Toyota Motor Corp. is increasing its seaborne fleet with the launch of a new leisure boat, the Ponam-35. But the 11.95-meter cruiser is still related to the car manufacturer’s mainstream products as its two V8-cylinder engines are adapted versions of the 4.5-liter V8 diesel engine that can be found in the Toyota Land Cruiser.
Weighing 10 tons and with a width of 3.94 meters, the hull of the vessel is made of rigid aluminium alloy and has a capacity of 12 people. The Ponam-35 is the first in a new class of vessels that Toyota plans to introduce and has set an annual sales target of 15 boats.
The boat also benefits from the car firm’s expertise in form-modelling, required to create the complex curved surfaces used in the construction of cars. The line of the gunwale flows back from the bow and meets with the elegant design of the cabin windows.
Inside, the cabin has been designed to make passengers’ movements easy and is decorated in contrasting black and white, with additions of deep blue and silver.
The cabin includes a five-seat sofa and storage space, while the owner’s private room has a bed and storage areas. The galley emphasises functionality and comes with a refrigerator, microwave oven, sink and storage areas.
Designed to be operated in inshore waters, the price tag on the boat is Y59 million (€543,076).
Official news from Toyota:
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces the launch in Japan today of its newly developed leisure boat, the “Ponam-35” 1.
The Ponam-35-first of a new class in the Ponam series-is a premium cruiser ideal for pleasure cruising and fishing that also offers comfortable accommodation. It features a rigid hull of a high-strength aluminum alloy-a popular Ponam feature, a new 4.5-liter engine derived from the Toyota “Land Cruiser”2 SUV, as well as excellent operability achieved with technology adapted from Toyota automotive technology.
Annual sales target: 15 units
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price3: 59,010,000 yen (56,200,000 yen excluding consumption tax).
Main Features
Dynamic and flowing exterior
Reflecting the form-modeling expertise acquired by years of handling the complex curved surfaces used in vehicle design, the Ponam-35 features elegant curves. The gunwale line flows backward from the bow and the unique design of the windows contributes to an elegant exterior design characteristic of the Ponam-35.
The expansive cabin-door eaves provide a shield against the sun and rain, while also creating an attractive rear view.
Interior combines function with elegance
The cabin features a layout designed to facilitate ease of passenger movement, and is characterized by an overall theme of contrasting white and black with effective additions of deep blue and silver to create a refined and relaxed atmosphere.
The cabin interior is fitted with a relaxing five-seat sofa and ample storage space, while the owner’s private room features a spacious bed and storage area.
The galley at the rear of the cabin emphasizes functionality with placement of the sink, storage shelves, refrigerator, microwave oven and work surfaces aimed at ease of use and access.
Refined basics for exemplary seaworthiness
The hull is made with high-strength A5083 aluminum alloy, which ensures higher rigidity, strength, durability and fracture resistance than fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP). The aluminum-alloy structure also serves to reduce the effects of stress and vibrations caused by wave impacts as well as reducing sound reverberations.
The Ponam-35 is equipped with two V8-cylinder engines with common rail systems that perform computer-controlled fuel injection-a first4 for a Japan-made leisure boat. The engines are a version of the Land Cruiser 4.5-liter V8 diesel engine modified for boat use, which combine high output and low emissions while achieving low levels of vibration and noise for greatly improved quietness.
Highly reliable control technology and cutting-edge equipment
The boat is fitted with an auto-flap function that uses proprietary Toyota control technology to automate list-correcting flap operation, difficult even for experienced operators. When sensors detect listing, flaps are operated automatically to adjust the boat to the optimal position, thereby lessening stress from wave impacts.
Toyota Drive Assist allows computer control of the auxiliary propeller in the bow thruster and the two main propellers, so that mooring and casting off can be carried out using just a single joystick. This user-friendly interface enables inexperienced operators to carry out docking and other complicated maneuvers difficult even for veteran sailors.
Other standard, cutting-edge features include an intercom system that ensures smooth communication between cabin and fly bridge, and windshield wipers that automatically activate when they detect spray or rainfall.
Going forward, TMC will continue to promote its marine business by developing attractive products designed to provide rewarding leisure time and support lifestyles.