bravada yachts

Bravada Yachts: Redefining Houseboating as a Luxury Yachting Experience

• March 18, 2018

Bravada Yachts is an Arizona-based luxury lake yacht and houseboat company that is setting the optimal standard and pushing the boundaries in the industry. Bravada crafts fully-furnished lake yachts resembling high-end luxury homes with the amenities of a five star resort.

Current yacht models include: V-Series - Up to 7 beds, 3 baths (Starting at $499,000), GT-Series - Up to 9 beds, 4 baths (Starting at $1,099,000), X-Series - Up to 16 beds, 6 baths (price upon request).

Bravada creates custom dream yachting experiences with an unsurpassed eye for the details. Just a few of Bravada’s full-customization capabilities include: dual luxury kitchens, optimized floor plans, premium finishes, stainless steel appliances, Jacuzzis that can fit up to 16 people, flat-screen movie theater, fire-pits and endless water toys.

Bravada’s fractional ownership program allows buyers to divide the costs of owning a luxury houseboat with a small group of co-owners, very similar to the private jet model. Owners receive their “guaranteed week” each year, in addition to using the boat whenever it’s free.

Debuting in summer 2019, Bravada Yachts will offer an exclusive ownership opportunity of the first Bravada X-Boat Mega-Yacht , which boasts: 4.5 levels, 7,500 sq. feet of living space and a helicopter pad to name just a few features. Partners will share ownership of the first ever Bravada X-Boat Mega-Yacht with like-minded individuals and participate in bi-annual retreats with celebrities, pro-athletes and business superstars like Robert Kiyosaki and Daymond John.

Bravada is revolutionizing the yacht-houseboat hybrid with advancements in tech and safety such as ease of steering with highly-tuned bow stern thrusters that centrally direct the boat (as opposed to traditional rear-driven boats) and also offers driving lessons so anyone can try their hand at playing “captain.”

https://bravadayachts.com/

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Luxury Houseboat by Bravada Yachts Calls Lake Powell Home

Bravada Yachts has launched its most high-end luxury houseboat to date. Introducing the new “Invictus,” a spellbinding 80-foot V-Series watercraft inspired by the ocean, but built for the lake.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bravada Yachts (@bravadayachts)

Valued at $2 million, the Invictus has recently made Lake Powell’s Antelope Point Marina its home base.

Available for 8-day shares , the Bravada Yachts Invictus showcases such luxury features as:

• 3,200 square feet across 2.5 levels
• 5 staterooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 kitchens
• Stainless steel appliances
• Custom cabinets and granite countertops
• Bose sound system & satellite TV
• Central air conditioning & heating
• Unlimited fresh water
• Custom outdoor furniture including sun deck with daybeds

Tolleson-based Bravada Yachts is known for its stunning handcrafted luxury houseboats that are sleek, modern and outfitted with the latest design and amenities.

For more information, visit www.bravadayachts.com .

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Pushing the boundaries of luxury, technology generates smooth sailing for Tolleson’s Bravada Yachts

Every day, a Tolleson warehouse buzzes with activity that ultimately results in million-dollar vessels, tricked out with movie theaters and luxury kitchens, that get shipped across the state and sometimes across state lines.

From Bravada Yachts’ 65,000-square-foot facility, a team of welders, engineers and fabricators churn out luxury yachts customized to clients’ wishes, ranging from 16-person hot tubs to fireplaces, spanning as much as 8,800 square feet — about the size of four tennis courts.

And it’s this energy that makes Bravada co-owner and COO Robert Gutierrez beam with pride in his small business that yields mammoth creations.

“Our staff is amazing and hard-working people. They are what make Bravada. They are inspired here,” said Gutierrez who, who along with CEO Aaron Browning and president Andrew Marshall, purchased Bravada in 2017.

Luxury-yacht market on the rise

Bravada’s previous owners decided to sell their boat division in order to focus on their luxury-homebuilding arm, Gutierrez said. Upon discovering this, Browning, a friend of Gutierrez who had owned a Bravada yacht, approached him with the idea of ownership. Browning brought his friend Marshall on board and the trio negotiated an asset purchase of the company that started in 2009.

This transaction put them in a global luxury-yacht market that’s projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 7 percent between 2016 to 2020, according to Research and Markets.

