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Brief Summary
The Ocean Alexander 85 Motor Yacht cues its styling from the 112 and 120 motoryachts in the builder’s collection. This all new design, four stateroom yacht, has an interior decor in keeping with that of the finest of luxury yachts, while holding true to Ocean Alexander's heritage of rugged sea-going capabilities. With wide open layouts and large windows that give her a contemporary feel and look, she can serve as either an owner-operator or crewed vessel. The oversized fly bridge is planned and engineered to provide maximum functionality for entertaining both family and friends, and with her four stateroom en-suite configuration, she optimizes her size, were she to be put into charter.
Key Features
- Expansive flybridge with optional Sky lounge configuration
- Octoplex NMEA 2000 Monitor R electrical control system
- N2KView safety and security monitoring
- Galley Jenn-Air refrigerator, microwave, cooktop/oven, and a dishwasher
- 4 staterooms each with en suite head plus two cabin crew berth
- Twin MTU 10V2000 1600-hp engines
- Twin Kohler 32 kW generators
- Hydraulic 1,750 lb. davit
Specifications
Length Overall | 85' 9-1/8'' / 26.1 m |
---|---|
Beam |
20’ 1'' 6.12 m |
Dry Weight |
171,906 lbs. 77,975 kg |
Draft Up |
5' 4'' 1.63 m |
Draft Down |
5’ 11'' 1.80 m |
Deadrise/Transom | N/A |
Max Headroom | N/A |
Bridge Clearance | N/A |
Fuel Capacity |
2,500 gal. 9,463 L |
Water Capacity |
350 gal. 1,325 L |
Engine Options
Tested Engine |
Currently no test numbers |
---|---|
Std. Power |
2 x 1600-hp MTU 10V2000 |
Opt. Power |
Not Available |
Captain's Report
Overview
The Ocean Alexander 85 Motor Yacht weighs in at just under 84 tons, with a maximum draft of 5‘11” (1.80 m). From entry into the main salon, the sight line extends through the yacht out to the bow, providing a feeling of expanse and openness. Capable of sleeping up to eight guests plus two crew members (three with a couple team), the 85 Motoryacht is a logical choice for an owner who seeks a yacht suited for weekend and extended cruising, "fly-in" capability, and the flexibility to charter.
The Ocean Alexander 85 Motoryacht displaces 171,906 lbs. (77,795 kg), with a length overall of 85'9" (26.1 m), a maximum beam of 20'1" (6.12 m), and a maximum draft of 5'11" (1.80 m).
Mission
By its very design, the mission of the Ocean Alexander 85 Motoryacht is simple: to create as much useable space for enjoyment through efficient engineering and detailed ergonomic design, right down to the function and livability of the crew quarters. In this regard, the flying bridge is certainly no exception, providing a large entertaining space where more than two dozen could gather comfortably.
Major Key Features
Fly Bridge.
Clean, yet functional, the fly bridge of the 85 Motoryacht is its central gathering space, where entertaining is its central focus. With its day galley and wet bar, flip down 32" TV and A/V system, guests, family and friends will gravitate to the fly bridge. The bar has five fixed stools and a granite surface countertop.
The 24" electric grill
, refrigerator, freezer, icemaker and sink provide all that is needed for serving meals and drinks in the space. To starboard is the dining settee with folding table. The sun pad sits aft of the settee.
The hardtop
has a dedicated stainless steel ladder to access the navigational electronics above (this is a standard feature with Ocean Alexander).
Customization.
The particular model we inspected at the Miami Boat Show was purchased, and the first upgrade the buyer requested was that a Jacuzzi hot tub installed on the fly bridge, which was installed a few weeks later at the Ocean Alexander facility in Merritt Island, Florida.
The Boat Deck.
A 1,750 lb. hydraulic davit raises and lowers a 14' tender with a 60-hp outboard, which is secured in the aft section of the bridge – a location that we call the “boat deck.” When the tender is launched, and the deck chocks removed, this space can serve double-duty as a place for folding chaise lounges for sunning and reading. At night it can add space for a large cocktail party.
The helm station
on the fly bridge is located on the centerline and has two Stidd helm seats, with an armrest control at the captain's chair which is linked to the Garmin Navigation package, and twin multifunction displays.
Sky Lounge Option.
