When it comes to luxury experiences, automation is no longer confined to high-end, land-bound residences, especially for coastal integrators who work on ‘smart yachts.’ For this project, Miami-based Hemag Inc., extended their expertise to the open waters by designing and installing a fully integrated URC automation system on a Crescent Custom Yacht.
This 135-foot (41-meter) Crescent luxury yacht charts entertainment and control experiences on par with today’s smart homes while ensuring convenient operation across multiple zones.
The result is a state-of-the-art smart yacht that blends high-fidelity AV distribution and intuitive controls into a single, fluid experience, according to the integrator. Hemag’s approach ensures that the owner and guests can enjoy sophisticated yet effortless control over every aspect of the vessel’s technology.
Bringing Indoors Intelligence to Marine Installs
Built to meet the stringent standards of ABS or Lloyds Register classification, the composite-constructed Crescent 135 exemplifies quality and luxury. Equation features exterior design and naval architecture by Jack Sarin Naval Architects, and interior design by Robin Rose & Associates.
For the owner of this smart yacht, convenience and top-tier entertainment were paramount. Hemag was tasked with designing and installing a system that would match the luxury of a high-end smart home, tailored for the complexities of a marine environment, without disrupting the sleek aesthetic of the yacht.
Hemag decked out the Crescent with audio indoors and out. (Photo/URC)
Leveraging URC’s MRX-30 controller, Hemag designed and installed an intuitive yet powerful command center that grants users complete control over the smart yacht’s systems.
This flagship processor integrates with TDC-5100 and TRC-1480 remotes, ensuring ease of use throughout the yacht. Whether lounging in the salon or enjoying the sea breeze on the aft deck, the owner and guests can access their favorite entertainment options with a button tap.
A Multiroom Entertainment Haven on Board
Hemag deployed a comprehensive multiroom audio system employing URC’s HDA-8100 and HDA-1600 (70-volt) amplifiers.
This setup delivers immersive, high-fidelity sound across all major zones of the Crescent smart yacht, from the main deck to the private cabins, with no lag and no delay, according to Hemag Vice President Henley Garcia.
For video distribution, Hemag incorporated AVPro Edge’s MXNet 10G platform, allowing content from 10 video sources to be routed to eight displays.
Inside, guests can use a URC interface to select scenes, music, video, and more. (Photo/URC)
Guests can have independent viewing experiences or synchronize displays for a unified entertainment ambiance, whether it’s watching a movie in the master cabin or catching a game in the outdoor lounge.
High-Performance Audio Across Every Deck
To complement the video setup, Hemag integrated an Autonomic MMS-5E and WiiM Pro Plus, enabling access to an array of streaming services.
The MMS-5E music streamer offers high-resolution multiroom audio with compatibility for major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. The system allows guests to easily create personalized playlists, sync music across different zones, or enjoy distinct audio selections in separate areas of the smart yacht, Garcia notes.
Hemag strategically placed nine high-performance speakers and a subwoofer in both the Aft Deck and Boat Deck zones. These areas, often the focal points of social gatherings and relaxation, now offer an immersive soundscape for any occasion, Garcia says.
Hemag designed the multiroom AV for seamless transitions wherever guests want to go; the music plays on in sync. (Photo/URC)
“Within the system, we designed a scene called Party Mode using URC Total Control that creates a unique multi-sensory experience by linking the aft deck, sky deck, boat deck and bow with a single touch or voice command,” he explains.
“Blending the latest technology in luxury spaces is core to our business and this is an excellent installation to showcase unique features and seamless automation.”
Additionally, Hemag ensured that audio across indoor and outdoor spaces remained synchronized when needed, creating a seamless transition from one space to another.
Super Yacht Includes Other Hemag Professional Touches
Beyond entertainment, Hemag implemented automation solutions to enhance the yacht’s overall convenience and luxury. One of the most innovative features is the automated TV lift system, installed in both the salon and master cabin.
At the press of a button, the TV rises from its concealed space, synced with the activation of Apple TV or DirecTV. As the display emerges, the surround-sound system activates, creating an instant home theater experience — even far out in the ocean.
Besides media control. Hemag’s expertly programmed system affords intuitive control over lighting, climate, and security, ensuring the yacht remains as comfortable as it is cutting-edge.
The equipment rack for the URC and other gear is impressive and tidy. (Photo/URC)
The project stands as a testament to Hemag Inc.’s ability to push the boundaries of smart automation.
For the yacht owner, who previously had no music onboard, the transformation was remarkable, Garcia reports. Now, he remarks, every moment at sea is accompanied by immersive audio, intuitive control, and effortless entertainment.
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