Back to Introduction

Liberty Yachts

Over the past decade, sport-fishing yachts experienced a tremendous growth spurt and sprouted more add-ons than a Florida bikini model. But most die-hard fishermen will argue that a quick-and-nimble 40-footer makes the best fishing platform.

Liberty Yachts currently offers two hulls, proving that bigger isn't always better. "We believe in form following function," says Joe Corvelli, president of the company. "We design our hulls from the outside in, not the inside out. In other words, our hulls are optimized for performance — speed and seakeeping."
 Liberty began building boats in 1976 and now focuses solely on semi-custom sport-fishing yachts. It currently offers two sizes, a 40 and a 45. Both hulls come in flybridge and express models.

"Design is all about performance," Corvelli says. "The 45 Flybridge is very unique. It takes a page from the proven and loved designs of the old 31 Bertrams and 32 Blackfins — a flybridge boat with engine boxes. The engines are aft of the living spaces, not under them. The cabin is therefore lower in the boat, which drives the whole center of gravity of the boat lower and enables her to carry a deep-V all the way to the transom."

Liberty utilizes only the best construction materials available. "We believe in the strength and longevity of modern composites and lightweight and efficient construction," Corvelli says. "We use foam cores, because they will not rot. Our interiors are completely built of honeycomb cored panels for light weight." 

At a Glance: •  No-wood construction •  Raised engine boxes •  Lightweight honeycomb construction on interiors

As far as speed goes, "power and weight have to work hand in hand," Corvelli says. "The biggest thing these days is the increased ratings of the engines. They are not necessarily getting any bigger, but there is more power coming out of the same package."

When using larger engines, designers must accommodate more weight and larger fuel tanks. "I see us going back to 8- and 9-liter engines now, as the power has almost doubled out of the same-size engine. We won't need to carry the extra iron or as much fuel. You end up with a very fuel-efficient rig with a roomy engine room," he says.

Each year, Liberty builds a limited number of built-to-order yachts and hopes to expand its line in the future.

For more information, contact Liberty Yachts of Riviera Beach, Florida, at 561-842-2261, or visit www.libertyyachts.com.

 

Next: Lightning Yachts