The flagship yacht GT Series measures 22 feet by 75 feet long and starts at $1,099,000. It can be extended to 115 feet long and command a price tag upward of $3 million, Gutierrez said. It’s a triple-deck boat that encompasses 4,400 square feet and offers seven bedrooms, three bathrooms, two kitchens, a built-in barbecue grill and nine flatscreen TVs. It can sleep anywhere from 16 to 30 of your closest pals, too.

The entry-level V Series boat starts at $499,000 and measures 18 feet by 70 feet long. Gutierrez attributed its popularity to its relatively reasonable price point while being spacious and hitting all the same buttons that owners of the GT Series crave to push.

“I’m envious of some of those kitchens in those boats compared to my home,” Gutierrez said.

'Inspired at how personable they were'

Sara Merrill was looking for an upgrade to her family’s 10-year-old boat and also sought one with creative flair. She discovered Bravada though a family member last summer and purchased a GT with amenities like a fire pit and hot tub on the third level.

But what really stands out about her experiences with Bravada goes beyond the water. Right around the time they were about to purchase the boat, Merrill’s daughter fell ill and needed an organ transplant. When Browning and Marshall found out, they invited Merrill’s family and 12 of her daughter's friends to their own personal luxury yacht “to give her one fun night before things got crazy,” as Merrill put it.

“I was inspired at how personable they were. They’ve been great through everything,” said Merrill, whose daughter has recovered.

Merrill lives in Santa Clara, Utah, and her yacht is anchored at Lake Powell. She appreciates not only the treatment she’s received from Bravada, but also the experiences that having a boat offer.

“If you have the means to have a second home, I think this is the very best possible investment you can make in your family or friends. You can spend a week without internet in the same space with the people you love,” she said.

Growing the company

When Gutierrez, Browning and Marshall moved into ownership roles, the original facility was located in west Phoenix. The last thing they wanted to do was move it, but they broke that rule.

“We realized the best thing we can do is create new energy, new flow for the company,” Gutierrez recalled.

They preferred to keep it west of Phoenix for the easy access to Lake Powell, where most of their yachts are ultimately docked. They opted to call Tolleson and a brand-new facility Bravada’s home.

“The motivation and morale of our team shot up. It was a much better work environment for the caliber of boats we’re building,” Gutierrez said. “It was the best decision we made.”

Since the transition, the employee base has quadrupled, Gutierrez said. Previously, the company’s most prosperous year had produced 12 boats, and so far the company is on track to double that in sales this year with slots already filling for next year, Gutierrez said.

They’ve delivered Bravadas to Lake Mead and are working on orders from clients in Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, Travis Lake in Texas and Navajo Lake in New Mexico. They plan to ship one to California this year as well.

What's coming up 

Many of Bravada’s clients are families familiar with Lake Powell and the house-boat world. Some may want to spend a couple of weeks every now and then on the lake. A number of clients are wealthy people wanting boats for parties, company outings or just a facet of their luxury lifestyle. One client purchased a Bravada specifically for a family reunion.

Following sea-worthy vessel guidelines to make their boats safer with better fuel efficiency and ample space has been vital to keeping Bravada’s edge in the industry, Gutierrez believes.

Implementing details and futuristic technology — like a rear camera that offers a 360-degree view when a boat is backing up — is part of that formula. That kind of technology is currently used for the jaw-dropping features that have become par for the course on Bravadas.

“It’s shock and awe with what you can do with these boats. When our buyers hear about the movie-theater concept, they’re pretty shocked. The sky’s the limit but a lot of buyers don’t realize what we can do until we introduce them to it,” Gutierrez said.

Currently, Gutierrez said the company is vetting a new technology that goes on the back of the GT. It’s slated to be introduced in May. Although he’s mum on the details, Gutierrez did offer this tease:

“Golfers are going to love it.”

Bravada Yachts

WHERE:   9310 W. Buckeye Road, Suite 200, Tolleson. 

EMPLOYEES: 40. 

INTERESTING STAT: 95 percent of boats sold in the U.S. are made in the U.S., according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

DETAILS: 602-233-2628, bravadayachts.com .

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Bravada’s New Direction

Back in June of 2017, three new owners took the helm at Bravada Yachts . Together, along with the rest of the team at Bravada, they’ve been working to shake up the industry with new designs and innovations not previously seen in the houseboating arena. As they’ve blazed this new path, they’ve met and overcome challenges, forming a close-knit company that values collaboration and creativity.

It all started a few years back when Aaron Browning bought a Bravada houseboat only to fall in love with the luxurious vessel. He loved the brand and could see its potential so when the former owner of Bravada called him asking if he wanted to buy the company, he knew he could take it to the next level. From there he brought his two partners in—Robert Gutierrez and Andrew Marshall—and together they formed the dream team.

