Alexander Marine are pleased to have SOLD this Ocean Alexander 88 Skylounge.
The Ocean Alexander 88 Skylounge motor yacht was the perfect size for Australia, being big enough to entertain a crowd of guests in pure luxury across multiple entertaining zones, but not so large as to limit her cruising options or the ability for a competent owner to operate the vessel on their own should they wish to.
Her interiors offered an abundance of light, space, and luxury. Finishes and fittings were the same as those in exclusive residences throughout the world. Supersized windows let the sun spill in and create dramatic panoramas wherever you go. The 88 provided ample room for guests to roam while entertaining, then escape below deck when you needed a break from all the activity.
From the moment you lay eyes on the 88, it was apparent that she was a striking looking vessel without being so modern as to look out of fashion in just a few years' time. Her oversize glazing was a stand-out design element. As impressive as her super-size windows were from the exterior, those lucky enough to enjoy time onboard the boat would be amazed at the natural light that floods into the boat, and the unobstructed views you would enjoy, courtesy of this engineering marvel.
At the heart of the 88 was a pair of MTU engines each producing 1600hp and delivering a sprint speed approaching 21 knots, and a continuous first cruise speed of around 18 knots. Befitting a vessel of this calibre, she was Zero speed fin-stabilized and the Twin Onan Generators took care of the power requirements when away from the dock.
With respect to ease of docking, the 88 was a delight to handle. In the first instance, she featured a powerful hydraulic bow and stern thrusters. With the evolution of Joystick docking, we were proud to have installed the Glendinning Station Keeper system onboard this 88. From either the armrest of the super comfortable Stidd pilothouse helm seat or from the cockpit docking station, skippers could enjoy the symphony of both engines and both thrusters working together by simply gesturing the joystick in the preferred direction of travel! In addition to this, the Glendinning system allowed for the vessel operator - this is sensational when you are short-handed - to press a button and for the boat to remain in a hold position as you attend to matters such as getting ready to dock. As an alternative to the Joystick, in circumstances where the skipper would like the ability to move around the boat, the 88 was also equipped with a wired docking controller (with approx. 10 meters of cable) that plug in beside the cockpit joystick and also at the sky lounge helm station.
Other inclusions onboard this pocket superyacht of significance included her huge hi-lo swim platform, Sea Recovery Watermaker, Ecomar Waste Treatment plant, Inverter Package, and removable shade systems. Oh, and the heated marble bathroom floor in the master cabin was very nice underfoot too! Not to forget the Jacuzzi up top too!
The 88 was loaded with technology. Central to Ocean Alexander's philosophy was the installation of the Octoplex electrical management system onboard every boat we build to control all the electrical systems on board the boat - via hardwired touchscreens at both the helm and in the crew area. Alternatively, you could use a tablet or a smartphone to control the systems onboard without getting off the couch or out of bed (once you have seen the master cabin on the 88 this convenience takes on more meaning - you won't want to move!!). Importantly, for those who like the reassurance of manual switching, we had that covered as well - but mark my words - when you get to know and use the Octoplex system, it's undoubtedly the way of the future with respect to convenience and safety. Take, for example, with the Octoplex your ability to receive external technical assistance via the boats 4G router - the technician simply logs into the system remotely and goes about his business! Note this technology was developed for Boeing and therefore needed to be, and is indeed highly reliable - Ocean Alexander was an early adopter of this technology (as we are in many areas of yacht construction) and it has been highly successful and admired by our owners for over 10 years.
Boarding of the vessel was possible via the spacious teak-laid hi-lo swim platform. We expected you would however be eager to gain access up to the cockpit which was possible via dual access stairs. Note also from the hi-lo swim platform you had centreline access via a watertight door, down into the spacious crew area, and then forward into the engine room.
Once in the cockpit, you might wish to enjoy a cold beverage - from the cockpit bar, no less, which was positioned forward and to starboard. The U-shaped cockpit seating area, complete with its substantial high gloss timber table, was a great place to entertain guests with the benefit of full protection from the elements.
Entry to the spacious saloon was via dual automatic S/S doors (which featured a handy foot kick switch - both inside and out - when departing or returning to the cockpit with your hands full). The saloon featured a generous L-shaped custom lounge to starboard, from which you could enjoy television from the drop-down 50" TV that electrically lowered from the ceiling as installed on the port side of the saloon. The views from the saloon seating were sensational, courtesy of the huge windows, and she was oh so quiet when underway (you wouldn't believe you were seated directly above the engine room). The interior timberwork was satin walnut - a timeless choice. The selection was complimented with a stunning moulding detail, which was featured in the ceiling panels, and as a trim to all the inlaid granite benchtop surfaces.
Forward to the lounging area, you had a dedicated formal dining area complete with a stunning high gloss timber table and beautiful dining chairs. This was the perfect place in which to entertain after hours, and or when the temperature drops. The day head was adjacent to this area, as were the saloon bar facilities including a wine cabinet - and lots of glass storage of course!
A particularly spacious galley with high-quality appliances and granite benchtops adjoins the large U-shaped dinette area and, once again, with panoramic views through large windows.
Moving up to the sky lounge - this area was simply huge! Triple large 24" Garmin Screens dominated the modern and precisely laid-out helm. The skipper and two navigators all enjoyed their own comfortable Stidd helm seats, with excellent vision. From the skipper's helm seat a Garmin Grid Controller was recessed into the armrest to enable you to scroll through all the Garmin inputs on both screens and make inputs (eg change course) without getting out of your seat! To starboard, there was a lounge area with a high gloss coffee table where guests could culminate and share in the piloting of this magnificent vessel. Just outside of the sky lounge area to starboard was a full wet bar, including an electric BBQ & sink, and an L- shaped dining area to port was set up for additional seating & entertaining. There was another set of stairs down to the cockpit from the sky lounge entertaining area (great when you are wet), and a sunshade system for protection from our harsh Australian sun. Not to forget the Jacuzzi was up top there as well.
Disclaimer: All specifications in this presentation are provided for information only and particulars herein are obtained from sources believed to be correct, but not guaranteed. Buyers should satisfy themselves with respect to accuracy.