Pacific Powerboat July August 2021

MERCURY DEALER OF THE YE AR

GULFLAND

(NZ & AUSTRALIA)

BONUS RIB 2021 ANNUAL

P A C I F I C

MARINE

Mercury & MerCruiser Diamond Advan fied Workshop tage + Dealer MerCruiser . Mercury CertiCertified Works ho . MerCruiser Diesel Dealer Mercury

Dealer of year South Pacifi Australia, New c Zealand

(The only New

Zealand Comp

any in history

and the

to ever receiv Mercury New e this award Zealand Deale ) Stabicraft Alloy r of the year Boats. Stabic 2017, 2018 CSB Hunts raft’s larges & 2019 man, Larson t dealer 2017 & Seaswirl and 2018 Fiberglass boats Mercu ry Inflatable

HUGE STO

CK SHORTAG So get your orde ES WORLDWIDE… r in now, to avoid disappointment

Your local aut Mercury Spe horised cialist NEW V8 AND V6 MERCU RY 4 STROKES IN STOCK AND ON SPECIA L !!

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THE 100 % RIB MAG

A REAL RIB TEST

AZIN E ISSU E 7 - 2021 ANN UAL

MERCURY POR LIGHTWEIGHT TABLES. AND BUIL Mercury’s Portab les range provide T TO LAST. you

the power that can carry, run horsepower optionsand depend on. With twelve ranging from these compact units punch well 2.5hp to 30hp, above their weight .

HIG HFI ELD 5.4 PAT ROL CEN TRE CON SOL E

While stocks

last. Subject to availability at the time of purchase

A CEN TU RY OF PR OG RE SS

Your local autho Mercury Speci rised alist

DB807

JULY / AUGUST 2021

A BUY ERS GUID E TO CAB IN & CON SOLE RIBS

YOUR NZ AUTH ORIS MERCURY SPEC ED IALIST

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671 Whangapa raoa Road Phone: 09 , Whangapa 424 5556 raoa, North | Fax: 09 Auck 424 1948 | Email: craig land, New Zealand @gulfland marine.co. nz

www.gulfla

T R A I L E R B O AT S | L A U N C H E S | C R U I S E R S W W W. P O W E R B OATMAGA ZI NE.CO.NZ

FATCAT 5000 I RIVIERA 645 SUV I CROWNLINE E275XS I HIGHFIELD 5.4 PATROL I SEAWOLF 14.9 SPORTFISHER I PROWLER 10.8 SPORTFISHER LAMONT T430 JET TENDER I SOUTHERN PACIFIC PRODIGY 490

BOWRIDER REDEFINED CROWNLINE E275XS

JET RIB S REV IEW ED

ndmarine.c

o.nz

SOUT HERN

PACI FIC PROD IGY

490

LAM ONT

Power boatM

agazin e.co.nz

T430 JET TEND ER

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119

RACER PROFILE

WARWICK LUPTON BUYERS GUIDE TO RIBS

Also Reviewed

JULY / AUGUST 2021

$10.00 INCL GST

FATCAT 5000 RIVIERA 645 SUV HIGHFIELD 5.4 PATROL SEAWOLF 14.9 SPORTFISHER

SOUTHERN PACIFIC PRODIGY 490 LAMONT T430 JET TENDER PowerboatMagazine.co.nz | 1 PROWLER 10.8 SPORTFISHER

S600 A LL NE W S600.

A LIF E W ITHOUT LIMITS. The all new Maritimo S600 is part of the new offshore series that fuses the latest advancements in nautical technology and design to produce a motor yacht that creates a life without limits. The remarkable new offshore cockpit with enclosed transom makes the S600 ideal for those fishing enthusiasts or any that embrace the encapsulated deck space with solid separation to the sea. The Offshore Series exemplifies everything that the Maritimo brand stands for – long range cruising capability, industry defining performance and economy, offshore seaworthiness and high levels of construction integrity. COMING 2021. maritimo.com.au

C O N T E N T S ISSUE 60

Reviews 52

SEAWOLF – LOMOCEAN 14.9M

80

102

142

94

132

146

PROWLER 10.8 SPORTFISHER

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CROWNLINE E275XS

FATCAT 5000 POWERCAT

RIVIERA 645 SUV

LAMONT T430 JET TENDER

HIGHFIELD 5.4M PATROL RIB

SOUTHERN PACIFIC PRODIGY 490

Features 58

119

RACER PROFILE – WARWICK LUPTON

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NAIADS BACK TO NATURE

2021 RIB ANNUAL

Power & Passion are two words that sum up two time UIM GP World Champion Warwick Lupton.

MERCURY DEALER

All the latest reviews and stories from the world of inflatable boats.

We explore the Kaituna River in four Naiads and discover a hidden gem.

P A C I F I C

OF THE YEAR (NZ & AUSTRALIA)

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GULFLAND MARINE Mercury & MerCruiser Diamond Advantage + Dealer. Mercury Certified Workshop MerCruiser Certified Worksho . MerCruiser Diesel Dealer

Mercury Dealer of year Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific

OUTBOARDS FOR BIG BOATS

(The only New Zealand Company in history to ever receive this award)

Mercury New Zealand Dealer of the year 2017, 2018 & 2019

HUGE STOCK SHORTAGES WORLDWIDE…

A REAL RIB TEST

THE 100% RIB MAGAZINE

ISSUE 7 - 2021 ANNUAL

So get your order in now, to avoid disappointment !

HIGHFIELD 5.4 PATROL CENTRE CONSOLE

MERCURY PORTABLES. LIGHTWEIGHT AND BUILT TO LAST. Mercury’s Portables range provide the power that you can carry, run and depend on. With twelve horsepower options ranging from 2.5hp to 30hp, these compact units punch well above their weight.

86

Your local authorised Mercury Specialist

TURBOS 101

NEW V8 AND V6 MERCURY

4 STROKES IN STOCK AND ON SPECIAL !!

Your local authorised Mercury Specialist

2

JET RIBS REVIEWED

DB807

671 Whangaparaoa Road, Whangaparaoa, North Auckland, New Zealand Phone: 09 424 5556 | Fax: 09 424 1948 | Email: craig@gulflandmarine.co.nz

98

TOW REVIEW – HYUNDAI SANTA FE

Doug Dukeson returns to the Hyundai Sante Fe after ten years and was super impressed with the latest model.

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ALTUS LOCAL INNOVATION AWARD WINNERS

Awards co-judge Ron Czerniak takes a look at this year’s local entrants in the 2021 Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show Altus Innovation Awards.

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SOUTHERN PACIFIC PRODIGY 490

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119

LAMONT T430 JET TENDER

122

TAKACAT RELEASE NEW

T460LX The T460LX is the newest addition to the Takacat range of portable inflatable catamarans and, at 4.6m, is their largest model to date.

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HISTORY OF THE RIB

It’s more than 100 years since the first ‘pneumatic’ boat was launched in Germany. We look at their development and what’s available today in console and cabin variants.

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

THE 100% RIB MAGAZINE

A REAL RIB TEST HIGHFIELD

ISSUE 7 - 2021 ANNUAL

range provide you can carry, the power that run horsepower optionsand depend on. With twelve ranging from these compact units punch well 2.5hp to 30hp, above their weight.

last. Subject to availability at the time of purchase

A BUYERS GUIDE TO CABIN & CONSOLE RIBS

When was the last time you serviced your turbo? Maybe it’s time. Check www.gulflandmarine.co.nz your boost pressure to find out. Text

by Mike Smith.

!

MERCURY PORTABLES. LIGHTWEIGHT Mercury’s Portables AND BUILT TO LAST.

5.4 PATROL CENTRE CONSOLE

While stocks

A CENTURY OF PROGRESS

YOUR NZ AUTHORISED MERCURY SPECIALIST

P A C I F I C

MARINE

Mercury & MerCruiser Diamond Advantage fied Workshop + Dealer. Mercury MerCruiser Certified Worksho Certi. MerCruiser

Diesel Dealer Mercury Dealer of year Australia, South Pacific New Zealand

(The only New and the Zealand Company in history to ever receive Mercury New this award) Zealand Dealer Stabicraft Alloy of the year 2017, 2018 CSB Huntsman, Boats. Stabicraft’s largest & 2019 Larson & Seaswirl dealer 2017 and 2018 Fiberglass boats Mercury Inflatable

HUGE STOCK

So get your order SHORTAGES WORLDWIDE… in now, to avoid disappointment

Your local authorised Mercury Specialist

FATCAT 5000 I RIVIERA 645 SUV I CROWNLINE E275XS I HIGHFIELD 5.4 PATROL I SEAWOLF 14.9 SPORTFISHER I PROWLER 10.8 SPORTFISHER LAMONT T430 JET TENDER I SOUTHERN PACIFIC PRODIGY 490

While stocks last. Subject to availability at the time of purchase

MERCURY DEALER OF THE YEAR (NZ & AUSTRALIA)

GULFLAND

BONUS RIB 2021 ANNUAL

JULY / AUGUST 2021

With the advent of the new generation Your local authorised Specialist ofMercury larger and more fuel-efficient V8 AND outboards,V6NEWtheir suitability for noneMERCURY 4 STROKES IN trailerable STOCK boats AND has never been ON SPECIAL !! better.

YOUR NZ AUTHORISED MERCURY SPECIALIST

DB807

Stabicraft Alloy Boats. Stabicraft’s largest dealer 2017 and 2018 CSB Huntsman, Larson & Seaswirl Fiberglass boats Mercury Inflatable

A CENTURY OF PROGRESS

A BUYERS GUIDE TO CABIN & CONSOLE RIBS

2

671 Whangaparaoa Road, Whangaparaoa, Phone: 09 424 5556 | Fax: 09 North Auckland, 424 1948 New Zealand | Email: craig@gulflandmar ine.co.nz

JET RIBS REVIEWED

www.gulflandma

rine.co.nz

T R A I L E R B O AT S | L A U N C H E S | C R U I S E R S WWW.POWERBOATMAGAZINE.CO.NZ

SOUTHERN

BOWRIDER REDEFINED

PACIFIC PRODIGY

490

LAMONT

PowerboatMagazine.co.nz

T430 JET TENDER

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119

RACER PROFILE

CROWNLINE E275XS

WARWICK LUPTON BUYERS GUIDE TO RIBS

Also Reviewed

JULY / AUGUST 2021

$10.00 INCL GST

FATCAT 5000 RIVIERA 645 SUV HIGHFIELD 5.4 PATROL SEAWOLF 14.9 SPORTFISHER

SOUTHERN PACIFIC PRODIGY 490 LAMONT T430 JET TENDER PowerboatMagazine.co.nz | 1 PROWLER 10.8 SPORTFISHER

COVER CROWNLINE E275XS SEE PAGE 102

Regulars 6

DESIGN FOCUS

The Saxdor 320 GTO is a boat that makes waves with style.

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LEADING COMMENT

Dag Pike - Passing of an old mate.

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Marine HEAVY DUTY COMMERCIAL & RECREATIONAL ENGINES Commercial Use

PUBLISHER’S COMMENT

ALL NEW

EV Tow Vehicles

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GUEST COMMENT

Ron Czerniak, marine consultant and co-judge of the Altus Innovation Awards.

14

G7 Diesel Power: 300-350 hp | Torque: 1079 Nm

SEEN & ADMIRED

Blue Diamond 680HT & Sabre 48.

18

NEWS

News. New products, boats and events.

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L13 Diesel Power: 500-700 hp | Torque: 2275-2403 Nm

POWER ON

New outboards and gyros.

42

ROGER’S RAMBLINGS Boats made from wool.

44

ELECTRONICS NEWS

H10 Diesel Power: 380-410 hp | Torque: 1667 Nm

Recreational Use

Hot new products from some of the world’s leading brands.

46

CRUISING MATTERS Enjoy your winter cruising.

48

STRAIGHT FROM THE GALLEY. Derek The Chef prepares Grilled Hapuka.

S270 V6 Diesel Power: 270 hp | Torque: 565 Nm

48

DUNCAN ON FISHING Winter fishing.

112

FLETCH’S TIPS

Aaron Fletcher shares his tips learned after years of getting it right and getting it wrong.

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WHAT IS THE QUESTION?

R200 Series Diesel Power: 200 hp | Torque: 440 Nm Call us today on 0800 498 632 or visit us at hyundaimarine.co.nz

Phil Gilbert looks at waterboarding.

PowerboatMagazine.co.nz

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DESIGN FOCUS: SAXDOR 320 GTO

MAKING WAVES

WITH STYLE Seen at the recent SCIBS, the new Saxdor sport boats attracted a lot of attention on the Adventure Boats Company stand.

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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

“I have always admired Italian design, American functionality, German quality, and French pricing. With the 320, the aim is to incorporate these attributes and combine them with the Scandinavian way of boating.”

S

AXDOR 320 GTO is the second model in a new range from the Finnish company Saxdor Yachts.

There will be three separate models on the 32ft platform. All three versions share exquisite design, fast, powerful outboard performance and a refined, economical hull shape. Maximum power will be twin 300hp Mercurys while the single V8 engine with 300hp is estimated to have a 38-knot top speed with cruising speed close to 30 knots. With twin 300hp outboards, will achieve a top speed of well over 50 knots with an optimum cruising band between 20 and 40 knots. Sakari Mattila, founder of Saxdor Yachts says: “I have always admired Italian design, American functionality, German quality, and French pricing. With the

320, the aim is to incorporate these attributes and combine them with the Scandinavian way of boating.”

The 320 is modern, sexy and sporty but has a high level of comfort and convenience at its heart, with practical deck spaces and a spacious double cabin with separate toilet.

Despite featuring, as standard, options you would expect to find on larger craft, including opening side terraces, an aft sun pad with sliding backrest, wetbar, subtly integrated hand rails and fixed side wings for easy boarding, the 320 demonstrates exceptional value for money.

The versatility of the cockpit is a stand out feature. The opening side terraces create an unbeatable connection to the water and the sunpad with

sliding backrest ensures this area is equally comfortable whether carrying guests at high speed or relaxing when the boat is at rest. The beautifully integrated T-top provides shelter over the wet bar and helm area, which is protected by a sleek wraparound windscreen. Sunshades fore and aft provide shelter from the sun if required.

At the bow, a sunpad and bench provide more relaxation space for guests and an integrated anchor and windlass ensure the lines aren’t disturbed by the boat’s hardware.

Saxdor’s headquarter is located in Helsinki, Finland, with their production shipyard located in Elk, Poland. adventureboats.com.au PowerboatMagazine.co.nz

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EDITOR'S NOTE with Barry Thompson

PACIFIC

PUBLISHER D&B Publishing Ltd EDITORIAL Barry Thompson, Editor DDI: +64 (0)9 428 2086 Mob: +64 (0)21 777 355 email: barry@boatmags.com CONTRIBUTORS Doug Dukeson, Freddy Foote, Bruce Duncan, Derek the Chef, Laurie Cranfield, Mike Rose, Phil Gilbert, Aaron Fletcher ADVERTISING New Zealand & Australia Doug Dukeson DDI: +64 (0)9 428 2328 Mob: +64 (0)21 772 202 email: doug@boatmags.com Alex Ram DDI: +64 (0)9 428 7277 Mob: +64 (0)21 0286 5298 email: alex@boatmags.com PRODUCTION Design & Prepress: Annabelle Rose Design Mob: +64 (0)27 427 4559 email: design@annabellerose.co.nz Printer: PMP Limited WEBSITE Stealth Media Ltd Gustav Wentzel info@stealthmedialtd.co.nz +64 21 0201949 ACCOUNTS Soraja Thompson Tel: +64 (0)9 428 2086 email: accounts@boatmags.com CIRCULATION Gordon & Gotch Ltd SUBSCRIPTIONS Printed & Digital subs@boatmags.com Pacific PowerBoat is published bi-monthly January, March, May, July, September, November REGISTERED OFFICE 14 Glamis Ave, Manly, Whangaparaoa, Auckland, New Zealand. email: barry@boatmags.com www.powerboatmagazine.co.nz Postal Address: PO Box 132 Whangaparaoa, Auckland 0930, New Zealand.

All rights reserved. Reprinting in whole or part is expressly forbidden, except by written permission of the publisher.

Printed in New Zealand ISSN 2230-4134 (Printed) ISSN 2230-4142 (Online)

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THE PASSING OF A LEGEND

S

DAG PIKE | 1933 - 2021

EASONED SEAMAN, navigator and marine journalist Dag Pike, who wrote for this and many other publications for decades, has passed away, aged 88.

I first met Dag in the UK when racing in Guernsey and always kept in touch as we both had a love of offshore powerboat racing and fast boats. He stayed with me when he visited New Zealand many years ago and was one of the most affable people I have ever met. I last spoke to Dag on email about 6 months ago when we discussed him writing a technical article on diesel outboards. Unfortunately, that never eventuated, but for all the great times we had together -although few- and the articles you wrote for me, a deep thanks.

With over 65 years’ experience in ships, sail and power boats and the author of more than 40 nautical books, Dag was one of the UK’s most respected seamen.

He was perhaps best known for his record-breaking Atlantic crossing with Sir Richard Branson and Sir Chay Blyth on Virgin Atlantic Challenger II in 1986.

Dag was the navigator onboard the successful 1986 attempt and was involved in the failed 1985 attempt, which saw Virgin Atlantic Challenger I sink just hours from the finish line at the Bishop Rock Lighthouse off the Isles of Scilly. Pike was navigator on Richard Branson’s 1986 record-breaking Atlantic crossing, completing the journey in just over 82 hours.

Dag participated in several long-distance record attempts, including six Atlantic record attempts, and was involved in the design of cockpits and dashboards for high-speed boats.

In 1964 he was involved in designing and building the first RIB. Dag once said to me he was the most rescued person he knew, having in total being rescued from sea 13 times – including during another Atlantic record attempt in 1989 aboard Peter Phillips’ 80ft catamaran Chaffoteaux Challenger.

“It’s not a record I’m particularly proud of but when you try to push the boundaries of what seems possible, you don’t know where the limits are until you find them.

When I first went to sea in 1950, navigation was still basic and the risks were considerably higher. However, I am still alive after being rescued 13 times so I must be doing something right,” Dag once commented on his rescues.

In 1992, Dag was involved in the Destriero project, crossing the Atlantic Ocean aboard the 220ft motoryacht in a record time of 58 hours, 34 minutes and 5 seconds, at an average speed of 53.09 knots.

He won countless powerboat championships throughout his life. At the age of 75, Dag Pike showed no signs of slowing down, taking part and winning the 2008 Round Britain Offshore Powerboat Championship, racing in the Greekflagged Blue FPT. An accomplished author, Dag published his first book – Powerboats in Rough Seas – in 1974. He went on to write over 40 more titles ranging from navigation and disasters at sea to weather analysis and cruising guides.

He was a longtime contributor to Pacific MotorYacht, PowerBoat and Propeller magazines. Dag was 88 when he passed away. He leaves behind his wife, Cath.

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

THE ART OF FREEDOM… Introducing the SUV Collection from Riviera

T 210283

wo yachts in one. The power and open cockpit of our legendary Flybridge designs, perfectly crafted with the entertaining and cruising style of our internationally renowned Sport Yachts. Luxurious staterooms, designer bathrooms, the flowing inside-outside saloon and galley layout… the wonderful handcrafted touches and quality for which Riviera is so highly praised. Powering your dreams will be silky-smooth Volvo Penta IPS or MAN engines with simple joystick maneuverability and easy touch-screen navigation and control. • All backed by the peace of mind of Riviera’s global support and industry leading warranty program - 2 year Express, 7 year Structural and 5 year Volvo Penta and MAN Limited warranties. Nothing compares with owning a Riviera. Welcome to our SUV Collection.

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PUBLISHERS NOTE with Doug Dukeson

EV TOW VEHICLES WTF - DON’T GET ME STARTED!!!

DB214

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T WAS DISTURBING THIS WEEK to hear a politician ‘someone we trust to run our country’ recently suggesting that it is in ‘our best interest’ to discourage our 4x4’s and buy electric, in the interests of the planet. Mainly promoted through adding taxes to current 4x4 models (approx. + $3,000) and offering discount incentives (approx.

- $8,600) to electric vehicle (EV) purchases.

To pay for these EV discounts, the Government will tax newly imported vehicles with high emissions profiles - vehicles like utes, from January next year.

While I am all for protecting the environment I really struggle with someone telling hard working kiwis what they should buy and how much they are going to pay.

I understand there is a difference between ‘wanting’ a 4x4 and ‘needing’ one and if you are a farmer, tradesman, have a genuine reason, say the need to tow a good sized caravan or boat, then there is a need for such a vehicle.

I and many of my tradie mates and rural friends, have worked for 40 years plus, and it is my choice to drive whatever vehicle I want for work and as my lifestyle predicts. I don’t need a snotty little greenie telling me what I am to drive and forcing taxes upon us… especially when, if I have my facts right – the electric options right now are not all that great anyway Other considerations: Who is going to pay to keep the roads in good order if all the current fuel tax dries up. What is the actual environmental cost of a EV? I read recently about a study in Austria that found that an average mid-size EV must travel at least 219000kms before it has a lower carbon footprint than an equivalent internal combustion car. This seems crazy, as in Europe the average lifespan of a car is just 180000kms. Then comes the question, how are you to ‘kindly’ dispose of millions of kilos of EV battery waste?

In the recent droughts we have been faced with energy and water restrictions. So how will these ongoing occasions effect charging one’s EV ? Simple. Our Governments recent solution, we will burn coal to create the shortfall of energy. The latest data shows coal used for electricity had more than doubled from the previous quarter to nearly 430,000 tonnes. And due to our Governments current oil and gas exploration ban, coal comes to the rescue. But wait. This coal believe it or not, we had to buy and ship all the way from Indonesia.

Shipping all the way to our shores has its own environmental impact.

This importation of a foreign energy source also startles me, as believe it or not, we actually have a shit load of the stuff here that we could simply train from Huntly. But let’s not open that bag of worms.

There are a few SUV EV’s about currently, but I have never seen one towing a boat to the ramp. How are EV’s going to stack up and what is going to tow a 3,500kg rig. Eco-friendly utes are a way off being seen at our ramps, despite what politicians have thrown out there.

Motor Industry Association CEO, David Crawford recently made the comment that manufacturers of current popular makes of utes have confirmed they will not have electric utes coming to the market in the next 12 to 24 months.

One or two brands are working hard to get in a fully electric ute, but the expectation are plug-in hybrid (PHEV) utes might become more widely available by 2025 and full battery electric (BEV) utes after that.

This playing fast and loose with taxing the trades people, the farmers, people with larger families and recreational tow requirements is ridiculous.

I wonder how long will it be before these same ‘intellectuals’ might be making a decision that we should be running our boats on electricity. That’s a bloody loooooong extension lead or perhaps we should just go back to running our boats on the Governments preferred – coal.

Rant over Doug Dukeson Publisher

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O F F IC IA L D IS T RIBUTOR

GUEST COMMENT

PREMIER SHIPPING

Ron Czerniak marine industry stalwart and co-judge of the Hutchwilco New Zealand Altus Innovation Awards.

• Specialist Worldwide Shipping of Boats and Marine Equipment •

KIWI’S TAKING INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS TO THE WORLD

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Buy online culemarine.co.nz 12

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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

LTHOUGH IT MAY HAVE BECOME SOMEWHAT CLICHÉ, the old Kiwi saying; “Give a New Zealander a ‘Number 8’ piece of fencing wire, and she or he can make or fix just about anything”, is never closer to the truth than when it comes to, marine focused, New Zealand individuals or companies designing and/or making innovative nautical products to be sold locally, and indeed even more impressively, on the international stage.