Upward Expansion

Over the past year and a half as the new owners have settled into their positions, they’ve experienced some positive growth. Aaron explained that 2014 was one Bravada’s biggest years ever and that they exceeded its numbers last year, putting them leagues ahead of where they thought they’d be. “Boat sales are coming in even faster now,” added Aaron.

He predicts sales will skyrocket as boats start hitting the water, so the Bravada leadership is already looking at bigger facilities to accommodate the sales demands. They’re also doing more hiring. When they first bought the company there were only about 12 workers there full-ime and now they have about 70.

However, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Robert pointed out that the company has had its fair share of challenges and adjustments since he and his partners took over. Naturally, new leadership comes with changes and adjusting to a new rhythm. As a company that places a great deal of emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, the partners have worked hard to bring all the employees together to create a fun, happy work environment where everyone’s involved.

Getting Everybody On Board

When Houseboat magazine toured the factory in Tolleson , Ariz. , back in November, it was easy to see the camaraderie amongst the employees as they worked together, bustling about and deliberating. You could tell they trusted one another and were happy to be there, creating gorgeous houseboats.

It’s important to the owners that the employees work as a team and stay on the same page because they know if they work in a cohesive unit, they’ll create the best houseboats possible. That’s why they arrange a lot of activities for the workers so they can get to know each other and have a good time. In fact, the partners arranged a Lake Powell trip for the workers last September so they could experience houseboating on their end-products firsthand.

“It’s extremely helpful for morale,” explained Aaron, “and it’s helpful for the level of build we’re trying to accomplish. Actually getting the employees on the boats so they can see what the finished products look like on the water and so they can see how the customers use them is extremely helpful.”

You can only imagine what an awesome perk that was for the employees. When asked about the experience, Design Consultant Amanda Price could not express how awesome it was to stay on the Bravada houseboats and hang out with the rest of the team. Not only was it fun, but also educational because you can build boats all day long, but if you’ve never been on one, it’s harder to know the design elements that work. Knowing the end goal and what it’s like to stay on a houseboat proved to be quite helpful and it’s a tradition that Bravada plans to continue for their workers.

Bravada’s new designer David Weiss is also a strong advocate of teamwork. “I’m happy to play Lone Ranger,” shared David, “but I prefer to collaborate and bring people into the creative process because, to me, that’s one of the most fun aspects of creating boats: working with other people and sharing that journey.”

A New Direction

David’s been with the company for almost a year now and he’s a large part of the new direction Bravada is going in with their designs. He and the rest of the Bravada leadership feel like the houseboat industry is ready for some new flavors and experiences.

“We feel the houseboat industry has been stagnant for many years,” admitted Aaron. “There’s been very little innovation and very little modernization. We want to change that.”

Beyond that, the team wants to offer a more owner-centric vision. “We’re making the boats flexible enough to have the DNA of each owner,” described David. “It’s very apparent in not just the look and feel but also in the functionality of each vessel.”

With this spirit of customization, collaboration and creativity, David designs houseboats plans like none other, drawing inspiration from a variety of sources, insatiable when it comes to finding new angles. However, as aforementioned, he does not do it as a lone ranger. He’ll sit down with Aaron for hours (sometimes into the middle of the night) just going over new designs and shooting ideas back and forth, constantly refining the plans for individual houseboats.

David also confers with the rest of the staff, getting everybody on board and excited about future projects. “I like to turn everybody into co-conspirators,” laughed David.

One Foot In The Dream World

For David, inspiration always comes from a new place. If you take a look at his designs for the Atlas Series, he feels the most noticeable difference between their designs and the older designs in the Legacy Series is that there’s a much more organic approach to the aesthetics. Instead of sticking to straight lines in the design aspect, David prefers sweeping ones.

Having worked in the world of super yachts for about 15 years before joining the Bravada team, David brings that experience along with his proclivity for tearing down boundaries to the table. The results are gorgeous functional, almost futuristic-looking vessels.

“There’s a tension between the unrestricted organic vision that I’m able to bring,” mused David, “and then trying to ensure that these vessels are easily fabricated on the rapid pace with all the orders that we’ve got going.”

After all, he doesn’t want to give the team too much of a headache in trying to fabricate complicated designs, so he tries to get feedback on how to make things easier for the builders. David works closely with their engineering team to ensure fast build-ability which is a large piece of the puzzle.

