BONUS ALLOY BOAT MAGAZINE
THE 100% ALUMINIU
M B OA T M AGAZIN
E
ISSUE 25 MAY 2022
MCLAY 661 CROSSXOVE R
MAY / JUNE 2022
4 BLADES
OR 3 BLADES WHICH IS BETTER?
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 ER B OATMAGA ZI NE .CO.NZ
ELECTRIC OUTBOARD UPDATE
THE LATEST INNOVATIO
NS
ALSO REV IEWE
DNA 450 CC I FATCAT 4500 I FINSEEKER 280DC I MCLAY 661 CROSSXOVER I RIVIERA 78 MOTORYACHT I STABICRAFT 4500 FRONTIER EXTREME 915 WALK AROUND I SAXDOR 200 PRO SPORT
LIKE A PWC ON
STEROIDS
DNA 450 CC
STAB ICRAF T
1450 FRON TIER
RETIRING
THE TILLER
BACK BEHIND THE
HELM
D
EXTR EME 915 WALK AROU ND
READING THE
WEATHER FORECASTING SEA CONDITIONS
SAXDOR 200 PRO SPORT
ALSO REVIEWED
DNA 450 CC FATCAT 4500 FINSEEKER 280DC MCLAY 661 CROSSXOVER RIVIERA 78 MOTORYACHT STABICRAFT 4500 FRONTIER EXTREME 915 WALK AROUND
ELECTRIC OUTBOARDS THE LATEST INNOVATIONS
MAY / JUNE 2022 $10.00 INCL GST
TRIM TABS 101
FROM INSTALLATION TO OPERATION
THE STUNNING RIVIERA 78 MY
A LIF E W ITHOUT LIMITS The all new Maritimo M600 is part of the new offshore series that fuses the latest advancements in nautical technology and design with the iconic features of Maritimo’s M-Series models of the past. The remarkable new offshore cockpit with enclosed transom makes the M600 Offshore 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. Global Launch at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. maritimo.com.au
M600
C O N T E N T S ISSUE 65
Features 56
98
Fitting aftermarket spray rails and silent chines to over 80 boats have been big business for Motor Yacht Service Centre.
An owner’s look at the Sideshift thruster system.
CHASING A DRIER RIDE
A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
TEMO 450
We test the world’s first electroportable propulsion solution.
In this final part of our four-part series, Danny Casey looks at the life and career, for the most part, controversial and contentious, of arguably the greatest tunnel-boat builder and driver of all time.
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80
For many years now, boaties have debated the question of 4-blade propellers versus those with 3-blades. So what is the answer?
TRIM TABS 101
Here’s the low down on trim tabs — what they are, how they work and how to select the right type for a given application.
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FORECASTING SEA CONDITIONS
Our Coastguard Boating Education series continues with a look at understanding the weather and making plans for your next voyage.
WHICH IS BETTER: 4 BLADES OR 3 BLADES?
134
RETIRING THE TILLER
After five seasons of driving his McLay 480 Fortress with a tiller, Barry Thompson finally changed and went to a conventional steering wheel.
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HOT NEW ELECTRIC OUTBOARDS
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122
62
140
RIVIERA 78 MOTORYACHT
MCLAY 66I CROSSXOVER
FINSEEKER 280 DC
74
STABICRAFT 1450 FRONTIER
152
SAXDOR 200 PRO SPORT
EXTREME 915 WALK AROUND
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160
FATCAT 4500
DNA 450CC
Digital readers - click play buttons to watch video review online at powerboatmagazine.co.nz 4
MAY / JUNE 2022
4 BLADES OR 3 BLADES WHICH IS BETTER?
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 O AT M A G A Z I N E . C O . N Z
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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE
ELECTRIC OUTBOARD
E
LIKE A PWC ON
STEROIDS
DNA 450 CC
RETIRING
UPDATE
THE TILLER
THE LATEST INNOVATIONS ALSO REV IEWE
STABICRAFT
BACK BEHIND THE
HELM
D
1450 FRONTIER
EXTREME 915 WALK AROUND
READING THE
WEATHER FORECASTING SEA CONDITIONS
SAXDOR 200 PRO SPORT
ALSO REVIEWED
DNA 450 CC FATCAT 4500 FINSEEKER 280DC MCLAY 661 CROSSXOVER RIVIERA 78 MOTORYACHT STABICRAFT 4500 FRONTIER EXTREME 915 WALK AROUND
ELECTRIC OUTBOARDS THE LATEST INNOVATIONS
MAY / JUNE 2022 $10.00 INCL GST
TRIM TABS 101
FROM INSTALLATION TO OPERATION
THE STUNNING RIVIERA 78 MY
Saxdor 200 Pro Sport cruising around the beautiful waters of Lake Rotoiti NI. SEE PAGE 74
T H E 1 0 0 % A L U M I N I U M B OAT M A G A Z I N E
ISSUE 25 MAY 2022
We look at some of the hot new releases in the electric outboard market, including the unique rim drives.
Reviews
M B OAT M AGAZIN
MCLAY 661 CROSSXOVE R
DNA 450 CC I FATCAT 4500 I FINSEEKER 280DC I MCLAY 661 CROSSXOVER I RIVIERA 78 MOTORYACHT I STABICRAFT 4500 FRONTIER EXTREME 915 WALK AROUND I SAXDOR 200 PRO SPORT
THE RISK TAKERS – RENATO MOLINARI
THE 100% ALUMINIU
ISSUE 25 MAY 2022
MAY / JUNE 2022
100
68
BONUS ALLOY BOAT MAGAZINE
MCLAY 661 CROSSXOVER
4 BLADES
OR 3 BLADES WHICH IS BETTER?
ELECTRIC OUTBOARD UPDATE
THE LATEST INNOVATIONS
RETIRING
THE TILLER
BACK BEHIND THE HELM
ALSO REVIEWED
DNA 450 CC
STABICRAFT 1450 FRONTIER
EXTREME 915 WALK AROUND
ALLOY BOAT ISSUE #25. In this issue, we review the latest 661 CrossXover from Mclay boats, the amazing Extreme 915 Walk Around, plus two entry-level pontoon boats from DNA and Stabicraft. Barry Thompson talks about changing from a tiller steer to a regular steering wheel, and we ask, are three blades better than four? Plus, there is a feature on the very latest in electric outboards and rim drives. SEE PAGE 115
Regulars 6
DESIGN FOCUS Project Unique 71.
8
LEADING COMMENT NZ marine industry on a roll.
10
Marine HEAVY DUTY COMMERCIAL & RECREATIONAL ENGINES Commercial Use
PUBLISHER’S COMMENT
ALL NEW
Out of control fuel prices.
12
GUEST COMMENT
Barry Tyler – Marine Journalist.
14
G7 Diesel Power: 300-350 hp | Torque: 1079 Nm
SEEN & ADMIRED Smuggler 8m AMPH Voodoo X60 - Rapide
20
NEWS
News, new products, boats and events.
36
L13 Diesel Power: 500-700 hp | Torque: 2275-2403 Nm
POWER ON
Latest new outboards.
38
ELECTRONICS COLUMN
All that’s new and innovative in electronics.
40
STRAIGHT FROM THE GALLEY
H10 Diesel Power: 380-410 hp | Torque: 1667 Nm
Recreational Use
Derek the Chef, prepares Seafood Paella.
42
DUNCAN ON FISHING Admit it, we all have done it!
44
ROGER’S RAMBLINGS Destination Napier.
S270 V6 Diesel Power: 270 hp | Torque: 565 Nm
46
CRUISING MATTERS
Three Kings fishing charter turns into tragedy.
102
WHAT IS THE QUESTION? Phil Gilbert looks at his latest aquisition.
110
FLETCH’S TIPS
R200 Series Diesel Power: 200 hp | Torque: 440 Nm Call us today on 0800 498 632 or visit us at hyundaimarine.co.nz
Aaron Fletcher shares his tips learned after years of getting it right and getting it wrong.
PowerboatMagazine.co.nz
5
DESIGN FOCUS
PROJECT UNIQUE 71 Italian design studio SkyStyle and Denison Yacht created a distinctive 233’ (71 m) concept mega yacht. The 71m Concept Unique is exclusively available as a new construction opportunity with Denison. SkyStyle is a design studio based in the US, Spain, and Argentina focusing on advanced aviation conceptual design.
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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE
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he concept yacht features a helipad, plunge pool, jacuzzi, sauna and full gym to work out while cruising the ocean. Project Unique 71, is intended for cruising oceans in style and speed. The futuristic profile embraces sporty characteristics, such as a sharp, pointed bow and three-dimensional surfaces. Other notable features onboard the yacht include a sky lounge sundeck, a jacuzzi, a touch-and-go helipad and a plunge pool with an automatic cover. Guests can move from one deck to another by elevator or the wraparound central staircase. The wraparound glass panels on the concept yacht can be adjusted to increase privacy or transparency. Inside, generous space leads to fully equipped private suites for up to 12 guests, including four comfortable cabins, one VIP suite, and one owner’s master stateroom. The owner’s deck is designed with an illuminated ceiling that can also be set to automatically open for an ocean breeze. SkyStyle sought to connect the indoors and outdoors with a sky lounge sundeck, a jacuzzi and a pool. Project Unique boasts plenty of entertainment and relaxation areas, including a gym, sauna, 12-seat theater and billiard/bar room. The generous dimensions of the vessel allow configurations in different layouts that can be customized upon request.
PowerboatMagazine.co.nz
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EDITOR'S NOTE
PACIFIC
WITH BARRY THOMPSON
NZ MARINE INDUSTRY ON A ROLL
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, Ron Czerniak, 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: OVATO 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 ARE Distribution 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 NZ Marine recently released a snapshot of the New Zealand marine industry for 2021 which indicates an industry on the move. Despite nearly two years of Covid-19 , border closures and lockdowns, the industry is experiencing a boom period.
T
he estimated size of the industry is NZ$2.4 billion, with exports of NZ$700 million. The marine market is also New Zealand’s largest recreational activity with 1.9 million people participating in boating each year, which equates to around 40% of the population. There are in excess of 500 members of the NZ Marine Industry Association, which are responsible for over 80% of the total industry turnover. Bolstering that there are in excess of 650 apprentices spread over through 240 companies training under the Marine and Specialised Technologies Academy (MAST). A question I am often asked is how many boats are built every year and what is the total number of recreational boats in the country. As New Zealand does not have boat registration getting an accurate figure is impossible, but working with data such as trailer registrations, engine sales, and that provided by builders and importers, it is possible to get somewhere close. The estimated number of boats in the country is 1.54 million, of which the vast majority (77%) are dinghies, inflatables, SUPs, windsurfers, canoes and sailing dinghies etc. Trailer boats make up around 14% (212,000), followed by PWCs at 6% (93,000), moored commercial boats 5% (7,200), yachts and launches on 2% (24,350) and trailer sailers round it out at 1% (16,200). Imported boats are estimated around 250 trailerable and around 90 over 10m, from countries such as Australia, USA, UK, Italy, France, China and Scandanavia. What makes very interesting reading is where the growth in boat numbers is (est 44,810 p.a), and it very much follows the trends of existing boat numbers. While dinghies, inflatables, canoes, windsurfers, SUPs, and sailing dinghies etc. make up the vast majority at 40,000, trailer powerboats are estimated to see a further 3500 sold, PWCs, 1000 units, and yachts & launches another 200 to be added to the fleet. Outboard motor imports also give some indication as to the market trends, which for 2021 sees a small growth over 2020. Around 7600 outboards came into the country last year, an increase of about 500 units from 2020. The biggest number is outboards 40hp of less which accounted for around 3600 units, with 41hp-90hp at just over 1000 engines and over 90hp in excess of 3800 outboards. Since 2012 there has been a steady growth in all sectors of the market and currently it has never been so strong. However anyone ordering a boat, be it a 20m motor yacht from Australia or Europe, or a 6-8m trailer boat from a local builder, they will have to wait. In some cases up to 24 months.
PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE
CELEBRATE A NEW ERA OF RIVIERA LUXURY Australia’s only Riviera exhibition for 2022. This is your invitation to step aboard at Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show May 19-22, 2022.
210365
Join us, as we unveil multiple world premieres at Sanctuary Cove this year including the magnificent Riviera 78 Motor Yacht. Step aboard an extensive showcase of luxury motor yachts from the exceptional Sport Yacht, SUV, Flybridge, Sports Motor Yacht and the superb new Motor Yacht collections, from 39 to 78 feet. Discover more at RivieraAustralia.com
PUBLISHER'S COMMENT
WITH DOUG DUKESON
OUT OF CONTROL FUEL PRICES Fuel prices are just out of control. They were crazy before Russia’s meddling, despite a little Jacinda fuel tax relief, some of the tax off, some of the already overly taxed fuel prices. (Strangely, the week after the current government dropped below their rivals in the popularity poll).
DB214
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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE
t has now got to the stage for some, where it’s the choice of filling the car or feeding the family. Families across NZ struggle to make ends meet as the cost of fuel and living rises to unseen levels. Tough calls are being made over the basics. I don’t want to sound heartless when we hear of these cases, but for those who do have a boat (and a job) and still want to get out on the water, the fuel price is now limiting or stopping their opportunity to do so. This is also painful when you consider that the cost per litre for the fuel is almost made up of close to 50% in taxes. Then add ‘salt in the wound’, when you think some of these taxes are road taxes – tell me how the boaties, especially those on marinas, will benefit from their paid road tax portion, for fuel being purchased and 100% burnt on the water. At a time where our travel restrictions are limited though Covid – boating is one of the few ‘feel good’ experiences many of us have. The industry has battled through many hard times. When things are looking on an up for the industry in general (with some delivery dates for a new boat hour two to three years) – boaties and the marine industry are currently being penalised by these crippling fuel prices. Buckle in fellow boaties - pain at the pump will not be easing anytime soon from what I have heard. The increased price for fuels will also result in the price of almost everything increasing, though the additional cost to produce almost everything – products and services. Oh well, got that off my chest – to be fair, we do live in one of the most beautiful countries with the most fantastic waterways and plenty of freedom – so for now, I guess, we must suck it up and hope for some further relief along the way….. life could be a whole lot worse as we see with ‘conflicts ‘overseas. We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show.
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www.motoryachtservicecentre.co.nz MAY / JUNE 2022
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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE
GUEST COMMENT
WITH BARRY TYLER, MARINE JOURNALIST
W
riting my latest contribution to Pacific Powerboat Magazine, a boat test on the release of the Extreme 915 Walk Around, my mind sub-consciously wandered back to my time in Australia – and whether or not any powerboat manufacturer there had mastered the art of producing the quintessential offshore trailerboat - quite like Extreme Boats had! W ay back in 1997, my family and I made the conscious decision to begin the next adventure in our lives, by relocating to Australia. On arrival in the land of sunshine and everything that bites and kills, I also made the decision to ‘hang up my pen’ and try another vocation in life. Needless to say the theory failed miserably, for as soon as the local magazines realised I had moved to Oz, the enquiry began; “Can you come do some articles for us?” was a common theme. It was only once I had been in Australia for a few months, that I realised it was not so much an accolade for me, as more an indictment on the quality of writers in ‘most’ of the Aussie magazines. The lack of knowledge was abhorrent, and they spent more time rubbishing the opposition, than getting on with the immediate job at hand, of working with the industry. Working alongside the Australian industry, as I was trained in New Zealand to do so, I (freelance) wrote for a number of the more ‘reputable’ magazines. But there was still an absolute plethora of other titles around at that time, sadly the majority of which are not produced today. I wonder why? The more I got into the writing side, the more of the Australian marine industry I saw. In the retail sector, there were what I would call the ‘professional’ dealers. For the rest of that sector however, there was daylight; they were what I could only describe as ‘cottage industry’. Where I lived on the Gold Coast for instance, Brisbane Road once boasted 18 retail marine dealerships in one form or another. Before I left Australia – none, zilch! Australian ‘big-boat’ brokers by and large, were a different breed again. Ranging from the dubious to the thoroughly professional ilk of the likes of Riviera, Maritimo, Clipper, Leigh-Smiths, Sylvania, Short and Multihull Solutions, seemingly they operated on another spectrum, outside of the typical Australian Marine Industry bubble. The same can be said of the trailerboat side of the equation. In glass boats, you had the likes of Haines Signature, Whittley, Cruise Craft, and Haines Hunter. I wish I could say otherwise, but the rest (only-just) make up the numbers, and might as well have stayed at home such was their impact on the GDP. Aluminium boats; the numbers there were from a New Zealand perspective, mind-numbing. In their hey-day Quintrex were producing around 17,000 boats per annum, the next best being Ally Craft on 3500. The rest, those that hadn’t been ‘gobbled up’ by the (Telwater) Quintrex/Stacer juggernaut, again may as well have stayed at home. On the plate boat side, whilst Australia was deluged by plate boat designs by the hundreds, take out the likes of Quintrex, Stacer, Yellow Fin, TABS and Allison, and the rest don’t even remotely strain the power companies. New Zealand is a country of 4.9-million people - Australia a country of 25-milion. One would think therefore, the Australian Marine Industry would have the edge. But to those who have any doubts as to the professionalism and comparison between the two industries, I say, think again. In my humble opinion, New Zealand well and truly punches above its weight, and in most areas in fact leads the world. The Extreme 915 was a classic example of - why!
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SEEN & ADMIRED
SMUGGLER STRATA 800
ON DEMAND
Smuggler Marine has seen an upsurge in the popularity of their 800 Mid cabin amphibious model, with many on order from their West Auckland factory.
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number of the proven and capable 800 Mid Cabins Amphibious RIBs have found their way to Waiheke Island for discerning owners wanting more from their boating experience. “The demand for our Amphibious models, especially the 800 is growing on Waiheke, as well as other coastal communities,” says Smuggler Marine Managing Director, David Pringle. “There are at least three of our 800 owners on Waiheke Island using their boats not only for general boating activities around the Island etc, but they are using it as a form of transport to and
PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE
from the island.” “There are a couple of owners who have holiday homes on the island, and keep their boat in the drystack and use it to commute to the island – no more ferries!” “It’s also not uncommon to see one parked in the car park at Half Moon Bay or Westhaven.” Smuggler’s Strata 800 Mid Cabin combines the proven 27deg Smuggler hull with Orion amphibious technology, bringing boaties a superior engineered amphibious RIB. Described as a serious, capable, soft riding hull, with 250 litres fuel capacity, and many options to suit your needs. The 800 Mid Cabin gives crew a comfortable completely dry ride, and with the added bonus of the separate forward lounge area for socialising, accessed by wide walk platforms either side of the cabin. Matched with four-stroke outboards from 200-300hp, the 800 Mid Cabin is capable of speeds up to 50 knots.
SMUGGLER.CO.NZ
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Auckland 131 Westhaven Drive (09) 274 9918 Christchurch 507 Moorhouse Avenue (03) 379 9208 www.sportsmarine.co.nz
OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTOR
SEEN & ADMIRED
VOODOO RAPIDE
RAPID CAT
Voodoo Yachts’ ‘Rapide’ is the latest XF60 build to join the Voodoo Yachts fleet.
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owered by twin Volvo D131000’s, she boasts a top speed of 41.5 knots, and a cruising speed of 33 knots. To give prominence to her sheer speed, exterior detailing in paintwork of the roof stripe, hull window accents, and boot stripe accentuate the aggressive yet elegant stance. Foredeck sunbeds have also been removed in this model to aid the agile new look, raising the crown to form a clean, contoured surface and providing a forward window in the master suite, looking out over the bow. Rapide is also the first XF60 to feature new custom Voodoo designed sports helm seats, with heating and ventilating
PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE
functions. These seats marry with the carbon fibre and stainless steel helm to embody the vessels high performance character, and create an invigorating space to experience the sensation of high speed foiling. Her hospitality accommodates four cabins and two bathrooms which sleep up to 8 comfortably in the cabin deck, with an additional dayhead in the cockpit. A full complement of adventure equipment - including salt ice maker, dive compressor, electric ceiling rod lockers, large water maker, and an electric jet tender with onboard charger - complete the package. VOODOOYACHTS.COM
Explore a world of new horizons.