As tradition goes, the phrase ‘number 8 wire‘ came to fruition in New Zealand to represent the can-do attitude, ingenuity and resourcefulness of Kiwis. We have a number 8 wire mentality that we can repair or create something out of scrap or whatever is available at the time. This mentality is rooted deep in the kiwi psyche. It is our ‘we can do it, no matter what we are given’ mentality.

Having been asked to be a judge at the Hutchwilco Boat Show Innovation Awards for the past several years, I never cease to be gobstruck by the fact this tin-pot little country of only 5 million people located on the remote antipodean surface of the planet is able to continually come up with so many innovative ideas. Not only come up with an idea, but actually acting on it and developing a marine product that is truly mind boggling in its brashness at times!

Innovation is simply a “new idea, device or method” and the term “innovation” is something original and more effective; and as a consequence, something new, that “breaks into” the market.

Innovation is novel, original, unique and different. This definition has been used in judging the submissions for the most innovative local (New Zealand) award since its inception at the annual NZ Hutchwilco Boat Show.

Consideration is also given to the expected impact on the marine industry of the entries, their suitability for intended purpose, the level of innovation, cost, ease of use or installation and environmental impact. The award honours our marine equipment designers, manufacturers and suppliers, who bring new, innovative products for the boating industry to market.

Over the past several decades the Kiwi ‘can do innovative attitude’ has shown itself in the marine industry. This year alone, five diverse local companies submitted entries for the Annual Innovation Award.

The diversity of ideas is exemplified by the various products that had been thought up and produced. Everything from a very expensive integrated wireless, multi-beam sonar in a portable unit to map the sea bottom from a small ship’s tender vessel to a relatively inexpensive product for fisher people to transport their valuable fishing rods safely and securely by plane, car or boat.

Previous year’s entrants included a wide range of “thinking outside the square” products. Such as the Coast Guard New Zealand App developed with the express reason of making Trip Reports easier for every boater who has a Smart Phone – meaning just about everyone these days! At a cost of less than the price of a cup of coffee, boating safety becomes priceless. Then there was the Fusion Apollo Marine Stereo, the first touchscreen marine stereo with built in Wi-Fi incorporating revolutionary technology and unique design. The same year, the runner up product was the inexpensive Blackbow multi-hook (“Sabiki”) bait fishing rig, which any angler would be happy to include in their tackle box. The local list goes on with products such as the Blue ROV2 Underwater vehicle, the XOS Walkthrough Windscreen, the BEP Contact 6 electrical system and Glowbite fishing lures.

But what about the future? All these wonderfully ingenious products will be for nought if we don’t have vibrant, unpolluted and prolific marine life oceans and lakes on which to enjoy our recreational boating. Having spent over 60 years on and under the oceans and lakes of this planet, I would like to see future Kiwi “number 8 wire” thinking applied to green technology and sustainability at every level. We owe it to our children and grandchildren.

FEEL THE DI F F E R E N C E

Join the growing Nimbus family with 33 happy kiwi owners.

The Nimbus Coupe range brings together functional Scandinavian design with exceptional seakeeping and is built for the conscious yachtsman who appreciates simplicity, comfort and safety at sea.

Powered by Volvo Penta Diesel shaft drive propulsion the Nimbus Coupe range is ideal for New Zealand coastal cruising.

Auckland | 131 Westhaven Drive (09) 274 9918 Christchurch | 507 Moorhouse Avenue (03) 379 9208 Sydney | 758 Pittwater Road, Brookvale (02) 9938 6018 DB800

www.sportsmarine.co.nz

O F F IC IA L D IS T RIBUTOR

SEEN

& ADMIRED

BLUE DIAMOND 680HT

DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH The recent Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show saw the first showing of a new alloy power cat from Bay of Islands based, Blue Diamond Marine.

T

he 680HT is a trailerable alloy catamaran with modern lines and an efficient hull shape. The hardtop cabin is family friendly, having comfortable seating at the helm with King/Queen seats, with an 80-litre fridge and storage beneath. A forward cabin offers seating as well as can be converted to a large double berth. There is a head included under the squab, so with an outdoor shower and BBQ you have a great overnighter. The finish is to a high standard, using quality fittings and electrical components with a 135w solar panel mounted on the cabin roof.

The 680HT has an impressive deck space, thanks to the powercat design and lends itself to being a superior fishing platform. Overall beam is 2.7m with a draft of 0.4m, a dry weight of 1850kg and a total weight on it’s trailer of 2500kg. The boat can be driven on and off the custom alloy trailer and Blue Diamond Marine’s innovative auto hitch system, allows the boat to be launched and recovered single handed.

The high tunnel clearance ensures a smooth ride in rough conditions and the 680HT is incredibly stable both at rest and underway. She features a walk-though transom and large duckboard for easy of access and entry.

The Blue Diamond 680 is also available in various cabin configurations, such as centre console and bow rider.

Boat, Motors and trailer packages are available from $199.000.

Blue Diamond Marine | Ph +64 221011667 austin@bluediamondmarine.co.nz www.bluediamondmarine.co.nz

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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

THE PRINCESS V40 E X P E R I E N C E T H E E XC E P T I O N A L ®

Princess V40. Available for December 2021 NZ Delivery

For sales, service or more information contact: Sports Marine Auckland | 131 Westhaven Drive (09) 274 9918 Christchurch | 507 Moorhouse Avenue (03) 379 9208

FIND OUT MORE AT PRINCESSYACHTS.COM

DB802

O F F IC IA L D IS T RIBUTOR

SEEN

& ADMIRED

S A B R E YA C H T S 4 8

CRAFTED IN THE MAINE TRADITION Sabre Yachts has crafted luxury Maine-built yachts since 1970.

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aithful to that heritage, Sabre is dedicated to manufacturing the highest quality dual-engine poddriven yachts on the market, in signature Downeast style. Crafted by Maine boat builders with cumulative centuries of experience, Sabre’s iconic Americancherry woodworking and classic profiles turn heads in any harbour.

The 48 Salon Express has a traditional exterior profile that belies her contemporary performance. She cruises at 27 knots and, and at wide open throttle, she’ll attain more than 32 knots. Pod drives and joystick controls give every owner-operator the confidence to dock her in the most difficult of circumstances, and remarkably low sound levels while underway allow for a more pleasant experience while cruising.

Featuring a standard configuration of two cabins and two heads, the 48 Salon Express is supplemented by a utility space forward of the engine room that can be laid out as additional crew quarters. Designed with our customers in mind, her galley-down layout doesn’t compromise on space and light, making food and drink preparation a pure pleasure.

Unique to the Sabre 48 design, her master berth and en-suite head have an athwartships orientation, allowing for flat cabin sole on all side of the spacious island queen. www.emarine.com.au 16

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e th al at iv 21 g st 0 in Fe 2 ur y ng at ne ati Fe yd Bo S f o

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NEWS

A U C K L A N D O N W AT E R B O AT S H O W

AUCKLAND BOAT SHOW 2021 NEW VENUE Significant changes to the Auckland (On Water) Boat Show will now see the on water and on land areas of the show all in the same area at Auckland’s Viaduct precinct.

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HILE THE 2021 AUCKLAND ON WATER BOAT SHOW WAS TO BE SPREAD OVER TWO VENUES, the organising committee of the MIA have announced they have secured on land space, large enough to cater for the expanding exhibitor requirements.

Starting with the October 2021 show, the changes will see the show move to a new high-profile location, providing additional exhibitor space both on and off the water and making a great environment for show patrons to enjoy. From 2022 and for future years, the show will be in March -taking advantage of summer weather conditions enabling us to further promote boating as a lifestyle to the wider public.

The 7th to 10th October 2021 Auckland Boat Show will be located at the newly built America’s Cup marina utilising the expansive new sheltered harbour in front of the ‘North Wharf’ restaurants for on water exhibits and on land space adjacent to INEOS America’s Cup challenger syndicate base for boat show exhibitors in marquees and on land hard stand displays.

The purpose-built boat show marina will expand on the already excellent marina facilities in the ‘America’s Cup’ harbour and will enable the organisers to greatly increase the on-water space available for exhibits, displays and sea trials.

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“It is our full intention to hold the show in this area long-term, and to grow the show with expanded exhibitor space and expand on themes to create a vibrant exciting atmosphere”, says show organiser, says Stacey Cook.

Moving forward, the boat show will be permanently moved to a late summer

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

timeframe with planning already under way for the 17th – 20thMarch 2022 show. The show in October 2021 is the last show being held in spring and from 2022, 2023, 2024 onwards the show will be in the late summer timeframe. www.nzmarine.com

NEWS

L AT E S T A D D I T I O N

MARITIMO UNVIEL S600 OFFSHORE SEDAN

Leading Australian luxury motor yacht builder, Maritimo, has unveiled the latest exciting addition to the recently revealed Offshore Series of motor yachts, with the announcement of the S600 Offshore Sedan Motor Yacht.

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HE S600 OFFSHORE MOTOR YACHT is the first sedan model within the new generation of Offshore Motor Yachts, set to attract global attention as a sensational, true blue water, long range offshore cruising platform.

The Offshore Series exemplifies everything that the Maritimo brand stands for – long range cruising capability, industry defining performance and economy, offshore seaworthiness and high levels of construction integrity.

Maritimo’s large investment in design and new model development has seen the M600 Offshore Flybridge Motor Yacht herald in the new Offshore Series for Maritimo earlier this year. The S600 Offshore Global Reveal brings this year’s total number of new Maritimo models to be globally revealed or launched to four, with another four more global reveals to come before year’s end.

The new S600 is centred upon a hull design that is an advanced evolution of Maritimo’s longstanding experience in long range cruising design and world leading shaft drive performance and efficiency.

With its offshore cockpit and hardtop utility space, the S600 will have broad appeal both as a highly functional fishing vessel, with its specialty open water fishing attributes, and as a long range, low height, high volume, luxury motor yacht capable of intercontinental passage making.

The remarkable offshore cockpit with enclosed transom makes the S600 Offshore ideal for those with varying fishing interests or any that embrace the encapsulated deck space with solid separation to the sea.

In terms of performance the S600 is uniquely Maritimo. “The variable deadrise hull with deep keel, sharp bow entry and flattened progression aft has been focused on offshore cruising performance, comfort and stability,” said Maritimo’s lead designer Tom Barry-Cotter.

Maritimo’s long held focus and dedication to the development of shaft driven technology has positioned the brand as world leaders in shaft drive performance and long-range cruising.

The S600’s straight shaft drives will be powered by standard twin inline six-cylinder Volvo Penta D13 800MHP power units. Paired with Maritimo’s hull and straight shaft technology they will deliver world class fuel efficiency and excellent operating economy combined with very low emissions.

Optional power units include Volvo Penta inline six-cylinder D131000MHP or Scania V8 Di16-1200 MHP power units.

Cruising efficiency and capacity meld to give the S600 incredible long-range capability with a 4550 litre (1200 US Gal) fuel capacity within.

Maritimo is renowned for breaking the status quo, the S600’s expanded cockpit hardtop coverage has amplified the amount of area above,

on the often-inaccessible sedan hardtop.

The hardtop has been designed and engineered to be capable of carrying the weight of 350kg davit and tender freeing up the rear of the boat greater versatility from the offshore cockpit.

For more serious fishing, the S600 can be optioned with no rear platform, and there are various game tower designs that can integrate with the hardtop utility deck.

The aft deck space offers two distinct cockpit areas; the upper lounging and entertaining cockpit which is sheltered from the elements by the extensive moulded hardtop headliner, and the offshore cockpit; a carefully designed open deck space with heavy consideration of fishing functionality.

With the expansive aft entertaining and offshore cockpit seamlessly connected via either siding or bi-fold doors to the traditional Maritimo aft galley, the S600 is an entertainer’s dream.

The aft galley, with its residential proportions, connects the upper cockpit deck with the enormous saloon lounging area.

Below decks the luxury accents are continued. “Three spacious staterooms and two ensuites, with full beam king master stateroom, queen offset forward stateroom and twin single starboard guest’s stateroom greet owners and their families,” said BarryCotter. www.maritimo.com

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O U T S TA N D I N G S H O W

Something very radical from Dreadnort Boats.

The Nimbus 365, the biggest and most expensive boat in the show sold on day two.

Close to 40,000 attended the 2021 Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show.

Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show MASSIVE SUCCESS If there were one word to sum up the 2021 Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, it would have to be…outstanding.

Organiser Dave Gibbs said that it was far better than he had expected and was overwhelmed by the positive feedback from exhibitors. Held at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland, the show covered 8.5 hectares and was home for four days to 217 exhibitors.

“I

T HAS BEEN two years since we have had the show, and it is obvious from both the public attendance and the fact we had sold out all the space well before opening day that it was certainly missed”, says Gibbs.

The four-day show attracted just shy of 40,000 visitors (39094), a 10% increase from the last show in 2019. There were many new first-time show exhibitors, especially from the bulging alloy trailer boat market. Both local and international brands displayed with the coveted boat show awards being split between traditional brands, new entrants and imported boats.

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“I can’t praise the local marine industry enough for the support of the show, and while there was some scuttlebutt a few months ago about the show’s viability, we certainly proved the detractors 100% wrong.

“What was interesting was while a few major engine manufacturers and boat builders chose not to attend this year, the void left by them we filled within a few phone calls. Considering the amount of business that was done at the show over the four days, any marine company that wasn’t at the show lost a great opportunity to expose their brand and ultimately sales”, says Gibbs.

Strong sales were reported from the smallest alloy dinghies and RIBs through to big grp and alloy hardtops.

Sports Marines’ Ian Williamson, the importer for the Nimbus range of cruisers, remarked it was probably the best NZ Boat Show he had ever done.

“On day two, we had a virtual walk-in client, who checked out our Nimbus 365 and within an hour had purchased the boat. Considering it was the biggest and most expensive boat in the show, I was delighted, and we came away from the show with a bulging list of potential clients for not only the Nimbus but also for some

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

of our other brands such as Boston Whaler, Sea Ray and COX diesel outboards”, says Williamson.

Despite a 12-18 month wait for delivery of a new production trailer boat, be it a 5m alloy cuddy cabin or a 7m fibreglass hardtop, dealers were busy signing up new sales. “We sold a number of boats during the show, and even when I explained that the waiting time could be upwards of 18 months, that didn’t seem to deter their buying decision”, said Haines Hunter NZ’s Lionel Sands.

This sentiment was repeated throughout the show, from builders as far South as Invercargill, Christchurch and Nelson. However, some brands had the bonus of boats on display available for immediate delivery or at least later this year.

The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show proved again to be trailer powerboat dominant and supported by all the world’s major electronics and engine brands. As is always the case for a Kiwi boat show, there was a significant emphasis on fishing, with one hall solely devoted to fishing tackle.

The 2022 Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show is booked for around the same time in May.

NEWS

SKIPPERI LAUNCHES

BOAT SHARING SKIPPERI LAUNCHES INTO NEW ZEALAND Getting Kiwi boaties out on the water has now become even safer and easier; with shared-use boating service ‘Skipperi’ launching into New Zealand.

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RIGINALLY ESTABLISHED in Finland in 2017 with now 300 boats in service throughout Scandinavia, Skipperi will launch into Auckland on June 1st with a fleet of fifteen Haines Hunter SF545 boats, each powered with a Yamaha 115hp four-stroke outboard.

The concept is a first for New Zealand; with Skipperi asking the boating public which boat brand they would trust when venturing out on the water.

After extensive market research, the Haines Hunter/Yamaha packages were chosen for the first Skipperi location in

Westhaven, Auckland.

“According to our feedback, the Haines Hunter SF545 is the perfect match for our users to explore the Hauraki Gulf, a brand that Kiwi boaties trust,” says Skipperi New Zealand CEO, Alexander Rosenthal.

“The response so far has been exceptional, and we already have the first handful of boats fully subscribed.

The rest of the boats will roll out over the coming months, with the full fleet of fifteen boats on the water by the start of summer.

Booking a boat is incredibly easy, with

access to the dock as well as access to the keys for the boat is all done through the Skipperi app.

Pricing starts at $255.00 per month for weekday usage, to $485.00 a month for usage across a full week.

Reservation durations are 7.5 hours to 24-hour periods. With assistance from Auckland council agency, Panuku Development - the Skipperi Auckland fleet will operate out of Z Pier in Westhaven Marina, with Skipperi NZ looking to expand the operation into other centres around New Zealand. www.skipperi.nz

MULTIHULL SOLUTIONS & THE YACHT SALES CO.

ON DISPLAY AT AUCKLAND ON WATER BOAT SHOW Multihull Solutions and The Yacht Sales Co are the Asia Pacific leaders offering an extensive range of new and pre-owned sail & power yachts from the world’s leading brands. With an expansive network of Sales Centres around the region, our professional team is committed to always delivering the highest standard of service.

EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR OF: AUSTRALIA Call +61 (0) 7 5452 5164 or email info@multihullsolutions.com.au

NEW ZEALAND Call +64 (0) 9 217 0600 or email info@multihullsolutions.nz

multihullsolutions.com.au

multihullsolutions.nz

INCORPORATING

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NEWS

LAMONT JET RIBS

SMART CHAIN COUNTER

T O P C O AT

EXPLORER REBRANDS THEIR JET TENDERS After substantial development, Explorer Boats is rebranding its jet-powered RIB range to Lamont Jet RIBs and Tenders.

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ANAGING DIRECTOR, ANDY LAMONT, commented. “Over the past two years, we have made substantial modifications repowering with a Yamaha TR1 100HP engine, installation of a Solus Jet Pump, redesign of the drive-line along with safety features to achieve CE certification for our Jet Tender range.”

This has allowed Lamont Jets to reenter the export market with a reliable and quality product behind a name that is more marketable internationally and signals a new dawn for the company.

There is increasing interest in the high performance of jet propulsion coming from the low drag, high thrust efficiency of water jets, great manoeuverability, and the safety aspect from not having a propeller.

Add this to the low profile that can be achieved they are ideally suited as tenders on motor yachts.

Lamont Jets manufacture a range of jet-powered RIBs from 3.2m to 4.3m at their factory in Kumeu, Auckland.

These RIBs are custom-built to the client’s specifications, right down to the electronics, to designs for tubes, decking, and upholstery.

Explorer Boats will still exist for their range of outboard RIBs and their third party Hypalon tubing and repair business. lamontjets.com

QUICK RELEASE SMART CHAIN COUNTER

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MART CHC is a chain counter display for flush mounting compatible on / off systems and ideal for small boats. The unique thing is it can be viewed on your mobile phone.

The Smart CHC chain counter can be viewed in metres or feet even directly on your mobile phone. It can in fact be configured on a smartphone using a dedicated app. The colour display allows perfect readability even in very bright light. It is compatible with iOS: iPhone 7 onwards (with NFC support), OS version: iOS13 or later. Android: Smartphone with NFC, Android version 6 or later. www.tenob.co.nz

AWLGRIP HDT - A NEW STANDARD IN TOPCOAT FINISH AkzoNobel Yacht Coatings showcased its commitment to developing the industry’s most innovative and sustainable products by debuting its next-generation topcoat at SCIBS.

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WLGRIP HDT (HIGH DEFINITION TECHNOLOGY) sets a new standard in topcoat appearance, allowing owners to protect their boat with a stunning, long-lasting, mirror-like finish - without sacrificing convenience.

It was amongst four new products the renowned manufacturer unveiling at the show.

AkzoNobel also lifted the lid on a pair

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of new additions to its celebrated Micron range of antifoulings. Premium, high-performance Micron 99 provides the ultimate multi-season performance in salt, brackish and freshwaters and has been precision engineered for professional application on yachts over 20 metres.

Micron One - a premium polishing antifoul - offers an easy application,

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

cost-effective, all-around performance that will last up to 18 months.

Finally, the company also introduced Quick Build - a versatile sealing and surfacing priming system under its Awlgrip range, specially formulated to save time while delivering the high quality finish the brand is known for. www.international-yachtpaint.com

POWER MEETS PRECISION. Radar Halo ® Open Array

Helm Station NSSevo3S ™ NSOevo3S ™ Vessel Integration NMEA 2000®, Digital Switching & Engine Data

Autopilot AP™44 Audio Integration SonicHub®2, JL Audio®, Clarion®

Transducer Active Imaging™

Charting C-MAP®

VHF RS40-B

Transducer SS175H-W + SS175L CHIRP

Echosounder S5100

Intelligent fishfinding systems for complete control.

Whatever your activity, we have the ideal setup for you.

Expand your system with Simrad® modules and accessories - advanced fish-finding tools and radio technology, legendary HALO® radar for increased situational awareness, and automated control with a fully integrated autopilot.

With multi-display systems linking all your on-board electronics and real-time data at your fingertips, we have the right technology for you.

®Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off, and ™ common law marks.

Visit www.navico.com/intellectual-property to review the global trademark rights for Navico Holding AS. and other entities.

www.simrad-yachting.com PowerboatMagazine.co.nz | 23

NEWS

T A I R U A B O AT S H O W

TAIRUA BOAT SHOW ON AGAIN Due to the fantastic success of the Tairua Boat Show last year and feedback from most exhibitors, the 2021 edition promises to be bigger and even better.

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HIS YEAR the show will also include a sizeable undercover marquee in the centre of the marina, which will house marine industry

wholesalers, fishing, diving and electronics suppliers. Most of the exhibitors who attended the 2020 show (the only boat show to be held in 2020 in New Zealand) have indicated their return, plus with extra space now available, the show will be even bigger.

Due to demand and feedback from exhibitors last year, the show will be running over three days, 13th to 15th August 2021, at the Tairua Marina.

“We had over 10,600 people through last year, which was a huge plus for

all concerned, and nearly all that attended were good serious punters who spent well and ordered big during the show”, said show organiser Stuart Arnold.

He added that due to the success of last year’s show, he already has an extensive waiting list from other companies wishing to attend the show and expects to have the ‘sold out’ sign up well before the show opens in August. www.tairuaboatshow.com

The Sabre 48 Salon Express Crafted in the Maine Tradition

sabreyachts.com E Marine Motor Yachts • Clontarf Marina • 1 Sandy Bay Rd. • Clontarf, NSW 2093 • +61 417 200 165 • emarine.com.au

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NEWS

MARINE VILLAGE

PROPULSION SYSTEM

ZF TOTALCOMMAND

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Sports Marine Open New Westhaven Office In response to growing demand from customers for larger boats and motor yachts, leading boat dealer, Sports Marine Ltd has moved premises for the first time in its 30-year history.

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PORTS MARINE specialises in GRP powerboats, ranging from 5 to 30m, had occupied its previous premises in East Tamaki for more than three decades.

However, with the increased demand for larger boats, a move to premises on the water was essential. Last week it moved to the purpose-built facility at Westhaven Marine Village, housing a number of marine businesses.

“We have seen a real increase in demand from customers towards larger boats and motor yachts in recent years, and felt the large sales berths accompanying the Westhaven Marine Village would be a great fit for our growing business,” says Sports Marine’s Managing Director, Scott Williamson.

“Just five minutes out of Auckland CBD, we believe this new location is what we need to continue to cater to customer demand, as the sole New Zealand distributors for Princess Yachts, Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Nimbus, Chris Craft, and Cox diesel outboards.

In addition to its Westhaven Sales Office, Sports Marine also has a permanent set up at Tamaki Marina for commissioning and fit-out of new boats, as well as customer service.

