
We’re still waiting for that all-important sea trial but having now had a good poke around a nearly complete 90 Ocean at the yard we can at least give our first impressions on how this revolutionary new model range looks and feels. And the short answer is: Wow! It’s not so much the scale or even the luxurious fit and finish that grabs you, they were only to be expected, it’s the unusual proportions and the shift in emphasis away from how it performs underway to how it performs at anchor. The 90 Ocean is first and foremost a party boat, albeit one with masses of accommodation, a claimed cruising range of 1,800nm and an estimated top speed of 26 knots – although we’ve heard rumours of 30 knots with the biggest engines.
The first clue to its true focus comes the minute you step on board. Bathing platforms have been growing for a while but this one is on another level – it’s 6m wide by 4m deep and equipped with every possible toy you can imagine. We counted no less than four sets of buttons controlling the hydraulic launch platform for the Williams 465 Sportjet and jetski, the folding sea stairs that drop down into the water or rise up to the quay, the X-TEND sunpads that face aft at water-level or lift up to face into the cockpit, and the fully adjustable Lumishore lighting.
This story is from the October 2021 edition of Motor Boat & Yachting.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2021 edition of Motor Boat & Yachting.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In

SEASICKNESS SOLUTION
Gilbert Park tackles a wallowing boat with a set of Humphree Lightning trim tabs

HOW TO MANEUVRE A SHAFT-DRIVE BOAT
One of the joys of boating is the wide variety of different craft on offer. Whereas the vast majority of cars have four wheels and one engine and therefore drive in roughly the same way, boats are much more varied in terms of size, style, hull design and means of propulsion. As a result they tend to handle very differently too, so making the switch from something like a single-engined planing sports-boat to a twin-engined semi-displacement cruiser requires a certain amount of readjustment from the skipper too. So how do you go about doing that? For me, having a clear understanding of what’s happening when and why is vital to grasping what steering and throttle inputs are needed.

NILFISK PREMIUM 200 PRESSURE WASHER
A pressure washer is a vital piece of equipment for anyone who cleans their own boat and the more powerful the better when it comes to blasting barnacles off hulls.

HONDA V8 OUTBOARD
A new 350hp V8 puts Honda back in the big league. We take a look at its most powerful outboard yet

VIGGO C 10 OFFSHORE
If you want to get from A to B quickly, safely and in almost any weather, this 60-knot adventure boat is in league of its own

RACE REVIVAL
Can this once derelict speedboat, which has been lovingly restored by a group of power racing enthusiasts, re-live her glory days? Phil Sampson finds out

AEGEAN ADVENTURE
Thomas and Jutta Kittel prepare for their Mediterranean swansong as they commence the final leg of their Greek cruise, discovering some unspoilt gems amidst the busier holiday islands of the Northern Sporades

DUTCH ROYAL TOUR
The Leaver family take Duchess, their regally named Van der Valk 1800, on a return visit to her homeland

JEANNEAU MERRY FISHER 1295
If you want a flexible but sensibly priced flybridge cruiser, Jeanneau's flagship Merry Fisher might be about as good as it gets...

FAIRLINE SQUADRON 58
Is Fairline's lavishly featured new 58-footer really as good as it looks? We head for Southampton to find out