Auckland | 131 Westhaven Drive (09) 274 9918 Christchurch | 507 Moorhouse Avenue (03) 379 9208 Learn more about Princess at PRINCESSYACHTS.COM
OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTOR
NEWS
Maritimo S60
MARITIMO TO SHOWCASE THREE GLOBAL LAUNCHES AT SCIBS Australian luxury motor yacht manufacturer Maritimo, which has continued to build on the momentum of its new model development strategy from 2021, has big plans for this year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. There will be no less than three global launches forming part of a six vessel showcase to highlight the diversity and world leading model range proudly carrying the Maritimo brand. This is the first time Maritimo has launched three new models at the one time. Maritimo’s lead designer, Tom Barry-Cotter, said SCIBS 2022 would be one of the most exciting displays in recent memory for the Australian manufacturer. “SCIBS 2022 will see show attendees from Europe, Asia and the Americas welcomed back for the first time since the 2019 global pandemic and travel restrictions,” he said. “We are excited to potentially be welcoming both our overseas sales and service network as well as our owners from around the globe back to our home show and the home of Maritimo. The Maritimo on water display will see the global launch of the M600 Offshore, S600 Offshore and the M60. The three Maritimo global launches will be complemented by the M55 Flybridge Motor Yacht, the S55 Sedan Motor Yacht and the X50 Sport Yacht. The centre of the on-water display will also be a showcase of Maritimo Racing Technology. Barry-Cotter said the Maritimo on water display would be in its usual high-profile position at the head of F-Arm, just east of the Maritimo Sales and Marketing suite. A full program of VIP events is planned starting with a briefing for national and international media on Thursday morning and then social functions on both Friday and Saturday nights for invited VIP guests. Barry-Cotter said Maritimo was in its strongest position in the company’s history, with orders on some of the new models now stretching into 2025, the company’s workforce being expanded and its dealer partner network internationally being strengthened to bolster future demand in varied overseas markets. He said further exciting company announcements were planned during 2022. MARITIMO.COM.AU
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Maritimo M600 Offshore
Maritimo M60
NEWS
LEGACY LAUNCH FIRST 70
Legacy Marine have launched the first model in a range of high-end aluminium motor yachts in their home port of Whakatane. Established by the owners of Extreme Boats, Legacy Marine have four models in the range from the L35 right up to the flagship L70 (pictured) to cater for those wishing to travel further and spend longer on the water. Just over 21m in length and powered by twin 1900 HP V12 MAN diesels the L70 is a striking vessel and with 9000L of underfloor fuel – will have a serious range. Fully air conditioned with a gyro stabiliser, fresh water maker and finished to a level second to none there will be no hurry to return back to land. The first L35 which is the smallest member of the fleet is nearing completion and the first L45 has just began also, so this will be an exciting journey for Legacy Marine and the New Zealand boat building industry to watch unfold. LEGACYMARINE.CO.NZ
THIRD GENERATION TAIATINI POWERBOAT CHAMPION
Dani Taiatini, granddaughter of powerboat legend Ted Taiatini and daughter of powerboat champion Mark Taiatini has added another championship to the family trophy cabinet. Recently Dani competed in the NZ National Powerboat championship in Lake Rotoiti – South Island NZ. The championship consisted of three races completed over the day to determine the overall national winner. Dani drove extremely well considering this is the largest and most competitive class in NZ powerboat racing, with entrants coming from all over NZ ranging from ages 12-16 years old. In just her second regatta Dani won all three Championship races to gain a clean sweep for the 2022 Clubman’s Junior title. Never has this been achieved before as most past champions spend 2-3 years competing in the class. Brooklyn Taiatini – her older sister also competed in the Senior (Adults) Clubman’s NZ Titles championship well beyond
her years (only female) as well but unfortunately whilst competing for third place in the championship she flipped the boat in the final race. The Clubman and Juniors class has been a popular class (consistently 10-15 racing each year in juniors) for many years in circuit racing and has produced some really talented young racers. Father Mark raced Dani’s boat last year (and won Clubman’s - adults) to dial it in for the girls. Mark says that there is a great family atmosphere in then Clubman series which competes at some classic venues such as Arapuni, Mangakino, Karapiro, Rotoiti and the Waiarapa. He adds that it is a very affordable class ($2500-$7000) to get into. For more information on the Clubman series contact: Mark Taiatini | mark@familyboats.co.nz
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Nimbus T11 and 365 Coupé
Feel the difference
Welcome to the World of Nimbus
A UTH O R I Z E D D E A L E R S I N A U STR A L I A & N E W Z E A L A N D
Sydney | 758 Pittwater Road (02) 9158 0678 Auckland | 131 Westhaven Drive (09) 274 9918 Christchurch | 507 Moorhouse Avenue (03) 379 9208 Learn more about Nimbus at sportsmarine.co.nz
www.nimbus.se
SWEDEN SINCE 1968
NEWS
INTEGRITY RECORD BIGGEST YEAR EVER
The year is already well underway, and Australian builder Integrity have affirmed that 2022 will mark another great year for the Integrity boating family.
WHATEVER LIES AHEAD...
There has been a flurry of recent sales, some people new to Integrity and others, loyal owners looking to trade up. Last month saw the arrival of two new Integrity 340 Sedans destined for Sydney, and another three new Integrity vessels arriving later this year. In all, the Whitehaven Group has a total of 40 vessels on the way, to every state including Tasmania and Western Australia. “We have a new Integrity 460SX heading to Hobart this year and sales into NZ, including the Integrity 380 SX and Aquila A44,” says Lee Randall, Business Development Manager at the Whitehaven Group. A major initiative was the appointment of Sebastien Dorckel as a dedicated Project Manager to work full-time for Integrity. INTEGRITYBOATS.COM.AU
A major initiative was the appointment of Sebastien Dorckel as a dedicated Project Manager to work full-time for Integrity.
THouSAnD REASonS, onE pARTnER
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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE
NEWS
ILIAD 53 SPORT ANNOUNCED On the back of its remarkable success since the company’s launch in 2019, ILIAD Catamarans has just announced its latest model, the ILIAD 53S. Signalling a departure from the flybridge design that distinguishes its current models, the ILIAD 50, 62 and 74, the new 53S features a sporty sedan silhouette making it ideal for unrestricted cruising throughout the world’s waterways.
With a comprehensively optioned model priced from USD$1.76M, the ILIAD 53S (16.35m) is expected to enjoy strong demand from buyers seeking a semi-custom motor yacht that features outstanding space, economy and performance. The ILIAD 53S has outstanding interior living space, including a huge forward lounge, helm station and dining for 6-8 people, and the entire area is bathed in natural light courtesy of a large skylight that is included as standard. Accommodation onboard is generous and beautifully designed with the master suite encompassing an entire hull. The motor yacht boasts exceptional
outdoor space for entertaining and relaxing. The forward-facing bow deck lounge features generous lounge seating for enjoying a drink at sunset and has convenient direct access into the main deck lounge. Bulwark side walkways with handrails around the entire vessel make movement around the decks while underway exceptionally safe. The motor yacht is powered by 440hp Volvo or Yanmar (recommended) engines delivering a top speed of 24 knots, and cruising long range at low speeds will afford more than 3,000 nautical miles. ILIADCATAMARANS.COM
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NEWS
RIVIERA 78 TO SHOWCASE AT SCIBS Australia’s luxury motor yacht builder, Riviera, is preparing for an expansive showcase at the 2022 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show beginning on May 19, led by its majestic new flagship 78 Motor Yacht as the centrepiece of Riviera’s only exhibition in Australia for 2022.
The 78 is a new class of motor yacht for Riviera, delivering the perfect combination of family cruising, entertaining and bluewater passage-making capabilities, all in ultimate luxury and exceptional comfort. The Riviera exhibition at Sanctuary Cove will also feature a further world premiere yacht starring alongside a brilliant selection of Sports Motor Yachts, Sport Yachts, SUVs and Flybridge models from across Riviera’s award-winning range from 39 to 78 feet. All the motor yachts on display will showcase Riviera’s world-class design, engineering and handcrafted luxury. Riviera Australia owner Rodney Longhurst said: “Sanctuary Cove will be the only display of Riviera motor yachts in Australia for 2022.”
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Riviera Festival of Boating held with the Riviera showcase at Sanctuary Cove Riviera’s grand display will also host the Riviera Festival of Boating aboard a floating VIP owners lounge that will be a popular social meeting place. Riviera owners are exclusively invited to participate in a program of boating educational and training workshops, including lady skippers, mastering knots lines and hitches, offshore seamanship, understanding radar, navigating at night and onboard power systems management, all designed to grow the boating skills of owners and their families so that they enjoy their ultimate boating experience with Riviera. A number of exclusive social events also form part of the festival activities, including the Riviera owners’ ladies’ luncheon, a cocktail party and a spectacular gala event. Pre-registration is now open, and owners can consult their Riviera
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representative for details. Where to find Riviera at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show Riviera Australia owner Rodney Longhurst said: “Our team is looking forward to showcasing our magnificent collection of Riviera luxury motor yachts, our only exhibition in Australia for 2022, on H Arm at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show from May 19. (See full review on the Riviera 78 Motor Yacht page 48 this issue) RIVIERAAUSTRALIA.COM.AU
NEWS
TREVOR GELDARD RIP
I was saddened to hear of the passing of industry stalwart, Trevor Geldard at the age of 89. Trevor passed away peacefully at home on 17 March. When I started by marine journalism career in 1971, he was the very first person I met in the marine industry. I well remember arriving with Boating World editor, John Mallitte at Trevor’s office at Consolidated Chemical in Glen Eden, the home of Epiglass paints. I was introduced over a cup of tea and immediately felt at ease with Trevor. That never changed over the years and I continued to visit him during his years with Epiglass and Advance Trident. He was the perfect gentleman and always had time for chat. In his leading roles at Epiglass and Advance Trident, Trevor was a great stalwart of the New Zealand Marine Industry and always conducted business to the highest possible ethical standards. Trevor was a marine industry leader whom many admired for his vision, passion and continued industry support. I speak on behalf of the wider marine industry when I say our thoughts are with Trevor’s wife Alison, daughter Michelle, sons Craig, Brett, Blair and their families. – Barry Thompson
QUICK QNC CHC CHAIN COUNTER
The Quick QNC CHC is a complete and reliable tool to remotely operate the windlass and check the length of the lowered chain by means of the colour graphic display. The panel surface is completely black tempered glass with a daylight friendly display. The QNC CHC has automatic descent function, an up alarm, anchor weighing function in case of sensor failure and windlass management with auto free fall. The display indicates the lowered chain length, in metres, feet and fathom, through a clear glass front. With an extremely thin profile, the QNC CHC has high brightness 3.5” colour graphic display, with a multilingual user interface and will function over a wide range of environmental temperatures. It can run on 12/24 Vdc and has a CAN bus communication interface. The Quick QNC-CHC has a RRP of $NZ766.50 INC GST. TENOB.CO.NZ
Power and Power and performance. performance. Redefined. Redefined. New D4 & D6 propulsion packages Introducing a new generation of our D4 and D6 propulsion packages, from Introducing a new of years our D4 and D6 propulsion packages, from 150–480 hp. Aftergeneration having spent refining and developing the proven platform 150–480 hp.this After havingsystem spent years refining and developing the proven ever further, complete delivers new exciting features – from helmplatform to ever further, complete system delivers exciting features – from helm to propeller. All this to offer you a more powerful andnew reliable experience. propeller. All to offer you a more powerful and reliable experience. Learn more at: www.volvopenta.com Learn more at: www.volvopenta.com
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NEWS
Princess X95
SEALEGS SUCCESS UNPRECEDENTED
Sealegs International has announced a record financial year result with a 152% increase in orders. The increase in orders is due to record demand for Sealegs craft in New Zealand, Australia, USA, UK and France.
This unprecedented demand for Sealegs craft has given Sealegs confidence to expand their team, increasing personnel by 23% as well as a 31% increase in production area with the addition of two new sites in Albany’s Parkhead Place. This gives Sealegs over 100,000 square feet of manufacturing and assembly premises in its Parkhead precinct. Sealegs CEO David McKee Wright said “the financial year success is a reflection of the team behind the Sealegs product. Every part of the company had its own part to play in the record result and I look forward to our continued growth in the years ahead. The new Sealegs models we have on offer, including our modular range, the release of our electric amphibious technology, our new showroom in Rhode Island, USA, and new dealers located around the globe have all been strong factors in this years success.” There are now over 1600 Sealegs craft located in 60 countries around the world in the recreational, commercial, military and rescue sectors.
SURGE OF ORDERS FOR PRINCESS YACHTS
Over 300 yachts ordered in the last year, including a record number of boats for the New Zealand and Australian markets. Princess Yachts reported 320 orders in the last year, which includes the X80, which is now up to 40 units. The Y72 is up to 70 and the extraordinary X95 up to nearly 30. The next building slots are in 2024 for some models. The current order book is valued at around $1bn. In a timely arrival, the first Princess X95 sold in the Middle East arrived at the recent DIBS so that it could be shown on the last day of the show. One X80 has also been sold to the region which will arrive in 2022 or 2023. Greg Haines, MD of Princess Australia says last year was unbelievable, with lots of boats sold and delivered, plus there are more in build. “We are experiencing unprecedented times with sales right across the boat, from sport yachts to flybridge cruisers, 50ft right through to 62ft, plus there is a lot of interest in the X80 and even the X95”, says Greg. For the forthcoming SCIBS, Princess Australia will have no fewer than six boats on display, including three V Class and three F class yachts. It seems there is also plenty of interest in Princess in New Zealand, with local importer, Scott Williamson from Sports Marine also busy with new deliveries and signing up new builds. “2021 was a great year and 2022 is looking even stronger, especially the interest we are getting in the new X Series. Princess add that on average they receive 25 orders a month, but after the Cannes show it went up to 42. For 2022 they are looking to build over 250 boats. SPORTSMARINE.CO.NZ | PRINCESSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU
SEALEGS.CO.NZ
CARBON CATS NOW VALDER YACHTS
Valder Yachts is the new name for Carbon Cats, a high performance foiling powercat designed by Roger Hill Yacht Design and built by Scott Lane Boatbuilders. “We felt the Valder Yachts was a better fit for the company, as we have plans to diversify in the future so were looking for a more generic name”, says CEO and company founder, Wayne Valder.
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There are some layout changes to the second yacht, including a raised saloon roofline and single level saloon sole, but perhaps the most significant difference will be the adaption of a surface drive system. Valder has chosen to run their own arrangement with straight shafts in tunnels, coupled to surface drive propellers.
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“We are confident we can crack 50 knots with the same twin MAN 1300hp V8 power package”, adds Valder. While hull #1 is still for sale on the market, the second yacht is well underway, with a release date of the first quarter of 2023. RRP is around NZ$7.5m.
VALDERYACHTS.COM
NEWS
PAIR OF SABRE 43SE SOLD
Sabre and Back Cove Yachts Australasian Distributor E Marine Motor Yachts have confirmed two orders for the all new Sabre 43SE unveiled to the dealer network in mid 2021 prior to the launch of the 1st example, which is set to hit the water for sea trials in Maine, USA in June 2022.
As the dealer and distributor for both Back Cove and Sabre since 2006, E Marine have dedicated their business solely to the sales and support of these exclusive and highly desirable Maine, USA built marques. A testament to the track record of both Sabre and E Marine, securing orders for two examples of a yet to be built all new model reinforces the strength of Sabre Yachts as one of the pre eminent builders of high performance Down East style cruising yachts worldwide. In addition, E Marine recently delivered a
Sabre 48 Salon Express to a knowledgable yachtsman in Auckland who reports the vessel has exceeded his expectations and looks forward to extensive cruising around New Zealand in the years to come.
EMARINE.COM.AU
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NEWS
PREMIER SHIPPING
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Contact us for a quote: Nigel Black, Trade Manager – Projects and Marine P: +64 9488 5836 M: +64 21 909 703 E: nigelb@oceanbridge.co.nz
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OCEAN ALEXANDER 28 EXPLORER WORLD DEBUT AT SCIBS Alexander Marine Australia, the exclusive dealer for Ocean Alexander and Galeon yachts in Australia and New Zealand, will be hosting the highly anticipated World Debut of the Ocean Alexander 28 Explorer at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, the Southern Hemisphere’s premier marine event, held 19 – 22 May. Expanding on the popular Revolution series, and through participating in focus group discussions as to the needs of Ocean Alexander owners and the market, the Explorer series takes the incredible interior volume and accommodations Ocean Alexander is renowned for and elevates it with impressive exterior amenities. Her striking exterior features an oversize swim platform, complete with a starboard side fold down to maximise space for water sports activities. Once indoors you will note her guest accommodation layout includes an on-deck master, with oversized glazing a prominent feature on each of the vessel’s various decks. The Ocean Alexander 28 Explorer boasts four lower deck guest cabins and four bathrooms, plus aft triple cabin crew accommodation. While the significant volume added by the vertical bow allows for a walk-around island bed and walk-in robe in the VIP cabin. There is also a spacious saloon area, including separate lounging and formal dining spaces, supersize saloon glazing, a huge penthouse-inspired sky lounge entertainment area, wet bar, BBQ grill and Jacuzzi! The oversized swim platform offers owners and guests incredible exterior lounge space and storage for a multitude of water sports, exploration gear, tenders and PWCs. See the new Ocean Alexander 28 Explorer at the Alexander Marine Australia display on ‘I Arm’, at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show from May 19-22, or pre-register for an inspection, by contacting Alexander Marine Australia on +61 (0) 7 5618 0000. ALEXANDERMARINEAUST.COM.AU
NEWS
HORIZON UNVEILS NEW PC68 MODEL
Horizon’s new PC68 powercat is offered in multiple configurations, with the option for an open saloon or on-deck master layout. Following a record-breaking year of sales, with the milestone 50th hull sold, Horizon Power Catamarans announces the newest addition to its popular series of power catamarans. Positioned at the head of the multi-hulled PowerCat (PC) range that begins with the entry-level PC52
and includes a PC60 and a custom PC74 flagship, the new, ultra-spacious Horizon PC68 model has been meticulously planned to meet and exceed the cruising needs of discerning boaters. Multiple new design features define the new PC68, which offers a four-stateroom layout with the option for an expansive open-plan salon or an on-deck master stateroom forward. The spacious aft deck hints at the interior volume provided by this model’s 24ft 6in beam, and features an innovative folding stern section allowing for
a variety of seating configurations as well as convenient walkthrough access to the Hi/Lo swim platform. The extended flybridge on this model allows for a variety of layout options. The first Horizon PC68 will feature an open-plan salon and will make its global debut at the 2023 Horizon Yachts Open House in Taiwan. Richard Ford at (954) 803-8102 or email richard@powercatco.com HORIZONYACHTAUS.COM
S P A C E S H I P Introducing the DE MEY 60
The fabulous sightlines and expansive glass give you incredible views. Offering superior space with four cabins and three living areas, carbon fibre construction, and centreline helm station. The new DE MEY 60 is truly out of this world. +64 7 281 0078 | nicdemeyyachts.com
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NEWS
OUTDOOR APPEAL FOR ALL AT SCIBS The 2022 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) is back from 19 – 22 May 2022 with an all-star cast of trailer boats, bowriders, cruisers and countless other vessels in one incredible location at Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast.