Sports Marine’s new premises at Westhaven Marine Village opened on April 7, with an official opening due in winter. After 12 years working in the superyacht industry, Mitchell Thompson has joined the Sports Marine Team as Sales Executive and will be operating out of the new Westhaven premises. Sports Marine has been in the marine industry since 1978. It has dealerships in Christchurch, Auckland and Sydney. mitchell@sportsmarine.co.nz Ph 0223180966 www.sportsmarine.co.nz

OTALCOMMAND marine propulsion system was launched recently at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

TotalCommand delivers improved responsiveness and optimised control with elegant Italian styling to suit any installation.TotalCommand is the latest marine propulsion controls family from ZF, continuing sixty years of innovation in the field.

A reliable and customisable solution for both leisure and commercial vessels, TotalCommand features a series of functionalities that fully utilise ZF’s industry-leading transmission technology, including unmatchable clutch responsiveness, optimised control of proportional valves, and adaptive gear engagement.

The system also provides detailed telematics data for temperature, pressure, and output speed, giving a vessel’s captain a complete overview of the total propulsion system’s health.

Providing unprecedented control and precision, TotalCommand allows for smooth shifting and seamless transitions between operating modes. Combining function with style, ZF collaborated with famed Italian styling housing Giorgetto and Fabrizio on the control levers and joystick design, allowing the units to integrate into any vessel elegantly.

The system is future-proofed by being wifi ready, complete with electronic manuals, diagnostics and maintenance data available via smartphone, with Smart Transmission predictive maintenance also enabled.

TotalCommand also features emergency reversal protection, allowing for the safe response to emergencies, protecting engines and transmissions from shifting between full ahead to full astern in one motion. Trolling, AutoTroll, Easidock, and Warm-Up functions also add to the user experience. www.zf.com.au PowerboatMagazine.co.nz

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RIVIERA SHOWCASE

Riviera Celebrates At SCIBS Riviera presented its largest luxury motor yacht showcase for 2021 at this year’s show, featuring 12 yachts from 39 to 72 feet.

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HE LINE-UP FEATURED AN IMPRESSIVE DISPLAY, including the 645 SUV in her world premiere, the 575, 505, 445 and 395 SUVs. They were accompanied by the 72 Sports Motor Yacht and her sisterships the 64 and 50 SMY; the 57 Enclosed Flybridge; and the full collection of the Platinum Sport Yachts – the 6000, 5400 and 4800 SY. Boating enthusiasts for the first time were given the opportunity to step aboard the grand and innovative Riviera 645 SUV, the new flagship of the sporty and adventurous SUV collection, following her world premiere at the show.

The 645 SUV combines the high-level blue-water pedigree of the lauded Sports Motor Yachts with the luxurious singlelevel living attributes that are so appreciated by Sport Yacht owners.

In a world-first at the boat show, Riviera surprised with the announcement of the Riviera 78 Motor Yacht, a completely new design of Riviera motor yacht offering either an open or an enclosed bridge deck. In collaboration with awardwinning superyacht designer Luca Vallebona, the Riviera design group is creating a sophisticated yacht that delivers a perfect combination of cruising, entertaining and blue-water passage-making capabilities. The 78 MY will have her world premiere in early 2022.

Over the course of the four days, Riviera’s largest showcase for 2021 saw the company welcome more than 25 owners to the Riviera family, purchasing yachts from across the

company’s 23-model line ranging from 39 to 78 feet. Festival of Boating and signature social events bring the Riviera family together Riviera hosted the 9th edition of the Festival of Boating at Sanctuary Cove. The festival was enjoyed by more than 600 owners and their families, and also provided 40 exclusive boating education seminars and on-water workshops for Riviera motor yacht owners. www.rivieraaustralia.com

RIVIERA 78 MY

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Make everyone love the sea

Available for all boats and yachts.

Premium technology made affordable Install Humphree ACTIVE Stabilisation and everyone on board will feel as safe and steady as on dry land. This system lowers roll and slamming by up to 50%. And it feels like even more. Your family boat ride will be a whole new

Our interceptor technology also reduces resistance. That means lower fuel consumption and less CO² emissions.

Make everyone love the sea and help our planet at humphree.com

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NEWS

STRONG SALES

ONE-STOP SERVICE

MARITIMO ENJOYS STRONG SALES Maritimo used the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show for the global launch of the new M55 and S55 Maritimo luxury motor yachts.

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aritimo now has its largest ever forward order pipeline, with sales continuing to bolster its future.

Maritimo’s lead designer and brand director, Tom Barry-Cotter, said the show was a great success with multiple sales across a range of models.

“The M55 has been our most successful model on debut ever,

and the S55 is fast following in its footsteps,” he said.

The weekend’s activities were highli ghted by a Saturday evening VIP Owners event to celebrate the official global launch of both the M55 Flybridge and S55 Sedan Motor Yacht’s.

A start of show media conference heard details of Maritimo’s successes so far this year with three new models globally revealed and also plans for more before year’s end, including a stunning new S600 Offshore due to be revealed in coming weeks.

In keeping with Maritimo’s strong commitment to its employees and its

ONE-STOP SERVICE FROM JP MARINE Offering services in vessel and project management, refit, and sales, JP Marine has a tonne of international and local knowledge.

J

P Marine has put together a team of qualified experts across several fields to ensure a well-rounded crew to assist in all aspects of boat ownership. Founded in 2020, Directors Jonathon Edgar and Daniel Airey saw an opportunity to use their 40 years of combined experience to offer a different approach to the industry.

They bring their vast knowledge as international superyacht captains to New Zealand waters along with additional experience as project managers of multiple superyacht builds. This experience has created

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a solid foundation for high-quality workmanship, relationships and service.

JP Marine offer refit, vessel and project management services that reflect this high level of quality. From full operational management to day-today maintenance and servicing, they can create a bespoke management or refit plan to suit your vessel’s needs. Whether you need someone to run your boat or take care of the detailing and provisioning, JP Marine will provide the service to the highest standard. www.jpmarine.co.nz

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

inclusive ethos several apprentices and long serving staffers officiated in the global launch of the M55 Flybridge Motor Yacht and S55 Sedan Motor Yacht to open the show.

Barry-Cotter said some of the exciting plans for the months ahead included the finalisation of details on a new Maritimo Experience Centre, and Racing Technology Centre.

“We remain steadfastly committed to being at the leading edge of luxury motor yacht manufacturing internationally and we have the dedicated, committed and skilled people to do just that,” he said www.maritimo.com

NEWS

NEW MODEL

SUPERIOR 1200 ANNOUNCED

F

ollowing the success of the Superior 1050, Superior Boats have announced the release of a larger version.

The 12m, Superior 1200 is a sistership to the current Superior 1050, but offers a lot more space. The new hull while following similar styling is longer, wider and more spacious inside. Like the Superior 1050, the new 1200 is

built to the highest standards in GRP. Power options are V drive or stern drive option, with performances to match.

The 1200, like the 1050 is available for custom layouts with a variety of accommodation and saloon options.

While the standard layout is similar to the 1050 there is more generous room throughout the saloon, cabins etc.

The cockpit can be configured with an emphasis on outdoor living or with a serious fishing bias. A full width aft platform can be either fixed or in high/ low style to suit divers and tender stowage.

The first Superior 1200 is currently under construction for an Auckland client. www.superiorgroup.co.nz

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All this to offer you a more powerful andnew reliable experience. propeller. All to offer you a more powerful and reliable experience.

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09 274 4305 New D4 |&www.volpower.co.nz D6 propulsion packages PowerboatMagazine.co.nz

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SUCCESS FOR SCIBS

2021 SCIBS SAILS INTO THE RECORD BOOKS

The marine industry has declared the 2021 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) the best in the event’s 32-year history.

A

N INCREDIBLE 51,832 VISITORS PASSED THROUGH THE GATES, up 10% on 2019, to check out hundreds of boats both on water and throughout The Marine Village from a host of international and Australian brands.

SCIBS General Manager Johan Hasser said the quality and stature of this year’s event was exceptional and will be etched in the record books.

“Without a doubt, the 2021 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is the best Show we’ve ever had. The southern hemisphere’s premier marine event has returned in full force,” said Mr Hasser.

“We’ve never seen anything like it in terms of commercial success for exhibitors, with more than $250 million in sales across four days. As the Show where the marine business does business, it’s fantastic to see our exhibitors converting quality leads during what can only be described as a unique time for the industry.

Luxury motor yacht builder Riviera presented their largest display for the year at SCIBS, featuring the premiere of the exceptional new Riviera 645 SUV and announced the new-era design Riviera 78 MY for 2022.

Princess Yachts Dealer Principal Greg Haines, who has been to every SCIBS since the inaugural edition in 1988, said this year’s instalment was exceptional.

“The incredible atmosphere, number of leads generated and fantastic new marina layout have made this Show the best I’ve ever attended,” said the marine industry veteran, whose company hosted Australian premieres of the Princess F55 and V55 models.

Leading luxury cruiser manufacturer Maritimo also announced SCIBS 2021 a major success, with strong sales across its product line, including the global launches of the sensational new M55 and S55 models.

“The M55 has been our most successful

elite for a reason

www.webermarine.co.nz

model on debut ever and the S55 is fast following its footsteps,” said Maritimo’s Design Director Tom Barry-Cotter.

Horizon Yacht Australia recorded the first sale of the Show, selling the spectacular Horizon RP100 for $12.9 million to a local Gold Coast buyer.

Specialising in catamarans and multihulls, The Multihull Group showcased the Fountaine Pajot MY5 power catamaran and ILIAD 50 power catamaran.

SCIBS will return to Sanctuary Cove in 2022, with the event set to be held from May 19 to 22.

Elite 18m

SF

www.lloydstevenson.co.nz

Custom design Sedan, Mid-Pilothouse and Sportsfisher Motor Yachts DB813

www.lloydstevenson.co.nz www.elitemarine.co.nz • +64 (0) 9 530 8501 www.lloydstevenson.co.nz

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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

NEWS

S T E V E M C L AY

2021 Hall of Fame Inductee STEVE MCLAY In 1981, Steve McLay started what was then a little engineering company in one of New Zealand’s smallest and most remote towns.

Four decades later, he was one of the country’s most respected aluminium boat manufacturers, with a huge range of highquality models and a dealership network that stretches all the way to Sweden.

T

OKO ENGINEERING became Toko Engineering & Marine then McLay Boats. Today McLay Boats employs 28 full and part time staff and produces a range of aluminium boats that starts at just 4.2 metres and goes all the way up to 11 metres.

Steve is a keen supporter of the apprenticeship system, often taking on two new ones each year. He was the first employer in New Zealand to take on a female boat builder apprentice.

An innovator who is constantly improving his designs, he started building amphibious boats in 2018, using the Tectrax system. Determined that the amphibious wheels would not affect his boats’ performance, Steve designed a retractable door to enclose the front wheel and cavities at the stern for the rear wheels to disappear into. The result is that absolutely no part of the wheels is exposed while the boat is underway.

Steve McLay has long been and remains a significant and incredibly well-respected contributor to the New Zealand marine industry and to his beloved Milton community.

WHATEVER LIES AHEAD...

McLay 591XL

THouSAnD REASonS, onE pARTnER

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NEWS

NEW CONCEPTS

WHITEHAVEN MOTOR YACHTS DEBUTS THREE NEW MODELS Whitehaven Motor Yachts unveiled at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show new concepts for their Flybridge 7000 and Flybridge 6000 models as well as launching a whole new concept for the Sports Yacht 7000.

T

HE FLYBRIDGE 7000 is currently the flagship model of Whitehaven Motor Yachts, launching the brand over a decade ago. After some inspiring ideas from a long-term Whitehaven customer, the new concept for the Flybridge 7000 includes an exterior design upgrade and expansion of the beam to 5.8m for more onboard

amenity. Yet the largest change is the layout of the main saloon and accommodation suites below deck to reflect current market trends.

The Flybridge 6000 is also all new for 2022 with an exterior styling upgrade plus subtle yet important changes to the internal arrangement. They are changes which will only add to the award-nominated design and most

popular Whitehaven model.

Whitehaven Motor Yachts also revealed a whole new concept, the Sports Yacht 7000. Based on the 6500 version, this yacht is currently in production and on track for launch in September of this year. www.whitehavenmotoryachts.com.au

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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

NEWS

REDESIGN & RELAUNCH

MARINE DECKING Smart, custom solutions for your boats deck

UPDATED BACK COVE 372 Back Cove has redesigned the popular Back Cove 37 and relaunched it as the Back Cover 372.

• Durable & light-weight • Easy maintenance • Fully customisable with extensive colour range & routering options available • Full Installation or DIY options available

T

HE BACK COVE 37 was launched in 2009 and has enjoyed an eleven-plus-year uninterrupted run resulting in more than 200 hulls. When the production moulds for the Back Cove 37 finally gave out in 2020 due to boatbuilding wear-and-tear, the Back Cove Design team seized the opportunity to re-examine the 37 with over a decade of owner feedback and recent design advancements in mind.

The result was a boat full of new details that earned its designation – enter the newly redesigned Back Cove 372.

The Back Cove 372 is full of fresh details tailored to today’s cruising and boating lifestyles, yet it retains the classic character and heart of a proven winner. The highlights include: Cummins QSC 8.3 600hp diesel engine with a 7″ display as standard and a Volvo Penta D8 diesel with a 7″ Garmin display as an option.

A new aft-facing cockpit seat to starboard, complete with a folding armrest and drink holder, paired with a new salon door to port with a bi-fold window to starboard (above the aft-facing seat). A reconfigured head with expanded medicine cabinet, sizeable over-sink mirror, and redesigned shower stall. www.e-marine.com.au

Contact us to create custom decking options for your boat

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r uc du c ee r ee d

NEWS

BID REJECTED

o a tt r b r o u l o y o a b r r o u lll o y At anchor and underway At anchor and underway

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• Effective at trolling and at ‘zero’ speeds.

• Less maintenance means more time to fish.

• Easy to use, just flip a switch.

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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

FIRST ABSOLUTE NAVETTA ARRIVES Auckland based Yachtfinders Global have added an Absolute Navetta 48 to their growing Kiwi fleet.

T

HE ABSOLUTE NAVETTA 48 is designed, engineered, and manufactured to be a luxurious, spacious, bright, and comfortable cruising platform for her owners to enjoy and entertain family and friends on the water.

Absolute ensured privacy below with a forward master suite with an en-suite head and two guest staterooms that share a single guest head. The semi-displacement hull and impressive twin Volvo Penta IPS600 diesel combine to provide an efficient and solid ride underway.

The new and smallest member of the Navetta family – a line that has successfully offered a modern reinterpretation of Absolute’s creations over the last few years – a synthesis of all the hallmarks of the range of the modern-day trawler with speed and luxury!

Boasting a length of 48 feet, this yacht guarantees high performance – with EXCELLENT fuel efficiency: she uses just 5.7 l/nm when travelling at 15 knots.

Both interior and exterior layouts replicate the unmistakable Absolute’s functionality and aesthetically pleasing design. Large sun pads are positioned both on the flybridge – which is the real social hub of this boat – and at the bow. The side door on the starboard side continues to link the steering console with the side deck.

The galley remains located next to the cockpit, easily accessible from inside and out through a large folding sliding door. Benefiting from the generous hull volumes, the lower deck hosts two double cabins with three bathrooms, plus a crew cabin in the stern.

LOOK FOR A FULL REVIEW IN THE NEXT ISSUE (SEPT-OCT) OF PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE www.yachtfindersglobal.com

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35

NEWS

A SURE HEAD TURNER

PORT WHANGAREI

SARONIC CLASS SIXFOUR KIWI MADE

P

ROUDLY NEW ZEALAND designed and made, the Saronic SixFour is built to the highest calibre to deliver the ultimate wakeboarding, surfing or skating experience. The SixFour with its sleek lines and low-profile dash, it’s a sure head turner, but there’s more to the SixFour than meets the eye. In fact, it’s everything you could want on the water – and then some. Leading the way in New Zealand designed tow

boats, the SixFour’s powerful, high quality construction and 3,000 lb of ballast create huge, rampy wakes and mellow transitions.

Plus, there is a certain simplicity built into its core. Whether you’re up for a surf, ski, wakeboard or ready to cruise home, you’ll relish complete control at the push of a button. The ‘Saronic Ride System’ (SRS), 7” touch screen is pre-programmed for the ultimate

wakes and waves, so all you have to do is push ‘GO’. There’s no need for dialling instructions, confusing set ups, or swapping seats. What’s more, with thoughtful design features like seatheaters and a lift-out chilly bin, the SixFour is in a league of its own.

The SixFour has an overall length of 6.40m, or 7.23m including the platform, with a beam of 2.4m and draft of .71m. www.saronicboats.co.nz

Major Developments At Port Whangarei

O

CEANIA MARINE SHIPYARDS has two shipyards at Port Whangarei. The Port Whangarei area forms part of the city of Whangarei, located in Northland, New Zealand. It was formerly a major commercial port but is now an essential marine service centre for a wide range of maritime clients. Over time the facilities were repurposed, and the support services established to make it the allencompassing marine hub it is today.

There are many experienced operators in the port, and it can accommodate all types of vessels with haul out up to 1800 tonnes and berthage up to 175m. A significant upgrade in berthage facilities has just been completed by Port Nikau

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Joint Venture, which offers highquality stern-to marina type berths for superyachts.

As a result of this upgrade, some of New Zealand’s top yacht agents, such as Integrated Marine Group and Urban Sea, have opened offices within the marina with other agencies servicing clients from their offices in Auckland. The attractive facilities were not the only driver for this happening.

Auckland has become increasingly difficult for agents and their superyachts clients who require ease of access and more extended stays for refit/repair work to be carried out.

The above two very positive developments have resulted in an influx of superyacht projects to

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

Whangarei. This has been a boon to the existing marine operators and suppliers and will drive increases in capacity to the benefit of all.

Stage 2 of the site development is well advanced, which will see a new 560T travel lift commissioned and operational by October/November. www.oceaniamarine.co.nz

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WHAKATANE: Oceansports Marine Ltd. Ph 07 308 4241 WELLINGTON: Boat City. Ph 04 298 5931. MOTUEKA: Bays Boating. Ph 03 528 5200 MCLAY AVAILABLE DEALERSHIPS NATIONWIDE: CHRISTCHURCH: Powerboat Centre. Ph 03 389 1146 DUNEDIN: McLay Boats Ltd. PhBOATS 03ARE 417 8135FROM INVERCARGILL: Marine South. Ph 03 218 2700 WHANGAREI: Warren Hay Marine. Ph 09 430 2666. AUCKLAND: Fish City, Albany. Ph 09 476 4282 HAMILTON: Fish City, Frankton. Ph 07 846 6675. WHAKATANE: Oceansports Marine Ltd. Ph 07 308 4241 WELLINGTON: Boat City. Ph 04 298 5931. MOTUEKA: Bays Boating. Ph 03 528 5200 CHRISTCHURCH: Powerboat Centre. Ph 03 389 1146 DUNEDIN: McLay Boats Ltd. Ph 03 417 8135 INVERCARGILL: Marine South. Ph 03 218 2700 PowerboatMagazine.co.nz WEBPAGE: www.mclayboats.co.nz EMAIL: info@mclayboats.co.nz

DB809

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NEWS

HUTCHWILCO AWARD WINNERS

HUTCHWILCO NZ BOAT SHOW AWARDS A BROAD MIX The winners of the 2021 Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show Awards were a mix of traditional, first timers, imported and local.

Boat of the Show : Supreme Winner EXTREME 645 CENTRE CONSOLE

W

HAKATANE boat builder, Extreme Boats, 645 Centre Console took out the coveted Boat of the Show Supreme Award as well as winning the Specialist Fishing Boat Up To 7m.

They were also successful in winning the Specialist Fishing Boat Up To 8m for their 745 Walk Around.

Hamilton based Admiral Boats won the Boat of the Show: Launch with

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their stylish Admiral 10m Sport Cruiser, with Boat of the Show: All Purpose Family Boat Up To 8m going to the Jenneau Merry Fisher 795 Series 2.

Competition was fierce in all divisions with a record number of new entrants from alloy boat builders. First time show exhibitor, Machina came away with the Boat of the Show: All Purpose Family Boat Up To 6, with their Machina 551, with Whangarei

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

builder, Offshore Boats, taking the Boat of the Show: All Purpose Family Boat Up To 7m for the very stylish Offshore 650 Hard Top. Purecraft’s 800 HT took the honours in the All Purpose Family Boat Open section, with Best New Model going to the Innovision 707 Explorer.

Innovision made it two from two with their 585 Explorer taking out the Specialist Fishing Boat Up To 6m.

Best New Model INNOVISION 707 EXPLORER

All Purpose Family Boat Open PUREKRAFT 800 HT

All Purpose Family Boat Up To 8 Metres MERRY FISHER 795 SERIES 2

All Purpose Family Boat Up To 7 Metres: OFFSHORE 650 HARD TOP

All Purpose Family Boat Up To 6 Metres MACHINA 551

Specialist Fishing Boat Up To 8 Metres EXTREME 745 WALK AROUND

Specialist Fishing Boat Up To 6 Metres INNOVISION 585 EXPLORER

Boat of the Show: Launch ADMIRAL 10M SPORTS SEDAN PowerboatMagazine.co.nz

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POWER ON

SMARTGYRO INTRODUCES NEW GYRO STABILISERS Exhibiting for the first time at Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Italian gyro stabiliSation technology specialist Smartgyro introduced the SG40 and SG80, the first two models in a new range of sophisticated gyroscopic stabilisers.

The advanced Smartgyro stabilisers bring boat owners and builders key benefits and breakthrough design features in line with the company’s mission to elevate the entire onboard experience.

The SG40, for boats from 50ft to 60ft, and the SG80, for boats from 60ft to 70ft, and the upcoming SG10 and SG20 for smaller vessels, offer enhanced comfort onboard, as well as easy maintenance and installation.

Notable design innovations include the high-speed rotating flywheel in a sealed, airless enclosure to minimize heat generation and reduce power consumption. An exceptional stabilisation capacity is offered due to efficient, precise control electronics equipped with algorithms that optimize

the operating parameters in real time.

The SG40 and SG80 maintenance operations can be performed on-board.

Smartgyro’s attendance at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show follows the recent appointment of Pacific Maritime Solutions as its first dealer in Australia. Smartgyro is backed by strategic partner YANMAR Group and its companies, including Vetus, Maxwell and Flexofold. www.pacificmaritimesolutions.com.au

YAMAHA ANNOUNCE 475HP ELECTRIC MOTOR

YAMAHA is delving deeper into the field of electrification as it announces a new electric powertrain capable of producing 475hp.

TOHATSU UNVEILS NEW 140HP

The MFS140A has had its world debut at the Japan International Boat Show.

Tohatsu has added a new 140hp engine to its model line-up. The MFS140 was launched at the recent Japan International Boat Show in Yokohama.

“We are extremely excited to introduce our new line-up of four-stroke outboards,” says Isami Hyuga, president of Tohatsu Corporation. “Tohatsu has spent years designing, developing and testing these models to exceed our customer demand.”

The all-new 140hp 4-stroke model has even higher torque, faster top-end speed, and acceleration than the MFS115. This is achieved through the same Tohatsudesigned exhaust manifold.

Tohatsu’s unique 4-2-1 Performance Tuned Exhaust has its exhaust passages equal in length. This eliminates the possibility of exhaust interference and drastically improves the torque, resulting in a quicker hole-shot and top-end speed.

“Our 4-2-1 Performance Tuned Exhaust has allowed us to achieve better performances in MFS140 and believe it will do the job of 150hp in lighter boat configurations,” says Hyuga.

