THOMASTON, MAINE: A Spirit of Tradition show-stopper, the Hood 57 by Lyman-Morse is a head-turning elegant Classic Express yacht launched in October 2020. Chris Hood developed the yacht’s original design and concept and brought in Stephens Waring Yacht Design for their sharp and focused design pedigree, then brought the project to the world-renowned Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding Company for its execution of master-class craftsmanship. “Lyman-Morse has been working with the Hood family since we got into the business in 1978, and having recently finished Anna, another highly engineered build from Stephens Waring Yacht Design, Chris Hood knew we were up and running on what he wanted to do in terms of building this new powerboat,” said Drew Lyman, president of Lyman-Morse.
The owner outlined the Hood 57 LM’s mission simply: pure enjoyment and lifestyle on the water. The yacht is easily handled and can be docked single-handed; with the feel of luxury car performance and top speeds of 37.5 knots and cruise at 32 knots– all within the comforts of the plush interior and its 360˚ views. It is perfect for weekend cruising and entertaining. The Hood 57 LM features custom-designed, bead-blasted, stainless-steel hardware, including a spiral stairway leading to the flybridge. These elements were constructed at Lyman-Morse Fabrication. The yacht’s unique open-format cockpit, providing direct access to the water and dock, and well-founded accommodations for four will ensure fun times on the water for family and friends.
Distinctive form meets function throughout. “With every project we look for a design element that will separate the project from the rest of the market,” said Paul Waring of Stephens Waring Yacht Design. “In this case it is the cabin trunk. That line is echoed in the flybridge coaming, the bowrail, and aft windows.” It’s not the only feature harkening back to the early 60s powerboats. The Corvina Red custom Awlgrip hull color is eye-catching without being flashy.
“Project development with this owner was great fun,” said Chris Hood, who spearheaded the project. “He is a car guy, with a serious eye to sharp design. He also wanted a thoroughly modern yacht in terms of functionality. For instance, the windows are push-button, drop-down units. The aft table is a three-in-one, DaVinci-esque mechanism – a sun bed raises to a cocktail table which then raises to dining height. Electronics are state of the art intuitiveness. Everything you need to monitor is at your fingertips.”
The owner requested a forward seating area and the Hood team felt is should have the feel of an antique car’s rumble seat. Stephens Waring Yacht Design came up with an elegant way for it to appear from the flush deck.
Underway, the twin Volvo IPS 1350 pod drives will deliver speed and maneuverability for smooth owner-operation in any setting. And what about that transom? The transom’s varnished teak grates exhaust heat and noise from the engine room in its wake. And what about access to systems and engines? Chris Hood is a big fan of ease of access and made sure the separate systems room which can be entered through a hatch in the main saloon, will be a joy to work in. As for the engine room, basically the entire cockpit, is hinged and raised to expose the Volvo IPS in their entirety.
The interior accommodates 4 overnight guests. Painted raised panels in the cabins, with fabric headboards provide plush comfort. Granite sinks with mother of pearl inlay, basketweave tiles, towel warmers, and softer than a cloud bedding, will envelop overnight guests in pleasure. In the shared areas, the look is modernized Americana. Pewter counter tops, snappy checked flooring pop the galley. Custom designed leather furniture and molded dash show the expertise of Alfred’s Upholstery & Co. of Alfred, Maine.
Inside and out the Hood 57 LM is a timeless masterpiece for all time. For those looking for something a bit smaller, Chris Hood has partnered with Lyman-Morse to build the Hood 35 LM. Hull #1 is currently under construction in Thomaston, Maine.
About Lyman-Morse: Celebrating 42 years in business and drawing on a 200-year tradition of shipbuilding and fine craftsmanship in Thomaston, Maine, Lyman-Morse has become one of the world’s finest custom and semi-custom builder of, and service provider for, sailing and motor yachts. A family run business, Lyman-Morse specializes in wood composites, advanced composites, and aluminum construction. Discriminating owners, world-class naval architects, and designers all come to Lyman-Morse knowing that they are expert in any medium and are able to deliver dreams on time and on budget. Since the boatyard’s founding in 1978, more than 120 yachts have been sent down the St. George River, ranging in scope from carbon fiber catamarans and traditional sailing sloops to not-so traditional carbon racing monohulls, stately motor yachts and sportfish powerboats, to sporty jet boats and daysailers.
About C.W. Hood Yachts: For years now, C.W. Hood Yachts has continued the tradition and ongoing heritage of offering superb designs, finely executed builds and fastidious service. With an eye for beauty and hull forms that outperform all others, our award winning vessels both power and sail, are instantly recognizable as Best in Class.
About Stephens Waring Yacht Design: Stephens Waring Yacht Design is a naval architecture and engineering firm located in Belfast, Maine. Their work in Spirit of Tradition sailing and motor yachts is widely recognized — designs that blend the best of classic yacht architecture with the latest in construction process and performance technology. They have built a pedigree for unforgettably elegant, one-of-a-kind yachts that turn heads and test the boundaries for how one thinks of today’s watercraft. Their team brings fresh and exciting ideas to yacht design—a vision that melds beauty and distinction with practical functionality and high performance.