Whether you are dipping your toe into recreational boating or are a pedigreed pro, SCIBS 2022 will have a whopping 25,000sqm of showcase space for trailer boats to meet consumer demand and increased interest in marine lifestyles. From racy runabouts to fully equipped fishing machines plus plenty of apparel and accessories geared for all kinds of waterborne pursuits, the Sports and Leisure Precinct is guaranteed to float your boat with everything you need for your next adventure. SCIBS General Manager Johan Hasser said the marine industry had witnessed a huge surge in boat ownership, buoyed by the popularity of recreational boating as a fun and safe leisure activity with wide appeal. “Boating continues to be a standout leisure
activity that is accessible to everyone all from first-timers and families through to seasoned sport fishers,” Mr Hasser said. “Presented by Mulpha Events, SCIBS looks forward to offering a dedicated exhibition area for trailerable boats, ensuring a wide range of options from entry-level compact models to larger sport cruisers.” Long-time SCIBS exhibitor Whittley Boats will bring its full fleet of trailerable boats and exhibit its new series with Mercury Marine outboard motors for the first time. The range of five Sport Cruiser, three Sea Legend and three Fish Finder models will be exhibited on trailers to demonstrate towability. Another SCIBS stalwart, Gold Coast dealer Surf Coast Marine, will showcase several Suzuki-powered Quintrex trailer boats in the current range, including Cruiseabout and Freestyler bowriders, fishing side consoles and Trident off-shore cabin boats. Surf Coast Marine General Manager Adam Dziewierz said the dealership specialises in family-fun bowriders and open boats
elite for a reason
www.webermarine.co.nz
that capitalise on the iconic Gold Coast waterways and further afield for extended boating holidays. Quality Marine Clothing (QMC) will be on the ground to ensure SCIBS attendees look the part with new brands and products on display, including Code-Zero, a Dutch range of technical and casual lifestyle clothing and accessories and NautiBags, made from locally sourced recycled sails and handbuilt in Brisbane. The 33rd Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) is on from 19 – 22 May 2022. Tickets are on sale now via
SANCTUARYCOVEBOATSHOW.COM. AU/TICKETS
Elite 18m
SF
www.lloydstevenson.co.nz
DB879
Custom design Sedan, Mid-Pilothouse and Sportsfisher Motor Yachts
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www.lloydstevenson.co.nz www.elitemarine.co.nz • • +64 (0) 0274 9 530 853 8501 www.lloydstevenson.co.nz www.elitemarine.co.nz +64 235
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NEWS The Surtees/ Yamaha gate prize is worth $280,000.
ULTIMATE PORTABLE
BOATS SINCE 2007
HUTCHWILCO NZ BOAT SHOW PRE SALES AT RECORD LEVEL
Kiwi boaties and fishers from all around the country appear keener than ever as the 2022 Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show approaches. Sales of online tickets, which double visitors’ chances of winning the stunning $280,000 Surtees/Yamaha Grand Prize, are at record levels. With stand space sales also well above expectations the 2022 show, at the Auckland Showgrounds on May 12-15, is looking to be one of the very best. The 2022 Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show will again host the super-popular Master Class series of free fishing seminars. Featuring top fishing experts showcasing the clever, new fishing techniques, sharing their most effective tips and demonstrating the latest fishing gear, this year’s topics include Mastering Slow Pitch Jigging, Modern Gamefishing Techniques, Better Understanding Your Sounder and Getting Into Spearfishing. Experts will also focus on kayak fishing, drone fishing and much, much more. The 2022 show will also introduce the exciting new Fishing and Adventure Kids’ Club Experience. Hosted by Scott Parry, Mig Rumney and the crew from the hit Fishing and Adventure TV series, the new Kids’ Club Experience is suitable for children of all ages. It will include loads of fun activities and every kid who joins the Club at the show will go into a special Okuma draw to win the ultimate fishing trip with Scott and Mig onboard the team’s new Holy Ship. This year’s show will also feature the new Haswing Trolling Motor Challenge. Held in the Hutchwilco Pool, the Challenge will see members of the public competing to complete a course in the fastest time, using a Zodiac inflatable powered by a Haswing electric trolling motor. The winner will receive a prize pack from Haswing’s New Zealand distributors, Lusty & Blundell Ltd valued at $5000. It consists of a 2m Zodiac Cadet Aero Floor, Haswing Gen 1.5 Trolling Motor, plus a lot of other goodies. BOATSHOW.CO.NZ
DB874
The prize pack for the Haswing Trolling Motor Challenge.
Takacat NZ Ltd sales@takacat.co.nz | P: (+64) 021 822 285
www.takacat.co.nz PowerboatMagazine.co.nz
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NEWS
1200HP PROTECTOR
Rayglass has just released a custom Protector 410 Targa fitted with twin Mercury V12 Verados. These brand new engines are the first production outboards to ever feature a V12. Each engine boasts a massive 7.6-litre displacement and 600 horsepower, giving the vessel a total of 1,200 hp. For context, that’s more power than the Aston Martin Valkyrie, a $5.18 million hyper car.
The engines weigh roughly twice the amount of the usual 450-horsepower Mercury units (around half a tonne each), so Rayglass had to modify the vessel’s transom to ensure it was structurally strong to handle their weight and the massive torque that they produce. Further forward in the vessel, the new Protector has more custom additions. There’s a 2-3 pax undercover perch seat, which provides a comfortable ride in any weather - as well as new magnetic teak lids and a recessed barbeque. In the cockpit, there are three ixnav screens that enable digital switching, push-button start, digital throttle
uperior
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1050 SPORTS SEDAN
See the full Boat Review at boatmags.com
S Our New
technology, joystick piloting, Skyhook advanced controls and more. Rayglass CEO Dave Larsen says that driving the twin V12 Mercury powered Protector is unlike anything he’s ever experienced. “We wanted to build a boat that could outperform everything on the water - this is the result. A combination of smart engine technology and the advanced hull gives the vessel incredibly responsive handling. Meanwhile the 1200 hp of the twin engines means it has the acceleration and speed of a supercar on the water.” RAYGLASS.CO.NZ
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
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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE
DOWNEAST MOTOR YACHTS OF TIMELESS STYLE, QUALITY AND ENDURING VALUE
AZIMUT UNVIEL NEW MAGELLANO 66
Continuing the success of the previous generation, Azimut has released a new version of the Magellano 66. Like its predecessor, the internal layout, thanks to the boat’s generous dimensions, offers an extraordinary level of comfort and versatility.
The spacious day zone is designed to optimise onboard living, distributed over a single level, with vast windows creating an airy, light-filled environment. On the lower deck, in addition to the owner’s suite and two guest cabins, there is a fourth cabin which can be fitted out as a storage area or with bunk beds. Outside, there is also no shortage of space, and there is no better example of this than the impressively large flybridge, with a stern lounge area that can also incorporate an American bar. The second-generation Dual Mode hulls delivers smooth cruising even in moderate seas, and a maximum speed of 23 knots thanks to a pair of MAN 850 hp engines. PINNACLEMARINE.CO.NZ
'The spacious day zone is designed to optimise onboard living... with vast windows creating an airy, light-filled environment.'
E MARINE MOTOR YACHTS Clontarf Marina 1 Sandy Bay Road, Clontarf, NSW 2093 Phone: +61 417 200 165 Email: info@emarine.com.au www.emarine.com.au
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NEWS
SEEN & ADMIRED
ASSAULT 8M AMPHIBIOUS
After being approached by many current clients wanting an amphibious boat in the larger size, Assault Boats decided to develop this new Assault 8m the last 9 months.
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B
ased on a completely new 8m hull, (9.1m including sponsons) the boat has a flat transom, and D shape pontoons which to provide more room at the rear. The deep 25.5 deg deep V at the transom gives a soft ride but with a stable platform while underway and at rest. For the land based amphibious components, Assault Boats chose the well proven Orion System. Assault Boats have gone very upmarket with the finished of the boat, with items like the upholstery look and feel. “We have learnt a lot from the Europeans in upmarket design and finish and
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wanted this same feel and look in our new range of boats”, says MD Peter Carlson. The first model is a full hardtop cabin RIB, but there are both 9m and 8m centre console versions in development. The design was in concept with Assault Boats owner Peter Carlson and builders K2 Marine, who also were involved in the detailed design.Moulds and Build and detailed design is by K2 Marine “It must be a formula that works as we sold 4 boats within three days of the new 8m amphibious boat being launched”, said Carlson.
FAMILYBOATS.CO.NZ
Adventure further.
www.familyboats.co.nz/assault
+61 3 8361 8841 info@savwinch.com www.savwinch.com.au
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POWER ON
T VETUS THRUSTERS INTEGRATE WITH MERCURY JPO
Vetus has collaborated with Mercury Marine to enable the integration of its BOW PRO thrusters with Mercury Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO).
he compatible systems join seamlessly to create a compelling solution that enhances the joystick piloting experience. The integration provides increased control of any size boat with twin or more Mercury Verado outboards. Achieved using a bow thruster integration kit from Mercury, the new systems integration allows Mercury to capitalize on the unique features and advantages of the Vetus Bow Pro thruster range, including the NMEA 2000-certified CAN bus interface allowing control of the proportional thruster from Mercury’s joystick. Further benefits of the extremely efficient BOW PRO units are the built-in safety features, enabling boaters to extensively use their system without overload or overheating issues, and the industry’s first boosted charging capabilities as standard with the Bow Pro Boosted range. The Bow Pro series from analog devices, such as single-lever control thruster buttons.” The Vetus-Mercury Marine integrated solution requires nextgeneration Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) controls and is applicable for use with Verado outboards of 250 hp and more, on boats with twin or more engines. VETUS.COM
CTEK CS ONE APTO
C
TEK’s new APTO (Adaptive Charging) technology literally does all the thinking so users don’t have to. In a world with so many different battery chemistries and charging requirements, the CS ONE is the perfect charger for every need. CS ONE automatically detects the battery’s chemistry, works out its size and then delivers the perfect, customised charging programme, from 2 to 8 amps. CTEK’s free-to-download App gives users even greater control of the versatile CS ONE charger through their smartphone. Using Bluetooth connectivity, the App unlocks additional great features such as RECON (to restore and recondition lead-acid batteries), WAKE UP (to revive seemingly dead lithium and lead-acid batteries) and 12V SUPPLY (to support the battery during service work and retain contact power during replacement or removal). Engineered for complete safety and peace of mind, CS ONE comes with black, polarity-free and spark-free clamps and automatically works out which terminal is positive and which is negative (the clamps can even safely come into contact with each other!). There are no buttons to push or modes to select, simply connect those clamps to any 12v lead-acid or lithium (LiFePO4) battery and let it go to work. CS ONE’s easy-to-follow countdown LEDs give a visual indication about the time remaining for the battery to be fully charged. LUSTY-BLUNDELL.CO.NZ
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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE
PARSUN INCREASES RANGE
P
arsun outboards are gradually growing not only their range, but also their presence in New Zealand. In this issue we have a review on the new Fatcat 4500, one powered by a Parsun 40, the other with a Parsun 60. Hurricane Products, will have the latest models on show at this year’s Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show. These include F9.8BWS four stroke with tiller handle and electric start. There will also be the F40BEL-T-EFI-M, a new four stroke 40hp tiller handle, with electric start, electric trim and tilt, electronic fuel injection, and a very functional multi use tiller handle. The all new Parsun 115 should be available from July and features an innovative crankshaft bias design and the connection of the flywheel and crankshaft. There is an absence of cylinder liners and the camshaft has independent inlet and exhaust ports. There is also an APP self-diagnosis engine system, which facilitates maintenance and after sales care. OUTBOARD-MOTORS.CO.NZ
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Auckland Showgrounds, Greenlane, Auckland 10am – 6pm Daily, Late Night Friday (9pm) Admission $25 online^ or at the gate – Kids 16 & Under FREE ^Last day for online ticket sales, 11 May 2022. †Bonus Ticket will be given to you upon completion of your STAMPED Entry Ticket at the Entry Box in Stand EX 189 or Stand 579 in Hall 5. *Full details, terms & conditions at www.boatshow.co.nz.
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ELECTRONICS
SIMRAD UNVEIL NSX
Simrad NSX has unveiled the latest evolution in chartplotters and fishfinders with the release of the new NSX range.
T
he Simrad NSX is available in 7”, 9” and 12” display sizes and is based on a new operating system built from the ground up to redefine boating experiences. NSX features an innovative and modern interface with a new, intuitive touch screen experience with crystal clear views. Charts include powerful C-MAP navigation capabilities and compatibility with sonar, radar and autopilot systems. Simple Setup Wizards guide users through each step during device setup, and Simrad app integration makes connectivity from your smartphone easier than ever. Packed with the full suite of Simrad technology at your fingertips, NSX is
designed to deliver a wide eco-system allowing users to expand the MFD with additional functionality, easier integrations and support for a wide range of third-party applications. Boaters who love fishing can utilize NSX to view high-resolution images below and to the sides with Active Imaging and CHIRP sonar, SideScan/DownScan Imaging and FishReveal – or search even greater depths with a wide range of compatible transducers. Users can integrate easily with their radar and get the most out of their AutoPilot systems by connecting to Autorouting.
SIMRAD-YACHTING.COM
GARMIN ACQUIRES VESPER MARINE
Garmin has announced it has acquired Vesper Marine, a Auckland, NZ based provider of AIS, VHF and vessel monitoring solutions for the marine industry.
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his acquisition is expected to bolster Garmin’s industryleading lineup of marine products and technology designed to provide peace of mind and enhanced situational awareness for boaters. With almost 15 years of experience, Vesper has developed a suite of communication products and solutions for power, sail and
workboats, including the award-winning Cortex system. Cortex combines a stateof-the-art VHF radio with Vesper’s unique smartAIS transponder and remote vessel monitoring technology. Vesper’s smartAIS transponders incorporate built-in alarms to alert mariners of potential collisions, dragging anchors and man overboard situations. The company also offers mobile
apps to monitor, view and manage a Cortex system or smartAIS transponder for iOS and Android devices. Vesper Marine is headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand and will join Garmin’s existing team and facility located in Auckland. GARMIN.COM
GARMIN LIVESCOPE PLUS Garmin’s LiveScope Plus with enhanced resolution, clearer images and even better target separation and award-winning live-scanning sonar continues to change the game for recreational fishing.
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iveScope Plus System, is the latest addition to Garmin’s revolutionary live-scanning sonar lineup with brilliantly clear live scanning sonar returns and 35% improved target separation over the existing system. Now with sharper resolution, reduced noise, and Garmin’s clearest images, it’s easier than ever to see structure, bait and fish around the boat in real time, even while stationary. With three modes – Forward, Down and Perspective – the LiveScope Plus
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System also includes the popular Perspective Mode Mount. See the LiveScope Plus difference. Optimised for precision and accuracy, the new design of the LiveScope Plus transducer not only delivers 35% improved target separation, it’s also capable of identifying and separating targets as small as 14” at distances 100 feet from the boat. With brilliantly clear sonar returns – available with seven vivid colour options – fishermen can see exactly what they need
PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE
to with improved image stitching, reduced noise and fewer on-screen artifacts that impede the picture of fish and structure. LiveScope Plus is compatible with a wide range of Garmin GPSMAP and ECHOMAP chartplotters and combo units. GARMIN.COM
STRAIGHT FROM THE GALLEY
W I T H D E R E K T H E C H E F,
C H E F L I N E 14 @ G M A I L . C O M
SEAFOOD PAELLA We use our KamadoJoe BBQ to cook this dish but if you have a Paella pan it may be cooked indoors.
Ingredients 1kg Prawn Meat (Tails) 2kg Mussels (Beards Removed and Scrubbed 1kg Clams / Cockles 500x grm White fish fillets 2x cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc) 2x tsp saffron thread Cocavo Chilli & lime Infused Coconut & Avocado oil 2 cup Roughly chopped onion 2x tbsp garlic crushed 4x cup short or medium grain rice 4x Red capsicum 4x Green capsicum 12x cups chicken stock 4x cup frozen peas 2x cup chopped tomato. 1x Cup chopped fresh parsley
Method Add the Cocavo to your Paella Pan bring to a medium heat. Sauté onion, capsicum, Garlic in the oil. Add rice stir in as for risotto Add wine stir and reduce Add Saffron to the chicken stock bring to simmer then add a little at a time and gently stir until absorbed by the rice Add in 1/2 the Chopped Parsley reserving the rest as a garnish. Bring to the boil and do NOT stir again Add shellfish and white fish Add tomatoes & peas, Allow to cook until rice is soft. Fish is cooked and Shellfish opened for around 15 – 20 minutes (without stirring). Check seasoning and adjust. Garnish with Chopped parsley, then serve with thick Crusty Bread and or Garden-Fresh salad and a squeeze of lime over the Paella.
Our fresh seafood is supplied by Ocean Eats in Silverdale.
CHEF’S TIP A good option is to cook the shellfish first and discard any that don’t open. Also add Calamari if you wish. We also substitute Fish Stock for Chicken stock. We make our own Fish stock using leftover scraps from filleting.
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FISHING
WITH BRUCE DUNCAN (AKA CAPTAIN SWISH)
ADMIT IT,
We have all done it! As I have always said, there are no stupid questions. We have all learnt a lot in life by our mistakes, but the good thing today is people with no or limited knowledge of boating are prepared to ask questions. Arriving at the boat ramp full of dreaming of big fish, I have launched the boat leaving my brain in the car and bung out of the boat. Worst of all, this is not the first time I have done it. Back down the trailer, take a few turns on the winch, and slowly the water drains aft. Don't try and rush it as with the weight of water in the boat, you risk the winch wire breaking or, as I have seen, a winch post-collapse.
SINKING FEELING
Ever had that sinking feeling? For me, it's happened on two occasions when at anchor fishing, I felt the boat become a bit sluggish. Once due to a split hull and the other due to a bung not done up correctly. Looking aft to see the water up to the floorboards had my knees knocking like an Edmonds jelly on steroids. This is not the time to panic! Any fast movement around the boat and there is a risk of a capsize. Turn the bilge pump and motor on and wait and watch the water level drop. It's time to head home as there has to be a reason for the water, and now is not the time to work it out. Once the water is down, pull the anchor up and then slowly motor into the waves allowing the remaining water to drain aft. Never turn aside onto the waves until you are sure all the water is clear. Common sense says that you would take up the floorboards (if you have an older boat) and have a major cleanout of the bilges and frames, but I would safely bet my last bottle of rum 98% of people never do it. Over a year, it's incredible how many scales bits of nylon and braid end up in the bilge. Knowing how hard it is to get scales off the side of the boat, now think of hundreds of scales sticking to the intake and impeller of the bilge pump. When clearing out, the bilge pump have a quick look at the impellor shaft, as they can be prone to corrosion and fail when under load. It's an old saying, but it's true "there is no bilge pump in the world better than a shit scared man with a bucket". Every boat should have at least one bucket, if not two, onboard, and square buckets stow better and are easier to use. They will also pick up more water than round ones. At the same time, you are giving the bilge a good clean out, taking the battery cables off the terminals and give both the terminals and the inside of the terminal fitting a light sand. This makes for more effective charging.
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TRACE LENGTH
Have you ever wondered why the boat close to you is catching fish after fish when you only get the odd bite? Well, note the length of their trace? When fishing in areas with a fair bit of current, the most effective is a running rig. But you have to remember that as the current increases, so do several other factors, like the sinker's weight, to stay on the bottom. But more importantly, is the length of your trace. At the start of the tide, a normal trace of around half a meter is fine as it naturally allows the bait to float around on the bottom. But as the current increases, the bait starts to spin. Changing the length of the trace to at least one and a half meters again allows the bait to float around, increasing the chance of a hookup. At times of extreme current, I will use a trace up to three meters.