This newest addition of the model line-up will be available in Tohatsu Aqua Marine Blue and Beluga White, a wide variety of shaft lengths, and tiller or remote options. www.tohatsu.com 40

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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

While the motor is destined for electric vehicles, the same technology could conceivably find its way into the outboard market.

As a brand, Yamaha has not gone all-in with the notion of electric power. We have seen two-wheeled concepts and design studies adopting battery power, although until its range of high-density motorcycle and scooter motors were announced last year, it seemed the Japanese giant wasn’t fully committing to the idea.

Yamaha Motor Company is providing peeks at its newest electric motor that boasts a maximum output of 350kW or 475hp that the Japanese manufacturer is promoting as a platform for “hyper EVs” (electric vehicles) and other high-performance applications.

The drive unit was developed, Yamaha said so that multiple units can be installed in one vehicle. With an electric motor driving each wheel, a so-called hypercar would have an output of 1,400kW or 1,904hp.

The electric drive system works with 800 operating volts with what is said to be an enormously high power density. The electric motor is an “integrated permanent magnet synchronous motor” (IPMSM) that is oil-cooled. All mechanical and electrical components are integrated into one unit, which should enable a particularly compact design, according to electrive.com.

Yamaha has no plans to offer electric cars, but there is speculation about how the drive system might be incorporated into the company’s motorcycles and outboard engines.

Come & See these boats at the TAIRUA BOAT SHOW 13th, 14th & 15th August Tairua Marina

PowerboatMagazine.co.nz

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ROGER'S RAMBLINGS with Roger Tweddell

F

Fibre Reinforced PLASTIC – WOOL!

ibreglass reinforced plastic has been around for years. Hibiscus Coast boat manufacturer Lightning Marine, with its FatCat range of plastic boats is now working with Merino New Zealand on developing a form of wool fibre reinforced HDPE that can be used for roto-moulding.

Lightning Marine has been experimenting with a number of innovative plastic production techniques so were the ideal partner for this project. It is well known that fibre reinforcement (glass, carbon, aramid etc.) adds considerable strength to plastics such as epoxy and polyester resins commonly used in boat building. NZ Merino has developed Keravos (the brand name for its wool reinforced plastic) to utilise and develop a market for the huge amount of strong, course Merino wool that is produced each year in New Zealand. Course Merino wool unlike its fine wool counterpart has a very low market price and has had declining market value over the years. NZ Merino’s goal is to develop a global market for Keravos and it is the subject of a provisional global patent.

Wool is composed of a protein called

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Keratin. It is extremely strong and also very light. In fact, it is one of the strongest natural materials on the planet. When combined with polymers it can result in an increase in strength of anything up to 40% over the polymer by itself and a reduction in weight, and importantly, the total amount of plastic used. The benefit is lighter, stiffer plastic products using a natural fibre that is both biodegradable and recyclable. New Zealand produces 200,000 tonnes of wool annually giving an ample supply.

Keravos is already being used by a number of companies producing PLA (a biodegradable polymer made from corn starch) products. NZ Merino has a dedicated Keravos plant in Hamilton producing 4 tonnes of Keravos product a day. The material has wide potential for use across many sectors of industry including marine. Wool fibre is also not just limited to being combined in a polymer matrix for injection and rotomoulding. Plans are being developed to use it in more traditional ways that other fibre reinforcements (e.g., Fibreglass) have been used.

Keravos has been developed by Kiwi inventor Logan Williams in partnership

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

with NZ Merino in response to finding a use for course wool, creating an organization known as Shear Edge.

Shear Edge has been tasked with finding alternative markets for wool.

Williams thinking of potential mass uses for coarse wool, thought of a plastic alternative. Plastics form one of the world’s biggest environmental problems. By improving its performance, less of it has to be used in any particular product.

His earliest experiments were done with some cheap kit from The Warehouse, he says. “I started out by going to The Warehouse and getting a toasting machine, 1kg of PLA and chopped up some wool with scissors and simply made a sheet out of it.

That’s literally how I started.” He used a $25 toasty machine and an electric frying pan to melt down the PLA. This inventiveness does not come from nowhere, Williams has previous international success as an inventor.

His inventions include a method to turn didymo algae into biodegradable products, a device that destroys methane produced by cows, a medical nebulizer and polarised contact lenses to treat photosensitive epilepsy.

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BLUEFIN 600 PROFISH New 6 metre boat on trailer, including motor. A boat built to hunt. 5mm hull, treadplate floor, nice and stable, heaps of fishing room and big anchor hatch. Complete on trailer including 90hp Mercury four stroke outboard. Retail $52,500 Special Now $47,500

SCORPION 195XS An affordable inboard powered family-style recreational ski boat with plenty of options for fun on the water. Includes inboard, trailer, Simrad GPS, 100lt fuel tank. LOA 5.86m, Deadrise 21deg. Std package from $61,500 to the premium package shown $78,000

CONFIDENCE TO GO WHERE NO ONE ELSE IS. Whether you’re going for some alone time, or getting away with family or friends, Mercury Verado 200-400hp FourStrokes will get you there and back again with a level of power and refinement that can’t be matched.

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BLUEFIN 525 CENTRE CONSOLE The ultimate midsized centre console with 5mm hull and sealed treadplate floor. This boat comes complete on trailer with 60hp four stroke CT Mercury, VHF, hydraulic steering, rod holders, bait Board & anchor. Retail $42,750 Special Now $39,250

BLUEFIN 720 WEEKENDER Boasting the largest fishing deck space of all our Bluefin range. Separate toilet and shower closet with hot and cold water included as standard.

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Email: sales@sportcraftmarine.co.nz PowerboatMagazine.co.nz

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ELECTRONIC NEWS

2021 INNOVATION AWARDS Every year the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat runs the Altus Innovation awards to find the best new innovative products from local and international manufacturers.

For 2021 the two winners were the CTEK CS Free judged best in the International section, with the Local honours going to BEP for their Smart Battery Hub. BEP’s innovative Smart Battery Hub (SBH) is a world-first intelligent battery management system for vessels running two or more engines. Smart Battery Hub simplifies battery management with remotely activated switches, automatic Voltage Sensitive Switching (VSS) and emergency parallel functionality, neatly housed in a robust, easy-to-install, ignition-protected IPX7 enclosure.

SBH monitors and transmits individual battery voltages and full house bank state of charge over NMEA2000 for easy integration with multi-function displays.

Remote battery switching is operated via NMEA2000 or wired switches, with physical manual override of all battery switches for safety and servicing.

ALTUS MOST INNOVATIVE LOCAL PRODUCT: BEP Smart Battery Hub

SBH works-with-CZone so that users can control batteries from CZone Waterproof Keypads, monitor them on any CZone touchscreen or any compatible CZone partner device. SBH works seamlessly as a CZone module in networked systems.

BEP’s Smart Battery Hub works with 12or 24-volt systems and carries a five-year warranty. www.bepmarine.com CTEK CS FREE is the world’s first truly portable battery charger and maintainer with Adaptive Boost technology. You can charge and maintain any 12V lead-acid or lithium vehicle battery anywhere without being connected to a power outlet. And if your battery’s flat, CS FREE’s revolutionary

LATEST SIMRAD SOFTWARE RELEASE The latest Simrad software update was released this month for its multifunction displays (MFDs), packed with the latest technology and visual enhancements.

The updates include a series of radar interface improvements and features focused on safety, like Dangerous Target Alert, and enhanced integration with partners. The new radar improvements make it easier to view, track and monitor vessels, and identify vessels that may be a risk to the user’s course. New icons for the Automatic Identification System (AIS) and symbols for radar tracked targets allow greater clarity of risks and can be combined into one unified view on the screen. In addition, several features in this release enhance connectivity, comfort and control with product integrations including the CZone Control Bar for digital switching, SteadySteer support and Mercury Smart Tow for optimal tubing, water skiing and wake boarding speed – each easily integrated into Simrad MFDs. One of the key safety updates is the new Dangerous Target Alert that warns the operator of dangerous radar and AIS targets according to the target parameters in “Settings” and “Tracked Targets”. The Dangerous Target Alert provides a simple diagram in a pop-up window that shows the range, the graphical bearing and heading of the vessel in relation to the operator’s vessel.

And visually, the moving radar and AIS targets will now display a graduated trail showing the vessel’s post position history for enhanced situational awareness.

New icons for radar tracked targets and symbols for AIS targets also make for clearer viewing while the radar display’s new look includes a more modern Plan Position Indicator (PPI) with clearer numbers and a scaled boat icon (with set-up) for the user’s vessel. www.simrad-yachting.com 44

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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

ALTUS MOST INNOVATIVE INTERNATIONAL PRODUCT: CTEK CS Free

Adaptive Boost technology will get you going within 15 minutes.

Portable charging wherever you go, charge up CS FREE’s internal battery and keep it with you wherever you go, and it’ll stay fully charged for up to a year. CS FREE automatically analyses the state of your battery and adjusts to the battery’s voltage level. It then works out the safest and quickest way to give your battery the power it needs to start your vehicle within 15 minutes. It works anywhere and can even be powered by solar or a 12V battery for longer-term maintenance charging. www.lusty-Blundell.co.nz

FURUNO’S STABILISED FISH INDICATOR

Furuno’s Fish Size Indicator FCV-38, will optimise your fishing operations thanks to split beam and multi-detection technology.

The FCV-38 is a high performance 4 kW fish finder with a 38 kHz transducer using split beam technology that provides excellent depth detection capability. It also contributes to reliable fish size estimation. In addition, it provides accurate information on fish schools and the seabed, even in stormy weather, thanks to a unique beam stabiliser.

Multi-directional beam transmission and reception provides simultaneous search and display in a maximum of five directions. It features unique detection capabilities and stable image offered by a built-in motion sensor. A fish size graph allows estimation of fish distribution at a glance and the target graph allows tracking of a designated fish target.

Long range detection is capable to 1500m. www.furuno.com

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C R U I S I N G M AT T E R S with Laurie Cranfield

ENJOY YOUR WINTER CRUISING

I

N MANY European and North American boating locations late Autumn is time to winterise your boat and leave it until Spring, however particularly in New Zealand’s North Island and mainland Australia there’s no reason not to swap shorts and tee-shirts for jeans and sweatshirts and enjoy most of what cruising has to offer throughout the winter.

Average weather statistics will surprise you. For example Auckland’s average daytime winter temperature is 14-15dC while by comparison popular cruising destination Scotland has an average summer temperature of only 15-17dC. Also surprisingly, on average January is Auckland’s windiest month while the least windy are March and May through August. In Auckland showers are more prevalent than constant rain and the weather out among the Gulf islands is invariably sunnier than on the mainland.

Auckland is New Zealand’s most populous boating area where the Hauraki Gulf’s Mahurangi Harbour and Kawau Bay to the north-west, Great Barrier Island to the north-east and the string of islands from Rangitoto to Ponui in the south offer safe shelter in most weather conditions all year round.

Cruising in winter offers less crowded anchorages, good fishing and also means using your boat regularly, thereby reducing the chances of unexpected problems. I often see owners starting their diesel engines at the marina during winter, however engineers tell me there’s no substitute for using your boat regularly and working your engines under load at normal operating temperature, which can’t be achieved in the marina.

The winter nights are of course longer from around 1800 to 0700 hours. We find keeping warm not an issue with heat from the galley, an electric fan heater powered from our generator and a portable gas heater. Other systems such as diesel heaters are also available.

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Ensure adequate ventilation when using gas heaters to avoid dangerous build ups of carbon monoxide.

We had planned a ten day family cruise for late May and as departure approaches we watch the forecast with some consternation. The approaching weather system is so unusual that the media describes it as a “weather bomb,” caused by a ridge of high pressure in the eastern Tasman Sea combining with a deep low pressure trough north-east of the North Island to cause south-easterly winds in excess of 40 knots and exceptionally high swells

in excess of four metres. A gale warning is issued for the Hauraki Gulf, but only a strong wind advisory for the Waitemata harbour, so we modify our plans to avoid the outer Gulf and enjoy the Waiheke area.

We leave on a Friday afternoon in a light south-easterly breeze and cruise to Owhanaki Bay on Waiheke’s northwest-coast. Here is perfect for strong south-east winds and we find only a handful of boats anchored here providing us with plenty of all-important swinging room. We’re cautious about this as having anchored many nights over the years in adverse conditions our only problems have ever been caused by other anchored vessels coming adrift and hitting us. The rocks either side of the bay’s entrance are awash with a larger than normal swell, but where

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

we’re anchored there’s just a gentle lift.

With the wind predicted to increase to 25 knots we elect to stay here for the next couple of days finding it perfectly comfortable and secure.

By Tuesday it’s a beautiful sunny day, albeit a bit colder as the wind temporarily shifts a bit to the south. We anchor off Oneroa Bay, slightly further east, where our family members join us having arrived by ferry at Matiatia.

We want to cruise east to the Waiheke Channel and it’s decision time. Do we take the route to the north of Waiheke enjoying the sheltered northern coast, but risking heavy south-east seas when we turn south into the Firth of Thames, or do we cruise east along the Tamaki Strait on the southern side of Waiheke expecting a large wind-driven chop for most of the way but no heavy seas? We elect the latter and cruise south down the west coast of Waiheke in tranquillity before turning east at Park Point into the full brunt of a steady 35 knot southeasterly gusting into the 40s.

Although the wind-driven chop is about two metres high it’s directly on our bow so Rapport’s 16 metre hull handles the conditions well at about 8 knots with plenty of spray but little discomfort and with conditions gradually improving as we approach the Waiheke Channel.

Normally with a south-east wind we’d anchor in Chamberlin’s Bay Ponui, but we find residual swell from the firth of Thames so anchor slightly further to the east in the more sheltered Te Kawau Bay. During the next few days the southeasterly is far too strong to venture out into our favoured fishing areas of the Firth so we seek out new fishing spots in the more sheltered waters of the Waiheke Channel finding two locations that provide plenty of action.

Faced with the “weather bomb” it would have been all too easy to cancel our cruise, but we enjoy ten great days away confirming that winter cruising even in poor weather can be enjoyed.

STRAIGHT FROM THE GALLEY with Derek the Chef, chefline14@gmail.com

Chefs Tip: This also works well with Blue Nose and Kingfish.

Grilled Hapuka / Groper steak, white wine saffron sauce with julienne vegetables.

The Hapuka also known as groper, is found around southern Australia, southern South America, South Africa, Tristan da Cunha and New Zealand at depths between 30 and 800 m.

Its length is between 60 and 180 cm, and it can weigh up to 100 kg.

INGREDIENTS • • • • • • •

• • • • • •

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METHOD

4x Hapuka / Groper steaks 2x tbsp Cocavo Turmeric Coconut & Avocado Oil Plus extra for Sauté Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

1x leek sliced into Julienne 1x carrot sliced into Julienne ½ yellow / red capsicum Julienne 1x brown onion Julienne

1. Pre heat oven to 200°C

SAUCE ½ cup cream ¼ cup White wine (Anchorage Family Estate (Sauvignon Blanc) Small Pinch Saffron Threads ½ tsp Dijon mustard 1x tsp lemon zest 2x tbsp chopped flat leave parsley to garnish.

5. Grill the Hapuka / Groper in the same pan remove and place into the preheated oven to finish until opaque in the middle.

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2. Melt the extra Cocavo in a fry pan add in carrot, leek and capsicum, sauté or gently fry until crisp but cooked around 5 minutes.

3. Remove from pan and set aside on kitchen paper.

4. Season the Hapuka well with Sea salt & White Pepper.

6. Add in the cream, wine, mustard, Saffron threads and zest then reduce to sauce consistency around 2 minutes.

7. Finish with the chopped flat leaf parsley & Cocavo Black Salt.

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y Enjo with

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FISHING

with Bruce Duncan (aka Captain Swish)

“every day a man goes fishing adds another day to his ledger of life”

Fat prime eating winter snapper

WINTER CRUISING

R

Covid has canned any thoughts of the usual offshore winter holiday, yet some of the best boating holidays I have ever had have been in winter.

Often a weather window opens up allowing a few days of calm conditions.

ecently I was asked to mark on a friends chart plotter, the best anchorages in the Hauraki Gulf. A number of factors have a bearing as to where I anchor for a night. Wind strength and direction, bottom type to the shape of the bay all have a bearing on where I drop the anchor. I look at the shape of the bay, the height of the cliffs and best of all, are trees and scrub, as they suck out the power of the wind. Low hills and grass are different, allowing the wind to speed past.

Watching the isobar maps, the wind guru and the likes, allows you to track a week ahead and find a potential gap. If you already have the boat full of water, fuel and the team on standby, it means you can get underway in a few hours.

Planning a boy’s trip is a matter of delegation. One person needs to arrange bait, another the food etc. Then the most important task of all is going to be the DMO, which is the “drinks movement officer”. This is a position that should not be taken lightly as the winter cold can bite deep and the odd wee rum at the right time has been known for decades to stave away flu and other such ailments. The key for a few days away at short notice is to make it easy. If everyone rocks up and does their bit it’s not a major for anyone. Just start the boat, drop the lines and we are out of here.

Winter cruising puts a whole new slant on boating. With few

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if any other boats around, the pace of life is a lot slower and more relaxing. You can learn a lot by simply cruising into various bays checking them out and getting to know the area such as how close in you can go and which end is best to anchor. There is nothing like time spent on the water to get to know your boat and your surroundings. A lot of people I know over summer only want or feel safe to be in a popular bay. But to get the best spot they need to be anchored early before the bay fills up. One of the up sides of winter cruising is having the choice of anchorages, hence you try bays you would not normally go to which builds your confidence and knowledge of an area. This also applies to trying out new spots to fish.

BEST TO KEEP WARM

Generally I find the temperature on the water 2-5 degrees warmer than on land but there is nothing worse than someone bleating all day that he is cold. Be prepared with plenty of good woollen gear as it’s easy to take layers of clothing off, than put up with a wind chill. Wet damp gear lying all over the place is a problem, but easily solved once at anchor for the night. Lift up the engine hatch then spread the damp clothing towels shoes etc around the engine bay, as the heat form the engine in the confined area will dry them

out by the morning.

Warning! put something over the ignition to remind you of the clothes down in the engine bay before you fire up the donkey in the morning. The sound of shoes flying about under the hatch along with towels getting caught in the belts is one I will never forget.

Summer time everyone tends to fish the same old spots, whereas winter fishing as you will learn more by targeting new spots. Gone are the days where I will go out and roll around all day in deep water for a few fish. When I know I can anchor close to shore in the calm with a cup of coffee, that’s me.

Believe me, any shore line with kelp on the rocks will hold snapper over winter. With few boats around I have had some amazing catches in popular bays by casing a bait to the edge of the kelp line. Many a time I have cast a bait out and caught all the fish we needed when still at anchor while making a morning coffee. Fresh bait is the key as it holds on the hook.

Resident snapper are not aggressive feeders, tending to pick up a bait and chew on it. Winter snapper have a high content of body fat, making for excellent eating and perfect for putting in the smoker. In the winter I have no hesitation of targeting a few bigger fish to put in the smoker when I get back home.

home. Each way it’s an hour or two at the most and the rest of the time I cruise around at a very relaxing 7-8 knots. Every trip I do the sums and they work out the same. Under load I burn 32-36 litres an hour, but idling at 7-8 knots the fuel burn drops dramatically. Overall it averages out at 16.66 litres per hour over the whole trip. Winter trips you only get three to four days away which equates to a cost of around $350.00 of diesel. As we catch most of the bait it’s mostly fuel, food and the odd wee tipple to add into the overall cost, so it’s a bloody cheap break away for everyone.

One thing that is often over looked is that using the boat over a few days in winter is actually the best thing you can do for it, as it airs it out and keeps things in working order. All in all it’s just a matter of putting a plan together and “doing it”.

So many people talk about it but life is too short and as the famous writer Mark Twain once said “every day a man goes fishing “adds another day to his ledger of life and who am I to query such a wise and astute man.

FUEL COSTS

The cost of fuel is on everyone’s mind today, yet I find in winter the fuel burn is way less, as I am not tearing around catching up with mates on other boats. I tend to only put the loud pedal down just to get to my destination and back

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Seawolf has a soft bilged displacement hull with graceful sheerline running back from a plumb bow.

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B O AT R E V I E W S E A W O L F

SERIOUS ABOUT, FISHING

Designed by Auckland based LOMOcean and built by Harkin Boatworks in Whitianga, SeaWolf is a compact, ultra-long range, ocean capable sport fish boat, tailored to charter fishing and exploring the remote islands of greater French Polynesia.

T

om Francis started as an apprentice boatbuilder in the mid-1990s, under designer and project manager Craig Loomes and foreman Brian Harkin at a boatyard in Auckland, working on an innovative, ground breaking project. That boat was to prove life defining for Tom – she was a 27m long, 10m wide wavepiercer sport-fisher named Ultimate Lady - and the apprenticeship ended up going by the wayside as Tom followed his passion for game fishing and signed on as deckhand.

Remarkably, just one year later at the age of 23, Tom ran Ultimate Lady as Captain for the first time and, by the end of 2001, was the full time, permanent skipper. Soon, stories started to filter back from the Wanganellas and far beyond - 24 marlin in a day, five fish hooked up and landed at a time - and record breaking marlin over 1000 lbs.

Fast forward fifteen years and Tom was looking to the future. Settled in Ultimate Lady’s permanent home of Tahiti, the idea of SeaWolf Expeditions was born around the concept of a compact, ultralong range, ocean capable sport fish boat, tailored to charter fishing and exploring the remote islands of greater French Polynesia. It had to be nimble and the faster it could go backwards, the better. It also needed the ability to react quickly to changes in direction and to accelerate hard – either forwards or astern.

No enclosed flying bridge was required although height above water for good visibility at the control station is vital - and it needed to offer comfortable accommodation for charter bookings that could last for well more than a week’s duration. The long-range capability and comfortable accommodation would also offer opportunities for non-fishers keen to go places most others can’t for diving, snorkelling, photography and exploring.

Given his experiences on board Ultimate Lady, Tom turned to Craig Loomes, Andre Moltschaniwskyj and their team at LOMOcean Marine for design and naval architecture. To complete the circle, Tom approached his erstwhile mentor and long-

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SEAWOLF

SeaWolf lopes along at 16 knots into a head sea when fully loaded.

The electronics package is the most sophisticated you could ever expect to see on a boat of this size

Down the companionway stairs and forward is the accommodation, which comprises two spaces.

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time friend, Brian Harkin, to build the boat with a small team in Whitianga. SeaWolf was launched in the late summer of 2021 and we got to tag along during one of the commissioning trials.

OLD METS NEW

First impressions of the boat on the water are of old meeting new – a soft bilged displacement hull with graceful sheerline running back from a plumb bow, chased hard by a long foredeck but with an aggressively raking and sculptural tuna tower atop the crisp, modern pilothouse, resulting in something quite new and unique.

The boat was constructed without conventional moulds, from epoxy, E-glass, foam sandwich materials – plus a bit of carbon fibre where needed - and the Harkin team’s craftmanship shines out in the crisp, fair lines, perfect paintwork and custom componentry. There aren’t many yards left in New Zealand building bespoke composite boats anymore - and this adds to the special, artisan built feel of SeaWolf. For those who know their boats, she could never be mistaken for a production built clone.