An option offered by Ocean Alexander for the 85 Motoryacht is to enclose the fly bridge, creating a sky lounge. With this option, a day head is added along with double opening aft bullhead stainless doors to open the space. Some owners like this option because it creates a large inside living space without a commensurate increase in price. Others prefer to have an open-air fly bridge with the option of buttoning it up with isinglass when desired.
Inspection and Features by Function
Construction.
Focused on providing a quiet and comfortable yachting environment through various proprietary techniques, Ocean Alexander controls sound and noise through multiple insulation barriers including reflective materials, absorptive materials, dampening materials, air pockets and flexible and isolation mounts. These efforts reduce vibration and sound levels.
The yacht's construction incorporates vinylester resin with high-density structural foam. This high density allows for high temperature resistivity and is a particular advantage in thermal and acoustic insulation. Longitudinal and lateral fiberglass stringers are filled with high density foam.
The 85 Motoryacht’s hull is vacuum-infused
to ensure a high-glass to resin lamination ratio. A reinforced collision bulkhead forward is made of cross-knit directional carbon fiber in high-stress areas for added structural integrity and torsional strength. This is unusual in boats of this size.
Paint for Lower Maintenance.
The painted exterior surfaces are professional-grade Alexseal polyurethane paint and epoxy based primers with high-gloss and color retention compared with gelcoat which oxidize quickly and require constant maintenance to look their best.
All exterior hardware is 316 stainless steel and all windows are frameless.
Internal Strength.
Marine-grade aluminum beams are utilized in the decking sub structure, bulkheads and overheads, providing greater rigidity and a more monolithic structure. This helps to prevent hull racking and warping while underway in challenging sea conditions, further eliminating the "creaking" sounds heard all too often on yachts which do not employ this technique.
Anti-Corrosion Protection.
Bronze thru-hull fittings and SonicShields protect the hull, props, and shafts from corrosion and marine growth. The yacht's bonding and grounding systems include copper straps secured to the hull and running its full length parallel to the centerline. Engines, generators, metallic thru-hulls, strainers, and pump bodies are connected to the bonding strap using minimum 8 AWG wire.
Best Practices.
We usually do not go into a boat’s construction to this level of detail, it is important for consumers to understand that the Ocean Alexander 85 is built to highly regarded standards set down by the ABYC, ABS, Norske Veritas, in addition to meeting CE standards. Naval architect Evan K. Marshall is a disciple of Sparkman & Stephens which is famous for engineering boats using best practices.
Weather Decks
Stern Platform.
As seen from the photo below, the stern platform provides ample room for the loading and staging of luggage, gear and supplies. It also becomes a “mini marina” when friends come over by tender to attend a cocktail party or dinner.
The upside down “U”-shaped stainless steel safety rails are a stylish way to keep guest aboard during cocktail parties and when casually fishing off the stern when at anchor. One can be replaced by a swim ladder turning the deck into a swim platform and elegant teak beach. We like the large mooring bollards which can handle several dinghy painters at once.
Little mentioned is the fact that this space becomes the evening porch for the crew upon which to relax after a hard day at sea and waiting on guests. A water-tight hatch in the transom accesses the crew’s quarters.
The aft deck
is accessed from the curved staircases to both port and starboard. 2” 316 stainless rails are outboard of each staircase up and through the transom doors. Courtesy lights illuminating the treads make footing sure at night.
A granite counter topped wet bar with a sink, refrigerator, and icemaker, is incorporated into the aft deck to make this the primary social area in the evening when not entertaining a large group. The transom dining settee has a teak table, where seating for an additional four can be added.
Since the flying bridge extends to the transom, the space is completely covered and a flip down 32” LCD television is located in the overhead. The whole aft deck can be enclosed in isinglass to create a cozy sun room in cool weather.
Most important, the table seats eight people with plenty of elbow room, something that is not always easy in a yacht of this size. Once again, the 20’ beam pays off.
To starboard are throttle and thruster controls for maneuvering and docking which should make it easier for an owner/operator. Port and starboard are large cleats with warping winches on platform that make line handling a pleasure for family and friends, if need be.
The side decks
leading to the bow are symmetrical and offer 19" of walking space between the yacht’s superstructure and the gunwales, thanks to the boat’s 20’ beam. A boarding ladder is stowed inside to starboard bulwarks.
Hydraulic Windlass.
