Toyota Boat Launches New Ponam-28V Premium Sports Cruiser

Toyota City, Japan, Oct, 27 2016; Toyota Motor Corporation today launched a new boat, the Ponam-28V1, which will be sold through a network of 50 companies in Japan.

Main Features:
- 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.
- A pilot support system that utilizes automotive-derived control technologies to automatically maintain the boat's position and orientation when stopped
- A flowing form and spacious interior with a luxurious feel

The Ponam-28V was developed as a premium sports cruiser, combining high cruising performance with excellent riding comfort coupled with a luxurious, user-friendly interior. The three main features are as follows:(1) the Toyota Hybrid Hull that was developed jointly with Yanmar Co., Ltd (Yanmar) which provides a new sense of riding comfort,(2) a pilot support system utilizing automotive-derived control technologies, and(3) 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.

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 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.

Annual sales target: 24 units

Manufacturer's suggested retail price(4)
19,200,000 yen: E grade [20,736,000 yen (including consumption tax)]
23,200,000 yen: S grade [25,056,000 yen (including consumption tax)]

Features

Toyota Hybrid Hull providing a new sense of riding comfort

The Ponam-28V has adopted the next-generation Toyota Hybrid Hull, which offers significant improvements in three areas: materials, composition, and shape. By combining FRP (the hull's base material) with aluminum and carbon fibers, the Toyota Hybrid Hull achieves approximately seven times the rigidity of a standard FRP hull, while weighing roughly 10 percent less than a similarly-sized craft with an aluminum hull. The Toyota Hybrid Hull design also enables the molding of complicated curved shapes, leading to improved maneuverability and also, makes large-scale production possible.

A manufacturing method called the vacuum infusion molding(5) is being used for the first time in Japan(6) for the mass production of the boat, enabling high-strength molding with improved material density. The Toyota Hybrid Hull has reduced propulsion resistance during cruising, and achieves a comfortable ride which enhances sea-kindliness and turning ability with little shock and vibration.

Toyota Hybrid Hull

Pilot support system utilizing automotive-derived control technologies

With the Ponam-28V, the worldg automotive-dershaft TVAS for use in a single-mount engine was developed and incorporated into a boat in the 28-foot class for the first time in the Ponam series. The latest technologies have been utilized to make it possible to detect the wind direction as well as the current flow in both the bow and stern directions. The TVAS has four modes, including the maintenance of the boatnceow in both the bow an, and keeping the bow direction during trolling, in order to support the joy of marine leisure under a variety of situations.

TVAS display

Flowing form characteristic of the styling of the Ponam series, and a spacious interior with a luxurious feel

Reflecting years of experience incorporating complex curved surfaces into vehicle design, the Ponam-28V presents a solid, elegant form. Combining flowing surfaces and dynamic lines, the unique and imposing design of the Ponam-28V makes it immediately recognizable as part of the Ponam series, even when viewed from a distance.

The Toyota Hybrid Hull's high degree of design freedom made it possible to create an innovative design that was previously difficult in an aluminum hull. Its smooth vessel bottom shape with reduced propulsion resistance on the gliding surface had been realized using cutting-edge simulation analysis.

The cabin is designed to have a clean and spacious feel and with white as the base color, its aim is to create a relaxing and expansive interior space. The layout is designed for user-friendliness.

(1) The name is derived from Te Waipounamu, a Maori name for New Zealand's South Island.
(2) As of October 2016, according to Toyota Motor Corporation
(3) An automatic piloting control system that holds the boat in position or maintains the heading of the bow.
(4) Excluding consumption tax, options, legally required safety equipment, launch costs, delivery costs, etc.
(5) FRP molding method that uses vacuum pressure to fill and impregnate molds with a resin
(6) As of October 2016, according to Toyota Motor Corporation

About Toyota

Supported by people around the world, Toyota Motor Corporation , has endeavored since its establishment in 1937 to serve society by creating better products. As of the end of December 2013, Toyota conducts its business worldwide with 52 overseas manufacturing companies in 27 countries and regions. Toyota's vehicles are sold in more than 170 countries and regions. For more information, please visit www.toyota-global.com.