Although likely fodder for endless debate, SeaWolf has only one main engine – a 12.4 litre MAN diesel, continuously rated at 382 kW. There are good arguments both for and against singles or twins and Tom picked a single. He is also a keen kite surfer, so the “get me home” choice of a |

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

readily stowable, easily handleable French SeaKite sailing system was obvious for him, although future boats could use a number of interesting alternatives, including electric hybrids.

An element of the driveline not commonly seen on a game boat is the Hundested controllable pitch propeller. Often used in large sailing yachts to tailor engine load whilst motor sailing, SeaWolf makes excellent use of the ability to pitch the propellers from forward to reverse without a change in engine rpm, nor with the need to clunk through neutral and into reverse and vice versa. With high rpm already dialled in, Tom can call almost instantly on a lot of horsepower to get the desired acceleration in either direction and keep the boat pointing where he wants relative to a hooked up and energetic marlin.

A PLEASANT MOTION

Conditions on the day of our run on the boat out from Whitianga were good – a brisk but dying souwesterly leaving a 1m+ surface chop on top of the usual easterly swell encountered on the ocean side of the Coromandel Peninsula. The intention was to put some hours on the engine and to load the genset up hard for a few hours to shake things down, so it was a good opportunity to also tow some lures out the back of the Aldermans and get a feel for the boat doing exactly what she will spend much of her life doing.

Given the gyro stabilizer wasn’t operational on

the day, it was also a good chance also to see if the round bilged hull ‘rolled her guts out’ as many (although not her designers!) expected. We can report that the boat feels surprisingly stable with a very pleasant motion, particularly when underway.

And a few weeks later, during the delivery trip from Whitianga to Auckland in more boisterous seas, the Italian made Quick branded gyro did an excellent job of locking the boat up in roll when the going got rough. At trolling speed, the wake is surprisingly flat and offers a huge window within which to run lures. And with fuel burn at less than 1 litre per nautical mile at 8.5 knots, remarkably, we could have cruised to Fiji and back and still had plenty of diesel left.

Waypoint Electronic’s Wayne Limbrick was on board commissioning the sonars - so there were a few rapid changes in direction when a marlin mark was spotted onscreen - and we got to experience waves from every angle. To her crew, the feel of the boat is very much like a conventional planing hull at slow speeds and those fast changes in direction showed that the “nimble “ part of the design brief was well achieved. The rudder is specially designed to be as effective when going astern as it is moving forward – and sea trials in reverse topped an astonishing 14 knots.

The electronics package is the most sophisticated you could ever expect to see on a boat of this size and includes Furuno WAASP, Simrad ES80 and MAQ

Omni sonars that are usually seen on superyachts or commercial fishing boats. This gives SeaWolf the ability to mark individual fish nearly a kilometre away – and to read the bottom at around 4000m for unparalleled fishing finding capability.

FISHING SPECIFIC

As expected of a dedicated game fisher, the cockpit is huge and equipped with an equally large custom built game chair, a discreet transom door, wide teak coverboards, underfloor freezers, a kill bin with icemaker - and big drains. Tuna tubes and live bait tanks are collapsible and can be set up when needed or stowed when not. Doors set into the forward coamings open to reveal super tidy stowage for tag poles and gaffs - and lockers abound for safety gear, lines, fenders etc etc. The overall impression of the aft deck is one of a clean, uncluttered work space with a singular focus on fighting fish.

Moving forward, we found an aft facing upholstered settee to port, for those watching the lures, with drawers in the seat front offering storage for tackle and gear. On the other side is a workbench with lift up lid covering a wash basin. Up a step and through the glossy black door and into the airconditioned saloon, you are greeted by a modern, well laid out galley to port, with a big basin and plenty of bench space. The interior has the feel of a modern apartment with hardwearing wood effect vinyl plank flooring complementing the charcoal

As expected of a dedicated game fisher, the cockpit is huge and equipped with an equally large custom built game chair.

The rudder is specially designed to be as effective when going astern and in reverse tops an astonishing 14 knots.

Sewolf has a sculpted, carbon fibre tuna tower, where Tom will spend much of his time.

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SEAWOLF The interior has the feel of a modern apartment with the crisp white coamings and headliners.

Name Sea Wolf | Builder Harkin Boatworks | Designer LOMOcean Marine | Type Sport Fisher | Construction GRP Composite | Displacement (Heavy) 21418 tonne | LOA 14.90m | LWL 13.27m | Beam 4.40m | Draft 1.25m | Power 1x 12.4 litre MAN @ 512hp. | Propeller Hundested controlable pitch propeller | Cruiser Speed 12 knots | Electronics Furuno WAASP, Simrad ES80 and MAQ Omni sonars | Paint Awlgrip / Iternational | Anchor Winch Lofrans | Stabiliser Quick Gyro | Fuel Capacity 4000 litres | Water Capacity 1700 litres | Contact www.lomocean.com FUEL & PERFORMANCE DATA RPM Knots L/h 613 6.5 4 697 7.2 6 794 8.4 8 893 9.3 14 1012 9.4 18 1190 10.2 30 1299 11.0 41 1398 11.8 52 1587 13.3 75 1609 15.9 88 1783 16.1 96

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L/NM 0.620 4500 0.840 3300 0.960 2900 1.600 1700 2.000 1300 3.000 930 3.800 730 4.500 620 5.700 480 5.600 490 6.000 460

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

The Quick gyro did an excellent job of locking the boat up in roll when the going got rough.

upholstery and contrasting with the crisp white coamings and headliners.

Opposite the galley is a settee for those having a drink and chatting with the cook; forward is the generously sized dinette, directly across from the compact helm station. For her New Zealand sea trials - conducted as autumn chill settled into winter cold - this was certainly treated as the main helm station and offers excellent visibility over that long foredeck and indeed all around.

In Tahiti this control station will be secondary to that mounted on the sculpted, carbon fibre tuna tower, where Tom will spend much of his time. Access to the tower is a bit of a scramble via a stubby stainless steel ladder, up past the roof stowed tender to the lofty heights of the sheltered console, offering great views in all directions. The vintage styled game poles snugged up against the tower legs when parked are also made of carbon fibre and complement an integrated gantry that will allow Tom to weigh fish onboard.

Down the companionway stairs and forward is the accommodation, which comprises two spaces – one aft with quad bunks that can be divided into two separate cabins by a cleverly hidden divider - and one in the bow, offering a two low bunks and one high. Snakeskin vinyl upholstered panels combine well with the American ash trims and clean white upholstered headlining. Splitting the two cabins are separate, generously dimensioned toilet and shower compartments, neatly faired with coved corners and painted in easily cleaned white semi-gloss lacquer.

After a solid day at sea it was time to head back to Whitianga and the engine lever was pushed against it’s stop – a place the engine is rated to stay at all day, so sprint speed is also cruise speed. Proving that the term ‘hull speed’ is not an impassable brick wall for a displacement hull, SeaWolf lopes along at 16 knots into a head sea when fully loaded - and touched close to 20 knots surfing home on the long easterly swell. The boat feels completely in control when surfing, the rudder offering plenty of steering authority. The bow quickly pops clear as the boat accelerates down each wave, leaving a foamy, flat wake behind a dry transom and it was a happy crew that slipped back into Whitianga as darkness fell.

WANGANELLAS AWAIT

Ryan Castles from Pine Harbour Electrical installed the electrical systems on SeaWolf. An experienced and accomplished game fisher in his own right, he served as commissioning skipper, so knows her systems and how she performs better than anyone. His verdict? “The long range achievable with this boat is amazing - and the flat wake is a winner for trolling lures. It’s a really comfortable boat at sea and I love the fact that it can go places – the Wanganellas for example - that other boats this size can’t. If I could afford it, I’d buy one tomorrow”. High praise that bodes well for the future South Sea adventures of Tom, SeaWolf and those lucky enough to enjoy chartering her.

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POWER & TEXT BY DENISE PREECE | IMAGES BY JEREMY WARD (SHOT 360)

Power & Passion are two words that sum up two time UIM GP World Champion Warwick Lupton. Initially only wanted a boat to use for water- skiing, he got hooked on the sport after a friend tricked him into a race meet. 35 plus years later and Warwick still loves the thrill and the horsepower of hydroplane racing.

Warwick Lupton two times world GP Hydroplane champion.

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PASSION Annihilator 007, designed by Malcolm Jamieson is a departure from the traditional three pointer hydroplane design.

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POWER &

PASSION

Warwick Lupton

Annihilator 007 in full flight

Warwick still today supports, encourages and sponsors, youth to get into the sport.

T

o rate Warwick’s powerboat racing career as successful would be an understatement. Starting in an 18ft racing runabout he was soon to be tricked a second time when he purchased his first GP hydroplane, Continental Airlines from the late Vinnie De Buck. The NZGP Hydroplane Drivers Club bought the Canadian out to race in New Zealand, and the deal was to race the boat in the then Epiglass Series, before selling the boat to a New Zealand team.

This was to be the start of Annihilator 007 Hydroplane racing.

Warwick campaigned the boat in New Zealand and Australia for several years with much success.

In 2002 New Zealand hosted the UIM World Grand Prix Hydroplane Championship and Warwick decided it was time to build a new Staudacher hydro. The boat was only finished days before the event started at Lake Karapiro, so testing time was limited. The new Annihilator 007 had graphics that looked like a Tiger, and like a magnet the boat attracted the kids. Warwick still today supports, encourages and sponsors, youth to get into the sport.

In 2001 Warwick lead a Kiwi team to Paynesville in Australia for the EC Griffith Cup. The visit to Australia was an outstanding success with Warwick winning the EC Griffith Cup, AE Baker Australasian Hydroplane Championship and the Paynesville Gold Cup. Add those to multiple Masport Cup wins, five times NZ Grand Prix Champion, and then his first UIM World Champion title in 2006 at Lake Karapiro, Cambridge and it’s fair to say that the man had arrived.

However, despite all the success in the Staudacher, he felt it was time for a new boat and this time it would be radically different to anything else, but a design that would give him an edge. The design was from Kiwi, Malcolm Jamieson and not only was the three pointer concept a departure from the traditional design, it would be lighter than other boats in the 60

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same class, have less horsepower but just as quick as everyone else.

TOP OF FORM

In 2010 with the new Annihilator 007, Warwick was to win his second World title this time in Yarrawonga, Australia. Still convinced he could get more speed, they continued to make changes to the boat.

In 2015 at Lake Dunstan in Cromwell, Warwick had the boat running the quickest we had seen the boat go. It seemed the changes had all worked, until on the fourth and final lap while in the lead, he hit a wave, which lifted the boat up, became airborne and somersaulted. The boat landed upright but snapped in half when it landed. Warwick walked away with a sore back and a few bruises and credited that to the safety gear doing its job. The boat was easily repaired and Warwick is still racing it today.

VALLEYFIELD OR BUST

Every Grand Prix Hydroplane Drivers dream is to compete in Canada and win the Grand Prix title in Valleyfield. A few years ago a team of Kiwis went to watch a few rounds of the HRL series and purchased a couple of the local boats. Today they are regulars in the the Hydro Thunder series, running as Lady Liz and Penrite Repco.

In 2018 Warwick had the opportunity to lease a boat to compete in the HRL series and his son Jack ran his first season there. Jack was to cross the line first in the final of the Grand Prix title in Valleyfield but was later penalised for jumping the line and relegated to third place. 2019 saw both Ken and Jack

The Staudacher, Annihilator 007, at Lake Karapiro in 2008.

competed in several rounds of the HRL series.

After the Lupton family competing in the HRL series it was decided to make a few changes to the GP rules in New Zealand to more align with the international competition.

The maximum 510 cuin engine limit was changed to the HRL rule of 468 cuin. In an attempt to bring more reliability and cost savings to the sport. Warwick has worked hard to grow the grand prix hydroplane class changing the engine specs has certainly achieved this. There are now more drivers competing in this class than ever and it looks probable that there will be 2 or 3 more next season. The problem we have

uperior

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See the full Boat Review at boatmags.com

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now is the demand for getting boats.

Warwick is dedicated to all the teams, and helps them all with his advice and expertise. The future for Grand Prix Hydroplane racing here in New Zealand is strong thanks to the huge effort Warwick has put into the sport. With sons Ken and Jack both competing, it has become very much a family affair. Warwick says he is on his way out of driving hydroplanes one would suggest never under estimate this elder statesman of Grand Prix Hydroplane racing, there is plenty more years left yet.

Twin 9-inch Raymarine Axiom touchscreens control the C Zone digital switching system

www.superiorboats.co.nz Superior Boats Ltd: 25-27 Holmes Rd. Manurewa, Auck | +64 9 268 2222 | info@superiorboats.co.nz PowerboatMagazine.co.nz

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B O AT R E V I E W

REPEAT BUSINESS TEXT BY BARRY THOMPSON

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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

RIVIERA 645 SUV

When Ray Haddrell first heard of plans for the 64 Sports Motor Yacht two years ago, he told Riviera CEO Wes Moxey, "Give me a call if you ever do an SUV version". Rayzaway is the culmination of that first phone call. Barry Thompson got to experience this stunning new Riviera SUV flagship immediately after its release at the recent 2021 SCIBS.

H

aving owned six Rivieras before their latest acquisition, Ray and Jenny Haddrell from Melbourne, Australia, are the first to own a 645 SUV. It will be the seventh consecutive Riviera the Haddrells have owned and their largest. They are very familiar with the SUV range, having previously owned a 565 SUV and a 575 SUV. Released at the 2021 SCIBS, the 645 SUV is also the biggest and most sophisticated SUV the company has ever built and is the flagship of a family of six SUVs. The SUV is described as a crossover between a 4WD and a sedan when it comes to cars. Riviera describes the SUV as a crossover between a flybridge cruiser and a sport yacht. The SUV provides all the attributes and amenities of a one-level sport yacht, with the internal single-level, enhanced by the spacious indoor-outdoor alfresco deck lifestyle features.

TWO VERSIONS

The Newport Edition of the Riviera 645 SUV featuring the distinctive Tungsten silver hardtop.

The 645 SUV is available in two editions - the Classic and the Newport. Rayzaway is based on the Classic, which features elegant interior furnishings, a versatile foredeck entertaining space and four-stateroom accommodation. The Newport includes a distinctive Tungsten silver hardtop, a spacious foredeck sun pad, avant-garde saloon features and three-cabin accommodation with lower-deck lounge space.

The 645 SUV is more than just a more significant 575. It has a very different layout, including an alfresco-deck

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RIVIERA 645 SUV

An entertainment and living epicentre – the 645 SUV’s semi-enclosed alfresco deck offers a plush lounge to port that converts to a double daybed.

The commanding helm offers seating in absolute comfort for three on plush Selto London pilot seats for the captain and companions.

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dining area, bar, foredeck entertainment area, and island galley. The alfresco deck is the entertainment and living epicentre of the 645 SUV. The semienclosed space offers a lounge to port that converts to a double daybed, an L-shaped lounge to starboard, which includes a generous drop-leaf teak table.

If you are into watersports and fishing, then the 645 SUV has that covered. A rise and fall hydraulic swim platform double as tender storage and your fishing platform. The layout includes an optional threeseater transom lounge or live-bait well and optional awning extending from the hardtop. The cockpit also comes with a fridge/freezer and a double Southern Stainless bbq, plus triple hatch access in the teak sole.

A few steps up from the cockpit is the 645 SUV’s entertainment and living epicentre – a semi-enclosed

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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

alfresco deck offering a plush lounge to port that converts to a double daybed. Alfresco living and dining are enjoyed in the L-shaped lounge to starboard, including a generous drop-leaf teak table.

When the alfresco deck is opened up to the saloon and galley, the single-level living plan can be fully appreciated.

SALOON

The saloon is surrounded by high profile windows, making this a warm and friendly space. The galley is along the port side with a large island bench that provides more than enough space for two or more people to work side-by-side, prepping, serving or cooking. A walnut dining table is concealed behind the lounge and can be deployed simply by moving away four cushions and lifting the table up and out.

The helm on the centreline offers the option of two or three forward-facing luxurious leather helm seats facing three 24-inch screens and comprehensive system controls.

The forward starboard corner of the saloon can be a relaxing lounge, a workstation or a beautifully appointed cocktail wet bar.

The saloon includes a side saloon door leading to generous walk-around side decks and a foredeck that is a separate, lavish entertainment hub. The foredeck zone is a unique entertainer space, providing plush lounge seating for up to 12 people, an insulated ice bin, stereo and locations for fenders and ropes. Four carbon fibre poles hold up a large sunshade, and the Newport Edition has a bigger table and larger sunpad.

FOUR CABIN

The 645 SUV offers the largest SUV accommodation with the choice of three or four staterooms with three bathrooms plus an optional lower lounge and crew cabin, utility room or additional accommodation.

The full-beam master is immersed in light and fresh air from large hull windows with integrated portholes. There is a central island berth with a chaise lounge to port, storage unit and hanging locker to starboard. The aft ensuite is very generous with a large shower, head and vanity. It also doubles as the entrance to a utility room which is personalised to suit an owner’s needs. This space includes a watertight door to the engine room.

The layout lends itself to suit three couples with two more cabins with double berths. Forward is the VIP guest cabin, which includes a queen-size island berth with easy side access and an ensuite.

The second guest stateroom to port has two single berths that slide together to form a double berth and has ensuite access to the day head. Directly opposite is a fourth stateroom with twin crossover berths. In the Newport Edition, this is configured as an atrium lounge.

POWER PLUS

You have a choice of a pair of MAN V8 1300 (956 kW) or MAN V12 1550 (1,140 kW) diesels that deliver their power to the water through Twin-Disc MGX 5146 gearboxes onto Veem five-bladed propellers.

The 1300 engines in Rayzaway delivered a high cruise speed of 28 knots, and when I punched the throttle all the way, I got 32 knots on the GPS. I am told that the optional 1550s provide a cruise speed of about 30 knots and wide-open throttle around 34 knots.

If you like to cruise at a more leisurely speed of 1820 knots, the 1300hp option is an ideal choice with a range of more than 500nm and fuel consumption of a conservative 12 lpnm. If you favour towing lures, then at around 900 rpm, fuel consumption drops to under five lpnm, and your range increases to over 1200nm.

Layaway is fitted with a pair of Humphree 0.8m2 Carbon Fins, with Active Ride Control plus Humphree Interceptors. With the Humphree Active Ride Control system, the Interceptors associated with the fins are instantly actuated to optimise the running trim and list angle – all in one system. And boy, does it work!

A sumptuous saloon setting, shown here in the Classic Edition, has been created to optimise the flow and enjoyment of guests.

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RIVIERA 645 SUV

A full-beam master stateroom that is brilliantly bathed in light and fresh air from large hull windows.

The VIP guest cabin includes a queensize island berth with easy side access and an ensuite.

The forward starboard corner of the saloon can be a workstation or cocktail wet bar.

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At 30 knots, I threw the 40,000 kg Riviera 645 SUV into the most brutal turn I could. Two things happened. Firstly, the boat stayed almost perfectly level with minimal heel and secondly, we only scrubbed off about 1 knot in speed. Impressive!

With the Twin Disc Express Joystick System (EJS) seamlessly marrying the hydraulic thrusters with Twin Disc gearboxes, control at the helm is effortless. Manoeuvring the 645 SUV at low speed when coming into a fuel dock was effortless with EJS. All Riviera MAN-powered yachts come with a five-year engines limited warranty, further supported by Riviera’s seven-year structural and two-year express limited warranties.

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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE

As is usual when reviewing boats on the Gold Coast, it’s firstly a smooth cruise on The Broadwater and then out through the seaway to the open ocean.

However, as it was blowing over 25 knots outside the seaway, we opted to stay within the harbour.

While I have no doubt the boat would have handled it, the Riviera team still had a lot of system checks to do before the Haddrell’s took delivery of their brand new boat at the end of the week.

The ride and handling of the 645 SUV are impressive.

While there is a meaty and solid feeling to the boat, it delivers a soft, smooth gentlemanly experience.

The acceleration is exceptional, with 39 seconds from zero to 30 knots. Once on the plane, the Riviera 645 SUV runs with about 3-deg of trim. It is a true thoroughbred on the water. The twin MANs deliver

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RIVIERA 645 SUV Party time on the fordeck lounge.

Model Riviera 645 SUV | Builder Riviera Marine | Priced From AUD $3,295,000 | Price As Tested AUD $3,714,315 | Type Sedan Cruiser | Construction GRP | Displacement (Dry) 39,970kgs | LOA 21.23m | LOH 19.41m | Beam 5.80m | Draft 1.62m | Power 2 x MAN V8 @1300hp | Propellers Veem 5 Blade | Gearbox Twin Disc MGX 5146 | MFD 3 x Raymarine Axiom XL 22 | Autopilot Raymarine Evolution | Underwater Lighting Aqualuma Gen 4 | Entertainment Fusion | Cockpit Flooring Teak | Anchor Winch Muir | Stabilisers Humphree Fins | Interceptors Humphree | Fuel Capacity 5850 litres or 6500 litres | Water Capacity 750 litres | Contact

in every aspect, and if it had not been for the atrocious weather along the coast, I felt like I could have headed north to the Whitsunday’s or maybe even east and back to New Zealand.

The 645 takes the SUV Collection to a new level with even more space, performance, cruising range, accommodation and luxury. Riviera pioneered the SUV concept in 2012 and has since continually refined this design, crafting more than 170 yachts ranging from 39 to now 64 feet.

www.rivieraaustralia.com

FUEL & PERFORMANCE DATA RPM Knots L/h 900 8.7 40 1100 9.5 108 1500 18.3 197 1700 22.0 276 1900 24.6 344 2100 28.3 436 2300 30.6 507 2350 31.3 520 68

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L/NM 4.600 1272 12.000 515 11.000 543 13.000 465 14.000 418 16.000 379 17.000 353 17.000 352

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

OUTBOARDS FOR

BUYERS GUIDE

BIG BOA Triple Yamaha 425 XTOs on the transom of a Grady-White 375.

T

WENTY FIVE YEARS AGO if you contemplated a pair of outboards over a pair of diesel inboards, be it sterndrive or conventional shafts, your friends would have thought you mad. There may have been an initial cost saving, but the conjecture that the old gas gobbling 2-stroke needed a petrol tanker running alongside to keep you fuelled, was very off-putting.

But also very true at the time.A few did it, and whilst we saw boats like the Genesis 3100 with twin V6 outboards, it never really took off as an accepted

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alternative to the trusted diesel inboard. Even the historic around New Zealand record run in a Genesis 3100 powered by twin Johnson 225hp Oceanrunners, did little to bolster the enthusiasm. It did however excite the fuel companies.

But times have changed, and with the new era of 4-stroke and now diesel outboards the fuel question has all but been quashed. Bolting a single, or multi outboards on the transom does have its benefits.

Firstly, there is the cost. A 300hp petrol 4 stroke outboard will set you back

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

around $NZ50,000 and a 300hp diesel outboard almost double that at close to $NZ100,000. A 300hp diesel sterndrive package is around $NZ75,000, and a 300hp petrol sterndrive $NZ40,000$NZ45,000. And if you run the same diesel inboard engine but via a gearbox you are up for about $NZ60,000 plus when you add the costs of the running gear, your final costs will be in excess of $NZ100,000. Plus all those prices exclude any installation costs.

There is also the question of weight saving. The heaviest of the outboards are the diesels, which come in at

ATS

With the advent of the new generation of larger and more fuel-efficient outboards, their suitability to 10m plus none-trailerable boats has never been better. We look at what’s available and a few things you need to consider before experiencing this alternative big boat power source.

