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Toyota Motor Corporation has launched a new boat, the Ponam-28V, which will be sold through a network of 50 companies in Japan.
The premium sports cruiser is a next-generation hull that combines three structural components―FRP, aluminum, and carbon fibers, to achieve a new sense of riding comfort, high rigidity, and lightness
It also features a pilot support system that utilises automotive-derived control technologies to automatically maintain the boat’s position and orientation when stopped
The new boat comes in a flowing form and spacious interior that automatically gives a luxurious feel.
Developed as a premium sports cruiser, combining high cruising performance with excellent riding comfort coupled with a luxurious, user-friendly interior, the Ponam-28V features the Toyota Hybrid Hull that was developed jointly with Yanmar Co., Ltd (Yanmar) which provides a new sense of riding comfort; a pilot support system utilizing automotive-derived control technologies; and a flowing form characteristic of the styling of the Ponam series, as well as an interior with a luxurious feel.
The Ponam-28V has been created as a commercial version of the Toyota-28 Concept, which was displayed at the Japan International Boat Show held in March 2016. In addition, the Toyota-28 Concept had also received the Good Design Award in 2016.
The manufacturing of the Toyota-28 concept has been subcontracted to Yanmar.
Like the Ponam-31, the Ponam-28V is powered by a 3.0-liter inline four-cylinder direct-injection diesel engine derived from the Land Cruiser Prado. Specially tuned for marine applications, the engine combines high power with excellent fuel efficiency, while keeping emissions, noise, and vibration to a minimum. In addition, a high level of maneuverability is ensured with a control system that utilizes automotive-derived technologies, such as the world’s first2 single－shaft Toyota Virtual Anchor System3 (TVAS), which is used in boats that are equipped with one engine unit.
Despite its high performance and luxurious feel, the retail price of the entry model Ponam-28V has been set at 19,200,000 yen (excluding consumption tax), allowing the price to be fixed at below 20 million yen. A total of 24 units of the boat are projected to be sold annually.
Toyota has been marketing the 35-foot long Ponam-35 and the 31-foot long Ponam-31, and the company is enhancing the Ponam series product lineup with the launch of the 28-foot long Ponam-28V.
Going forward, Toyota said it will continue to promote its marine business by developing attractive products that are designed to provide rewarding leisure time activities and to support a fulfilling lifestyle.
The name is derived from Te Waipounamu, a Maori name for New Zealand’s South Island.
