OTAM 85 GTS nears completion

Italian boatbuilder OTAM has announced that the OTAM 85 GTS has reached the halfway point in the build process as construction continues on schedule. By the end of September, the project had achieved the following contractual milestones:

• Hull and deck assembled
• Arneson drives installed
• MTU 16v M 94 engines installed
• Kohler generators at the shipyard
• Electrical system started
• Hydraulic system started
• Interior manufacturing started

The shipyard has also started the process of manufacturing the custom hardtop. The structure consists of two parts to be built of advanced composites: the supporting arch with integrated air intakes for the engines, and the hardtop itself. Moreover, the shipyard has constructed a 1:1 mock-up of the structure and curved windscreen that will be used to create the mould.

“The aesthetics of the hardtop and windscreen are extremely important for the owner,” says sales and communication manager Matteo Belardinelli. “So instead of relying on 3D modelling, we decided to build a mock-up out of wood to get the proportions exactly right. This ‘old school’ method of construction is what OTAM is all about as a builder of handcrafted, custom yachts. It’s also a method widely used in the automotive industry, which is one reason why it’s called the OTAM 85 GTS.”

The project design and engineering of the one-off, fast cruiser powered by twin MTU 2600hp engines and Arneson Drives is the result of a collaborative effort between OTAM and Umberto Tagliavini, Aldo Scorzoni and Clara Barni of Marine Design & Services.

Joseph Dirand Architecture is responsible for styling the bespoke interior and exterior. Max Riedl of Cornelsen & Partner in Germany is acting as the owner’s surveyor.

The OTAM 85 GTS will be delivered to its owner in time for next summer season and will make its international debut at the 2019 boat shows.