Doug Zurn designed Duffield 58 launched by Duffield yachts

Two years in conception and build time have produced a remarkable 58-foot power cruiser, the Duffield 58. Designed by Doug Zurn of Zurn Yacht Design, based in Marblehead, Massachusetts, and built by Duffield Yachts of Newport Beach, California, the Duffield 58 is undergoing sea trials in preparation for her public debut at the Newport Boat Show, April 27-30 at Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach, California.

Marshall “Duffy” Duffield, who owns the Duffy Electric Boat Co., came to Zurn with a vision of improving on the iconic west coast-style of ocean-going trawlers. A native of Newport Beach, CA, Duffield has spent years cruising aboard his family’s trawler so took that base knowledge and incorporated his desire for a quieter and more energy efficient example of the type. “I wanted a traditional-looking boat that was proportionally correct and would still perform well while using much less fuel,” Duffield said. “Doug’s designs ‘looked right’ to me and he emphasizes using modern, advanced composite materials for fast comfortable cruising and fuel savings.”

DUFFIELD 58 KEY FACTORS

While electric propulsion was considered in the early stages but proved cost prohibitive the drive to keep the 58 as quite as possible was a key factor in the design process. The engine is soft-mounted aft, out from under the main saloon, which allowed the design and build team to keep decibel levels in the cabin areas comparable to those of today’s finest luxury automobiles.

Performance, efficiency and simplicity for maintenance, resulted in choosing a single engine for the Duffield. “With the single engine’s power transmitted through a Seatorque Control Boss Enclosed Shaft System we increased efficiencies with less drag and only one power plant to maintain,” Zurn said. “A fuel polishing system will maintain fuel quality and the option for electric ‘take me home’ auxiliary power is available.”

Stability in motion and at rest is another key factor of the Duffield 58.

“Already stable in her own right with a low VCG relative to similar designs, Sea Keeper is provided as standard equipment to keep rolling to a minimum at slower speeds and while moored off the coast of Santa Catalina Island, according to Zurn. “Coupled with Humphree Interceptors ACTIVE ride control for planing speed stability, the Duffield 58 has the best of both worlds for the ultimate in ride comfort.”

The Duffield 58 stands out from the crowd with speed (27 knot max/18 knot cruise) fuel economy (29 gal/hr at cruise) easy handling (single joystick control) and simple effective systems. Her shallow draft allows her to sneak into the shallowest harbors and bays and her 16-foot beam opens nearly any marina slip for use, a rarity with a boat of this length.

DUFFIELD 58 INTERIOR

The interior is LED lit and centers around the open-plan galley and sitting area in the main saloon with 360-degree views. The center line helm with more than enough room for instrumentation is incorporated into the forward portion of this space giving the helms-person unsurpassed site lines. Moving aft leads to a comfortable and sorted aft cockpit while the sleeping accommodations are forward. In the bow, the master stateroom’s island queen berth has easy access from both sides while the roomy en-suite head incorporates a separate shower. To port is a second cabin with queen-sized berth and en-suite head while to starboard is a flexible space that could be used for storage, a crew cabin, or a wonderful kids cabin.

“My idea of a great yacht is one that is simple,” says Marshall “Duffy” Duffield. “It’s too easy to over-engineer, much harder to simplify. Keeping the 58’s systems less complicated and very accessible was paramount. Unfortunately, hardware and mechanical devices can eventually be troublesome, so the fewer systems the better.”

The Duffield 58 is simplicity at its best while creating an exceptional environment for those on passage. With easy access for maintaining systems, high-end construction quality throughout, and efficiency born of lightweight, creative design and careful planning, the passages will be long and comfortable.