, and their own marble lined head with shower. I would have preferred to see a queen berth in one of the guest rooms, but this is a custom yacht, so you can order any configuration you desire. While in the master suite, you can really appreciate the “good life”. Not only is there a king size berth, settee, TV/VCR, dressing table with vanity, and cedar lined walk-in closet, but the interior decorating is first class! The master head is all marble counter tops and flooring. While the shower is also a jacuzzi tub, color matched to the marble surrounding it.
Forward of the salon is the roomy U-shaped galley to port, hosting all the necessities, like a four-burner stove, microwave oven, dishwasher, garbage disposer, and a two drawer Sub-Zero freezer. On the starboard side of the galley you will find a huge 22 cu.ft Sub-Zero refrigerator adjacent to a pantry that houses a refrigerated wine cabinet within. Just forward and to starboard of the galley is a large circular banquet table with wrap-around settee.
The helm is all business, with controls, instrumentation, and navigation aids all within easy reach. The captain and his crew are treated to the same luxuries below deck. The crews quarters are forward of the bridge, and just a few steps down. A crew lounge is at the foot of the stairwell and contains a U-shaped leather settee and Corian table, along with a full entertainment center. The captains’ quarter’s is forward and to port of the crew’s lounge and is set-up with a full-size bed. Two more crewmembers can bunk in the stateroom located to starboard of the crew lounge. All crew members get to share the marble floored head and shower that is accentuated with a marble counter top and gold faucet.
The flying bridge is accessible from the bridge up a flight of cherry-wood stairs, or aft from the cockpit. The upper helm contains all the same equipment as below, with the addition of a mate’s seat. Just aft of the helm is a Corian bar top that conceals a sink, refrigerator, and icemaker. While companion seating is to port, amid ship is a large U-shaped settee with table for alfresco dining and entertaining. Or you can just lie in the sun on the large chaise with enough room for five.
If you have long range cruising plans, and appreciate craftsmanship, style and technology, you should take a closer look at the Hargrave 82 Capri.