ANCHORING
Just knowing how to anchor the boat sounds simple. Recently I got caught out in my 485 Haines Hunter off Omaha with a low easterly swell running. I tucked into the lee of the headland, right on low tide. The wind and sea got up big time, generating a big breaking surf across the bay. The old saying, " If in dought don't go out or stay out if you have to, " came to mind. It was smarter and safer to stay where I was till the tide increased the water depth over the bar, which would then push the breaking water away from the entrance closer to the shore. To wait it out for a few hours with the swell increasing often just curling and breaking on top meant I had to consider other factors. Incoming tide = more depth below the boat = steeper waves breaking on top = increasing wind gusting down the headland. Even though the anchor was holding should it drag, I would be sideways to the big waves in a nanosecond. The answer, increase the length of the anchor warp. The more warp out acts like a big rubber
INTRODUCING
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band allowing the boat to ride up and over the waves smoothly rather than jerking violently, risking a rogue wave coming over the bow or the anchor dragging. With just 8m showing on the sounder, I had let out 10m of chain and another 20m of warp. Letting more warp out has to be done carefully to avoid sideways to the waves. As the bow rises to a wave, I slowly let out more warp till the bow is at the top of the wave, so as the boat drops, it keeps the anchor line tight and bow straight. I repeated this till I had a further 50m out, in total 80m of warp and chain for a depth of just 8m and the anchor never moved till it was safe to head back. In rough conditions, especially in areas of big current, pulling up the anchor correctly is critical so the bow can't swing, putting the boat sideways to the waves where there is a risk of capsizing. Tell everyone to remain seated and not move. Slowly motor up on the anchor keeping the rope dead ahead and tight as you take in the rope. Stop taking in rope as a big wave starts to lift the bow and quickly take in the slack as you drop down the back of the wave. Doing this takes a load off the anchor winch with less chance of the wave breaking over the bow. Once the anchor is clear of the bottom, keep nudging the bow into the waves till the anchor is on board, allowing you to reassess the situation and judge better when to turn the boat safely. It's only time and experience from a lifetime of boating. Fortunately, it's not often I get caught out but knowing what to do and how to do it is why I am writing this for others, remember, there are no dumb questions, so never be afraid to ask.
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ROGER'S RAMBLINGS
WITH ROGER TWEDDELL
DESTINATION NAPIER
Being a born and bred “Hauraki Gulfer” and still doing most of my boating there, I love the opportunity to go boating in new places. Recently I went out boating in Napier.
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e launched at a small public ramp next to a bridge over the river in the Napier boat harbour. Our destination was Pania Reef, just a mile or so north East of the harbour entrance. The swell was a good 2m plus with a moderate easterly wind. The swell was breaking across the harbour mouth and it was not ideal conditions for a late afternoon fish. The underwater terrain at Pania is really interesting with lots of cuts and gulley’s. The system extends for a mile or so North East and the locals tell me that a lot I decent kingfish have been taken there lately. We didn’t do too well, and also one of the crew got quite seedy, so we soon returned to solid land. The marine environment in the Hawkes Bay is very exposed and presents serious conditions. There is nothing between it and the southern oceans to the south of New Zealand. There are also no off-shore islands to provide cruising destinations or shelter. If you are boating from Napier, it is all about fishing. There are also few launching ramps as the coast close to Napier consists largely of gravel and sand beaches that are steep
and dangerous. Boat launching is restricted to the Napier Boat Harbour ramps and beach launching. To the south of Napier is Clifton just inside Cape Kidnappers. At Clifton, boats are launched nose first with floating trailers attached and motored out a few hundred metres to where the boat is unstrapped and the trailer anchored. On returned the boat is driven on to the trailer. re-attached and driven to shore where a cable is used to winch boat and trailer up the ramp. The boat harbour also contains a marina with quite a large number of launches and yachts permanently berthed. There is also a hard stand and straddle lift. While the fishing in close is mostly seasonal with gurnard and snapper, it seems the best fishing are deep water spots out wide. Past Pania Reef, the next stop is the Springs, where good sized snapper terakihi and Hapuka can be found. These are fresh water springs coming out of the ocean floor, 15 miles out. Past the Springs are the Lachlan Banks and Lachlan Ridge, 35 nautical miles offshore. Great for deep water species such as Hapuka and also tuna and marlin. To the south off Cape Kidnappers, 10 to 20 miles a good number of tuna and marlin have also
been taken this summer. This seems to be an expanding fishery with potential. A boat with good offshore capabilities is a must! Boating is well served in Napier with an excellent boat harbour with launching ramps and marina, giving fantastic access for trailer boats and launches. There are 2 substantial boat shops, Firmans Marine and Hawkes Bay Marine providing new and 2nd hand boat sales plus service for just about everything boating. The size of these operations suggest that a lot of boating goes on in the Bay. Fishing is catered for with a large Hunting and Fishing, Gun City and Fishing, and Hamills Hunting and Fishing stores, all in close proximity to the boat harbour. To round the picture off, there is a growing cluster of alloy boat constructors building first class boats. Napier is the home of Profile Boats, Senator Boats and Dickey boats all with strong reputations. AirCat Boats, a new player in the alloy boat market, are now setting up their production facility in Napier too. There is an experienced support network to the boat constructors such as CNC operators, sheet metal workers and materials suppliers.
www.fatcat.nz
DB837
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CRUISING MATTERS
WITH LAURIE CR ANFIELD
An image of Enchanter capsized off the North Cape.
THREE KINGS FISHING CHARTER TURNS TRAGEDY The public in general and the boating community in particular were stunned by the tragic loss of five fishermen from the vessel Enchanter which capsized off Northland’s east coast on the night of 20 March.
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t this early stage many details are still not clear, but they will surely emerge as investigations are carried out by the Transport Accident Investigation Committee, Maritime NZ, Police and possibly WorkSafe. However some information is available from media reports, particularly from NZ Herald and Stuff. Enchanter is one of three rugged vessels operated by Enchanter Fishing Charters, established by skipper Lance Goodhew in 1995 and who according to their website are “the Three Kings specialists”. She is a twin diesel engine powered 17 metre vessel designed by Erwin Hagg for deep sea fishing and constructed from glassed over double diagonal kauri with a displacement of about 30 tonne. She was on a five day fishing charter out of Mangonui to the Three Kings Islands, a group of 13 small islands located about 30nm NW of Cape Reinga in an area where the South Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea. Despite their remoteness and reputation for strong currents and rapidly changing conditions the Kings are regularly visited by fishermen and divers taking advantage of an abundance of fish life from snapper to marlin. Overnight anchoring options are limited and regular visitors say that even a good night can be uncomfortable.
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Enchanter is certified and skipper Lance Goodhew is qualified and highly experienced, reportedly having spent 250 days each year at sea for the last 20 years. He with one deck hand and ten clients were already aboard Encounter at the Three Kings when a weather warning was issued by MetService on the morning of Saturday 19 March. Due to the reputation of the vessel and her skipper those aboard had every reason to feel safe although one client, Mark Sanders, did mention reservations about the weather to his family prior to departure. After some great fishing Enchanter headed back to the mainland on Sunday to complete her charter on schedule. Presumably the most challenging part of this trip would have been across the open waters between the Kings and the mainland, but Enchanter reached the mainland safely in early evening - Mark Sanders phoning his wife around 1800hrs with no concerns expressed. As Enchanter powered her way south towards overnight shelter she would have had the NE wind and breaking seas on her exposed port beam or port quarter. The tragedy unfolded when Enchanter activated her two emergency beacons south of North Cape at about 2000hrs. It is believed the incident happened too quickly for any radio contact to take place.
The Complete Anchoring Solution Maritime NZ initiated a full response including Whangarei’s Northland Helicopter Rescue, Auckland’s Westpac Rescue Helicopter, a RNZAF P3 Orion aircraft, the RNZN vessel Taupo and Houhara Coastguard. Two charter vessels overnighting at the Kings, Florence Nightingale and Katrina also left for the search area. Apparently some other local vessels also responded. After refuelling in Kaitaia the Northland helicopter arrived on scene about 2340hrs. By the time five survivors were located and rescued in two groups near Murimotu Island, south of North Cape they had been in the water for about 4 hours. Apparently they had been located from lights visible in the water. The daring pilot with 30 years experience, Lance Donelly, reports there was a fierce storm in progress and that this was “the most extreme, most challenging rescue I’ve ever done”. The remaining five were unable to be found and their bodies recovered later. Clues to Enchanter’s fate come from a survivor who had been in the cockpit at the time of the incident later reporting “nobody was to blame. It was a freak wave that came out of nowhere” and from Lance’s mother who reports her son told her they were hit by a gigantic wave over nine metres high. The wave’s force ripped off Enchanter’s flying bridge and capsized her. Metservice estimates the wind would have been averaging 35 knots with 2.5 metre waves at the time of the tragedy and if correct this hardly seems conditions that would cause many problems for a well found 17 metre vessel such as Enchanter, let alone rip her flying bridge off and capsize her. However Metservice’s assessment of conditions appears at odds with those reported by the helicopter pilot (fierce storm in progress) and by Florence Nightingale’s skipper who reports “absolutely horrendous” conditions with 55 knot winds. With such a wind out of the NE with a long fetch it is likely the waves would have been well in excess of 2.5 metres, quite possibly with average waves in the vicinity of four metres or more. Nevertheless Mangonui Harbour Warden Steve Smith says “the Enchanter had been in similar conditions many times before with no issue ....... it has to be a freak accident.” So the question is – is it feasible for a wave around a frightening size of nine metres to occur? The answer is absolutely yes. As wave trains roll across the oceans, the peak of one wave eventually synchronises with the peak of another, and the resulting wave can be much larger than either of the two waves that coincided. The UK’s National Oceanography Centre determined that about one wave in 23 is twice the average height, one wave in 1,175 is three times the average and one wave in 300,000 is four times the average. Of course such waves are not only large but generate tremendous energy. Fortunately the largest of these monster waves are rarely encountered because they appear quite suddenly in a small area, possibly something like 50 to 100 metres long and lasting only a short time before dissipating. Most marine tragedies result from a series of events and in this case they appear to be severe weather conditions, an unexpected large wave, darkness, heavy rain and spray causing poor visibility and remoteness from rescue resources.
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RIVIERA 78 MOTOR YACHT
With 4000hp the 78 tops out at 34 knots.
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BOAT REVIEW
Anniversary Present TEXT BY MARK ROTHFIELD
If ever a boat was built to perform on the big stage, it’s the newly launched Riviera 78 Motor Yacht. This isn’t just the largest model the company has released but also its most concerted attempt at building the biggest and best Australian production vessel ever.
F
our decades of boatbuilding knowledge, 10 years of company ownership by Rodney Longhurst, three years of design development, over 76,000 man hours and millions of dollars invested in tooling … all percolated into one very significant flagship. “We wanted her to be powerful yet peaceful, a bluewater boat yet also the belle of the ball,” Longhurst told a select group of owners who’d boldly bought off the plan, plus dealers and media representatives, on Australia’s Gold Coast. “We fussed over every aspect.” It also heralds a new model range, one that eschews any fishing pretence and gets into a life of bluewater voyaging without further ado. Even the venerable Riviera logo has sprouted seabird wings for this particular model to reflect a more focused expression of cruising freedom.
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RIVIERA 78 MOTOR YACHT
Alfresco dining at its very best.
Riviera’s new flagship is simply stunning.
While an Open Bridge is offered the majority of buyers will opt for the Enclosed Bridge.
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ITALIAN INSPIRED
For the first time, Riviera’s in-house design group collaborated with Italian superyacht architect Luca Vallebona to achieve a refined European aesthetic, knowing that buyers who can afford a vessel priced from around $A6.6m will have the most discerning tastes and demands. Pre-launch artist renderings of the Enclosed Bridge version suggested to some eyes that the vessel might be more stout than svelte in appearance, but that’s not the case when you see the real thing in the flesh. Yes, it’s tall, the benefits of which are experienced from within, but proportionally it’s fine. Signs of clever design start, appropriately, with the boarding platform, a novel three-step arrangement that lowers in stages when you’re launching sports equipment from the garage. There’s a folding swim ladder to port.
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The garage isn’t designed for a tender; instead, this will reside on the foredeck or short-term on brackets fitted to the boarding platform. The garage gate raises electrically and a freshwater shower is built into the underside. Adjacent is a service hatch for the engineroom, allowing technicians to bypass the main door in the crew quarters. Moving up to the cockpit through double gates, you find an aft lounge, barbecue wetbar to port, plus a large dining table. Being fully-covered by the bridge overhang is what defines the motor yacht and divides it from the Sports Motor Yacht. Straight access is afforded to the sidedecks, a feature of which are wing mouldings that hover over the hull’s descending sheerline, with an air gap between. There is also a starboard-side pantograph door amidships. Forward, a U-shaped seating area can accommodate a tender with davit.
INTIMATE CONNECTION
The connection between the outdoor entertainment area and saloon is immediate and intimate. You enter via an electric sliding door while the nearby rear bulkhead window lowers electrically rather than hinging upwards. The U-shaped galley, set aft and to starboard, is the lynch pin of the living space and pretty well perfect for entertaining. Not one but two ovens, a four-burner hotplate, drawer dishwasher, fridges all around, storage everywhere, Corian benchtops. What’s more, the semi-production build process allows buyers to personalise the layout and finishes to a degree. So, for instance, the saloon can have a dining table or just be a grand lounge area with a bar unit, in which case you’d dine al fresco.
A sweeping timber staircase winds down to the accommodation deck, generously infusing the atrium with natural light. It’s a suitable entrée to the main course, a full-beam master suite amidships that has hull windows either side, flat floors and high ceilings. Its bed is king-sized and electrically adjustable. The en suite is to port and inside you’ll find a vanity with his-and-hers sinks, a walk-in shower and a toilet compartment with its own privacy door. Moving forward, the port stateroom has the option of a double bed or twin beds that can slide together, along with direct access to the day head, while the starboard stateroom includes twin cross-over bunks. The VIP guest stateroom is appointed with a queensized island berth and, of course, its own en suite. The big, dramatic hull window starts here, so again you get light and views.
The main saloon looking aft to the galley.
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RIVIERA 78 MOTOR YACHT
The VIP guest stateroom is appointed with a queen-sized island berth and en-suite. The full-beam master suite has hull windows either side, flat floors and high ceilings.
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OPEN OR ENCLOSED While an Open Bridge is offered for those more inclined to roam sheltered waters, the majority of buyers will opt for the Enclosed Bridge -- 100 % of the advanced orders have already indicated that. You can open the side windows, sunroof and aft doors to get the same breezy outcome. The upper space almost mirrors that of the entertainment level, thanks to the bridge overhang. Outside, it has a bar unit, convertible dinette/ sunlounge, toilet compartment, and dual docking stations with joystick controls. Inside the bridge, it has a helm station straight from the superyacht manual, with four 24-inch Garmin >
PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE
screens and three forward-facing pedestal seats. You feel totally enveloped by comfort, not exposed to the elements. Noise levels never intrude on conversation. While the thought of driving a vessel of this size and weight (56t) may seem intimidating, a generous layer of simplicity masks the technical mastery at work. A joystick takes care of delicate manoeuvring with the help of hydraulic stern and bow thrusters while Humphree Interceptor tabs and fins automatically look after both fore-and-aft and lateral trim. The test boat’s fins replaced a gyro and proved remarkably effective, even at rest. They save weight, space and servicing requirements. I must add, the hull turned beautifully flat and precisely while running at high speeds.
RIVIERA 78 MOTOR YACHT
SPECIFICATIONS
RAPID TRANSPORT
Rolls Royce uses the term “proceed” instead of “accelerate” and they’d label output from the twin MAN V12 2000hp diesel as being “sufficient”. Somehow, though, that undersells the 78MY – it has excellent punch from the hole and powers rather than proceeds to 34 knots (63km/h) at WOT (2350 rpm). Fuel burn at this speed is just shy of 780 lt/h, so you wouldn’t do it all day, every day, with diesel at its current cost. The most efficient planing performance comes quite early on, at 1600 rpm, where you’re burning 308lt/h for a range of 570 nautical miles (1055km) at 19 knots (35.2km/h). Compare that, though, with a mere 26lt/h at 7 knots, where cruising range is 2577 nautical miles (4773km) from a total fuel capacity of 10,200lt. The top-spec 2000hp MANs are the same as those found in Riv’s 68/72 Sports Motor Yachts, running shafts via a well-proven vee-drive. The giant exhausts exit the hull underwater for quiet, smoke-free operation. You can specify 1550hp and 1800hp options, but I wouldn’t go smaller than 1800. The MAN engines offer high tractive power, compact design, impressive fuel economy and unrivalled reliability. The MAN engines with V-drives and Seatorque shafts deliver unprecedented levels of smoothness. A cruiser of this size runs twin Onan 29kW gensets, a large lithium battery bank, 10 air-conditioning units and more, but the engineroom is substantial. You get full headroom and all the hallmarks of a quality build, not just quantity. The build list, incidentally, runs to 16 pages. Pricing starts at $A6.6 million, as mentioned, but will be ‘POA’ given current lead times and customisation scope. To sum up, Riviera has built the ultimate anniversary present to mark Rodney Longhurst’s decade of ownership, instilling a wealth of ingenuity and sophistication into a deserving flagship. It’s a production boat very few could produce, a belle in which you’ll have an absolute ball.
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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE
Boat Design Name Riviera 78 Motor Yacht Enclosed Bridge Year Launched Nov 2022 Designer Riviera & Luca Vallebona Builder Riviera Marine LOA 24.8m LOH 22.1mm Beam 6.0m Displacement: 56300 kg Draft 1.90m Max Speed 34 knots Construction GRP Composite Fuel Capacity 10200 litres Water Capacity 800 litres Engines Make/HP 2 x MAN V12 2000hp Drive Train Conventional Shaft Generator Onan Interceptors & Fins Humphree MFDs 4 x 24” Garmin Base Price of Boat $Aus6.6 Contact Riviera Australia Ph +61 (07) 5502 5555
Inside the bridge, it has a helm station straight from the superyacht manual. The MAN Engines offer high tractive power, compact design and impressive fuel economy.
RIVIERAAUSTRALIA.COM
PERFORMANCE DATA RPM 650 900 1200 1400 1600 1800 1950 2150 2300 2350
Knots 7.3 9.7 11.1 11.7 19.1 22.9 25.7 29.7 32.7 34.1
L/h 26.0 66 161 248 308 428 525 668 752 777
Note: Range is based on 90% of 9180 Litres.
L/NM 3.6 6.8 14.5 21.2 16.1 18.7 20.4 22.5 23.0 22.8
Range (NM) 2320 1224 570 390 512 443 404 367 359 363
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AFTERMARKET SPRAY RAILS & SILENT CHINES
AFTERMARKET
FITTING AFTERMARKET SPRAY RAILS AND SILENT CHINES TO OVER 80 BOATS HAVE BEEN BIG BUSINESS FOR MOTOR YACHT SERVICE CENTRE, BUT IT HAS ALSO RESULTED IN 80 DELIGHTED OWNERS.