The 2” 316 stainless steel rails which begin at the stern, continue the length of 85 Motoryacht above the cap rail to the bow. On the foredeck is a twin sun pad with SS rails on either side. The Maxwell hydraulic windlass is housed forward, managing a 125 lb. stainless steel plow anchor with 300’ of 3/8" anchor chain and chain stopper. The hands-free anchor chain wash system allows for cleaning of chain during anchor operation.
Please note that the boat is equipped with a hydraulic windlass instead of an electric one. We heartily approve that this choice for hydraulics is far more reliable than electric, which can burn out or easily trip a breaker at just the wrong moment.
The bow bulwarks are deep and with the high safety rails line handling and anchor watch should be secure even in windy weather. The anchor goes through the stem which we prefer to the more shippy-looking navy anchors which can be problematic.
Interior Inspection and Features
Salon and Dining.
The sliding glass doors with polished stainless steel frames from the aft cockpit into the salon offer a push button open control. The enlarged windows in the salon are custom engineered to incorporate marine grade aluminum beams allowing for industry leading window expanse.
Inside a crystal display,a 46” TV with A/V system to include a subwoofer, raises and lowers from the cabinet in the port aft corner of the salon. The space is lit with 24V LED lights that are aerospace quality and specially tuned color temperature for Ocean Alexander that lasts over 100,000+ hours. A 14” Sunpentown wine cooler is inside a cabinet and there is a wet bar at the TV cabinet.
Furniture is not built in, which signals both elegance and comfort. Below the cushions are storage compartments. Air conditioning ducts are located on the bottom of stylish overhead cornices which also contain indirect lighting. The salon and dining area has a wall-to-wall think pile carpet.
All cabinetry in the salon and dining area is matched-booked walnut. Countertops and side boards have in-laid granite tops. It is important to note that joiner work, carpet and countertops are all up to the owner, as is the furniture and much else in the Ocean Alexander 85 Motoryacht.
Dining.
A narrow cabinet separated the salon from the dining area. The eight-person formal dining table is athwartships on the starboard side. Again the emphasis is on plenty of room. Even on 85-footers some designs have a hard time fitting such a large table into the living space without compromises.
On the overhead above the table is a soffit with mirrors and more indirect lighting on a restate for mood control. To starboard is a small wet bar with a granite-top that can double as a side board. We like the large mirror on the forward bulkhead that reflects the table and the outdoors as well as light to make the dining area bright and seem larger than it already is.
Clever Galley.
In keeping with the formal dining area, the galley is hidden behind a bulkhead which separates the two areas. This is a traditional arrangement on a motoryacht of this size. If wanted, a pocket door could even be inserted here, in order to separate the sounds and smells from the galley even more, if desired.
In the boat we inspected there was no pocket door, but the galley deck was raised a few inches and was covered with an Amtico floor covering or marble or any other material, depending on the owner’s taste.
What is not so traditional
about this galley layout was the forward side of the galley which is open forward to a dinette, creating what is a country kitchen effect. So, on the particular Ocean Alexander 85 Motoryacht, we inspected the boat and incorporated what we think is the best of both worlds – an open country kitchen and an (almost) enclosed galley.
Stand-up Fridge.
One of the most important aspects of this galley in our book is the stand-up, household-size refrigerator/freezer. This a convenience that is often omitted in motoryachts, being replaced by below-counter drawers. And while drawers have their advantages, we prefer not having to bend over and finding things at eye-level just like at home.
Granite countertops and marble flooring appoint the rich detailed finish of the cabinetry, which includes the storage and overhanging cabinets, and overhead dish locker forward. The Elkay double sinks are under-mounted with a pull-out faucet and Whirlpool.
Appliances in the boat we inspected included:
Opposite the galley is a stairway to the fling bridge. Under the stairs is storage. Port and starboard are pantograph doors which are weather-tight.
Helm Station.
The helm of the 85 Motoryacht is located to port of the centerline. A single Stidd mechanical captain's chair is placed in front of leather wrapped destroyer wheel and the helm contains a navigation package comprised of literally every electronic device of vessel of this size should have and many more than we have seen on some commercial vessels of twice the size. In this case we found--
Visibility from the helm is sweeping with unimpeded sight lines over the bow through the tempered, five panel windshield, each glass having its own wiper and washer.
Accommodation Deck Inspection and Features
Companionway.
Access to the accommodation deck is via the lit staircase situated on the centerline, to the right of the helm station. Proceeding down the staircase and turning aft, beyond the two guest staterooms, the passageway leads to the master stateroom. There is a storage closet beneath the staircase and washer and dryer forward and to starboard.
