The Resurrection of Superyacht KANALOA
An in-depth survey had been carried out and it was deemed that, due to the cost, restoring the yacht to a sea-worthy state, let alone to her former glory as one of the Mediterranean’s leading charter yachts, was not feasible. Having discovered significant corrosion to structural elements of the hull, deck and internal structure, KANALOA sat neglected for two years.
After months of meticulous and detailed planning, KANALOA’s newly appointed managers at Hill Robinson Yacht Management proposed a full mechanical and structural refit, which would return her to active service as a classed commercial vessel.
In June 2014, the KANALOA project started at the Composite Works’ facility in La Ciotat, France where, under the tight scrutiny of project manager Pino di Mora and KANALOA captain Dean Homan, an experienced team of contractors and crew set about bringing KANALOA back to her former glory.
The extensive structural restoration began when Lloyds’ Register surveyors began an in-depth inspection and certification of the yacht’s structure and hull plating. This process required dismantling all machinery, fittings and insulation around the areas suspected of corrosion. Following the inspection, all metal work in need of repairs was replaced, again following the strict Lloyds’ rules, and duly documented. It is worth noting that the depth and scope of this work far surpassed normal 20-year special survey requirements, which often rely only on nondestructive testing measurements.
The refit was not limited to just structural work; both Deutz main engines were completely rebuilt and returned to zero hours. In addition, gearboxes, tanks, pipework, air conditioning, technical spaces and steering gear all were completely overhauled. Further more, both tail shafts, including the shaft bearings and seals, were removed and replaced. Following the comprehensive mechanical and structural refit, KANALOA also received full exterior paintwork to her topsides and superstructure and a full refurbishment of all the teak decking.
The full extent of KANALOA’s transformation is made even more remarkable by the fact it was completed to the highest of standards within 14 months — just in time for her grand debut at the 2015 Monaco Yacht Show.
Northrop & Johnson was chosen to represent KANALOA from the early stages of the refit. In addition, the brokerage was tasked at keeping the market informed with her progress. Hill Robinson Director Nick Hill summarized, “We were absolutely delighted that Northrop & Johnson could present KANALOA for the Monaco Yacht Show in September, thus achieving our promised objective and exceeding the owner's expectations. KANALOA has been an extraordinary project with a combination of factors all contributing to an amazing success story. After suffering neglect during a prolonged lay-up period, the Hill Robinson project team transformed KANALOA into a fully classed, MCA-, ISM-, ISPS-, MLC-compliant vessel only 14 months. She is ready to charter and invite her owners or guests to enjoy her state-of-the-art facilities.”
Northrop & Johnson is proud to offer one of the best value classic Italian luxury motor yachts back onto the market. KANALOA is priced at €6,500,000. With the potential to be once again one of the Mediterranean’s leading charter yachts, viewings are highly recommended. For further details on KANALOA’s refit or to arrange an inspection, please contact Jonathan Browne at Jonathan.Browne@NorthropandJohnson.com or Ed Dickinson at Ed.Dickinson@NorthropandJohnson.com.