“So dream big,” exclaimed David. “I keep one foot in the dream world and one foot in reality sort of approach to hopefully bring some real excitement. Combine that with whatever cup of coffee I’m having that morning and generally I’ll have a bunch of different ideas.” 

Built To Last

With that being said, not only are Bravada’s houseboats stunning to behold, but they are also insanely functional. Everything they’re doing is modernized and looks sophisticated while being built to last. Aaron and Robert explained that their boats are waterproof and fireproof—within reason of course—and they have taken great lengths to make sure their boats are next level.

When entering a Bravada, the first thing that catches your eye is the sheer size of the room.  Boasting 9-foot ceilings and vast windows on either side, the vessel is filled with natural light. The modern textured cabinetry and bold hardware stand out, as well as marbled Quartz countertops, waterfall island and sleek new Samsung appliances. Then, the electric fireplace and contemporary fixtures add warmth and style. 

Features such as underlit exotic stone, stainless steel Lutron switch plates and Western Windows Sliding glass doors show a new approach to houseboating. It’s a step up from a residential vibe, making these houseboats feel more like luxury hotels. Everything about them screams comfort and luxury with designer custom bedding and premium wall coverings that elevate the bedrooms, while the showers feature beautifully-executed custom masonry, LED mirrors and modern hardware. Bravada’s design team works together with owners to select everything from layouts to custom outdoor Sunbrella furnishings, artwork, fixtures and finishes.  

“We want our customers to feel this is not just a second home, but that it is truly a vacation,” said Amanda. “We want them to have all of the elements they are comfortable with and love with a touch of something new and luxurious.”

Stepping away from the traditional drywall/wood frame construction, Bravada has also introduced new materials to their build process. These materials are referred to as Class A1, which is defined with greater fire resistance, water resistance, mold and mildew resistance, and insect resistance, all while continuing to be people-safe. With these new innovations, the team at Bravada shows they are committed to continued research and development for a build that is stronger, safer, environmentally-friendly and longer-lasting.

The Dream Team

By merging creativity, functionality and passion, Bravada has begun to turn the traditional idea of houseboating on its head, and they’re already off to a great start with orders lining out the door. It’s not everyday you find as well-rounded a team as the leadership at Bravada since each partner brings very different skill-sets and experiences to the table.

“It’s a fantastic team,” intoned David, “and it’s a very multi-faceted team if you look at the partners of Aaron and then Robert and Andrew. I’ve worked with a lot of different boat builders over the years, both in the United States and Europe , and these guys epitomize the cross-disciplinary approach to business.”

Whether it be designing new, out-of-this-world houseboats or team-building, the partners’ passion is apparent in all they do. Together, they’ve begun something great that will doubtless rock the houseboat industry to its core.

For more information, check out www.bravadayachts.com .

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45m BRAVADO

Description

Featuring accommodations for 10 to 12 people (owner and guests plus 7 crewmembers), the 500 GRT limit for final dimensions were the principal premises for the luxury 44.90m, steel twin-screw, diesel motor yacht for an American owner which the yard delivered at end of July 2004

Abeking & Rasmussen turned over the yacht to the owner one week prior to the contracted date, as he wished to reach Athens in time for the Olympic Games. Before sailing to the Mediterranean, BRAVADO took a short Baltic Sea cruise.

Built to highest standards for worldwide cruising, following the rules of Lloyd’s SSC to obtain the 100A1 notation, Yacht, Mono, G6, LMC, the yacht has been designed for one-compartment free-flooding damage stability criteria, to meet the IMO-criteria for intact stability and according to the requirements of MCA for registration in the United Kingdom or Red Ensign Flag Administration as commercial motor vessel carrying not more than 12 passengers.

As usual, Abeking & Rasmussen paid special attention to noise reduction and great sea keeping characteristics. The accommodation is laid out over four decks: lower deck, main deck, boat deck and sundeck.

BRAVADO has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, 6 watertight bulkheads and double bottom tanks for fuel, freshwater, sanitary sump, sewage water, clean and dirty luboil.

Caterpillar supplied the two main engines type 3508 B with 1000 bhp each. The propeller shafts are bathed in a special oil, via a stern tube at hull penetration, with water lubricated rubber bearings at the shaft struts. They are driving five-bladed bronze propellers.

BRAVADO has two 105 kW Caterpillar 3304 B diesel generators sets with 120/208 V, 3 phase, 60 cycles, both flexible mounted with sound insulation.

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