Le Boat’s new Le Boat 1500 Series - The Vision is unique to Le Boat and unlike any other cruiser on the waterways. The Vision boasts the very latest marine and green technology for efficient and effortless cruising.
 
The Vision is available in both hybrid (diesel and electric) and non-hybrid (diesel only) models and promises to set new standards of luxury cruising on Europe’s waterways. Featuring an advanced pod-drive system the Vision Series offers a host of technical features never before seen on inland waterway cruisers, as well as superior levels of comfort and on-board facilities.
 
Built by renowned yacht-building company, Groupe Bénéteau, two models of the new Vision joined the Le Boat fleet for the 2011 season.

• The Vision3 (6+4) sleeps six adults comfortably in three cabins. An optional fold-down bed in each cabin sleeps three extra and there is room for one extra in the convertible saloon area.
• The Vision4 (8+1) sleeps eight adults comfortably in four cabins with room for one extra in the convertible saloon area.

Key features of the Vision include:

• Super-easy manoeuvring via the joy-stick on the upper deck: The joy-stick allows the boat to turn 360 degrees as well as forwards, sideways, backwards and diagonally in all directions. Le Boat customers will be able to dock and manoeuvre the boat in locks with the lightest of touches and minimal effort. The joy-stick is connected to the boat’s hi-tech pod-drive system. Revolutionary for inland waterway cruisers, the pod can turn 90 degrees in each direction and replaces the need for a rudder, enabling the boat to turn in all directions. Customers continue to steer the boat with a normal steering wheel using a marine-style throttle for speed control and a bow thruster provides additional easy-docking capabilities.
• Green cruising: A single high-performance solar panel provides continuous green energy to the boat’s lightweight, high performance battery bank (produced by Valance). In addition, the boat’s unique hull design ensures minimal energy to move through the water, thereby protecting the wildlife habitats and bank-sides, preventing erosion.
• Quiet engine efficiency: Latest diesel engine (produced by Volkswagen Marine) offers unbeatable fuel efficiency and emission control, as well as low noise and vibration levels.
• Designer interior & exterior: All cabins have full-sized twin beds that convert to double beds, TV/DVD players and feature an en-suite bath for maximum privacy and comfort. All parts of the boat have individually controlled heating and air-conditioning. The large open plan kitchen/saloon area is equipped with 220v appliances such as an extra-large fridge/freezer, gas oven, stove top and microwave and TV/DVD player for real home-from-home vacation cruising. Panoramic views from the large bow area create a wonderful sense of light and space.
• Fully equipped, spacious top deck: Unbeatable top deck space with seating for 10 adults makes for an exceptional outdoor cruising experience. There is plenty of sunbathing space for three adults on the fly bridge and an electric BBQ, bar refrigerator, sink and prep area ensure that alfresco dining is easily available. A collapsible bimini (sun shade) covering the entire top deck provides shade for captain and crew as required.

Commenting on the Vision series Cheryl Powell, Le Boat’s Chief Operating Officer, says: “Cruising on the Vision is like child’s play, she is just so easy to manoeuvre and so responsive to steer. We have made a huge effort to ensure she really does offer outstanding on-board comforts and facilities too, making her the best boat on the waterways for a truly exceptional vacation cruising experience.”

New for 2012 – A Vision Crew