For a small company of seasoned veterans, Sea Force IX has many surprising innovations. The “Global Observer Bow” is by far the most innovative idea from a company that routinely stretches the modern Sport Yacht industry.

As most of our innovations are conceived, this idea started on the sketch pad of Ron Rookstool, President of Sea Force IX. His vast years of experience on the open water has bread an appreciation for the sea and the beauty therein. He visualized a place where the ocean could be directly viewed in the safety and comfort of a Force IX Global Yacht. A kind of an observation bulbous bow.

Traditional bulbous bows are found on large ships and yachts that run at “displacement” speeds. The challenge was to incorporate a “bulbous type bow” on a performance hull without affecting the planning performance. The Sea Force IX engineering department accepted the challenge and developed the “Performance Bulb”. The actual hull form is completed and the next step will be a model tank test at Stevens Institute in Hoboken, New Jersey.
Parallel to the performance challenge is the observation feature which will incorporate formed glass viewing windows set in the hull that will meet all class regulations for structure. This aspect is being developed by a well renowned marine naval architect and structures expert.

Clearing these two hurdles only leaves the comfort details. There will be two seats in tandem at the observation level, much like a two seat fighter jet. Access will be via a set of “basement” steps and a watertight submarine door. The area will be air conditioned with redundant safety systems and scuba type emergency air supply systems. Exterior lights will provide night time illumination and attract marine life. Other features like hull mounted cameras and a monitor are being considered.

“Old Dogs With New Tricks”