These Quad Suzuki 350s, all run on Ron 91

between 375kg and 395kg. An overall weight of a 300hp petrol outboard ranges from 239kg to 330kg. Now compare that to an equivalent horsepower diesel sterndrive at around 750kg and petrol sterndrive package at 450kg and it is easy to see how much of weight gain there is in running outboards.

The installation is also far simpler and quicker. It’s just a matter of bolting the outboard on the transom, whereas a sterndrive requires a hole cut through the transom. A shaft drive engine is more complex requiring the alignment

of the underwater running gear.

When it comes to servicing, the outboard is already out and exposed and very accessible. Replacement is very easy and simple as bolts off – bolts on to change.

Probably one of the major plus factors for outboards is the massive space saving. The conventional engine room space can now be converted to a vast storage area. With today’s fly by wire controls it is also an easy job routing the necessary wires to the helm.

Two other features of modern outboards are that the tilt angle has

been increased, and 30” and 35” shaft lengths are now available. These two features combine to ensure that on all but extreme deep-V craft, the lower units will tilt completely clear of the water, minimising corrosion and eliminating the need for antifouling and/or the cleaning of marine growth.

PROP DIAMETER ISSUES

If there is a downside it is that all outboards regardless of brand can only swing a maximum of a 16”diameter PowerboatMagazine.co.nz

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OUTBOARD BUYERS GUIDE

The triple Yamaha V6 Excel 225s propelled Horizon III at 28 knots.

prop, apart from the new Mercury V12 which swings a pair of 17” diameter props. Having enough blade area is critical to moving a heavy boat so that’s when pitch and the number of blades comes in to play. It’s a matter of finding the balance between getting the boat on the plane and top end performance.

Big outboards run most efficiently around 5500-6000 rpm so if you are only getting 4800 with the throttles nailed to the dash then you have the wrong prop choice.

This has been a problem in the past, especially with the older 2-strokes that didn’t have the torque down low to get a heavy boat onto the plane. Mercury has fixed that problem with their twospeed transmission in the new V12 600hp and 500hp outboards and both the diesel brands, COX & OXE offer different lower unit ratios to suit lighter or heavier boats. The diesel outboards also have better torque at low rpm, which will certainly help a heavy boat onto the plane.

In the past anything over 8 tonnes is asking a pair of outboards to work too hard and you are probably better off going to a sterndrive or conventional shaft drive option. However, today that has changed and with the right outboard set up on the transom, there is no reason you can’t use them on boats over 10 tonne displacement.

Leading powercat designer, Roger Hill says that he wouldn’t be hugely comfortable going up to 12 tonnes, but would be more than happy with a loaded displacement of 10 tonnes.

“There are a few other significant factors that go into the hull design mix that would need to be considered along with the outboards. Assuming 72

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that we are only talking about planning hull shapes, the bottom loading is critical for planning efficiency and the shape is very relevant regarding ease to get up on the plane and stay there”, says Roger.

He adds that a short, heavy boat with a deep V hull displacing 10 tonnes will be a lot less efficient with outboards than a longer boat of the same displacement with less deadrise.

Currently Hill Yacht Design is working with a client on a 13.5m displacement powercat running a pair of OXE 300 diesel outboards.

When fully loaded displacement will be closer to 15 tonnes and Roger says in this case the outboards will be a good fit as top speed is not a consideration and it won’t plane in any case. A cruising speed of 17 or 18 knots will be easy to achieve with 180 to 190 hp and a top speed of around 26 knots.

OVER THE HORIZON

In 1987 the late Alan Warwick designed the first of two outboard powered boats for Auckland businessman Ken Lusty. The long dark blue hull of Horizon III at speed became a familiar sight on the Hauraki Gulf, yet few

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

realised what was powering this unique 19.4m vessel.

In Horizon III, triple Yamaha 225hp V6 2-stroke outboards were neatly tucked away in their own internal engine bay.

Owner Ken Lusty saw some very definite benefits in the outboards’ favour, over larger twin diesels.

Lusty said at the time, “There was the major cost saving on machinery. The boat had less draft, giving it the ability to get into shallower waters, it had a slower minimum speed, it offered the opportunity to upgrade engines without

major cost or inconvenience and it had a much lower noise level”. The whole boat was built light for its size and on launch day was 14.481 tonnes.

TW0-STOKES ONLY OPTION

In the mid ‘80s the era of the big V6 4-stroked, direct injection engines and diesel outboards was still a few years away so the choice of power was limited to 2-strokes. Top power was generally 225hp, although both Mercury and OMC did release some 275hp models, both of which proved unsuccessful in the recreational market. Although certainly not the most economical form of power, especially by today’s standards, the triple Yamaha V6 Excel 225s propelled Horizon III at 28 knots in cruising mode and were capable of sustaining speeds of 26 knots in adverse conditions. At 4000 rpm each engine was using 70 litres/hour and at 5000 rpm 82.1 litres/ hour. Flat out at 5800rpm consumption jumped to 96 litres/hour. Usual running was done at 26 knots @ 4500 rpm and the fuel economy was as good as some similar sized diesel motor yachts, at

around 9 litres per nautical mile.

A specially designed enclosure for the 3 x V6 outboards also provided a hinged seat allowing access to the outboards.

Outboard motor technology has changed a lot since Horizon III was built and while they are certainly a lot more economical, their other inherent benefits have changed very little.

Ken Lusty was so happy with Horizon III that he commissioned Warwick Yacht Design to design a 30m| version to be powered by quadruple

V8 outboards. However, eventually Horizon IV was launched with four Yamaha diesel sterndrives instead. Had we had the same technology outboards available then as we have now, I am quite certain that Ken would have stuck with the outboard option.

THE RIGHT FUEL

One of the issues you may have if you are running outboards on your boat is the question of fuel availability. Petrol is sold in New Zealand as standard

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OUTBOARD BUYERS GUIDE

Triple outboards are standard on the Back Cove 39O.

unleaded 91 or premium unleaded in both 95 or 98. Those numbers – 91, 95 and 98 – encompass the octane rating of the fuel. The term RON (Research Octane Number) is also used and so if you see the rating written as 91 RON or 98 RON it refers to the octane rating.

The majority of petrol sold at a marina/ jetty is 91 RON although there are some big areas of the country that there are no petrol pumps, just diesel. And when it comes to available 95 RON, the choices are even less.

There are about 50 places around the coast and on a couple of lakes in New Zealand that you can get fuel, either diesel or petrol, with only nine that have 95 RON available. If you are heading North of Auckland the last chance to get 95 RON on the water, is at Tutukaka Marina. It is not available anywhere in the Bay of Islands. So if you are planning a big trip to the Three Kings with your twin V8 powered 12m hardtop, then you need to have big fuel tanks. However, there is always the option of organising a small tanker to top you up at Mangonui, Whangaroa or Hohoura for your return trip.

In Auckland, 95 is readily available

in Westhaven, the OBC Auckland and Gulf Harbour, with the only other stops south being Tairua Marina, Tauranga and Whakatane. Whitianga Marina has just announced that they are installing 95 on their new fuelling jetty. This is great news for all the none trailerable outboard powered boats resident on the marina and in the Waterways.

If you have your boat moored in Wellington, then getting petrol is a real problem as it is not available from any marina fuelling site. The South Island has 95 available at Picton and 91 at Waikawa, Elaine Bay and Havelock North, but nowhere else.

In fact there are only just over a dozen dedicated 91 RON pumps, although there is still only the Russell Wharf and further South Marsden Cove where you can get petrol north of Auckland.

Great Barrier has 91 available at both ends, Fitzroy and Tryphena. Plus there are numerous sites around Auckland.

Further south you go the less chance you have of getting even 91, with outlets at Tauranga, Napier, and various places in the Marlborough Sounds.

There are no dedicated 91 octane pumps in Wellington Harbour or even further North at Mana.

Roger Hill recently released renders of a 13m displacement powercat to be powered with twin 300hp diesel outboards.

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OCTANE BOOSTERS

So, while obtaining 91 can be an issue, then it can be an even bigger problem if you require 95 to run to efficient and optimum performance. Fortunately, there are fuel octane boosters available to get your fuel up into the required octane zone.

So, what does a fuel octane additive do? Fuel octane contributes to stability under compression, with a higher-octane rating indicating greater resistance to abnormalities like detonation and engine knock. An octane booster protects against low octane level issues by increasing the octane rating, and it improves performance by helping to ensure that fuel in a cylinder ignites exactly when it should, even in highcompression engines.

The benefits of a fuel octane booster are that it helps to ensure that you’re “feeding” your engine the best fuel grade you can. Octane boosters are best used at every fill-up, although different products will have different ratings for how much fuel they are able to effectively treat. A rule of thumb is 1 litre of octane booster to 400 litres of fuel added at the time of filling. You can buy octane boosters in a variety of

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OUTBOARD BUYERS GUIDE

Twin OXE diesel outboards on the transom of this recently launched Image 10.5m.

packs, from 250ml right through to 200 litres.

Hugh Stewart, Yamaha Marine NZ Technical Sales Advisor says that while some of their outboard motors have a 94 RON fuel recommendation, many owners run on 91 Octane, which is not recommended.

He says that the F375 and F425 should have a minimum fuel rating of 94 RON due to the high compression ratio of this engine “The F350, F375, F425 V8s have always carried the RON 94 recommendation, however the availability of the higher rated fuel at many of the on-water fuel stops has seen many engines having a RON 94 recommendation being topped up or filled with RON 91”, adds Hugh.

He says that the Yamaha engine management systems (ECUs) mapping adjusts ignition timing, fuel injection duration etc through the inputs from the various engine sensors, including a knock sensor so the Yamaha outboard engines with a RON 94 recommendation have continued to operate with RON 91.

“The use of an octane booster, such as HFT ECO XP with the Yamaha XTO375, XTO425 with a compression ratio of 12.2:1 provides a buffer between RON 91 and RON 94 allowing the engine management mapping to remain within normal operational parameters, under normal operational conditions”, says Hugh.

Compared to 91 octane petrol, 95 and 76

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98 octane generally cost a further 15 to 20 cents per litre; these extra prices can vary around the country depending on location and competition between retailers.

“A 1 litre bottle of Eco XP added to your 400-litre tank of 91 will set you back $NZ69.00, which translates to around 17 cents per litre, which is not far from the cost of 95 anyway and cheap insurance for your engine”, says Hugh.

There are a number of fuel octane additives available from large retailers such as Supercheap and Repco, with claims of boosting your fuel by between 2-7 RON. Like the HFT product they are also reasonably inexpensive for the quantity required.

Dean Villis NZ Service Manager for Mercury Marine says that their larger 4 strokes all the way up to 300hp use 90 RON, (Ron 91 in NZ).

“Even our new V12 500 and 600 HP are programmed to run on 91 RON, while our supercharged engines being 350,400 and 450 hp need to use bare minimum of 95 RON to get premium performance”, says Dean.

He points out that something to think about when reference to octane ratings are when the fuel is new and uncontaminated. “In a daily driven car this fuel will get used up fairly quickly so in most cases does not have a chance to age, but in a boat however we find fuel doesn’t get used up as quickly so can sit around for a while constantly deteriorating”, added Dean.

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

So should a customer fill up with 91 when it really should be 95 using the old NZ “she will be right mate” attitude? No. When you start with a lower than recommended octane rating and compound that with the age of the fuel, the octane will drop down even further.

Some fuel companies use ethanol in their higher-octane fuels. With ethanol blended fuels deterioration also happens but you can have something called phase separation. This is when the ethanol separates from the rest of the fuel which changes the octane.

The separated ethanol can be quite corrosive, and it also can attract moisture. Fine if you are using the new fuel, but not so much if you are storing it.

SPOILT FOR CHOICE

So, it would seem that the day of the outboard powered bigger mono or powercat is very much here and the outboard alternative is a viable option. While in the US, 5-6 outboards on a 18m super console boat is not uncommon, for Kiwis and Aussies it is probably more about twin’s on a powercat or triples on a monohull.

There are over 60 outboards from eight manufacturers, which include two diesel and two electric brands. Both the electric offerings are in their infancy but one, Evoy from Norway have plans to produce electric outboards to 450hp within a few years. Watch this space!

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Found on our DF350A, DF325A and new DF300B outboards, the Suzuki dual prop system’s six blades provide more grip and propulsion – and that means heart-racing acceleration like never before! Plus with counter rotating propellers, stability and lift combine for exceptional performance.

Learn more about our dual prop technology at marine.suzuki.co.nz/models/detail/df300b

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OUTBOARDS 150-600HP 4-STROKE / DIESEL / ELECTRIC

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WEIGHT CONFIG DISP (LITRES) SHAFT

(INCH)

GEARCASE RATIO PROP

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COX CXO 300 Diesel 375 kg V8 4.4L 25/30/35 1.23:1 / 1.46:1 15”

ENVOY Evoy Pro 150 Electric 150 kg NA NA 20/25/30/35 NA 16”

HONDA BF250D 91 281 kg V6 3.6L 25/30 2.00:1 16” BF225D 91 281 kg V6 3.6L 25/30 1.87:1 16” BF200D 91 285 kg V6 3.6L 15/20/25 1.87:1 16” BF175D 91 285 kg V6 3.6L 25” 1.87:1 16” BF150 91 217 kg L4 2.35L 15/20/25 2.14:1 16”

MERCURY Verado 600 91 572 kg V12 7.6L 20/25/30/35 2.50:1 17” (Duo) SeaPro 500 91 572 kg V12 7.6L 20/25/30/35 2.50:1 17” (Duo) 450R 95 313 kg V8 4.6L 20/25/30 1.60:1 16” 400 Verado 95 303 kg L6 2.6L 20/25/30 1.75:1 16” 350 Verado 95 303 kg L6 2.6L 20/25/30 1.75:1 16” 300 Verado 91 272 kg V8 4.6L 20/25/30 1.75:1 / 185:1 16” 300 SeaPro 91 272 kgs V8 4.6L 20/25/30 1.75:1 16” 300 Pro XS 91 229 kg V8 4.6L 20/25 1.75:1 16” 300 Four Stroke 91 239 kg V8 4.6L 20/25 1.75:1 16” 250 Verado 91 272 kg V8 4.6L 20/25/30 1.75:1 16” 250 SeaPro 91 239 kg V8 4.6L 20/25/30 1.75:1 16” 250 Pro XS 91 229 kg V8 4.6L 20/25 1.75:1 16” 250 Four-Stroke 91 239 kg V8 4.6L 20/25/30 1.75:1 16” 225 Pro XS 91 229 kg V8 4.6L 20/25 1.75:1 16” 225 SeaPro 91 239 kg V8 4.6L 20/25/30 1.75:1 16” 225 Four Stroke 91 216 kg V6 3.4L 20/25/30 1.85:1 16” 200 SeaPro 91 220 kg V6 3.4L 20/25 1.85:1 16” 200 Pro XS 91 229 kg V8 4.6L 20/25 1.75:1 / 1.85:1 16” 200 Four Stroke 91 216 kg V6 3.4L 20/25 1.85:1 16” 175 Pro XS 91 213 kg V6 3.4L 20/25 1.85:1 16” 175 Four Stroke 91 216 kg V6 3.4L 20/25 1.85:1 16” 150 Pro XS 91 207 kg L4 3.0L 20/25 2.08:1 16” 150 Four Stroke 91 206 kg L4 3.0L 20/25 1.92:1 16” 150 SeaPro 91 206 kg L4 3.0L 20/25 1.92:1 16”

OXE Diesel 150 Diesel 350 kg L4 2.0L 25/33 1.73:1 / 2.17:1 16” Diesel 175 Diesel 350 kg L4 2.0L 25/33 1.73:1 / 2.17:1 16” Diesel 200 Diesel 350 kg L4 2.0L 25/33 1.73:1 / 2.17:1 16” Diesel 300 Diesel 395 kg L6 3.0L 25/33 1.39:1 16”

SUZUKI DF350A 95 330 kg V6 4.4L 25/30 2.29:1 15.5” (Duo) DF325A 91 330 kg V6 4.4L 25/30 2.29:1 15.5”(Duo) DF300AP 95 290 kg V6 4.0L 25/30 2.08:1 16” DF300B 91 330 kg V6 4.4L 25/30 2.29:1 15.5” (Duo) DF250AP 95 290 kg V6 4.0L 25/30 2.08:1 16” DF250 91 264 kg V6 3.6L 20/25/30 2.29:1 16” DF200AP 91 236 kg L4 2.9L 20/25 2.50:1 16” DF200A 91 235 kg L4 2.9L 20/25 2.50:1 16” DF200 91 264 kg V6 3.6L 20/25/30 2.29:1 16” SF200SS 91 240 kg L4 2.9L 20/25 2.00:1 16” DF175AP 91 236 kg L4 2.9L 20/25 2.50:1 16” DF175A 91 235 kg L4 2.9L 20/25 2.50:1 16” DF150AP 91 236 kg L4 2.9L 20/25 2.50:1 16” DF150A 91 235 kg L4 2.9L 20/25 2.50:1 16” DF150SS 91 240 kg L4 2.9L 20/25 2.00:1 16”

VISION MARINE e-Motion 180 Electric 188 kg NA NA 20/25/30/35 NA 16”

YAMAHA XF425 XTO 95 442 kg V8 5.6L 25/30/35 1.79:1 16” F375 XTO 95 V8 16” F350 95 V8 16” F300 91 263 kg V6 4.2L 25/30 1.75:1 16” F250 91 229 kg V6 4.2L 20/25 1.75:1 16” F225 91 229 kg V6 4.2L 20” 1.75:1 16” VF225 91 229 kg V6 4.2L 20” 1.75:1 16” VF200 91 229 kg V6 4.2L 20” 1.75:1 16” VF175 91 218 kg L4 2.8L 20/25 1.86:1 16” F175 91 218 kg L4 2.8L 20/25 1.86:1 16” F150 91 218 kg L4 2.8L 20/25 2.00:1 16” VF150 91 218 kg L4 2.8L 20/25 2.00:1 16”

WEIGHT: lightest model available There are over 50 fuel stations on the water

around NZ, but less than a dozen have petrol.

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B O AT R E V I E W

STILL ON THE PROWL TEXT BY BARRY THOMPSON

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PROWLER 10.8 SPORTFISHER

While the Prowler powercat has been around for many years, it has morphed into various forms, with each new model improving the last.

The latest offering, the Prowler 10.8 Sportfisher from Fusion Marine Boatbuilders, is unquestionably the best yet.

The newest version of the Prowler has seen the most dramatic change with the lengthened topsides which raised the sheerline.

Running a Mercury Verado 250, we saw 40 knots on the GPS.

T

his is the third Prowler powercat I have reviewed over the years and is by far the best example yet. Denis Bettany and his team at Silverdale based Fusion Marine have transformed what was becoming a very outdated powercat into a vessel with a new life breathed into its classic hull.

The Prowler powercat started in Australia when Jeff Schionning designed a 9m version. It was further developed by NZ designer and builder Eric Knight as a 10.4m model. Formula Cruisers were next to get their hand on the moulds, and they made several significant changes to the overall look of the boat.

They added a further 400mm to the aft extremities of the hull and raised the sheerline by 250mm right through the length of each hull. Before this, the Prowler had a somewhat stubby and cut-off appearance, and while the lines of the boat aesthetically were much better balanced, it still didn’t look quite in proportion.

About seven years ago, Denis Bettany acquired the moulds, and while to date has only produced two boats, it seems that it is all about to change.

He says there is a lot of interest right now, and he is in discussions with three clients, who all want something different.

“Working within certain constraints, we are able to customise the layout from the accommodation configuration through to the overall length of the saloon. That’s the beauty of being a Kiwi boatbuilder! We can provide clients with customisation which you can’t achieve from an imported boat”, adds Denis.

He could see the potential of the Prowler but knew it needed some tweaking, especially in the styling. The newest version has seen the most dramatic change with the lengthened topsides which raised the sheerline. This also meant the transom could be moved further aft.

The drooping sheerline of the previous Prowler gave the cat a distinctive cut-off and stubby appearance. Not only do the changes make the boat look better, but it has also significantly increased the useable area aft.

“There was a lot of unutilised space around the aft end of the boat, and by extending it, it also allowed us to extend the cabin further forward and bring the whole boat into proportion”, says Denis.

The cockpit is 1.1m longer than the previous Prowler 10.8, the cabin is 600mm longer, and the side decks have been widened for ease of access forward. Gone are the soft nets between the hulls on the foredeck area, replaced with solid panels.

With the wider side decks, the compromise is less beam in the saloon. However, with a redesigned galley, the lack of internal beam is more than compensated for. There is a natural feeling of space the second you step aboard.

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PROWLER 10.8 SPORTFISHER

A high tunnel roof eliminates slamming at rest and speed.

The dinette converts to another double berth.

The helmsman gets uninterupted views.

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ACCOMMODATION

Like most powercats of this size, the hulls are used for accommodation, which in Prowler #11 has three very large single berths and a separate head/ shower. However, how this area is configured is up to each individual owner. Denis is working with a client that has requested two double berths forward, a single to starboard and a sizeable portside head/shower area. Add that to the dinette table that can be converted to another double berth and you have sleeping for seven.

He said he is also looking at adding 100mm into the beam of each hull, which will increase the internal volume of the hulls and add more buoyancy.

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LAYOUT

With the extended cockpit, there is the opportunity now to customise the layout in the cockpit better.

The boat was kept reasonably clean with an L shape lounger to port with a multi-functional dining/coffee table and a moulded unit opposite designated for a bbq. The transom featured three large lockers, with the centre one designed as a live bait tank if required. There is space across the transom for a settee. With no engines taking up any internal space, there are massive storage areas in each hull aft.

An excellent option to consider would be a high/ low hydraulic platform between the outboards.

This would assist access to and from the boat and be ideal as a fishing platform and stowing the tender.

Bifold alloy doors and a removable rear panel (an electric drop-down window is an option) open the boat up and accentuate the space on board. One of the significant changes from previous Prowler’s is the starboard side U shape galley is changed to a fore-aft bench with storage beneath. Very practical and certainly a better use of space. Opposite is a dinette (extended now by 600mm) which drops to convert to a double berth.

The sole driving position is in the centre forward and is flanked with Isotherm fridge/freezers on either side. With the high window profile, you get a panoramic view from the helm and, in fact, all areas of the saloon.

21 knots) was a real sweet cruising spot, and the Prowler ran like on rails.

A word of caution. If you are driving the boat, let your passengers know when you are pushing the throttles on. The transition from idle to planning is quick and snappy, with virtually no bow lift. It sits very level with a slight lean outward due to the symmetrical hull shape in tight turns.

There is an optional high/low platform between the outboards.

The saloon is spacious, open and airey.

PERFORMANCE

While we ran a pair of Yamaha 150hp 4S outboards, the Prowler 10.8 is rated from as low as a pair of 90hp outboards. The previous Prowler built by Fusion achieved 21 knots with a couple of Honda 80hp outboards. On a glassy day off Gulf Harbour, Auckland, I saw 28.5 knots @ 5500rpm on the GPS. Not quite the magic 30 knots.

We ran 14 ½”x 15” Reliance 3 bld propellers, which maxed out at 5500 rpm, about 300rpm shy of the desired maximum. Soon after our test day, these were changed to 14 1/2’ x 13’, which saw an increase of 500 rpm and the speedo touched 30 knots. TO BE CONFIRMED YET) I found that between 3500 rpm - 4000 rpm (18PowerboatMagazine.co.nz

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PROWLER 10.8 SPORTFISHER

With the extended cockpit, there is the opportunity now to customise the layout in the cockpit better.

You have a variety of accommodation options.