M
otor Yacht Service Centre’s Dean Ryder kept hearing from many of his clients about how ‘wet’ their boats were at speed, so he decided to do something about it. “Traditionally, modern launches are designed quite full in the bow to maximise internal accommodation, so they tend to push a fair bit of water. So, following comments from the owners, I thought we should look at a solution to help alleviate this issue”, says Dean. Adding spray rails around the stem area is nothing new, and it was common on many boats designed by Don Senior designs over 30 years ago. While the trend is now to have the lifting strakes and spray chines taper away at the bow, Dean’s idea was to
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maximise this area with an accentuated rail on either side, fitted just below the waterline. Dean says they start to work around 10-11 knots, and as the boat begins to ‘pop’ the bow, they come up above the waterline and curl the water back down. The faster you go, the more effective they become. Another bonus is that they eliminate most of the spray on your windscreen and break the vortex of mist around the transom. The first boat to be given the aftermarket spray rails was a 20m flybridge, and according to Dean, the
Dean Ryder says the actual dimensions of the rails and chines are critical.
results were outstanding. Now 13 years later and more than 80 boats on, he has tweaked the design to what he says is about as perfect as he can get. They have been fitted to boats from 39ft through to 70ft, and Dean says they would be suitable for even larger vessels. “Every boat design is a little different, and although the principle is the same, the rails vary in placement, length (3-4m), and the angle of entry is also critical
to each boat. It is important to get the angle correct, so you don’t start pushing the bow down in the following sea”, added Dean. The dimensions of the rails are not something he is prepared to divulge. However, he will say they are constructed of high-density foam, which is shaped and then bonded to the existing hull before it is glassed-over with woven rovings, chop strand mat and polyester resin. After fairing and painting, the
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"OUR SLAPPING IS NEAR NON-EXISTENT DUE TO THE FILLED IN CHINES AND THAT MEANS WE CAN NOW ANCHOR ANYWHERE AND ENJOY A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP."
AFTERMARKET
GREG MARTIN, 57 FLYBRIDGE
new strakes look like part of the original hull design. “In the case of a production boat, this is something that the factory can’t include, due to the reverse angles would not allow the hull to be released from the mould”, says Dean.
SILENT CHINE Going hand in hand with the aftermarket spray rails is the addition of silent chines. With the forward area of the existing chine filled in, it is also necessary to add the spray strakes to make up for the reduction in the chine area. “The wave action or slapping occurs at the intercepting point where the scumline meets the chine and depending on the angle and shape of the chine, we infill an area about around 4.5m long, which also has a slight radius on the outside”, said Dean. Like the spray rails, these are also constructed of foam and GRP. Here is what some happy owners had to say about the modifications: Greg Martin who had both the spray rails and silent chine modifications to his, 57 Flybridge said “Our slapping is near non-existent due to the filled in chines and that means we can now anchor anywhere and enjoy a good night’s sleep”. Plus, he says that with the spray rails the boat is a very dry ride and handles well.
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Craig Roulston had spray rails fitted to his 51 Sport Sedan right from new after Dean recommended them. “Having clocked up 250 hours on the boat now I can report no more than a cupful of salt spray over the forward deck in that time. Steaming at 15 knots with 20 plus knots on the beam, the deck remains dry apart from the occasional wisp thrown up”, says Craig. Brian & Cath Carran say that MYSC spray rails have given utheir 70ft sport sedan dry decks, less salt and a windscreens from the helm. “We would use our wipers only 20% of what we previously did to clear spray.” “The filling in of the chine has reduced the slap when at anchor considerably, especially in the front cabin. Money well spent!” So what does it all cost? A pair of spray rails or silent chines vary based on the vessel and therefore, the cost will vary slightly between boats. We would recommend contacting MYSC to see the spray rails for yourself and get a price suited to your vessel. The whole job takes about two weeks. There are currently six further boats booked into MYSC, Clearwater Cove yard for the aftermarket spray rails and silent chines.
Motor Yacht Service Centre Ph +64 09 416 1179 info@motoryachtservicecentre.co.nz
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For Luxury Yachts, Trawlers and Sports Fishers • Allow crew and guests to move around safely and enjoy themselves. • Provides a comfortable setting for dining and entertaining. • Sleep in comfort at the dock or anchored out. • Keeps your vessel steady when docking. • Effective at trolling and at ‘zero’ speeds. • Less maintenance means more time to fish. • Easy to use, just flip a switch. • Improves fuel efficiency.
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The ultra light, Kiwi-made aluminium tender. Weighing in at a very user-friendly 23kg the Puffin 215 RIB is easily handled and will plane with just a small amount of power. Pressed hull strakes on quality aluminum hull and thermally welded tubes make for a safe, dry ride.
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FINSEEKER 280 DUAL CONSOLE
BOAT REVIEW
Finnish Finesse Fishing or entertaining, the Finseeker 280 Dual Console has it all. Barry Thompson went aboard to find out more. TEXT BY BARRY THOMPSON
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Last year I had the opportunity to review a Finseeker 220 centre console. It was a very impressive boat from one of the USA’s fastestgrowing builders of serious fishing boats. The company has gone a step further and added the 280 Dual Console, their latest foray into the dual fishing and entertaining market. Fish today, family cruising tomorrow. That’s what the 280 Dual Console is all about.
T
hree years in the making, the 280 Dual Console is 8.50m, including the outboard and has an overall boat length of 7.90m. With a beam of 2.80m, it is a spacious boat and an incredible fishing platform. But it’s also designed as a boat to suit the family. The 280 DC is filled with well-placed fishing amenities to please even the most serious fisherman, plus luxurious touches and entertainment features to create the perfect all-around family boat. This boat eats rough water with a 22 deg deadrise at the transom and a steep angle of entry at the bow of 39 deg, consistent with all the Finseeker models. Also continued on all the boats is a wide 7.5 deg reverse chine to contribute to a dry ride in even the roughest conditions.
55 Knots and loving it.
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FINSEEKER 280 DUAL CONSOLE
Twin Garmin 8412XSV MFDs dominate the large facia.
The seats can be folded away for extra fishing space.
The bait tank is fully pressurised when shut.
The fold-down step panel is a neat feature.
The bow comes with a removable table and a centre squab.
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UNIQUE FEATURES
The Finseeker offers some exclusive features that no one else brings to the market, which makes it something special. For a start, around the transom area, Finseeker has incorporated a drop-down platform formed from the cover for the transom storage. This means you can walk from side to side easily without the engines or any cables getting in the way. Great if you are hooked onto a Trevally or big Kahawai. The transom recess makes great fender storage. To port is a large live bait tank, complete with a LED light, with an oversized pressurised lid which helps keep the baits stable in the water. Around the transom area, you will also find a battery charger connection, an LCD transom remote for your entertainment system and a handheld freshwater shower. A battery charger comes standard with the Finseeker 280 DC. Another cool feature is the hideaway rear bench seat, which can be raised if you need fishing space and lowered if you want more passengers seating. But it doesn’t stop there. A second drop-down seat to port
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provides seating for six to eight people in the cockpit. There are oversized storage boxes under the wide cushioned coamings, which is at the right height for fighting those big fish. Plus, high enough to make the cockpit safe for children. Again, Finseeker has combined the best of both mediums into one welldesigned layout. There are two sizeable self-draining fish bins with macerators in the cockpit sole. Add that to the selfdraining insulated tank under the starboard seating console, and there’s no shortage of areas to stow your catch, bait or ice. Opposite on the port side is a convenient storage module with drawer storage, a slide-out fridge and a compact galley. However, if you intend to use this boat 100% for fishing and don’t require a galley, this can be replaced with what Finseeker calls their Mega Fish Pack. This comprises a second bait station with a second baitwell, a cutting table, and additional tackle drawers. Tackle drawers are already fitted under the twin forward seats in the standard package.
ENCLOSED FOR PROTECTION The Finseeker 280 DC comes with a fully enclosed cockpit, a centre door, and a large screen for easy access to the bow area. A large cutout vent above can stay open for excellent air circulation with the forward access closed. A Sureshade canopy automatically extends the cabin roof right through to the transom. Four speakers on the roof provide whatever volume of sounds you want, and there is also an opening sunroof for extra light and ventilation. The dual console design sees big forward bolster seats, with the helm complete with a drop-down footrest, which is a great feature when driving standing as we are not all built to the same height. Standing, seated or bolstered, the driving position is excellent, with great visibility. Even the tallest basketballer has enough height to stand under the solid alloy and glass hardtop. The helm comes standard with twin Garmin 9 MFDs and can be optioned up to a pair of Garmin 12 screens, so you can run with the very best electronics that will make it hard for the fish to hide. The Gen 2 dash has push-button switches, DTS shift controls and joystick steering. Lightbars light up the cockpit and make it
easier if you are backing up into a dock at night. The port side console hides the oversized head compartment, which has surprising height. It’s well equipped and elegant with a granite benchtop, sink, handheld shower and freshwater. There’s also enough space to change your clothes should you want to clean up before you come ashore.
CAVERNOUS BOW
A solid folding bow door and central opening windscreen keep the nasty weather from entering the helm area. However, it provides wide access to a large lounging space when open. Even if you are around 2m tall, you can still find a comfortable area to stretch out in the bow. A removable table in the centre can be changed out for a fill-in squab to extend the lounging space. All the squabs have storage spaces beneath. I liked the fact that the squabs are hinged and easily opened. A cutout area in the bow hides the Lewmar windlass, with the anchor and tackle all under the coaming, so there is nothing intrusive on the deck.
Twin Mercury 350 Verados make the boat exciting to drive.
Not only a toilet compartment but also a changing space.
Seated, bolstered or standing, the 280 DC offers it all in comfort.
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FINSEEKER 280 DUAL CONSOLE
The solid wraparound hardtop offers excellent protection.
PLENTY OF POWER
Base power for the Finseeker 280 DC is a pair of Mercury 200 V8 outboards but is optioned to twin Mercury 350hp Verado V8s. Joystick steering, DTS and twin touch screens are all standard. When Terry Elmsly, the importer of the Finseeker brand into New Zealand, first ordered the boat, it was to have a pair of Mercury 300s. While the 280DC is rated to twin 300 HP outboards you can order with 350s, but this requires the factory to strengthen the transom. Terry chose to go for the bigger engines and is glad he did. However, he said the boat still preforms exceptionally well with 300s. On slightly choppy water off Gulf Harbour in Auckland, I managed to see 55 knots (63.4 mph). And that was with a full 644 litres of fuel aboard. What a rocket ship. It was a fantastic boat to drive and sat perfectly on the water. Hang on tight in the turns and is responsive to all helm commands. I let the Lenco auto tabs do a lot of the work, and they really did the job. I saw 6000 rpm and a
PERFORMANCE DATA
RPM 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 6000
Knots 5.3 7.0 8.8 12.0 22.0 28.5 32.0 38.0 43.5 45.5 55.0
L/h 10 17 33 52 59 72 100 129 190 250 280
L/NM 1.9 2.4 3.8 4.3 2.7 2.5 3.1 3.4 4.4 5.5 5.1
Range (NM) 307 239 154 135 216 229 185 171 133 105 114
Note: Range is based on 90% of fuel capacity.w.
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fuel burn of 140 lph per engine flat out. However, back to a more sedate cruise of around 30 knots, the fuel burn was very conservative at 2.5 to 3 lpnm. The Mercury Smartcraft indicated around 80-85 lph, which given the considerable fuel capacity, relates to a range of around 200-220 nautical miles. If the 280 DC is too big for you, Finseeker also offers a 260 DC, similar but on a smaller scale. If you are serious about your fishing but also want something the family can use, then the Finseeker 280DC has to be amongst your boats to look at.
SPECIFICATIONS
Model Finseeker 280 Dual Console Year Launched 2022 Priced from NZ$459,990 (Twin Mercury 200) Price as tested NZ$529,990 Type Dual Console Construction GRP LOA: 8.50m LOAM (Less engines) 7.90m Beam 2.80m Deadrise 22 deg Trailerable Wgt* 4.5 tonnes (est) Power 2 x Mercury 350 Verado V8 Power options 2 x Mercury Outboards 200-350hp Propellers 21” Revolution 4 Fuel capacity 644 litres MFDs 2 x Simrad 8412 XSV Entertainment Wet Sound Manufacturer Finseeker Boats Supplied by Eurocity Marine, Ph 06 835 8810
EUROCITYMARINE.CO.NZ
It needs COF rated trailer to be legally towed Prices may vary depending on the exchange rate.
Ocean Craft Marine Aluminium Amphibious
Crownline 220 SS Surf
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LOA - 7.1m | MerCruiser 250hp | Orion Gen 2 4x4 amphibious system | Mercury 225hp | Integrated rocket launcher (8) | Garmin GPSMAP 8410XSV chart plotter, thru hull transducer | Boat deck wash pump | 60L live bait well | Fusion sound system | Electric flush toilet | Zipwake 300s trim tabs
LOA - 6.7 m | Beam – 2.6 m | Volvo Penta 350hp | Volvo twin surf touchscreens with speed, ballast and tab control | Canvas boat cover | LED lighting package | Wet Sounds Bluetooth sound system | Wakeboard tower with board storage | F.A.S.T tab system
Crownline 210 SS Surf
Finseeker 280 DC Fishing Boat
$149,990
$529,990
LOA - 6.4m | Beam – 2.5m | MerCruiser 250hp | Wet Sounds stereo and speaker system | Canvas boat cover | LED lighting package | Wakeboard Tower | Single axle, braked trailer | F.A.S.T Tab System | Bow seating and storage | Bimini sun shade
LOA - 8.8m | Beam – 2.84m | Twin Mercury Verado 350hp | Twin Garmin 12” displays | Galley with drawer fridge, countertop, sink | Enclosed head with sink and granite countertop | Enclosed hard top with walkthrough bow seating | Underfloor rod storage | Underfloor catch storage
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LOA - 8.23m | Beam – 2.5m | Twin Honda BF200 Drive by Wire Outboards | Garmin 16" Display with 1KW Transducer & Autopilot | Pull-out galley | Head | Foldable Rocket Launcher | Fusion Stereo System | Lonestar Electric Drum Winch | Custom Sliding Bait Station | Live Bait Tank
LOA - 8.9m | Beam – 3.63m | Sleeps 4 | Twin Mercruiser 6.2L, 300 horsepower | Galley electric stove & stainless sink, refrigerator, and microwave | Cockpit galley with electric BBQ, refrigerator, and stainless sink | Wet Sounds system with 8 speakers
David Clark - Sales Manager | david.clark@eurocity.co.nz | 021 887 959 Tom Forbes - Sales Executive | tom.forbes@eurocitymarine.co.nz | 027 4400028 www.eurocitymarine.co.nz
RISK TAKERS PART FOUR
THE RISK PART 4:
Renato Molinari
Takers
In this final part of a four-part series, Danny Casey looks at the life and career, for the most part controversial and contentious, of arguably the greatest tunnel-boat builder and driver of all time. An enigma, a doyen of intimidation and a master of psyching out the opposition but, above all, an immensely brave, supremely fast and inordinately talented practitioner of race-craft. Had this man participated in any other sphere of motorsport, he would still be revered, venerated and feted as a hero today, able to command regular appearance fees as an all-time legend at retro race events, but instead he virtually disappeared from view, maybe even becoming somewhat reclusive, once the halcyon era of circuit racing had reached its peak and fizzled out. If there were ever a Nuvolari, Ascari or Farina of the powerboat world, it would be this man – a man who won almost everything in every single class of boat in which he competed, and always against top-rank peers who were also at the peak of their powers.
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I
n a recent idle moment, I was browsing through some online historic boat-racing sites when I chanced upon a picture of an oldish man – not tall or particularly well-built - perched a little awkwardly, almost incongruously and selfconsciously, on the sponson of a modern-day race boat from the F1H20 World Championship Series. The man looks like someone’s grandpa, where a kid had maybe spontaneously chirped: “Here, Grandad; sit on this boat and I’ll take your picture.” The man couldn’t be anything other than Latin – Italianate, if one were to surmise correctly – and he has an impish but reticent and cunning smile. His face is lined and weathered yet proud, and has retired craftsman (carpenter, stonemason, or maybe even plasterer or house-painter) written all over it. He is dressed in unflattering and utilitarian pants – not well-cut Chinos but functional trousers solely for the purpose of covering one’s legs. The pants are scuffed behind the man’s left knee. On the man’s feet are a pair of trainers – not chic, name-brand or high-tech trainers, but trainers constructed purely to keep a weatherproof membrane between the wearer’s feet and the elements. He has also been given – maybe at the last minute – a jacket emblazoned with the name of the powerboat racing team. The jacket is a tad large, with a sleeve stopping just short of his knuckles. There are no allusions to greatness and prosperity – either present or past – but one somehow knows that this man has seen and done much in his lifetime and is now winding down in his twilight years. He certainly has done and achieved much, and he has more than a passing familiarity with the type of boat on which he is now seated. The man has in fact been the European and World Powerboat Champion many times in every major class
Molinari took the unlimited outboard class to the extreme with a twin Evinrude V6 rig and smashed the opposition.
