Pacific PowerBoat Magazine is thrilled to present an ongoing series starting with this issue, on the complete build process of the new Bill Upfold designed Elite 22m flybridge motor yacht, currently under construction at Weber Marine in Gulf Harbour, Auckland.
We will follow the journey from the initial concept discussions with the owner to the on-water launch, culminating in a comprehensive boat review scheduled for late 2026.
This 22-metre marvel will combine cutting-edge engineering with custom luxury. The yacht will be built using epoxy resin, E-glass, and a PVC foam core over a male mould, ensuring a lightweight and robust vessel. Nina Heatley of Cleaver Fox Projects is overseeing the structural engineering.
The yacht’s design includes four staterooms: a full-beam master suite amidships, a VIP stateroom forward, and twin guest cabins, all with ensuite bathrooms. The spacious lazarette will accommodate all the necessary equipment for outdoor activities, including mountain bikes, various water toys, and a tender garage. The main living area is designed to emphasise entertainment and relaxation, featuring an openplan layout. The fully enclosed flybridge, accessed internally, will serve as the centrepiece when underway, offering extensive lounges and large windows for panoramic views.
As a custom build, the owners have been deeply involved in the design process, ensuring the yacht reflects their personal vision. Bill Upfold and Braden Weber have assembled an expert team of industry leaders for the project, noting, “We have brought together top professionals across all trades, from engineers and electricians to painters and interior designers, to create an outstanding vessel.”
Part One – Where it began and Construction gets underway
Weber Marine’s initial conversations with the owner started in 2017. The owner closely observed as they built, completed and launched Crazy Diamond, an Elite 18m Sportfisher, in 2021, followed by Hijack, an Elite 15.5m MPH, in 2023. After these projects were completed, Braden Weber, owner of Weber Marine, resumed discussions with the potential owner about his new build.
The new boat needed to fit within the owner’s existing 21m berth, achieve a cruising speed of 25-28 knots, and make round trips to the Bay of Islands without refuelling. The decision was made at this stage to create a custom sedan similar to the owner’s current vessel. After multiple meetings to finalise the layout, the team needed to choose the engines. The decision was made to use MAN engines. The options included the V8 1300HP or the V12 1550HP; however, the V12’s additional length of 500mm would intrude into the master cabin space. Ultimately, the team required fuel consumption data to make an informed decision. On researching this data, a conclusion was made. The V12 engine, while providing only three extra knots, would increase weight and fuel consumption, making it a less favourable choice; therefore, the MAN V8 1300 engine was selected.
With the decision made, a contract was signed, and Head Designer Bill Upfold from Elite Marine completed the hull design. The V8 engines were ordered, and the project moved forward. Not long after this, Braden discovered a 25m marina berth for sale, which seemed like an ideal investment and a better location than the owner’s current 21m berth. The owner agreed, and the berth was purchased. This allowed Weber Marine to extend the boarding platform, which was smaller than the one on the owner’s current boat. Given the owner’s love for fishing, this enhancement was approved.
Just as the build was about to commence in May, Bill (the designer) and Braden (the boat builder) accompanied the owner and his wife to the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on the Gold Coast to explore interior designs and marine hardware. During their visit, a discussion about adding a flybridge arose. Incorporating a flybridge weighing about 2500kg and the associated windage would impact the current boat’s performance.
This threw a spanner in the works as the frames were underway and the V8 engines ordered. Thanks to a very accommodating designer and builder, this was soon resolved. With new flybridge plans that included a little more length, the team also saw justification for including the V12 engines without affecting the master cabin space. Adding an extra metre to the boat and the flybridge would meet the owner’s horsepower preferences. The engines could be upgraded, and the Twin Disc gearboxes suited to both engine options.
Consequently, the hull design was revised to accommodate these changes, and construction could begin.
Next time – Construction is well underway!