A WINNER

Model Prowler 10.8 Sportfisher | Builder Fusion Marine | Price As Tested NZ$765,000 INCL | Type Powercat | Construction GRP/Foam | Displacement 4600 kgs | LOA 10.80m | Beam 4.80m | Draft 600mm | Power 2 x Yamaha 150 4S | Power Options Outboard Only | Propellers 14 ½” x 15” Reliance MFD Simrad 12” | LED Lighting Hella | Entertainment Fusion | Cockpit Flooring Flexiteak | Anchor Winch Quick Fuel Capacity 600 litres | Water Capacity 400 litres Contact Fusion Marine | Ph +64 9 4267400 info@fusionmarine.co.nz | www.fusionmarine.co.nz

While we ran a pair of Yamaha 150hp 4S outboards, the Prowler 10.8 is rated from as low as a pair of 90hp outboards.

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While Denis admits that while called a Prowler 10.8 a sportfisher, by the time they produced the finished boat, it was quite different from what they had conceived. It’s undoubtedly a lot flashier than they planned, but it has turned out to be a perfect family cruiser for me. With a beam of 4.8m, you don’t need a dedicated catamaran berth, and with an overall length of around 11m, it’s going to fit easily into a marina.

The new Prowler 10.8 Sportfisher is a hugely different boat from the first one I saw many years ago. Fusion Marine Boatbuilders have certainly come up with the goods, and with the ability to offer custom layouts, it’s a winner.

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WHOEVER SAID "SILENCE IS GOLDEN" NEVER HAD A BOAT STEREO

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TURBO’S 101 When was the last time you serviced your turbo? Maybe it’s time.

Check your boost pressure to find out.

BY M I K E S M I T H

Different engine builders have different turbo-maintenance requirements, although whatever engine you have, chances are the turbo doesn’t need much looking after.

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T

URBOCHARGED ENGINES punch far above their weight, developing substantially more horsepower than naturally aspirated engines of similar displacement by pumping combustion air into the cylinders rather than relying on the engine to draw it in. This forces a greater volume of air, and therefore more oxygen, into each cylinder charge; more oxygen supports more fuel burn, and more fuel burn produces more power from the same cubic inches. Consequently, a smaller, lighter, more fuel-efficient turbo engine can replace a larger, heavier, natural motor with the same horsepower rating. And such weight savings can mean higher speed and/or less fuel consumption and, thanks to the physically smaller powerplant, more room for working in the engine compartment.

So, what’s the downside? Old-timers claim the higher power output of the turbo robs an engine’s lifespan versus a same-displacement natural — maybe it does, but few yachties put enough hours on their engines to find out for sure. For sure, it’s a consideration for commercial fishermen and round-the-world voyagers, many of whom prefer chunky, slow-turning naturally aspirated engines. But for the majority of skippers, the biggest turbo-related negative is

that the darn thing is simply another component to break down, and it needs a little TLC once in a while. Nothing onerous, though.

Different engine builders have different turbomaintenance requirements, although whatever engine you have, chances are the turbo doesn’t need much looking after: A new air filter every hundred hours or so, or maybe every year; an internal cleaning every couple of hundred hours, done without removing the turbo; and a rebuild after thousands of hours, usually more hours than you’ll put on your boat. All the recommendations for this stuff are in your engine’s owner’s manual — on the pages toward the back that you maybe didn’t read. Get your manual out and read those pages now.

How Does It Work?

Before you get totally engrossed, however, let’s take a minute and see what’s inside the turbocharger housing. A typical turbo has a shaft with a turbine wheel on one end (the “turbo”) and, in a separate compartment, a compressor wheel on the other (the “charger”). Exhaust gas passes through the turbine, setting it spinning. This spins the compressor, which pulls in combustion air through a filter, pressurizes (or “boosts”) it, and pumps it into the intake manifold, usually through an intercooler; turbochargers run hot, so cooling the intake air via an intercooler makes it pack more of a punch. Pretty simple, really.

Every turbocharger has a waste gate, basically a pressure-actuated port in the turbine housing that allows exhaust gas to exit directly without passing through the turbine. Without a waste gate, the boost pressure could rise high enough to damage the engine. When the boost pressure exceeds a pre-set limit, an actuator pushes on a connecting rod to open the waste gate; when the pressure drops, a spring inside the actuator closes the gate. A bypass valve does the same thing on the charger side, reducing excessive boost by diverting pressurized air back into the

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TURBO’S 101

T-Bolt clamps on both turbine (right) and compressor (left) facilitate removal and cleaning.

intake ahead of the turbo. (Some turbos have a blow-off valve that releases the excess pressure into the air.) If either the waste gate or the bypass valve sticks open, it will reduce turbo boost and engine performance will suffer. If either one sticks closed, it can damage the engine, maybe even kill it. Keeping the turbo clean will usually prevent such dire possibilities.

Traditional turbos use fixed turbine rotors; newfangled variable geometry turbos have movable turbine vanes that automatically adjust to match the exhaust gas flow. The vanes can be mechanically controlled by a pressure-sensitive actuator, similar to a conventional wastegate, or by an electronic control unit. Variable geometry turbos are more complex than conventional turbos, and difficult to rebuild, so most mechanics replace them, a costly repair. But whatever innards a turbocharger has, using a treatment to clean them of soot and other gunk is a major step toward preventing turbo issues.

Rinse It Out How do you know when your turbo needs attention? I asked Carl Schlemmer, a technical support specialist at Yanmar, and a guy who knows about all there is to know about turbochargers. Schlemmer says the most important tool when it comes to maintaining a turbo is a boost gauge. “When boost drops by 10 percent from normal, it’s time to clean 88

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the turbocharger,” he said, assuming nothing else is amiss onboard: The bottom’s not heavily fouled, the fuel and air filters are clean, etc.

But this means you have to know what normal boost is, so it’s important to keep a record of boost versus rpm, starting when the boat’s new, or at least when everything is just right. “Establish a baseline for boost pressure and use that as your standard.” (Some people just watch the exhaust, said Schlemmer, and while black exhaust can indicate turbo problems, it can also mean other things, like a dirty air filter.)

And, he said, don’t forget the genset: Many of the larger models these days have turbo diesels under the sound shield Actually, cleaning the turbo is straightforward: A wash agent is introduced via the air cleaner with the engine running, usually squirted or sprayed in short bursts from a spray bottle.

It passes through the compressor side of the turbo, then into the engine’s intake manifold, through the cylinders, back through the turbo and out the exhaust, cleaning everything on its way. Some ship diesels have a wash tank permanently plumbed; you fill it with fresh water (yes, plain water), get the engine up to operating temperature and open a valve. The water’s sucked into the engine and blown out the exhaust.

(A second cleaning system, for just the turbine, might also use water, or maybe crushed walnut shells or rice; they are cooked in the hot exhaust and blown out after scouring the turbine blades of soot and gunk.)

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TURBO’S 101

Scania’s 1150hp DI16 304M runs twin turbos.

Yikes! What’s the deal with squirting water, or a water-based cleaner, into an engine? According to Schlemmer, the cleaner is introduced slowly, and in small amounts, with so much air that it just burns off without doing any harm. That assumes that the person squirting the cleaner into the air filter does so very slowly, with the engine running at the rpm specified in the manual. “Don’t dump a gallon of cleaner into the air filter all at once, or you’ll have some problems.” Schlemmer noted, further explaining that old Yanmar service manuals used to recommend cleaning your turbo under way, with the engine loaded, but now the recommendation is just for a particular rpm, specified in the manual, with the engine running in neutral. (Yanmar calls for at least 2500 rpm for cleaning the turbo blower on their 4JH80 engines, for example.) Some cleaners require rinsing with plain water after the cleaning cycle. Bottom line is, follow the directions.

What turbo cleaner is best? You’ll find a few in auto parts stores, but not all are suitable for diesel engines, so read the label. Or you can pay your mechanic to do the job; then if something goes south, it’s his fault.

Look Inside and Out But what if, after enjoying a good wash, your turbo’s boost is still dropping? Start by pulling off the air filter to look at the fins on the compressor wheel, said Schlemmer. They should 90

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be sharp, almost like a knife, right to their tips. If not, if they’re rolled or otherwise damaged, don’t waste your money on more turbo wash — you need professional help. Rolled blades don’t pump as much air as they should and can cause an engine to overheat — too much fuel burning, not enough fresh air to cool the combustion chambers, and the engine’s cooling system can’t make up the difference. “If you’re having overheating problems that are unusual,” he said, “check your turbo.” While you have the air filter out, clean it or replace the element. Do this at least once a year.

Also, if you see oil in the turbo, call your mechanic. A turbo spins very fast — 40,000 or 50,000 rpm — and no-contact bearings (sometimes called labyrinth bearings) are used to reduce friction to almost nothing. No-contact bearings use a thin film of oil between the moving parts. This oil comes from the engine’s lube oil that also flows through the turbocharger – if the seal on a bearing fails, lube oil will leak into the turbo and eventually cause problems. This is also why you should let the engine idle for five minutes or so before shutting down. When the engine’s shut down abruptly, the oil pressure drops and the oil flow through the no-contact bearings stops just as abruptly— if the turbo’s still spinning fast from residual momentum, this can cause unnecessary wear on the bearings. What’s more, the hot turbo can actually bake whatever oil’s left in it, creating gunk you don’t want in there.

Water mixed with a little dish soap is sprayed into this air cleaner. Going slowly is the key.

Cutaway of a Borg Warner turbo.

IT’S NOT ALWAYS THE TURBO Let the turbo slow down, and cool down, before shutting off the engine.

And one last thing. Once in a while remove your exhaust elbow and look into the turbine side of the turbo. (While the elbow’s off, check its innards for rust, too. It’s a good idea to do this yearly, although few people do.) The turbine might be coated with a thin layer of fine ash dust from the exhaust; vacuum it out, being careful not to damage the turbine blades. There shouldn’t be any oily clumps, rust or moisture, either — sometimes raw water from the exhaust elbow finds its way back into the turbine, where it causes problems. The turbine blades should be undamaged and fit tightly against the housing, with just enough clearance to let the turbine spin. Again, if something doesn’t look right, call a mechanic.

And remember. Anything beyond the problems we’ve just discussed should be left to a qualified pro, who can remove the turbo, take it into the shop, clean it thoroughly and, if necessary, rebuild it. Most turbos, however, live long, uneventful lives. Apply just a little TLC and your turbocharger should keep spinning into the future for many, many hours.

More turbo troubles result from outside sources, like saltwater leaks, than from mechanical failure, said Matthew Beer, general manager of SHM Dauntless Shipyard in Essex, CT (PMY’s home port). And sometimes, the problem is simply lack of exercise.

To scout out an issue, start with a visual inspection, looking for oil or water leaks around the turbo, water dripping onto it, rust and so forth. Remove any insulating blankets so you can check underneath.

“Keep your engine clean and dry, and you can see drips easily,” said Beer. If there’s a minor issue, take care of it before it becomes major. (This is good advice for engines in general, not just turbos. If people spent more time in their engine rooms, they’d spend less time with their mechanics.)

For instance, Beer continued, one of his customers limped home with a malfunctioning engine whose turbocharger had seemingly crapped out. But when Beer checked, he found that saltwater had been dripping onto the actuator rod for the waste gate. When the customer throttled up to max rpm the actuator opened the waste gate, as it’s supposed to. But when he throttled back, rust on the rod prevented the gate from closing again. Beer fixed the problem by cleaning the rust off the actuator rod; there was nothing wrong with the turbo.

So, added Beer, if you have a turbo, make sure to use it. Run the engine to its rated rpm, maybe even a bit more, whenever you go out. “The biggest problem we see with turbochargers is people don’t use them,” said Beer.

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NEW ZEALAND’S SAFEST UTE

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B O AT R E V I E W

SET TO POUNCE TEXT BY BARRY THOMPSON

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F AT C AT 5 0 0 0

Wow, what a ride!

That is the best way to describe how I felt after coming off a rough Auckland Harbour reviewing the Fatcat 5000 prototype.

T

Just loving that rough water at 20 knots.

he marine weather forecast said it was a southerly 15 knots with gusts to 18 knots, a swell of 0.5m and a fetch of about 0.3m. Simply put, it was bloody rough, with short seas, white capping and not the sort of day you would generally pick to go boating. In my experience, most 5m tinnies would find this sort of water pretty ugly when it comes to the comfort of ride and handling of the boat. Not so the Fatcat 5000. It loved it. You may have already guessed by the name that the Fatcat 5000 is a power cat, and this was just the type of water Blair McLay designed it for.

The hull shape is semi asymmetrical, starting with a deep vee forward and tapers to much flatter, more horizontal inner sections aft. This is done to create more lift and ride higher, with enough planning surface to slip up onto the plan effortlessly.

I was super impressed with how the Fatcat 5000 turned so flat in the rough water, and we took on minimal spray. Powercats, depending on their hull shape, have a distinct lean outwards or inwards when turning, but the Fatcat 5000 did neither. Flat and stable, with minimal cavitation and only a slight drop in speed. I would love to give the boat a thrashing in the calm water. The boat is very stable at rest, and even with three of us standing on the wide side deck, the heel was minimal.

While power cats are traditionally designed for twin engines, the Fatcat 5000 runs a single outboard in the centre. To avoid cavitation and get clean water to the propeller, Blair designed a significant central pod that seems to work exceptionally well.

The Suzuki 140 was probably more power than the Fatcat 5000 needed, and while we never had any calm water off Gulf Harbour to do our fuel/ performance tests, I did manage to crank it out to 33 knots on the GPS in a short following sea.

Most of the time I was able to maintain around 20 knots and probably could have gone a little faster. Acceleration to max rpm was very quick.

The range is a single outboard 80hp-140hp, with a 100hp recommended by the builders as the ideal power option.

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The Fatcat 5000 is the builder’s first foray into aluminium, with all other Fatcats rotationally moulded.

The open bow is a great for fishing platform.

Deep vee hulls slice through the waves.

PLASTIC TO ALLOY

The Fatcat 5000 is the builder’s first foray into aluminium, with all other Fatcats built using rotationally moulded polyethelene.

“We were getting a lot of enquires for a larger version of the Fatcat range, but above 5m, you are somewhat limited with what you can do, using a rotationally moulded process, so we needed to look at an alloy alternative”, says Blair.

He added that one of the significant issues was getting enough stiffness in the hull panels. That was something he felt wasn’t efficiently or costeffectively achievable in a larger rotational moulded boat.

“The first boat is the pre-production prototype and has been built to test the hull shape, design and layout of what we see as being the first in a range of boats”, says Blair.

There is a 5m and a 5.5m planned, and if the wide centre console doesn’t suit, you can have a narrower version, a wrap-around cuddy or go completely open and tiller steer.

FISHING PLATFORM

The Fatcat 5000 cockpit is a massive 7sqm of workable space, which probably compares to a 6m-6.5m conventional monohull. It may be 5.2m long, but it certainly seems a lot bigger when you’re aboard. A perfect fishing platform for you and a few mates.

Being the pre-production model, Blair was keen to trial a few of his ideas. One is the low aft coamings have wide side decks that have been fitted with drop-in side rails, which lean outward when the space is used for sitting and can be lifted and turned around to slope inwards when you are standing to fish and want more support. He points out that the coaming heights will probably be raised in the production model.

Across the transom is the usual lockers, battery storage and live bait tank, plus a removable bait station. There is the option of a full-width seat across the transom.

In boat #1, the centre console has purposely built extra wide as that is what the client wanted.

However, access either side is still okay. Blair says a

Boat Design Name Fatcat 5000 | Builder Lightning Marine | LOA 5.25m | Beam 2.30m | Construction Aluminium 4mm/3mm | Trailerable Weight 1500 kgs | Fuel Capacity Tote Tanks | Engine Suzuki 140 | Propeller 19” 3bld Alloy | Power Options 80-140hp | Max Speed 33 knots | MFD Simrad | Winch Maxwell Drum | Priced From POA | Contact www.lightningmarine.co.nz | info@lightningmarine.co.nz | Ph +64 021 1142444 96

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narrower version is available, which still allows for a load of electronics and controls.

Helm seating will be the owners choice, and in our boat, we had a pair of BLA bolster seats on an alloy frame. In future, the tote tanks will be housed under the seats. There’s also another folddown bench seat ahead of the console. The forward area will see significant changes in the production model with raised access to the foredeck area.

“The layout is very much going to be owner-driven, which is something that is not so easy when you are building in polyethelene”, says Blair.

The Fatcat 5000 is the right boat for anyone looking for an ultra-stable fishing platform with exceptional space available for its size.

“There are other power cats on the market, but I feel our flat self-draining floor, and the space we offer is different, as is the hull shape”, says Blair.

The console and seating design is owner’s choice.

The aft sections of the hulls are very flat.

Across the transom is the usual lockers, battery storage and live bait tank, plus a removable bait station.

Stability - Safety - Space

DB808

Stability

Safety

Customisable

For more information or to book a viewing Phone +64 (09) 424 0004 Mobile: 021 1142 444 or email: info@lightningmarine.co.nz | Unit 9/623 Whangaparaoa Road

Spacious

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TOWING REVIEW: HYUNDAI SANTA FE

KEEPING THE FAITH Doug Dukeson returns to the Hyundai Santa Fe (Spanish for holy faith) after ten years and while he was super impressed with the previous model, he says he loves the latest release even more and found it hard to fault.

It was almost 10 years to the day, since I reviewed the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe, which at the time had been the number one selling diesel SUV, for three of the previous four years.

At the time, I thought to myself, just how can they further develop on this? A decade on and after a week with my butt in the 2021 Santa Fe model I realised they can. The style, comfort levels, features and performance are a few things that come to mind.

Hyundai have taken a great vehicle and made it even better.

With now over 20 Years of Santa Fe on New Zealand roads – (and close to 22,000 sold here) the model has rightfully gained a great reputation and collected an impressive market share, in its respective category.

The new model we had to review, is considered a facelift version of the 2018 model. It is a very distant relative of the now, prehistoric 2010 version that I drove a decade ago. In saying this is a facelift version, the changes and updates are immense. One of the stand outs is the upgraded power plant. We ran a 2.2 diesel option (148kW/440Nm) and brand-new wet dual-clutch automated 8-speed transmission.

This transmission has largely contributed to the new increased tow rating of 2,500 kgs. This is up from the

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2,000kg of the previous model and obviously offers the opportunity to tow a larger mid-range trailer boat.

POWER OPTIONS For many years now, the diesel option has far outweighed the petrol alternative 85/15% in favour of the diesel. The power options carry through the three models, the Entry, Elite and the Limited (as we tested), now in addition to the 2.2 diesel (AWD), each come with the option of two petrol engines; the 2.5L (AWD) with six-speed auto and the 3.5L V6 (FWD) with the eight-speed auto.

Our higher priced Limited model was jam packed with technology including a 12.3in customisable digital instrument cluster which matches the 10.25in infotainment screen. Another notable display was the very functional head-up display.

Safety wise, the list goes on, from the Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM) that appears as a high-res live video feed of the rear of car in your main instrument panel.

Very cool. There is now Reversing Collision Avoidance (RCA) and Remote Smart Park Assist (RSPA), which allows you to move the Santa Fe in and out of a parking space from outside the vehicle, all from your key fob.

The All-Wheel Drive made even soft sand driving effortless and stress free.

Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM) that appears as a high-res live video feed towards the rear of car in your main instrument panel.

The 10.25in infotainment screen is great assist when parling in tight spaces.

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TOWING REVIEW: HYUNDAI SANTA FE At the driving position, all the controls are handily positioned.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN It’s a long time since I drove the previous Santa Fe, but I do remember I was impressed with the smooth ride, handling and secure feeling the SUV gave.

Driving down to the Coromandel for the weekend in the 2021 model Hyundai Santa Fe Limited was a pleasure. The engine and trans felt smooth and always had plenty of power (throughout the rev range) when called on to overtake.

The well appointed cab was quiet and very roomy. For the back seat passengers, there is more room than the previous model.

At the driving position, all the controls are handily positioned on the centre console, which included the push button gear selector and drive-mode controller. While we only had the opportunity to tow a small sized trailerboat a short distance, the Santa Fe felt well in control and had plenty of power to call on. It pulled up abruptly and well within the suggested HYUNDAI SANTA FE

stopping distance with an unbraked trailer. Over our open road adventure the onboard computer ran at around 6.5 – 6.9 litres per 100km. Running about the city we experienced 7.3 litres per 100km..

JACINDA’S SMILE The Santa Fe is a great looking comfortable seven seater – even with a stary new grill, that resembles Jacinda Ardern’s smile. The Limited models price is up there, but you are getting plenty of bang for your buck in return. Niceties include a self-lift power boot, a full length panoramic sunroof, heated and cooling seats, auto lights, auto wipers, premium sound system, wireless phone charging and the list just goes on.

With its 2500kg tow rating, the Santa Fe will appeal to those of us who do not need a larger vehicle to tow their midrange boat.

ENGINES: 2.2l turbo diesel, 2.5l and 3.5l V6 petrol’s POWER: 148kW/440Nm (2.2(d), 132kW/232Nm (2.5(p), 200kW/331Nm (3.5 V6(p) GEARBOXES: 8-speed automated dual-clutch (2.2l), 6-speed automatic (2.5l), 8-speed automatic (3.5l V6) PRICES: $62,990-$89,990

Tight parking is easy work.

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New Santa Fe.

The latest generation of NZ’s favourite family SUV. Now with up to 2.5T towing.

hyundai.co.nz

B O AT R E V I E W CROWNLINE E275XS

A STEP BEYOND TEXT BY BARRY THOMPSON

Barry Thompson loves bowriders and with the Crownline E275XS he reckons he has found a superb family day boat that is so feature packed, that you only need to add your tow toys to be complete.

It’s a huge dash area with room for everything.

The bow section is great for softbaiting.

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W

hile the recent Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show was noticeable for being devoid of new model fibreglass trailerboats, the few that were on display were certainly outstanding. One such boat that attracted my attention was the US built, Crownline E275XS, a multi-purpose bowrider that takes the basic open bow concept to a whole new level.

The E275XS is unlike any locally built bowrider and opitimises what we are seeing now from leader US manufacturers such as Crownline. Luxury finish with an intelligent layout and a super sexy style.

But given all that, is it suitable for our tough boating climate and how does it suit the Kiwi boating lifestyle? Well, that all depends on where, when and what you are using your boat for. Okay, it’s not an offshore fishing boat, but then it’s not designed to be. This is a versatile family orientated dayboat,

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that is at home towing water toys on Lake Rotoiti or cruising the islands of the Hauraki Gulf with the family.

This may be a bowrider, but it is a big full-bodied boat that has a hull designed specifically for handling a bit of rough water. Gone is the old-style US bowrider with its dropping bow that looked set to pierce every wave. The E275XS bow is high, with wide shoulders and a fine deep vee entry. Crownline have gone a step further and designed what they call their F.A.S.T. TAB Hull Design. It was conceived to improve slow-speed stability, time-to-plane acceleration and fuel economy.

The acronym stands for fin-assisted safe turn. In practice, a F.A.S.T Tab hull’s vented chines aerate the running surface to reduce drag, and the fin-like tabs keep those vents from producing handling quirks.

The hull sticks in turns, is responsive to trim, and is a a pleasure to drive at speed. Chop back the throttle

Cover Story VIEW THE VIDEO AT we po rboatmagazine.co.nz

The very active thermal area of Orakei Koraka is a stark contrast to the Crownline E275XS.

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CROWNLINE E275XS

Yeah, does remind me of a hot tub.

There is a detachable table to complete the social aspect of the aft seating.

