Soigne Lake
A new class of freshwater superyacht resembles its ocean-going cousin, but with expanded design possibilities.
THE TERM ‘FRESHWATER yacht’ was an oxymoron until J David Weiss designed Invictus, a 24m vessel that redefines large houseboats. Having penned dozens of ocean-going superyachts for Europe’s leading builders, Weiss was given carte blanche by Arizona-based Bravada Yachts to create a new freshwater category. “The designs have typically been boxy, bloated RVs,” he says. “The good news is their scale can provide a custom yacht experience.”
The nearly US$2 million Invictus has 297sqm of space across two decks. The sprawling interior, with 2.7m ceilings, includes five staterooms, two full kitchens, customised daybeds and, true to its lake-boat DNA, a 4.6m water slide, while omnipresent glass delivers exceptional water views. Since even big lakes experience minimal wave action – at least compared to ocean swells – Weiss was able to push certain aspects of the design. “Bringing glass so low to the waterline is unheard of on a superyacht,” he says. “Those kinds of differences let us explore what was possible” within the new category.
Companies in Australia and Germany are also launching new glass-centric freshwater designs. Status’s 18m, tri-deck Mischief, while boxier and less manoeuvrable than Invictus, has a sprawling, upscale interior, while a 27m, single-deck model from Berlin-based HouseBoatYacht resembles a floating glass studio.
Weiss expects a rapid evolution in the segment, with everlarger and more elaborate designs. Bravada is entertaining a proposal for a 37m vessel complete with helipad. “We’re also designing one for a music label with a recording studio on board,” he says. “The owner wanted unusual features and colours, and we’ll be delivering that.”
“Bringing glass so low to the waterline is unheard of on a superyacht.”