of racing – in fact, eighteen times in total (on top of multiple Italian championships), and always in boats designed and crafted in his own factory and bearing his family name. The oldish man in that photograph is called Renato Molinari. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the halcyon days of circuit powerboat racing and the era of the factory wars between the two major US outboard companies, Mercury and OMC, there were the Americans and the Europeans. At that time, the US had drivers like Bill Sirois, Jimbo McConnell, Bob Hering, Tommy Posey and Mike Downard, while Europe had the likes of 1983 with a new Bill Shakespeare, Bob boat and Martini Spalding, Tom Percival, sponsorship. Jackie Wilson and a fast, tidy and very stylish Italian driver by the name of Cesare Scotti. The Americans raced whatever boats they were given, but two of the Europeans – Shakespeare and Scotti – built their own. Cesare Scotti was, before his untimely and gruesome death at Paris in 1974 (in a boat of his own design which was never intended to carry the V6 Evinrude that had been installed on it for that race), the classic stereotype of the Italian race ace – charismatic, good looking, personable, very fast and inordinately brave. Scotti was the cousin of an up-andcoming youngster, whose family also manufactured boats – for both pleasure and competition - in the same area, which was Lake Como. Scotti’s young cousin was Renato Molinari. In later years, Molinari – not known to willingly or graciously heap praise any of his opponents – never ceased to eulogise his cousin Cesare and laud him unquestionably as the best of the very best. To say that boats were in the blood of Angelo Molinari and his sons Renato, Giorgio and Franco would be like saying that Enzo Ferrari was a garagiste – they literally lived above a waterside factory and were on
RISK TAKERS PART FOUR the water every single day. Furthermore, Renato Molinari’s first job away from his family’s enterprise was as a test driver, aged 18, for the Glastron Boat Company in Texas, and as that time – the mid-1960s – was a seminal era for advances in outboard-powered boats (with trials of early catamaran designs and experimentation with power-trim systems), there is little doubt that the young Molinari would have returned to Como with knowledge that many men twice his age would take several years to amass. In the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, The Six Hours of Paris was the world’s flagship powerboat racing event, with the race having only a temporary respite from commercial traffic until the workboats and barges were again allowed through the middle of the circuit on the Seine from noon onward – so the water conditions for the final two hours bore no relation to the conditions during the four hours that had preceded them. There are some drivers indelibly associated with a particular circuit (like, for example, sportscar legend Jacky Ickx at Le Mans), and such was the case with Molinari at Paris – which he won four times. Once, before the flag dropped for the start of one of his most (in) famous victories (in which he was ostensibly a privateer despite being allocated a Mercury Twister by the factory), he and his brothers had repeatedly asked the Mercury team manager, Gary Garbrecht, if the motor on Molinari’s boat was built to exactly the same spec as the factory drivers’ units. The question was repeated ad infinitum until a beleaguered and infuriated Garbrecht assured them most emphatically that, yes, their engine was exactly the same as the factory units. “Ah, issa good for you,” replied Molinari, “because we climbed over the fence into the boat park during the night and swapped the powerheads!” Like all great sportspeople and true champions, there was an inscrutability and mystique to Molinari – an unsociability, almost. He seldom fraternised with his fellow drivers, except maybe when selling them boats (which, invariably, were never quite as good as the version he kept for himself). Even the late Charlie Sheppard, the renowned English builder of the renowned Bristol-marque monohull circuit boats and the
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man behind the famous Grand Prix in the city’s docks, found Molinari hard to read. One afternoon before the running of a race in the early years of Bristol, Sheppard was confronted by a hire car screeching to a stop right outside the docks, out of which spilled Molinari, his brother, Giorgio, and at least two more Italians. “Where is the circuit?” Molinari brusquely asked, thinking that the narrow sliver of water before him was only one side of the circuit, and that it was maybe divided by a wall or island in the middle, much like the circuit on the Seine was divided by the Ile aux Cynges. Charlie Sheppard answered, “Well, you drive up that side keeping to the right, Racing on the River turn around the buoy and Seine, Paris 1972. then come down this side, also keeping to the right”. To which Molinari, seeing the course for the first time and showing no sign of trepidation or discernible concern, indicated he understood with a simple: “OK. Issa maybe a leetle tight but we race.” Other great drivers like, for example, the superb multiple World Champion (in both F3 and F1), Welshman Roger Jenkins (who sadly passed away in late 2021), maintained that while Molinari may have been a doyen of the sport, he was anything but a good sport. Other observers maintained he could also be intimidatory and threatening, and would have no hesitation in scrambling over a row of boats lined up for a dead-engine start to jump onto some particular driver’s foredeck, then lift that driver’s visor and scream at him to keep clear of him. All drivers agreed that nobody could make a boat appear as “wide” as Molinari – he was extremely, if not dangerously, difficult to pass. But, for all that, he was undoubtedly an artisan. Where many of the drivers of his era were every bit as skilful, committed, fast and brave, some always seemed to be a bit more frenzied, ragged, and on the edge when chasing, or being chased by, Molinari. The late, great Tom Percival (tragically killed at Liege in 1984), for instance, used to lean ever further forward, helmet almost seemingly touching the wheel, when he was on a charge, but Molinari – despite a fiery and doubtlessly highly-strung Latin temperament – always sat well back, arms outstretched in the classic competition-driver’s pose (like Ascari or Fangio), with his head nestled into the back of the cockpit. Even when his boat danced, jittered and skittered on severely chopped-up
water, he never let too much air blow through the tunnel and always kept the bow relatively low. Some observers have also remarked that Molinari just didn’t get into a boat and accelerate away – there always appeared to be a period of introspective reflection where he seemed to be psyching himself. In fact, I can think of at least three images over the years: one where Molinari is standing in a cockpit, head bowed and hands crossed at his waist; another similar image in the same position with him holding his helmet and staring into the distance, then another of him on Lake Como kneeling on the sponson and staring ahead in a state of deep concentration. In all these images, it looks as if he is drawing on inner reserves and getting himself “into the zone”. But although Molinari was on the water every day, he didn’t spend long periods of time testing a boat over and over again – generally 10-15 minutes on the water would suffice and he would then come in to ponder, analyse and improve. While Molinari had at one time been a member of Mercury’s famous Black Angels Team (with men like Bill Seebold, Earl Bentz, Reggie Fountain and Cees Van der Velden), he never really came into his own and garnered his mythical, enigmatic image until he was signed by Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC) in 1977. By late 1976, OMC (manufacturer of Evinrude and Johnson outboards) was beginning to realise that, in Europe, the Japanese manufacturers were no flash in the pan; that they were there to stay, and taking chunks out of OMC’s European market share to boot. OMC believed that a key way to attack and beat the Japanese would be to realign pricing and, to this end, they took the momentous decision to cut ties with nearly all of their independent European distributors (many of whom had represented OMC products for decades), thereby presumably eliminating one whole tier of mark-up margin. They then opened their own direct factory affiliates in key European markets – the only exceptions being the distributor in Spain and the huge, long-standing Evinrude importer in Italy, Italmarine. As part of the new, rejuvenated image, OMC decided that competition would form a huge part of this mammoth repositioning of their products – so, to this end, Molinari was signed as their de facto factory racing entity. Unlike automotive racing, it is highly unlikely that any powerboat racer has ever become rich while driving for a factory team, but the vast amounts of money, resources and equipment OMC threw at Molinari from the mid-late 1970s to the mid-1980s defy comprehension. These were his golden days and his renaissance era, and there seems little doubt that he had financial security and resources which were to dissipate greatly once his factory involvement finished. In terms of machinery, one would really have to be a hopelessly tragic pedant to keep track of all the specialised, one-off race motors allocated to Molinari. There are pictures of his
He had a go at offshore racing and even competed in the world championships held in Auckland in 1986.
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RISK TAKERS PART FOUR
iconic Saffa Lighters Team race boats in the late ‘70s, where a teammate, the American ace Bob Hering, was running a carburetted V6 2,448 cc crossflow Johnson with more or less the standard, bulky, leisure-spec engine cover, but Molinari’s Evinrude engine had a completely different, slightly sleeker profile, with a lower, pancaked top to the engine cover – it turned out that Molinari was running a special 3-litre loopscavenged engine (never, ever released and different from the subsequent 3-litre loopers of the 1980s) with fuel injection. In relation to supposed “teammates”, they were just other drivers that Molinari Molinari needed and wanted to beat wasn’t just - the fact that they were supposedly a part of racing under the same umbrella was boat racing; neither here nor there. Nor was he he was boat averse to politics. racing. One of his most ignominious acts was at Bristol in 1977, where he (as distinct from the engine manufacturer, OMC) had hired Bob Hering to drive the second of the two Saffa Lighters Team OZ class (unlimited) race boats. Racing was over two days – Saturday and Sunday – with two races each day. Molinari won three of the races in succession and had accumulated so many points that he elected not to run in the final race on Sunday. Hering, however, had other ideas. He had finished 2nd behind Molinari in all three races and he believed that, with Molinari out of the picture in the last heat, he could win it – he tallied the potential points in his head and reckoned that if he won, and with Molinari not even starting, he could theoretically beat Molinari. And Hering had indeed settled himself in the cockpit for the last heat only to be physically manhandled and yanked out of the boat by members of Molinari’s crew. Of course, had poor Hering been an OMC driver as distinct from Molinari’s paid second fiddle, then brutal politics of this type might never have been allowed to play out. Then there were the theatrics, the psyching-out of competitors and the mind games – boats being launched or recovered with their sponsons hidden by tarpaulins so nobody else could see the water-contact surfaces of the boat. There was probably little, or anything, markedly different about the running surfaces of these boats, but it was all a matter of sowing doubt and consternation in competitors’ minds. One time Molinari actually did have a tarpaulin-shrouded “secret weapon” on his boat was when he had fitted an “air brake” system to the OZ Evinrude-powered Saffa boat at Chasewater, UK, in 1978. He applied the brake for the turn in front of the grandstand and the boat literally disintegrated into detritus – Molinari luckily sustaining damage only to his pride. Towards the end of the 1970s and into the 1980s, Molinari
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seemed to be becoming more pragmatic, philosophical and wary, as he was regularly encountering aggressive, closequarter competition from the likes of probably the greatest race-boat driver ever, the American, Bill Seebold, and probably the world’s best rough-water driver, Cees Van der Velden from Holland. And he was possibly acutely conscious of the high risk of mortality, too. This was the insane era of powerboat racing just before safety cells on race boats started to appear, where the top boats powered by the OMC V8 “King Kong” motors were running at close to 140 MPH with the drivers wholly unprotected - undoubtedly the most dangerous era in any motorised sport. There was talk, around 19831984, that he had lost his edge and would – or could - no longer drive at “ten tenths” every single time, but the fact is that he had seen the deaths of some top-flight drivers like Peter Inward, Luigi Valdano, Gerard Barthelemy and Tom Percival and he probably realised that somewhere, someday, he would be called upon to settle the account for the life he had chosen. Much was made of the fact that the hard-charging, “win-orcrash” American driver, Barry Woods, beat him in several races during the 1984 season, but the truth is that once Molinari had amassed the points necessary to secure what was to be his final World Championship, he realised there was no point in hanging on the ragged edge for longer than was necessary. This writer had intended to finish this profile with a “what is he doing now?”-type of epilogue, but Molinari, other than popping up occasionally at boat races in Europe, keeps a very low profile. The magnificent on-water facility on Lake Como, previously housing both the Molinari family residence and the boat shop, is now an apartment block called “Casa Molinari” (in which one can apparently book a stay through Airbnb). There are myriad reasons for this, but it has been reliably posited that the Italian taxman had much to do with Molinari’s departure and downfall and, in general, he has been enduring somewhat straitened circumstances since he quit racing. Whilst he never had many (if any) friends in his racing days, he undoubtedly had many begrudging admirers, and it is sad to see a legend of any sport disappearing into semi-obscurity like this. If one thinks of any branch of motorsport, one would be hard pressed to name anyone who was so committed, so professional, so successful, so fast and so blessed with luck – for so long. Molinari wasn’t just a part of boat racing; he was boat racing, and he and his fellow gladiators are now mere memories in the fast-fading minds of those of us lucky enough to have seen them at the pinnacle of their powers and in their prime.
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SAXDOR 200 PRO SPORT
BOAT REVIEW
Like a PWC on Steroids The Saxdor 200 Pro Sport has been described as a personal watercraft that combines a jet ski’s convenience and ease of use with the safety and comfort of a compact boat. However, there’s a lot more to this boat that makes it something exceptional. TEXT BY BARRY THOMPSON
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T VIEW THE VIDGAEZIONEA.CO.NZ
K
iwis are certainly not unfamiliar with this style of European boat; it’s just that until a few years ago, they were not available in New Zealand. They are the sort of boat you like or don’t. They are far from a traditional Kiwi style runabout, and that’s what makes the Saxdor 200 so interesting. Over the four days that I had the boat, I was amazed at the favourable comments I got, from fueling at the gas station to stopping for lunch on the way to our test venue, Lake Rotoiti (North Island). Parked up at the VR Resort on the shores of the lake or at the hot pools, the boat attracted a lot of attention. I found myself being a quasi-salesman. How
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much? Where is it built? Can I fish from it? Why that strange bow? Well, I managed to answer most of the questions and even convinced our very sceptical video man after a day’s shooting that this was actually a great boat. He admitted to liking it. Designed in Finland and built-in Poland, the Saxdor 200 Pro Sport I reviewed on the beautiful waters of Lake Rotoiti was amongst the first shipment to land in the country through distributor Sports Marine. According to Scott Williamson, GM of Sports Marine, the interest in the Saxdor has been exceptionally high and sales encouraging. More Saxdor boats are on the way to NZ throughout this year, including a larger 320 model.
EYE-CATCHING
The Saxdor delivers as a fun day boat, family cruiser, and fishing platform in a very stylish and eye-catching package. There is something about the style that makes people take a second look. It follows a similar layout trend to any centre console boat but does it differently and with a touch of panache. The Saxdor 200 was released in 2020 by Sakari Mattila, the original designer and founder of awardwinning boat brands Axopar, Paragon, Aquador and XO. The Saxdor 200 comprise two models, the Sport and the boat we reviewed, the Pro Sport. The difference between the
The Saxdor delivers as a fun day boat, family cruiser, and fishing platform in a very stylish and eyecatching package.
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SAXDOR 200 PRO SPORT
The Mercury 175 Pro XS, will see 45 knots on the speedo.
The open transom is a special feature of the Saxdor 200.
The windscreen is fully height adjustable.
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two is based on the engine packages and a few extras. While the 200 Sport is only available with either a Mercury 100 or 115 ProXS engines, the 200 Pro Sport comes with three options. It’s either a Mercury 150 ProXS, 175 V6 ProXS or 175 V6 DTS. The Pro Sport also has trim tabs and a sports steering wheel. There are multiple seating, roof styles, hull, and upholstery colours. You can choose one of four roof styles; Open boat, Targa arch, Foldable soft-top or Hardtop – or have an open boat. The 200 has four vibrant colour options with matching upholstery. While our boat had a traditional four-seater arrangement with two forward bucket seats with bolsters and a rear bench seat, there is an optional triple jockey seat. For the style of boating we do in New Zealand, I would certainly go with the four-seater package. The jockey console, which is quite popular in small RIBS, does give you excellent stability and >
PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE
security when blasting along in rougher water and more deck space, but it’s not so family-friendly. I liked the hinged backrest on the rear sofa seat, which means you can be aft-facing when towing water toys. A rear ski arch comes complete with a ski hook. Talking of skiing, I was able to get a local skier to have a run behind the boat. He was very impressed with the moderate wake, as was the driver, who said the boat was rigid, stable and didn’t deviate from its track even when the skier was at the peak of hard and aggressive turns.
GRIPPY HULL
The Saxdor 200’s is based on a twin-stepped hull with a slender beam and a deep deadrise angle of 22.5 degrees. The distinctive wave-piercing axe bow is characterised by a vertical stem and a relatively long and narrow entry. The forefoot is deep and the
THE BOAT WAS RIGID, STABLE AND DIDN'T DEVIATE FROM IT'S TRACK WHEN THE SKIER WAS AT THE PEAK OF HARD AND AGGRESIVE TURNS
U-Dek covers all the deck areas.
There is space on the dash for twin MFDs.
freeboard relatively high, with little flare, so that the bow profile resembles an axe. What a cool hull. In the calm freshwater of Lake Rotoiti, the boat was quick to plane at 2300 rpm @ 9 knots, and the further I pushed the throttle, the better it felt. The hull delivers an exceptional ride, flat in the turns, responsive, and sticks to the water like on rails. Very nimble and very agile. Later, when I got the chance to run the boat on a choppy Auckland harbour, I was equally impressed. The soft-riding and exceptionally grippy hull is matched with a selection of single Mercury outboard engines ranging from 100hp to the super grunty performance-based 175 Pro XS. Top speed with a Mercury 100hp is 34 knots. Bolt-on the 175 Pro XS, and you will see 45 knots on the speedo @ 5800 rpm. The fly-by-wire throttle provides superb control both at high speeds and when manoeuvering the boat
around the marina or, in my case, the jetty outside the hot pools. The Saxdor 200 weighs around 1000 kgs on the water with a full fuel load and returns a reasonably impressive fuel economy. Hammer down, it runs to 60 lph, but bring that back to a cruise around 4500rpm, and you will see 34.3 knots for 37 lph/1.1 lpnm and a range of 92 nm. The boat is also easy to tow, launch and recover using a mid-sized car or SUV, or my Isuzu D-Max X Terrain, which hardly knew it was there.
VERSATILE PACKAGE
The entire raised foredeck is one large lid, which, when lifted, reveals not only a massive storage area but also an accommodation space. With a clip-on camper-style tent and the foredeck cushions, it can be transformed into an occasional berth for overnighting. PowerboatMagazine.co.nz
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SAXDOR 200 PRO SPORT
Overnighting anyone? There is a cushioned backrest availble for the centre console.
With the lid down, the large deck section in front of the console makes a spacious sunbed and is also configured with a sunshade. It’s also a perfect casting deck for soft baiting. You also have the option of a clear deck hatch to let more light into your ‘tent’. What I found interesting is the boat is set up as a ‘left hand’ drive, which is unusual. The helm is wide enough to handle a pair of Simrad GO9 XSE MFDs, with Mercury Vessel View link,
PERFORMANCE DATA
RPM 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 5800
Knots 4.0 5.6 6.9 9.0 16.5 23.5 28.4 34.3 39.1 42.6 45.2
L/h 4 6 11 16 18 25 30 37 43 55 61
L/NM 0.9 1.1 1.6 1.8 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.3 1.3
Range (NM) 110 87 61 55 93 93 93 92 90 77 74
Note: Range is based on 90% of fuel capacity.w.
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a Fusion entertainment system, and necessary switches and controls. The windscreen is height adjustable and, even when at its lowest position, still does a great job of keeping the wind off your face. Not so sure the locking screws that hold it in place would last too long in rough seas, but something that could be easily altered. Talking of alterations, Kiwis like their anchor lockers, and while the Saxdor 200 doesn’t have one, it is again a simple retrofit with the addition of a small deck hatch. The boat has been decked out in U-Dek flooring, which provides a very classy finish. While the self-draining deck is open around either side of the engine, if you want more safety for the children or stop your shoes and gear exiting overboard, you can also fit hard or soft net style transom gates. Storage is plentiful, from under the seats and the foredeck lid to a pair of provided in a couple of self-draining side bins in the aft SPECIFICATIONS coamings and a storage Model Saxdor 200 Pro Sport bag below the steering Year Launched 2022 wheel. There is an Priced from NZ$61,296 optional watertight (plus trailer) storage box in the Price as tested NZ$114,280 console with a wireless Type Centre Console Construction GRP Qi charger and USB. LOA 5.94m The Saxdor 200 is Beam 2.29m fun to drive and more Deadrise 22.5 deg practical than any jet Height on trailer 1.925m ski. The Saxdor 200 is Trailerable Wgt 1350 kg the perfect next step for Power Mercury 175 Pro XS a funkier ride for PWC Power options Outboard only 100hp- 175hp owners and sport boat Propeller 18” 3 Bld SS enthusiasts. Whether it’s Fuel capacity 110 litres for fishing, watersports, MFDs 2 x Simrad GO9 XSE enjoying the water with Flooring U-Dek friends and family or Entertainment Fusion heading to the beach, Trailer Watercraft there is a version for Manufacturer Saxdor Yachts Supplied by Sports Marine everyone. SPORTSMARINE.CO.NZ
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TRIM TAB 101
TRIMTAB 101 FROM INSTALLATION TO USE ARTICLE BY BOATTEST.COM
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“TRIM THE DISH!” was an order bellowed by the coxswain of a ship’s tender in the age of sail, a command
indicating bodies needed shifting in order to restore the craft to proper trim. Fortunately, today’s captain isn’t limited to delicately asking big-boned Aunt June to reposition her considerable bulk in efforts to provide a smoother ride. Trim tabs provide an easy, touch of a button solution for making those on the fly adjustments. Here’s the low down on trim tabs — what they are, how they work and how to select the right type for a given application.
Using trim tabs makes all the difference to how the boat sits on the water.
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A COMFORTABLE RIDE
A properly trimmed boat is not only safer to operate, it also provides a more comfortable ride, as well as better speed and increased fuel economy. While trim tabs let a captain adjust a boat’s trim when moving, it’s best to achieve static (non-moving) trim to the extent possible before getting underway. This can be as simple as balancing a boat by distributing weight (passengers, coolers, portable fuel tanks, etc.) to keep the hull floating level. Achieving stationary trim is one thing, however we’ll need to make adjustments once underway to account for speed, water conditions and direction of travel (with regards to waves and wind). Smaller boats, for example, will ride bumpier in surface chop if left trimmed at calm water angles. With an outboard or stern drive, an operator can control bow attitude its tilt and trim feature, but it’s trim tabs that let a captain make side-to-side adjustments.
Big hardtop trailer boats benefit from trim tabs due to the windage on the superstructure.
TRIM TAB 101
A typical trim tab set up for a trailer boat.
Once on plane, the hull should run relatively flat in the water.
THE RIGHT TYPE
Adjustable trim tabs come in two types: hydraulic and electromechanical. Which style is best is typically a matter of personal opinion, however there are pros and cons associated with each. Hydraulic trim tab planes are controlled by hydraulic cylinders that are actuated by a hydraulic pump. The pump, motor and associated equipment for the entire system is installed inside the boat in a dry, moreprotected environment. On the downside, because they require the installation of a hydraulic pump and hoses, hydraulic trim tabs are a bit more complicated to install than electromechanical systems — although
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not overwhelmingly so. Electromechanical trim tabs utilise electric actuators to move trim tab planes up and down. Because the actuators immediately stop and start when the control switch is pressed or released, they can provide instant response times and precise control. In an electric trim tab system, everything (electric motor and gear system) is located on the outside of the transom. This simplifies the installation somewhat, but it also runs the risks associated with having electronic components underwater. Both systems utilise an electronic control
PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE
switch or joystick located at the helm. Pressing the switch or toggling the joystick generates an electrical pulse. This energises the hydraulic pump or electric motor for the trim tab planes (depending on which system is installed). The trim tab planes themselves come in a variety of sizes. Trim tabs for high-speed boats tend to be long and narrow, while smaller, slower boats will generally use wider, shorter planes. The best way to select the proper size for a boat is to consult with the trim tab manufacturer.