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and you can feel the vents working as the boat glides along for quite some distance before settling off plane.

When running the boat in the calm water I can certainly attest to what the F.A.S.T system is all about. With a Suzuki 325 on the transom we saw 44.5 knots on the calm waters of Lake Ohakuri. The slippery hull was onto the plane in seconds, with a low bow attitude and it reached maximum rpm very quickly.

At 3500 rpm, the GPS showed 23 knots with a fuel use of 34 lph and a range of around 170nm. Bring that up to 4500 rpm @ 31 knots, the fuel is still a reasonable 53 lph and you still have a 140nm range.

Towing a wakeboarder at around 18 knots the fuel rate drops to around 30 lph and the range to around 100nm. I was told 10-12 knots is ideal for surfing and at that the fuel consumption drops to mid to low 20 knots. Cheap day on the water I reckon.

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OUTBOARD ONLY

Crownline offer a seven series, 41 model line-up (including five Finseekers), with the XS Series comprising nine models from 5.79m through to 8.90m. Crownline utilise the same hull for various models, the difference been outboard or petrol sterndrive power options. The E275XS hull is shared by the sterndrive variant, E275.

The US built Crownline brand made its reappearance into New Zealand in early 2020 and through importer, Euro City Marine has started to establish a following.

After selling the first shipment of Crownline boats and its associated fishing brand Finseeker, Euro City’s Terry Elmsly had the confidence to restock, but this time with completely different models.

The Crownline E275XS, is the first of the bowrider XS models to arrive. A feature packed 8.18m bowrider, it is extremely highly speced, from the electric arch to the adjustable transom lounger and ‘hot tub’ style bow seating. This big crossover model combines performance and style with the roominess and comfort while making maximum use of the space.

Something that I have never seen on a Kiwi built bowrider in this segment is the squared of bow design which gives a dedicated foredeck. You can have it complete with a telescopic drop-down ladder for ease of boarding and debarking. Great for getting on/off a beach or nudging up to the shoreline in the Marlborough Sounds. Or, in our case we had a windlass and stainless bowsprit, which is probably going to be more favoured by Kiwis. When you go for the windlass option you have to delete the ladder.

The bow area is huge and I did like the reference from Crownline to a hot tub style. You certainly get the feeling that this is the place to relax with a drink or to soak up some rays. There is storage under the U-space seating, drop down armrests, speakers and drink holders. An optional cooler can be fitted

under the forward squab. A full bow cover and bifold doors close off the bow and stop the wind and rain blasting into the cockpit. To starboard aft is a dedicated locker for fender storage, plus there is a deep locker in the sole.

CONVERSATION FRIENDLY

I would describe the cockpit as conversationfriendly, designed for family living with entertaining at its core. Seating is plentiful with two bolster seats with flip-up bolsters forward, and an L-shape lounger to port. You have the option of a second small lounger or a cockpit galley, complete with stainless steel sink, cooktop, fridge and granite top.

Storage is plentiful under the seating plus there is an optional cooler bin under the starboard lounge if you choose that option. Like the rest of the boat there is no shortage of drink holders and speakers for the entertainment system.

A very cool feature is the aft electric sun lounge seat that adjusts the backrest position so you can stretch out while sunbathing, cocktail cruising, sit up to watch the kids at play in the water or observe anyone your towing.

Having a dedicated and private head compartment on a boat this size is also a real bonus. Situated in the port side console, it has good headroom, plenty of natural light, plus a sink unit and granite top.

You can adjust the driving position to suit your style.

The galley option comes complete with fridge, hob and fresh water.

A multi-purpose bowrider that takes the basic open bow concept to a whole new level.

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CROWNLINE E275XS A great place for the family to enjoy.

The rear seat can be transformed into a big lounger.

The enclosed head is a great feature.

Model Crownline E275XS | Builder Crownline Boats (USA) | Price As Tested $295,990 | Type Bowrider | Construction GRP | Trailerable Weight 3250 kgs | LOA 8.18m | Beam 2.59m | Deadrise 19 deg | Power Suzuki 325hp | Power Options Outboard Only | MFD 2 x Garmin 7” | Propeller Duoprop | Entertainment Wet Sounds | Fuel Capacity 284 litres | Trailer EZ Loader | Contact www.eurocitymarine.co.nz | Ph Auckland 09 416 2190 | Napier 06 835 8810 FUEL & PERFORMANCE DATA RPM Knots L/h 1000 4.4 4.5 1500 6.0 7.5 2000 7.3 11 2500 8.0 17 3000 10.7 27 3500 23.0 34 4000 27.2 42 4500 31.0 53 5000 35.0 74 5500 38.5 94 6000 42.0 104 6200 44.5 108 106

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L/NM Range NM 1.100 230 1.300 190 1.600 150 2.200 110 2.600 98 1.500 170 1.600 150 1.800 140 2.200 110 2.500 100 2.500 100 2.500 100

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Doubles as a changing room if you need privacy.

Opposite, the well-appointed helm is laid out around a pair of Garmin 7” screens with all controls, switches and gauges easily at hand and visible. I found either seated or standing in the bolster position was comfortable. With the adjustable helm seat and tilt steering it’s no problem setting up the steering position to best suit you.

There is plenty of underfloor storage with the deep locker between the forward seats complete with a pull-out draw that houses the cockpit table and leg. You get the sun protection from the electric fold-down aluminium arch and bimini top, which can be lowered with the flick of a switch to reduce the overall height of the boat. Very convenient if you have a height issue when parking the boat. The cockpit is finished with a snap-in woven matting.

Behind the transom there’s a generous boarding deck which includes another telescopic ladder, and a second hand held fresh-water shower is nearby. There is another one in the bow.

If you are shopping for an ultimate family day boat, then check out the Crownline 275XS, it has a lot going for it. However, if that’s too big or too small, there are others in the Crownline XS range that may also suit you.

IN STOCK CROWNLINE 220 SURF

RRP: $199,990*

• Volvo Penta 350hp forwarding facing stern leg with EVC controls • Volvo Twin 7inch Surf Touch screens with speed, ballast, and trim tab control.

• Wakeboard tower with etched billet side panels • LED lighting package including courtesy and underwater lights • Braked tandem axle, colour

matched trailer • Wet sounds system including 12 speakers.

• Bow and cockpit cover • Fresh water shower and retractable ladder on swim platform.

• Three ballast bags, totalling 600 kilos.

• Length: 21’10”/6.7m Beam: 102”/2.6m

CROWNLINE E275 XS • Suzuki 325hp Duo-Prop • 2x Garmin 7” touch screen • Cockpit grill, refrigerator, and sink • Head with handheld retractable shower • LED package including arch, cockpit, and underwater ambient lighting with remote control.

• Swim platform and bow fresh-

water showers.

• Wet Sound system equipped with 12 speakers.

• Electric windlass with remote and helm operation.

• Twin axle braked EZ Loader with manual winch.

• Length: 26’10”/8.18m Beam: 102”/2.59m

RRP: $295,990*

CROWNLINE 264 CR

RRP: $299,990*

• Volvo Penta 350hp EVC DP. • Kohler generator, air conditioner/ heater.

• Moonstone aluminium electric arch with fore and aft biminis.

• Automatic fire extinguishing system with indicators.

• Depth sounder with outside air and water temp sensors.

• Interior galley, sink, fridge, electric stove top, microwave, and storage.

• Garmin 7” Touch Screen MFD & wet sound system with 6 speakers.

• Enclosed head with 25-gallon waste-water tank and level indicators, shower, sink and sump pump.

• Braked, tandem axle trailer with LED Lights and colour matched.

• Length: 26’4”/8.02m Beam: 102”/2.59m

DB811

*Competitive finance available. Terms & conditions apply. Price indicated is landed in NZ, including Shipping–Duty–GST, may vary due to currency fluctuations.

120 Prebensen Drive, Napier, New Zealand. | P +64 835 8810 | E enquiries@eurocity.co.nz | www.eurocitymarine.co.nz

2021 NEW ZEALAND HUTCHWILCO BOAT SHOW ALTUS LOCAL INNOVATION AWARDS While there can only ever be one winner, we thought it would be interesting to offer a brief description of all the entrants in the 2021 Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show Altus Innovation Awards.

Marine Consultant, and Innovation Awards co-judge Ron Czerniak takes a look at this year’s local entrants.

Overall Winner Altus Local Innovation Award Bep Smart Hub

T

he idea behind the NZ Boat Show Innovation Awards originated in Europe - The DAME Design Awards and in North America - The NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association) Innovation Awards.

The DAME Design Awards are to promote design in all marine disciplines and to recognise the best-designed products at the METSTRADE Show.

The NMMA Innovation Awards honour marine equipment manufacturers and suppliers who bring new, innovative products for the boating industry to market and the idea originated over two decades ago.

The Hutchwilco Altus Innovation Awards are based on the principles of both the DAME and NMMA awards but given a Kiwi slant. Innovation can be defined simply as a “new idea, device or 108

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method” and the term “innovation” as something original and more effective; and as a consequence, something new, that “breaks into” the market.

Innovation is novel, original, unique and different. This criteria has been used in judging the submissions for the most innovative international award and the local (New Zealand) award since its inception at the Hutchwilco Boat Show.

As more and more new marine products become available to the boating public, it becomes increasingly difficult for marine equipment (product) inventors and manufacturers to come up with truly innovative products. This year, perhaps after a two year hiatus due to Covid-19, there were less entries compared to previous years, but 2021 did not make it any easier for the judges to decide which products were the most innovative, as most were of a

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

very high calibre, when considered in light the above innovation definition.

Although both international and local (NZ) products were judged, this review will focus only on the local winners and why they won. From the time the Marine Innovation Awards were first introduced at the Hutchwilco Boat Show, there were always more international entries than local entries. But not this year!

Obviously innovative Kiwis were hard at it during the country’s Covid-19 isolation. However, two local products stood out in the minds of the judges.

Interestingly, this year both were electronic products.

The two most notable products were the BEP Smart Battery Hub and the CORTEX by Vesper Marine. Both excellent new and innovative products with the second place entry only missing out by one point!

RUNNER UP CORTEX BY VESPER MARINE

OVERALL WINNER ALTUS LOCAL INNOVATION AWARD BEP SMART HUB The BEP Smart Battery Hub (SBH) us the world’s first remotely activated intelligent battery management system for vessels running two or more outboards, sterndrives or inboard engines. Designed especially with the OEM boat builder in mind, it simplifies installation and reduces the overall footprint, meaning lower system costs, reduced installation time and shorter battery cable runs. SBH allows the boat owner to remotely control and monitor their battery and transmit battery data to their CZone (digital control & monitoring network) system, or to an integrated Multifunction Displays (MFD) via the N2K network, which is a plug-and-play communications standard used for connecting marine sensors and display units within ships and boats.

It is the first and only remotely activated, all in one, battery management system with remotely activated switches thus simplifying battery management with distantly activated, and easy to use, switches, automatic Voltage Sensitive switching and emergency parallel functionality, all enclosed in a robust easy to install, ignition protected IPX7 (can be submerged up to 1 meter in water for 30 minutes) enclosure. It is the first product of its kind and is an extremely cost effective and attractive option for boat builders, while offering the end user (boat owner) an easy to use battery monitoring system. RRP $NZ2000 www.bep.co.nz

This very close runner up definitely ticked most of the boxes to qualify as an award winner, and as mentioned above, only one point separated this product and the BEP Smart Hub. So what is the CORTEX? Well, as it turns out, it is a whole lot of things wrapped up into one package of components.

Cortex is the world’s first VHF (Very High Frequency) marine radio with high speed SOTDMA (Self-Organized Time-Division Multiple Access) AIS (Automatic Identification System) transponder technology making your boat visible to others and vice versa. A built-in heading sensor tells other vessels your direction, helping them more accurately predict potential collisions.

With the CORTEX you are armed with critical information about vessels, AIS marks, AtoNs (Lights On Navigation markers) and man overboard devices on your MFD (Multifunction Display), mobile phone or Cortex handset.

But wait, there’s more. Cortex combines built in sensors and NMEA2000 connectivity with free basic monitoring using cellular connectivity, meaning you can view twice-daily updates of power, location, wind, depth, bilge, temperature and more on your smartphone. A Cortex Monitor Premium subscription unlocks real-time vessel status, instant alerts and device control for boat systems like refrigerators, icemakers, lights or heaters.

So basically, the Cortex unit combines VHF, AIS and Monitoring into an easy to use program which is compatible with your smart phone through an APP. RRP $NZ3861 www.lusty-blundell.co.nz

“It is the first product of its kind & is extremely cost effective.”

- BEP SMART HUB

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OTHER 2021 LOCAL INNOVATION AWARD ENTRANTS

TRYCD ALLROD Travel Case and ALLSALT Fishing Set:

From advanced electronics winners to a patent pending solution method for transporting your fishing rods, the TRYCD travel case is the most efficient way to store your rods wherever you go. The small size is perfect for the plane, car or boat and coupled with TRYCD rods will cover you for all your fishing adventures. The travel case is a perfect for any standard 2.75 m (9 ft) fly rod and comes with removable inserts so your fly rod can travel scratch and rattle free. You can also remove the end inserts for airing out. The sealed magnet closing system is the only metal you will find on this case, so there are no moving parts or jammed zippers. The ALLSALT Fishing Set is the ultimate modular fishing solution that covers up to four different fishing styles with the very best action and components. Typically with modular or travel rod systems you have to forgo rod quality or action in place of convenience, but not with the ALLSALT. Using a common base and interchangeable rod sections you can transform it from a light and sensitive softbaiting/lure set to a straylining set and even onto a heavier duty jigging or even stickbaiting set for those more aggressive pelagic fish species.

RRP $NZ399 www.trycd.com

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MARCO BOATS STEALTHTECH:

“Stealthtech”, introduced on two Marco boat models exhibited at this year’s Hutchwilco Boat Show, is the catch word for Marco Boats unique range of storage solutions for fishing equipment (rods and reels) and outriggers. Built into the boat at time of manufacture, the new storage range completely hides rods and reels away from salt spray and allows fully rigged storage of four 2.5 m (8’ 4’’) rods completely out of sight. Prior to Stealthech, typical rod storage systems left gear exposed to salt spray and difficult to stow ‘ready for use’.

The new Stealthech outriggers are a clever innovation that enables them to be quickly and easily stowed away when not in use and locks them securely and pretty much out of sight into the hard top, thus providing unobstructed safe access to the bow of the boat along the side decks. Check out You Tube: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=kcNNdkU8chQ Bottom line? Game fishers can now take surface casting rods; which are normally too difficult to stow, along with them while game fishing.

Meaning they are now able to bring a larger range and size of rods on board and be ready to fish at a moments notice. RRP $NZ2000-$5000 (Depending on which option) www.marcoboats.co.nz

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ENL WASSP W3 iO Sonar:

The W3 iO is the world’s first “all in one” integrated wireless, multibeam sonar in a portable unit. It is the latest advancement from ENL WASSP and a massive step forward in usability for wireless mapping.

Incorporating successful WASSP technology for 3D real-time mapping with wireless transmission to a mothership, the W3 iO offers updated features in a sleek and portable integrated unit. The W3 iO contains the convenience of a complete “all in one” system which will allow the technology to be quickly and easily deployed on a wide range of vessels and applications with a simple, one pin bracket attachment and power cord, to make the entire unit portable.

It includes the processor, IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), etc. and no external components are required aside from a hand held tablet in order to display output. WASSP W3 introduces a new simplified WASSP CDX for control, visualisation and data management, while still providing a comprehensive set of functions to meet the most demanding fishing requirements. RRP $US50,000 www.furuno.nz

QUALITY LADDERS Crafted Marine Grade 316 Stainless Steel Transom Ladders, Removable Gunwale Ladders,Telescopic Ladders, RIB Ladders, Handrails, fittings and accessories.

CHOOSE FROM AN EXTENSIVE RANGE CUSTOMISED OPTIONS AVAILABLE Call us for more info: p: +64 9 422 3595 or e: mx@pl.net.

59 Woodcocks Rd, Warkworth 0910. NZ DB702

www.dixon.co.nz

Power management redefined.

Quality you can trust.

smart battery hub – redefining on board power management. Simplify installation, reduce cable runs and provide an easy to use, remotely operated battery management solution.

bepmarine.com

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FLETCH’S TIPS WOW it’s been an amazing month for boat owners, feasting and drooling over the latest creations on display at the Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show. The wide range of alloy boats and hard tops on display was impressive. Make sure you attend the next show: On the Water Boat Show from the 7th – 10th October 2021, to view the next boating innovations.

TIP #061

TIP #062

BEFORE

AFTER

CLEAN BILGE

This Rayglass 730 owner below, took the opportunity to clean up the bilge while the stern leg was being serviced. A degreaser was used, followed by a good scrub and final wash using a water blaster to remove old oil, sand and rubbish that had accumulated in the bilge over the years. The bilge was then painted with heavy duty 2 x pot white marine paint.

Automatic LED lights were fitted along each side of the bilge, to make visual inspections of the engine for future oil/water leaks much easier, including checking the condition of the drive belts. While the engine was out, it was also cleaned and repainted. The final result looks great and will be much easier to maintain in the future.

UNDERWATER LIGHT BLUES

e Logo

A hard lesson learnt after purchasing cheap LED underwater lights to look cool when cruising in the evening. These lights filled with water after a few months, causing melted wires all the way back to the dashboard. With the cost and stress of having to install a new switch and wires, it would have been cheaper to have purchased the more expensive lights from the marine store in the first place and have peace of mind from the start.

0800 566 667

oice Logo 112

Pro Tip: You can see the pile of rubbish that has made its way into the bilges over the years.

This can cause the bilge pump to fail and contributes to the stale smell that lingers in some boats. As part of your monthly maintenance, always make sure you clean your bilges and check the bilge pump for foreign objects like old cable ties, bits of wires, shells etc.

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www.batterytown.co.nz

TIP #063

TIP #064

OUTBOARD MAINTENANCE – SERVICE ANNUALLY Outboard engines need to be serviced at least once a year, no matter how often you use your boat. Here’s an outboard that has seized its gearbox bolts and the owner was unable to replace the pump impeller.

The owner used this outboard engine when boating a couple of days during the summer, the boat was then stored for the rest of the year. The engine was thoroughly washed after each use but he hadn’t regularly serviced the water pump (taken apart and cleaned) because of the low engine hours. After a few years, all the casing bolts seized in place. The only way to remove the gearbox was for the engineer to cut through the side of the casing to release the gearbox bolts which was a very expensive exercise.

TIP #065

DIY MOZZIE SCREEN On numerous occasions during the summer, while sleeping in the cabin, I would be interrupted by a squadron of mosquitoes making their way through the open hatch to feast on the juiciest parts of my anatomy.

My simple solution (very proud of this one), cut a piece of fine netting cloth slightly larger than the hatch cover and stitch a strip of Velcro (hooks side) around all the edges.

This will stay attached and sealed against the carpet on the cabin roof, while letting in a slight breeze and preventing letting the little B’Stards in.

Pro Tip: If you want to shade or block the light, use a black, thicker net cloth.

CLEAR VIEW During the winter months, I like to get all the little repair jobs completed, ready for the spring. However, it pays to shop around for the best price as most marine trimmers slow down during the winter and will be willing to negotiate better prices as long as you don’t mind waiting. I have been planning to get my damaged clears replaced. The first two quotes came in about $400. Luckily, I found a professional marine trimmer on FB that did the work for $250. While taking longer, the end result looks great. Definitely pays to shop around for marine repairs.

If you have any ideas or tips you want to share, please email fletch@boatmags.com – all published tips will receive a free online subscription to Pacific PowerBoat and Alloy Boat magazines.

Available from leading boating stores PowerboatMagazine.co.nz

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PHIL GILBERT COLUMN

WATERBOARDING.. A CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT The world is aghast whenever we hear of a poor suspect of a misdeed apparently being waterboarded to elicit a response. This technique apparently consists of putting the miscreant on a board, and pouring water over their face to simulate drowning.

This occasions a mortal fear and can result in the offended volunteering anything the pourer may wish to hear, and often more.

A

MONG THE MANY PERILS AND PITFALLS OF RECREATIONAL BOATING, I cannot for the life of me understand why so many boaties volunteer for waterboarding on an almost daily basis.

In the beginning, some frustrated torturer invented a bloody big surfboard, solid as a door and twice as hard, took up a kayak paddle and (kneeling) started paddling around the boats in a bay, early of a morning.

Eventually, with the aid of a longer paddle the user could stand up and see more. In the days before private cabins, this could have been called peeping toms, or voyeurism, and may have been frowned upon, but I digress!

These hundredweight (bloody heavy) monstrosities initially were touted as a fitness aid. How can this be? After getting a hernia and damaging the gel coat lifting this thing over the side rail, the tethered unit then turns into a ram, battering dents all around the waterline in even the lightest breeze. It also goes over, then under the dinghy painter, then drifts around the back of the dinghy and catches itself around the dinghy outboard. All this within 5 minutes of launching.

The fitness advocate, recovering from two knee operations, and a hip replacement then bravely untangles the mess, pushes the shore urgent dog back into the cockpit, and attempts to bring the board across the back of the boarding platform. At this point the once lively board becomes an obstinate deadweight, refusing to turn from pointing either outwards or inwards. A slight shoulder strain later the board is wedged between the dinghy and the boarding platform, whereupon the user doth step gingerly upon it. This is a moment of mortal

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peril. In a nanosecond the deadweight plank becomes a sprightly active rodeo horse. Like a rodeo, some riders stay on, but others quickly enter the briny in a somewhat undignified manner. After repeated near drownings, the user gets upright but looks like a new-born foal… all trembling legs and decidedly unsure of its footing. A tremulous dipping of the paddle and the victim is away.

Within 10 metres they discover that Their inner thigh muscles are not up to scratch, and The things have tremendous directional stability (ie: they don’t turn) Around 30m away, still going where the board wants to go, they ram into a neighbouring boat, are rescued by the crew in a dinghy, and meekly return to their boat, for a shower and a Deep Heat mentholated rub, whilst the now free board resumes its macramé with

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

the dinghy painter.

Some clever twat then invented the inflatable waterboard!!

Lighter and easier to stow, no damage to boats etc….

Have you tried that? First they give you a single action manual pump and tell you that all you have to do is get it up to @ 15psi. Experience shows that 8psi is easy, 10psi is hard, 12psi is pretty near impossible, and 15psi is an illusion.

By the time you get to 11psi, all you need is a lie down, not more exercise.

Giving in after bouncing around on the top of the pump at 12psi, you fling the lightweight board off the foredeck, then send the kid after it as none of these has a tie up rope as part of their inventory. Having recovered from the dizzy spell after pumping, and showing a confidence born of hypoxia, you stride aboard the inflated tortureboard, and quickly discover that 12psi becomes 10psi once cooled. It’s like standing on a banana and behaves like one. 20 minutes, 2 beers and all hands to the pump later, 13psi is achieved. It was 15, but 2psi escaped as you removed the pump hose.

This is when the true evil of the waterboard comes into play. It becomes a Weapon of Mass Destruction. Fuelled

by Sav Blanc, Pina Coladas’, or Beers, the audience all decide that it’s easy and they should show how it is done.

Many are the techniques’ offered for the mount and dismount, most of which are abject failures. This results in blood, bruises, and the occasional broken bone as rails, duckboards and ladders reach out for the falling rider.

Of particular annoyance are those who have mastered the art and paddle over, standing serenely by as the mayhem occurs.

Then some Muppet suggests pumping up the new inflatable canoe…!

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DB805

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