Master Stateroom and Head.
The master stateroom on the 85 Motoryacht is huge and is full-beam. It enjoys a true king-sized bed flanked by nightstands. A bureau and vanity are installed to starboard with a sofa to port. A 40" LCD television is installed in the cabinet forward of the bed with an audio system consisting of a subwoofer along speakers mounted in the overhead for surround sound.
The windows are custom engineered to incorporate aluminum beams and “sandwiched glass” construction allowing 28% greater visibility and more incoming light, says the builder. The his-and-hers cedar-lined closets are full height with automatic lighting and glass faced lighted drawers.
Two Heads are Better Than One.
Since the master suite has two walk-in closets, it follows that it should also have his-and-hers heads. Bare feet will appreciate marble decks that are heated. Between the two heads is a large shower stall large enough for at least two people.
All four of the en-suite heads on the 85 Motoryacht incorporate the same high quality features. In this case: walnut wood bulkheads and cabinets with marble countertops, china sinks, Planus toilet systems, and seamless fiberglass shower stalls with one-piece glass doors and a marble frame.
The shower doors use “crystal clear” glass custom made for Ocean Alexander providing superior transparency and reflectiveness. Grohe faucets are installed in both the sinks and showers.
VIP Stateroom.
The forward VIP stateroom enjoys a large sized bed, a cedar-lined closet with automatic lighting, a 24" LCD television with DVD and satellite receiver, and an en-suite head.
Port and Starboard Guest Staterooms.
Each with its own en-suite head, the port and starboard guest staterooms also contain a 24" LCD TV and cedar-lined closets. The starboard cabin enjoys a full-sized bed, while the port side has two twins.
Crew Accommodations.
The crew living space is accessed either through the hatch in the transom, or a door in the aft deck. There is a galley, crew washer and dryer, shared head and two cabins.
Engine Room, Mechanicals and Tankage
Access to the twin twin MTU 10V2000 1600 horsepower engines is through the crew’s quarters. The engine space offers convenient access to all major components and systems, to include the two Kholer 32 kW generators. The 85 Motoryacht provides a Seagull water purifier and a Sea Recovery 900 gallon (3,407 L) per day water maker with automatic freshwater flush operation, PH neutralizer, UV sterilizer and commercial pre-filter.
Two 40 gallon (151 L) hot water heaters
with high-density fiberglass insulation and a high efficiency heating element keep hot water for showers plentiful. She carries 350 gallons (1,325 L) of water, while her fuel capacity is 2,500 gallons (9,464 L) and black and gray water holding capacity is 200 gallons (757 L). Her manufacturer fuel economy performance data states that at 10 knots, she has a range of 2,050 nautical miles while delivering 0.8 nautical miles per gallon. At 23 knots, her range decreases to 377 nautical miles.
We have not yet tested the Ocean Alexander 85 Motoryacht.
Octoplex NMEA 2000 Monitor R Electrical Control System
Owner/operators as well as professional captains will appreciate the ease of controlling the ship’s electrical systems with the Octoplex system. Based on aerospace technology for remote activation, control and status reporting of all AC and DC breakers, Octoplex monitors all power sources for voltage, frequency and amperage abnormalities and provides visual and audio alerts. It includes enhanced circuit breaker functionality with no-load indication, dimming and usage information with touch-screen monitors that are user-reconfigurable.
Octoplex provides information on main access doors, tank levels, bilge levels and battery monitoring of current, voltage and temperature.
N2KView Vessel Safety and Security Monitoring.
N2KViews allow monitoring of the yachts’ systems while underway or from a remote location, providing information on navigation, tank levels, AC systems, DC systems, main engines, generators, fire alarms, environment and engines. It is completely user configurable and different screens can be created depending upon one's exact needs.
The system is comprehensive and goes far beyond simple monitoring. Additional functions include video, control, alerts and fuel management, allowing as many alarms to be set up as desired. It can be used to turn lights or pumps on or off. N2KView runs on the yacht's computer or on standalone products, such Apple iPad or Android.
Shown is the Ocean Alexander 85 Motoryacht while underway.
Observations
The Ocean Alexander 85 Motoryacht combines classic semi-displacement, seaworthy hull design with contemporary style, and has great flexibility in both guest capability and services. Most important of all, she is built to the highest standards that we see used today in production fiberglass motoryacht construction.