With trade talks between the US and China stalled and heavy tariffs being levied on imported goods, Nova Luxe Yachts has taken a proactive, multi-pronged approach to counter the situation. It modifies how the company would work in the future with Chinese-built Aquila Yachts and explore new possibilities with French and US boatbuilders. The company purchases new 35'–50' power catamarans and converts them to all-electric.
Nova Luxe Yachts has proposed to MarineMax, the US distributor of Aquila Yachts, to bring unfinished boats into the US. Nova Luxe would then install the high-value items like propulsion, electronics, appliances and joinery work to reduce the overall imposed tariff.
"The timing of this trade war is unfortunate as we are launching our first boat, the Nova Luxe 44, on June 1. But we're viewing this potential challenge as an opportunity," said Marc Hawxhurst, Nova Luxe Yachts president. "It provides exciting new prospects for expanding our scope of work, such as in France where several boatbuilders are excited at the prospect of offering environmentally friendly yachts that outperform diesel."
Fountaine Pajot is one such builder who has expressed interest in an all-electric vessel. "While they typically retail at higher prices than their Chinese Aquila counterparts," Hawxhurst noted, "they may now become comparatively less expensive." Several US builders are also candidates.
Nova Luxe Yachts are powered by proven Torqeedo Deep Blue propulsion systems with BMW i3 batteries, a massive solar array and small backup generator providing the electricity. With the Nova Luxe 44, this translates into cruising over 1,250 miles at 6.5 knots using only the sun.
Contact Nova Luxe Yachts, PO Box 715, Point Lookout, NY 11569. 347-502-5332; cary@novaluxeyachts.com; www.novaluxeyachts.com.