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Even powercats run better with tabs, especially when the sea is rough.
4 CONTROL OPTIONS
AUTOTRIM PRO
OBI9000E
BCN6000
BRC4000
Bennett Trim tabs
INSTALLATION
While having trim tabs installed by a dealer or boat yard is a common option, the installation is well within the ability of any competent DIYer. As with any installation, the trick is to read the installation instructions and understand them completely prior to picking up that drill. A typical installation should take around five hours, depending on the boat.
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Importer | Manufacturer | Distributor
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Tenob Wholesale Marine | 241 Ti Rakau Drive | Burswood 2013 | Auckland | New Zealand | Ph +64 9 273 9180 | sales@tenob.co.nz
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Ph:
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RULES TO TRIM BY
While everyone should follow the instructions provided by the trim tab manufacturer, the following general tips can be applied to most any installation. When determining the location of the trim tab planes, keep in mind that the farther out the tabs are from the hull centerline, the more effectively they will operate. Also, make sure both tabs are symmetrical - i.e. mirror images on each side.
Chine interceptors
While determining the location of the trim tabs and actuators, verify there are no obstructions inside or outside of the transom that will interfere with the installation. This includes doublechecking that an installer will not be drilling into hoses, equipment or wire runs. If the boat has an outboard or stern drive, verify that the trim tab locations are located outside of their steering angles. When drilling, run the drill in reverse until through the gelcoat (to help prevent chipping) then switch to forward and continue drilling. Beveling each hole will help prevent future gelcoat cracking and provides a better seal once caulking is applied. If the transom is solid fiberglass, drill the holes for the mounting hardware and use a good quality, marine-grade sealant during the final installation. For a core transom, seal the exposed coring with epoxy resin to prevent water intrusion into the core. Alternatively, one can also drill the mounting holes slightly larger than needed, fill them with thickened epoxy, then drill the properly sized hole through the epoxy plug when cured. Once all holes are drilled, dry-fit everything to ensure a perfect fit prior to bedding (caulking) and final installation.
Better comfort, safety and performance
Reduced fuel consumption
Interceptors respond 5-10 times faster than trim tabs
Built-in GPS, 3D-Gyro and 3D-Accelerometer
Active Roll and Pitch Control
Zipwake is a Dynamic Trim Control System like no other. Now at the push of a button, you can get immediate lift and stability for a safe, comfortable ride and you don’t have to pay a fortune. Designed for powerboats 20 – 50 feet. Developed and manufactured in Sweden. Zipwake AB, +46 (0)31 24 77 75, hello@zipwake.com, www.zipwake.com Follow us
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TRIM TAB 101
This X Series features all the same auto trim, auto list, co-ordinated turn and active rode control of the larger Humphree systems. Zipwake offer two alternatives for the cable through the transom, either above the waterline or concealed through the hull.
INTERCEPTORS – ANOTHER ALTERNATIVE Interceptors are a very unique answer to the question of boat trim and while until recently were the domain of bigger boats (over 12m) they are now readily available and specifically designed for trailer boats. There are three brands of interceptors available in Australasia, and they all come from Sweden. Humphree, (also marketed through Volvo Penta as Interceptor), the first to commercially promote interceptor technology, Zipwake, who offer a broad range of units especially suitable for both cruisers and trailer boats and Volvo Penta with their Boat Trim System (BTS). The interceptor blade is to create pressure underneath the hull, at the stern of the boat. The pressure is created when the blade is deployed into the water flow underneath the hull. Despite what you first might think there is only a minor deployment needed to create a large lift force under the hull. This lift will change the running trim of the vessel resulting in a lower wave resistance. The interceptor’s main function is to create a lift force in order to reduce the hull’s wave resistance. The same function is generated by a traditional trim tab. With reduced wave resistance, the interceptor generates more lift force and less drag than trim tabs. The key to achieve good results is the speed of control. Traditional trim tabs are generally very slow as a result of the amount of water they need to push when deflecting
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the tab. As such, the automatic functionality will suffer severely not being able to handle the motions in a safe and comfortable manner. Since the interceptor blade does not push away the water, it can move easy, allowing them to move much faster than trim tabs. All interceptor systems electric powered by 12-24 Volt DC. Thanks to the design of the Interceptor it only requires a small amount of power to move the blade up and down, even under high-speed operation. The Interceptor blade is controlled by an electronic actuator, which is designed too move the blade a full stroke as fast as 1 sec, which is considerably faster than conventional trim tabs. By their design they are lighter than most trim tabs can also integrate easier to the transom and in some cases can be custom shaped with a curve to follow the shape of the hull bottom. That means it is possible to fit a trim system over a propeller tunnel or partly over the chine, as the shape of the interceptor can follow almost any hull curvature. In difference from most trim tab designs, the interceptors are constructed out of composite materials. This means that you get a light construction that has almost zero added mass and it also leaves out all worries regarding corrosion problems and the need of zinc anodes. Until recently interceptors have been
PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE
traditional designed for larger vessels. Since 2001, when the Swedish company Humphree was formed, it has provided interceptor stabiliser systems for around 15,000 boats from 12m to 100m. However while the original Humphree series are offered in sizes from 350mm to 1500mm and various designs to fit hull shapes for boats from 12m to 200m+, they recently developed the X Series, a standardised interceptor for boats as small as 7.5m. This new X Series features all the same auto trim, auto list, co-ordinated turn and active rode control of the larger Humphree systems. They are available in five standard sizes; 300mm, 450mm, 600mm, 750mm and 900mm. Humphress are due to release a small boat series of interceptors later this year. Another Swedish company, Zipwake also offers smaller units for trailer boats as well as larger cruisers. The Zipwake, Dynamic Trim Control System (DTCS) comes in four model sizes, suitable for planning and semi planning boats from 6m to 18m. One unique feature to Zipwake is they offer two alternatives for the cable through the transom, either above the waterline or concealed through the hull. The above waterline option is an important factor to consider when retrofitting the units to trailer boats with moulded or glassed in cockpit floors, making access difficult.
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ACTIVE Stabilisation
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• The ONLY choice for real stabilisation • Easy to install, unmatched performance • Increases stability at sea by up to 50% • Lowers fuel consumption up to 20% • Eco-friendly lowered CO² emissions • Replacing traditional trim tabs
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FORCASTING SEA
CONDITIONS CONDITIONS
COASTGUARD EDUCATION
BY DAG PIKE
Three main influences can cause sea conditions to deteriorate beyond the average: some local winds, the depth of water, and the tides or currents.
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When you are setting out to make a passage, you will be focused on the route you plan to take to ensure that it will be safe. Take into account all of the potential navigation dangers. You will also be getting a weather forecast to ensure that the weather conditions on the proposed passage will be okay and that there are no nasty surprises in store. This is all part of the passage planning that you are obliged to undertake to try and ensure that you will have a safe and enjoyable voyage. However, there is one thing missing in this planning that could directly affect how much enjoyment and indeed how safe the voyage will be, and that is what will the sea conditions be like. The weather forecast will tell you what the expected winds will be along your chosen route, and in a sailboat, that can be important. Under power, you are less concerned about the wind itself but much more concerned about what the sea conditions will be like because it is the waves that can affect both the level of comfort you find on your journey, the sort of progress that you can expect to make and most important of all the level of safety and security. Some weather forecasts will give you some idea of the sea conditions that you might expect and provide a sort of expected wave height, but that will be the wave height that can be expected from the prevailing wind strength, a sort of average figure that could hide some nasty sea conditions along parts of the route. It would be best if you made a deeper analysis of the sea conditions for safety.
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COASTGUARD EDUCATION
Lightning is a sure sign of bad weather approaching.
After setting out on calm seas, a rough day on Lake Taupo made for an exciting trip home.
THE BEAUFORT SCALE We all know about the Beaufort Wind Scale, which aims to give you some idea of the sea conditions you can expect in specific wind strengths. The Scale is a great guide, but as with forecasts, it cannot go into the level of detail you need to make a realistic assessment of the sea conditions. That is up to you, and you need knowledge of the factors that can affect the waves, particularly in inshore waters. Experience will tell you what type of seas you might expect from a specific wind strength. Still, there can be localised areas where the seas can get worse than the weather forecasts suggest and identifying these can be critical to making a safe and comfortable passage. Three main influences can cause sea conditions to deteriorate beyond the average: some local winds, water depth, and tides or currents. As far as winds are concerned, there can be local areas where the wind strength will increase over what the forecast suggests. Of course, the stronger the winds, the bigger the waves in most cases. This increase in wind strength can occur when the wind is funnelled through narrow channels such as between an island and the mainland. Here, the wind will change direction, but there can be a significant increase in wind speed due to the channelling effect. It is not unusual to find that you can get some very short steep waves that can make life uncomfortable in these narrow channels. You can also find these increased wind speeds around high headlands, and many headland areas are notable for their local areas of rough seas and possibly breaking waves. As far as tides and currents are concerned, rougher seas can be expected. When the wind is blowing against the direction of the tide or current, try to identify areas where
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the wind will be flowing against the tide. Like the wind, the tide or current will also be stronger when forced through narrow channels and around headlands. You may encounter tidal races in these areas, localised areas of steep breaking waves, particularly when the wind is blowing in the opposite direction against the tide or current. The chart will often identify the worst of these potential conditions, which persist in many different combinations of wind or tide. Still, it is up to you to analyse the effects of wind, tide, and currents on the sea conditions in other areas.
CELERITY What makes for uncomfortable sea conditions is not always the height of the waves but the wave period - how close the wave crests are together. If the waves are closer together, then the wave gradient gets steeper. These can be harsh conditions for a planning powerboat as there is much less time to recover from one wave encounter before the next one comes along. When the wind is against the tide or current, this slows the waves down, which brings the wave crests closer together, generating steeper waves. When the wind and tide or current are flowing in the same direction, the seas level out with longer distances between the wave crests, and the improvement in the ride comfort can be notable. Try to plan your voyage to pass through areas where you can expect this adverse condition.
BEWARE O' THE SHALLOWS
THERE AREN'T ANY RULES...
Shallow water can play its part in how the sea conditions develop. You only have to look at the waves on a beach to see the wave's crest rise when encountering shallow water, but the shallows also encourage the waves to rise. So, you have this combination of short steep waves that leads to uncomfortable boat motions. You often get these shallows around headlands. Combined with the increases in wind strength and current strength, you have the recipe for some pretty uncomfortable conditions.
There are no hard and fast rules that will enable you to predict the sea conditions accurately, so you do not get accurate forecasts of wave conditions. However, if you follow the basic rules that the wind against the tide or current and shallow waters will produce shorter, rougher seas, you should be able to picture the flow patterns of wind and tide. You should also be able to see where they might conflict along your chosen route. With this information, you might feel that you want to adjust the route you are planning to avoid possible areas of conflict. Predicting the conditions is one thing, but avoiding them is another. You may want to deviate from the direct route to find a smoother passage. The main way of doing this is to set the course further offshore where there are likely fewer conflicting influences at work. You should be rewarded with a smoother ride, which might allow you to increase the speed and compensate for the increased distance travelled.
The straight-line course into the wind gives you headwinds all the way. But by deviating into the bay, you get sheltered waters across the bay.
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COASTGUARD EDUCATION
BEAUFORT WIND SCALE
What makes for uncomfortable sea conditions is not always the height of the waves but the wave period.
Making better decisions on the water is something that we all need to do. The CBE Day Skipper certification and Boatmaster course both have a module covering basic tide and weather terminology. Enrol today: BOATINGEDUCATION.ORG.NZ
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Come visit us at stand
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REPUTATION - NZ’s most awarded Aluminium Boat
STABLE - Self flooding keel
BUILD INTEGRITY - CPC certified
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SAFETY - Underfloor buoyancy chambers
QUALITY - Built from start to finish on site
FAT CAT 4500
BOAT REVIEW
Functional Fun
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Fat Cat Boats were born out of a desire to prevent people from having to go out on the water in small, unstable boats, having something unexpected happen and seeing the sometimes tragic outcomes that resulted. Ron Czerniak checks out the latest 4500.
F
at Cat is an innovative Kiwi company that has introduced a new concept into a very crowded small boat market. Designer Blair McLay was looking for a better boat. Something safer, more seaworthy, could take a load and wouldn't risk capsising if someone moved around. Something that was self-draining to empty itself of water without the need for a bailer or forward motion. An unsinkable boat. It also had to be affordable.
Fat Cat is an innovative Kiwi company that has introduced a new concept into a very crowded small boat market. A large part of the solution was to move from a monohull to a catamaran platform, as the supporting buoyancy moves to the extremities rather than the middle. It also allowed to massively increase the volume and space available by spreading the hulls. This solves some objectives but creates other challenges that must be unravelled, and the answers aren't always obvious.
Blair built the prototype in his garage in 2015. He was working for the renowned Yacht Engineering firm Pure Design at the time. Roger Tweddell bought the prototype and liked the product so much he joined up with Blair, co-founding Lightning Marine (later rebranded to FatCat). A second prototype was then built and taken to the Auckland on Water Boat Show to gauge response. The feedback was excellent. As a result, moulds and tooling were made for rotationally moulded production boats. When it comes to boat construction, all sorts of materials can be used in the assembly. Using a unique manufacturing approach to create a durable and lightweight product, Rotomolded (or rotationally moulded) polyethylene boats are a top-notch example. Compared to traditional methods, rotomolded vessels are cheap and quick to produce, have a long lifespan, and can take a serious beating. They also happen to be 100% recyclable. A real plus! PowerboatMagazine.co.nz
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FAT CAT 4500
Amazing stability and totally unsinkable.
A central 'sponson' (stability pod) under the wing deck gets lower, wider and flatter towards the transom.
Seating options start with none to bins and bench seats with tiller steer or console.
The Fat Cat 4500 is super stabile in turns.
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VOLUMINOUS CRAFT
The FatCat 4500's are single-engine catamarans, with a beam about half as wide as long (2.05m beam, 4.6m length)! These are boats suitable for families, fishers, divers, hunters or work boats. The base boat is as rudimentary as possible but sold 'ready to go', including anchor and warp (stowed in a more than adequate anchor locker with lid and drain). There is enough room forward of the locker to mount a small capstan or drum winch, which means you have to find a place for a battery. No problem in this voluminous craft! There are storage lockers on either side forward, and if you need more, then a couple of chilly bins will do the job. Rod holders, a 26-litre tote tank with tiedowns, and several other standard fittings such as grab handles, seats, and optional 40 to 60 Hp outboard engines are supplied. The Fat Cat 4500 comes on a custom galvanised steel trailer. Oh, did I mention that they are available in seven colours? The new 4500s get along well, specially fitted with the Parsun 60hp 4 Stroke, which topped out at about 26 knots. While the 40hp 2 Stroke pushed the 4500 along at a respectable speed, for the wee bit of extra money, I'd opt for the 60hp unit. The tiller model unit jumps only $1,000 to an all-in price below $29,000. The console steer equivalent tops out at under $31,000. >
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DOUBLE SHOT
On test day, I was fortunate enough to be able to try two 4500's, the latest being the 4500 Centre Console, a bright yellow model fitted with a 40hp Parsun 2 Stroke outboard and an earlier grey coloured model, a 4500 tiller steer equipped with a Parsun 60hp 4 Stroke. Small boats are easier to launch and retrieve, need minimal horsepower, and are cheap to buy, run, and easy to store. Of course, they have limitations too. Their small size restricts the number of occupants they can accommodate, and their use is often limited to sheltered waters in good weather. Although this is generally true, the FatCat 4500s are an exception to the rule in several ways. While the 4500s are easy to launch and retrieve (the simple 'flatbed' trailers supplied, making retrieval especially straightforward), they can also safely occupy many people, even in the rough stuff. With a gross weight of under 750 kg (plus extras), including engine, trailer and full fuel tank, the FatCat 4500 is comparatively light to tow and easy to manage at the ramp. The boat only weighs under 500 kg all up. Sacrificial wear plates protect the hull from damage when launching and retrieving. These can be replaced when all that dragging up the beach and over rocks starts to impact the running surface.
SPECIFICATIONS Make & Model FatCat 4500 Fisherman and Centre Console Manufacturer FatCat by Lightning Marine Price as tested $28,695 Priced From $28,695 Type Power Catamaran Construction: Rotomolded Polymer LOA 4.6m Beam 2.05m Draft 200 mm (motor up) Deadrise 15deg Test Power 40hp & 60 Hp Top Speed 22 & 26 knots Power Options Outboard HP Range 40-60hp Fuel capacity 26L Contact
FATCAT.NZ
DRY & STABLE
The FatCat has a central 'sponson' (stability pod) under the wing deck that gets lower, wider and flatter towards the transom. This helps smooth the water flow over the propeller to avoid cavitation, which can be an issue for catamarans with only one engine. The pod is also part of the single hull mould and adds extra rigidity overall. A cavitation plate was also fitted to the Parsun, which Lightning Marine recommends, so no cavitation was experienced or handling issues. Whether equipped with tiller steering or console steering (centre, side or twin, all with seats), the boats are easy to steer and go where they're pointed, even in tight turns with the ride remaining almost flat. The console on production models will come with a windscreen as standard. The layout of the FatCat 4500 is straightforward, with no standardised seating or console. There are plenty of seating options available, although the boat is easily driven sitting on either side deck even without a dedicated seat.A spray deflector has been added to the forward chines, but the 4500 is an open boat, so some spray must be expected when the wind is on or just forward of the beam. I was surprised that the boats were quite dry, even when we bounced over some intentionally generated waves as we manoeuvred the two test boats through their paces. The FatCat 4500's gave us a comfortable ride
throughout. The polymer material flexes slightly, softening any hard bangs and deadening the sound, making these much quieter boats than their fibreglass and, especially alloy, cousins. The catamaran hull handles well, and, by moving our bodies aft, Blair and I subtly trimmed the boat for a drier ride running before the waves. The FatCat's stability is exceptional. While the boat's interior sides are of adequate height (0.625 m), it's such a stable platform there's little danger of toppling out. The boat is safe in other ways too. The hull is filled with about 400 litres of foam, and the plastic itself is buoyant, so sinking is impossible.
The new centre console is proving very popular.
There is more internal volume than any similar size monohull.
The anchor locker is big enough for a drum winch.
SUMMARY
With its simple, uncluttered interior design, cleaning up at the end of the day couldn't be easier, and the rugged polymer hull promises to be maintenance-free and comes with a three-year warranty. The boats we tested were pretty much Lightning Marine's entry-level spec. Still, the company offers quite a range of accessories, including twin, single and centre consoles, bimini tops, seats, grab rails, dive ladders, rocket launchers, and many other options to pimp up a bare boat. Basic or flamboyant, with the FatCat 4500, you get the convenience of a small boat in an affordable package that offers more space than most and with built-in safety and incredibly stability. In the second paragraph, at the beginning of this article, we asked, "Does the FatCat achieve its aims" epitomised by the following words: safer, seaworthy, load, capsizing, self-draining, unsinkable and affordable? Absolutely! And I would also add functional fun. PowerboatMagazine.co.nz
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PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
WITH JON BLAICHER
HOW TO PRESERVE THE JOY OF BOATING Jon Blaicher explains why SideShift thrusters have taken the stress out of his docking.
T
he joy of boating comes in many forms. Pulling the winter cover off and splashing for the first time in the Spring. Watching the kids giggle and grin while racing down the dock to climb aboard with their new water toys. Heading out in a warm breeze with the sun on your face. Listening to the water rushing past the hull, or the sounds of wildlife at a calm anchorage. One might argue, few other recreational activates can bring such joy to as many people that will fit on a boat. However, the common theme here is, heading out and enjoying time on the water. When it comes time to return to the dock, that warm feeling you’ve had all day can disappear in a flash if the wind picks up, as though dark clouds have suddenly appeared on the horizon. If you haven’t had to dock a boat in a tight spot with a stiff breeze blowing, you probably know someone who has. Those of us looking out for our neighbors will often walk down the dock when we see them coming, and lend a pair of friendly hands… just in case. I know that feeling. The thoughts that run through my mind when I know a strong gust could blow me off course at just the wrong moment, are stressful to say the least. How many deck hands can I safely deploy? What will be my escape plan today? How will I avoid my neighbor’s boat if I’m blown their way? What will I do if an engine stalls? If I really mess this up, will we lose precious time on the hard for repairs? I’m not usually smiling at this point, hence the invaluable
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t-shirt “Sorry for what I said while docking the boat”. Fortunately, the trepidation that stirs when the wind picks up can be avoided entirely with the addition of a directional thruster. Assuming you can afford one. Directional thrusters date back to the 1940s when Murray & Tregurtha, Inc. out of Boston Massachusetts began to develop a 360-deg steerable marine outboard drive propulsion system for use by the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Just over twenty years ago, Steve and Mark Houle set about developing an easy-toinstall bow and stern thruster solution that the average boater could afford. The result was the marine industry’s first externally mounted bow thruster which they named Sideshift. By eliminating the need for a large hole, or any hole below the waterline they were able to dramatically reduce the cost of installation by upwards of 80%. However, knowing full well how busy marina staff can be during peak periods, they wanted to ensure their system could be installed by any DIY boater. This involved
PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE
simplifying the control systems with plug and play receivers that connect to wireless joysticks, and packaging together a kit that included all the necessary parts, mounting hardware, epoxy and sealant, along with detailed step-by-step instructions on the installation process in a single box. The only items not included are the main batteries and cables, since they may differ in power, voltage and configuration from boat to boat. Typically, Sideshift’s bow and stern thrusters can each be installed in a single day. They can even be installed single handed, although a second set of hands can speed up the install process. The largest hole required through the hull is only a ½-inch or 13mm in diameter, and all holes are located above the waterline. Sideshift’s pontoon boat thrusters and outboard stern thrusters are even easier to install, and can usually be completed in a half day, often without drilling a single hole in the hull. Once installed, the wireless joystick powers up at the push of a button providing immediate control over your thrusters, allowing precise adjustments in position of the bow or stern from side to side. With both bow and stern thrusters installed, the boat can be pushed straight sideways or rotated 360-degrees in either direction. Not only do SideShift thrusters take the stress out of docking, but they also provide real world peace of mind when returning to port, regardless of the conditions. In a nutshell, they help preserve the joy of boating!
Most boaters find docking stressful. Sideshift’s bow and stern thruster systems give you complete control of your boat in any situation. FEEL THE FREEDOM. NOT THE STRESS.
Thruster Kits for All Types of Boats
New Zealand Sales Agent: Kevin Higgie Call 021-154-9496 or visit Sideshift.com
TESTING THE TEMO Recently we finally got our hands on the very unique Temo electric outboard, supplied by Tenob Wholesale Marine who are the exclusive distributors of Temo in New Zealand.
O
r more precisely the world’s first electroportable propulsion solution. Well I say unique but to be fair what this French company has done is taken principles of the Long-Tail boat, from Thailand and taken it into the 21st century.
While the Long-Tail boat uses a common automotive engine as a readily available and maintainable powerplant, the Temo is all electric. Designed by French company Temo France, the drive system is total portable and adapts to any small tender or dinghy. We have been writing about the Temo 450 for some time now, but it was only now that we were able to try one out. We fitted the very first Temo 450 in the country to a Southern Pacific Puffin 215, a package that we are giving away as a subscription prize over the next few months. First thing you have to do is mount a small bracket on the transom which holds the Temo in place. A very simple task which took only a few minutes. This required two holes to be drilled in the transom for the stainless bolts that hold the bracket. This has a receiver for the TEMO 450, which allows you to attached and detached the unit with the spin of a locking knob. We were able to still leave the standard outboard plates in place, so if you want to revert to a standard outboard in the future, everything was still in place. Weighing less than 5kg and with a unique design combining motor, battery and control unit, the TEMO 450 is practical and ultra-compact. Whether you’re in your car or the boat, you can take it anywhere with you in its protective carrying case without effort. The telescopic pole goes from 130cm to 170 cm so it has the versatility to be fitted to most small dinghies and tenders. Its multiposition ambidextrous handle ensures your in full control in all situations. The TEMO
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450 is a single unit and requires no external componentry, such as a battery. That is all encased in the long pole. Stepping aboard the Puffin 215 it was simply a matter of attaching the magnetic safety lanyard to the top of the TEMO 450 and pulling the trigger grip on the handle. It has a progressive acceleration on the trigger and at the push of a button it goes into reverse. I have to admit, it took a little time to get full control of the Temo 450, but once you have it mastered it is an effortless drive. No noise, no pollution and it certainly had the power to push the Puffin 215 with ease. Okay it might slow down with four people but it still works and will get you where you want to go. Test have shown the Temo 450 on a similar size RIB in France still providing plenty of thrust with 3 people aboard while heading into a 15-20 knot headwind. Hard out, it will last about 40 – 50 mins, but considering what the TEMO 450 will be used for that is plenty of time. If you are not so aggressive on the throttle then you can expect over an hour of run time. Back on board the boat or at home you simply plug it into the charger. You can plug it directly into a 220V, 12V or 24V socket and in about 3 ½ hours the TEMO 450 is fully charged. The TEMO 450 has a 450W electric motor that provides 200W of propulsive power and 12 kg of static thrust. The ideal angle of inclination on the transom is 30 deg but it will work above and below that. A heavy plastic shroud protects the plastic propeller from damage or having something jammed in between the blades. Check out our stand at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show and enter the draw to win this amazing package, valued at more than $6000. Or for more information on the Temo 450 visit TENOB.CO.NZ
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POW
VIEW THE VIDEO AT .NZ ERBOATMAGAZINE.CO
WHAT IS THE QUESTION?
ENJOYING COMPROMISE... The boating summer carries on into April, and the fishing remains patchy.
T
hrough it all, the purchase of the 7.5 RIB as an interim boating platform has proved both enjoyable and surprisingly educational. As we race towards dotage, our preconceptions become quite rigid, and readers of my previous dribble may have noted my thoughts on ‘smaller craft’. Despite its’ size, the Smuggler 750 has proved to be very easy to launch and retrieve, often on my own. Fortuitously the launching ramp enables me to walk the craft on and off the trailer, and the power winch on the trailer removes any effort. I got into the habit of taking the boat out of the water every 5 days, squirting off the early barnacle growth and then relaunching. Any longer in the briny meant a bit of effort as marine growth flourishes in clean water. Fishing off the craft has not yet caused any issues re punctures from sharp things. Using a net on bigger fish removes issue when landing these spiny monsters. Speed was not essential but there is no doubt that once the fish go off the bite, the ability to leave Busby Head and be at the Marsden Cove entrance within 7 minutes has its benefits, not to mention ‘whipping up’ to Whangarei with the troops for a Latte, or Flat White and a patisserie in a about half the time it would have taken to drive on our busy holiday highway. While the initial expense to top up the 320lt fuel tank was a tad eye watering, copious use over the season has only used half of this capacity to date. The toy is remarkably efficient at our preferred cruising speed of @ 32-35kts. The Smuggler hull is a delight in most sea conditions, but the squeals of delight as we leapt over big swells were not from me. These came from the grandkids, all life jacketed up, and tied down in the fwd passenger area. The compromises from an out and out fishing smack to this multi-purpose toy
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have not been onerous at all. The desire or enthusiasm for an Amphibious craft has been somewhat dulled by the above pluses, and also the break down in the purchase process on my chosen Amphib. Having sold a few boats in my time I do accept the failure of this could be construed as an own goal to some degree, but it also highlights the need for experienced sales people on the suppliers end. The point of contact with my chosen supplier was a likeable and very knowledgeable gentleman, who knew
his product inside out, as he was also the developer, production manager and floor worker on occasion. Combining this workload with sales, pricing and demonstrations may have been a step too far, and things got lost with not enough time left available for him to effectively cover all the bases. Having initially enquired about this craft in early 2021, I then discovered a very experienced seaman and good friend had actually purchased one of these craft and was quite happy with it. This hardened my resolve and I chased up on the missing response from the company. Over an extended period of sporadic discussion, I asked for a price to replicate my friends’ boat. This came in at @$289,000, which is about par for the course for a 6.0m
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Amphib. The Amphib drive system with a 40hp engine for the hydraulics, be it Sea Legs, or Orion, adds about $150,000 over what you would expect to pay for a like craft without legs. At that pricing I confirmed my interest, met and talked about specs, and motors, and asked for a S&P, and delivery time. Delivery was initially Dec 2022, but was brought forward to August 2022, which was ok. Hearing nothing for quite a few weeks, follow up enquiry confirmed that my place in the queue was locked in, and the S&P would be forthcoming. I arranged to supply the engine, and was enquiring re electronics pricing, but this was a minor thing. In early December I chased up the spec and S&P again, and was sent a new spec with a 15% price increase to $320k for the base boat. I asked whether the quoted price we agreed on in July when I confirmed my order, was still valid, and was told that pricing had changed, and issues re motor supply had changed our ‘spec’. Asking again if the pricing at time of order was where we were working from, I have heard nothing from the company since. Disappointing as the vessel had much appeal. I had 3 wish list items for an Amphib. One was to do Ughh Boot fishing, with no need to get the feet wet at all, Another was to traverse Whangarei Harbour, and visit the Parua Bay pub, parking outside, and the third was to run down the coast a bit to my Golf Club at Waipu, up the beach, sand dunes and service road, park in the carpark and play a round. Ironically, a second hand version of the 800MC Amphib Smuggler came on the market recently, but I have kind of decided the doubling of my investment to remove what has become a minor inconvenience had no appeal. I may stick with this toy longer than I thought.
ISLAND GYPSY 400 L u x u r y t w i n ca b i n f i t o u t
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Boats International Ph Paul Atallah 04 2185 9273 | e: info@boatinternational.com.au www.boatsinternational.com.au
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For all enquires Brett Flanagan 0414 997 654 | e: brett@igboats.com.au www.newportmotoryachts.com.au SERENITY IS THE TRANQUIL
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The galley was left to the experts to design, a fully-female team of
STABICRAFT 2250 ULTRACAB WT
The new WT model features a full-height walk-thru in the forward-leaning cabin, allowing easy access to the foredeck, and to the bow for ease of fishing and storage options. It’s the ideal boat for island-hopping or coastal exploring, as well as undertaking fishing excursions. Hard-core fishermen won’t be disappointed in the 2250UCWT’s on-water performance.
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SAFETY AND CONFIDENCE FOR EVERY MERCURY OWNER. Distress Message Distress Message capability
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LET GO AND UNWIND. Sometimes you need to let go... The suns shining, the waters flat and your with friends. So kick back, relax and let the beautifully designed, ultra reliable Mercury MerCruiser V8 do all the work. Efficient, powerful and backed by Australia’s largest dealer network. Go on let go. Learn more at mercurymarine.com.au
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671 Whangaparaoa Road, Whangaparaoa, North Auckland, New Zealand Phone: 09 424 5556 | Fax: 09 424 1948 | Email: craig@gulflandmarine.co.nz
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So get your order in now, to avoid disappointment !
authorised pecialist
NEW V8 AND V6 MERCURY 4 STROKES IN STOCK AND ON SPECIAL !!
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.
While stocks last. Subject to availability at the time of purchase
COME AND SEE US AT THE
HALL 3, STANDS 319 AND 318
Your local authorised Mercury Specialist
YOUR NZ AUTHORISED MERCURY SPECIALIST
DB878
671 Whangaparaoa Road, Whangaparaoa, North Auckland, New Zealand Phone: 09 424 5556 | Fax: 09 424 1948 | Email: craig@gulflandmarine.co.nz
www.gulflandmarine.co.nz
ALL-NEW MU-X
Tougher, safer, stronger
The all-new MU-X has had a full redesign, both inside and out. It has more luxury features, greater off-road capabilities and 3500kg braked towing Learn more at www.isuzuutes.co.nz/mu-x
FLETCH’S TIPS We are coming to the end of another brilliant summer of boating. Sadly, as I write these boat tips, we are again reminded the sea is a harsh mistress with the tragic loss of life and this time off the Northern tip of New Zealand. I would like to remind boaties to always check the weather and sea conditions before embarking on any voyage.
TIP #086
FLETCH'S TIPS
TIP #085
MINN KOTA ANTI-BOUNCE
This tip is from a reader, who had an issue with his Minn Kota bouncing around on the deck when in the stowed position. Concerned about the strain on the bracket from bouncing movement, he cut a T section of 25mm water pipe and inserted a short length of tube with a stopper. This now holds the Minn Kota nicely up off the deck, preventing damage. Simple, cheap and effective.
www.batterytownmarine.co.nz
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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE
STITCHED IN HANDLES
If you have storage under your squabs or seating, get your local marine upholstery shop to stitch in a couple of lifting handles. This will save you having to squeeze and grip the squabs and is much easier to access the storage underneath.
0800 962 288
TIP #088
TIP #089
COFFEE EMERGENCY
TIP #087
Check your trailer plug connectors for jamming and difficult insertion as part of your regular maintenance. This trailer plug has been really hard to accept a trailer plug and would sometimes stop working. On further inspection, we noticed the Auto Electrician had left too much copper wire in the sockets, putting pressure on the plug when it was inserted. A simple fix was to relocate the wire further back in the socket and everything now works perfectly.
DECK SEALS MISSING
Always do regular checks on your deck hatches for leaks and rubber seals, this one has been leaking for some time due to the seal falling out. Thas caused the storage area below to become damp and smelly. Pro Tip: You can pick up replacement seals in different materials and thickness, from your local marine store or from Para Rubber, as they have rolls of the stuff. 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.
Trusted brands expert advice
Available from leading boating stores
PowerboatMagazine.co.nz
DB759
If you have a boat BBQ that you store during winter, make sure it’s handy for any emergencies or power cuts. We had a household power cut a few weeks ago and I was unable to make toast or coffee. Luckily, I was able to get out my trusty boat BBQ and avoided a no toast and coffee emergency. Pro Tip: if you have a BBQ that only has a rail bracket, you can also purchase a set of legs so it can sit on a flat surface.
TIGHT TRAILER CONNECTOR
111
112
PROVEN HYDROFOIL TECHNOLOGY p: +64 9 536 5070 | e: info@teknicraft.com DB262
w w w. t e k n i c r a f t . c o m
ROGER HILL
YA C H T D E S I G N LT D
DB778
DB161
www.hydromarine.co.nz
www.powercatsnz.com
roger@powercatsnz.com
Ph +64 9 537 264 4
M o b + 6 4 2 74 5 9 5 8 2 2
ALUMINIUM BOAT MANUFACTURERS Call Philip for your nearest dealer: (09) 274 5586
info@hydromarine.co.nz p: 0273 900161
WHITE POINTER BOATS
www.metaldesigns.co.nz Custom built inflatables, re-tubes & repair of any inflatable
Custom Alloy Sports Fishing Boats “Ride with the best”
SF600R
189 Stanley Road, Gisborne Ph: 06 868 6519 Fax: 06 868 9939 Email: rex@whitepointerboats.co.nz Web www.whitepointerboats.co.nz
Mob: 0275 815007
MAY / JUNE 2022
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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE
DB368
12 MONTHS DIRECTORY/BRAND AWARENESS ADVERTISING OFFER FOR ONLY $100 PER MONTH. For further infomation contact: alex@boatmgs.com - 02102865298
>> DIRECTORY BOAT BUILDERS & DESIGNERS, SALES & SERVICE, PRODUCT & ACCESSORIES
1487A State Highway 17, Dairy Flat, Auckland. Ph: 021 570 505 | e: info@seafarerinflatables.co.nz | www.seafarerinflatables.co.nz
REPLACE
REPLACEMENT WINDSCREENS DB264
LIKE NEW DB112
Call 09 278 9816
FREE E INSURAENSC QUOT
FOR ALL MAKES AND MODELS
www.sandbrooks.co.nz
SALT ATTACK SALT REMOVERS KILLS SALT CORROSION
www.salt-attack.com
HOLIDAY OUTBOARD SERVICES & BOAT STORAGE
Office: (09) 4838 111 – Pete: 0274 731 260 – Luke: 021 686 394
Agents for:
We Service all brands
holidayoutboards@xtra.co.nz
ph: 09 448 1650 fax: 09 448 1651
209 Bush Road, Albany 0632 www.holidayoutboards.co.nz
FOIL ASSIST CATS +25% economy, low wash, superior ride, fully welded, CNC cut for the builder of your choice
by
jutson marine design
Email: pete@boathaulage.co.nz
MARSDEN MARINE Ship Surveyors and Valuers
MNZ, AIMS-CCMS & UK SCMS qualified, recognised and professionally accredited leisure and commercial marine surveying practice.
Greg Marsden (Practice Principal) DipMarSvy, AIMS-CCMS, AMCMS, MNZ P(AP) www.mmservices.co.nz
www.powercatamaran.ca jutson@telus.net +1 604 760 2549
enquiries@mmservices.co.nz Ph: 021 420 984
DB835
12 MONTHS DIRECTORY/BRAND AWARENESS ADVERTISING OFFER FOR ONLY $100 PER MONTH. For further infomation contact: alex@boatmgs.com - 02102865298
>> DIRECTORY BOAT BUILDERS & DESIGNERS, SALES & SERVICE, PRODUCT & ACCESSORIES
www.shackles.co.nz RATED BIG TURN KEY MORE LEVERAGE
316 Stainless with Captive Pin & Galvanised steel, powder coated Chris 021 420 576
PowerboatMagazine.co.nz
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AUCKLAND’S SPECIALIST BOAT REPAIR CENTRE
Recognised
member
Phone: 09 441 2000 Fax: 09 441 4000 Mob: 021 908 156
e: dale@touchofgloss.co.nz | P: 0275 951 443 www.touchofgloss.co.nz
DB192
58 Diana Drive, Glenfield Steve@boatrepairs.co.nz www.boatrepairs.co.nz
Antifouling – Touch ups – Valet – Refits
DB056
Insurance Work Specialists • Launch, Yacht and Runabout Repairs • Antifouling and Gelcoat Work • Full Marine Maintenance Service Spraypainting and Jetski Repairs
Talk to us first for all your • Fibreglass & Timber Repairs • Spray Painting & Gelcoating • Insurance work • Antifouling 25-27 Holmes Rd, Manurewa. PO Box 75-486. Manukau 2243 Ph (09) 267 8498
DB009
DB359
info@southaucklandboatrepairs.co.nz www.superiorgroup.co.nz
www.fatcat.nz
Call 021 1142 444 or info@lightningmarine.co.nz
DB453
POWER LIFT BRACKETS Jacking plates from $950
Power trim & tilt units from $1250
MORRINSVILLE’S MARINE CENTRE
Thames St, Morrinsville ph (07) 889 7193 • fax (07) 889 5405 Email: sportcraftboats@xtra.co.nz Jamie (021) 795 597 www.sportcraftboats.co.nz
DB261
12 MONTHS DIRECTORY/BRAND AWARENESS ADVERTISING OFFER FOR ONLY $100 PER MONTH. For further infomation contact: alex@boatmgs.com - 02102865298
>> DIRECTORY BOAT BUILDERS & DESIGNERS, SALES & SERVICE, PRODUCT & ACCESSORIES
Durable kitset pods for pontoon and houseboats, jetties, barges, floating docks, walkways and more www.pontoonz.com | pontoonz@gmail.com | +64 27 555 2000 MAY / JUNE 2022
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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE