Pacific Powerboat May June 2021

THE 100 % ALUM IN

PACIFIC

BONUS ALLOY BOAT MAGAZINE

I U M B OA T MAGA ZI

NE

ISSUE 22 MAY 2021

PROTECTING

HUTCHW BOAT SHOWILCO PRIZE

OUR FISH STOCKS

$

250000 WORTH OF

GOODIES

MAY / JUNE 2021

FISHING

GREAT BAR

RIER ISLAND

TOW TEST

ISUZU D-M

FEN TON 770 AMP H

AX X-TERR

AIN

REVIEWED MID WES T 5.8

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.COM

GRADY-WHITE 330 EXPRESS

MIDWEST 5.8 RIVIERA 50 SMY BACK COVE 39O RAE LINE 205OB FENTON 770 AMPH GRADY-WHITE 330 EXPRESS SEALEGS 7.5M SEMI CAB RIB SMUGGLER 570 MULTISPORT

HISTORY OF WINCHES ACCESSORIES

$10.00 INCL GST

COX CX0 300 DIESEL OUTBOARD MAY / JUNE 2021

MIDWEST 5.8 I RIVIERA 50 SMY I BACK COVE 39O I RAE LINE 205OB I FENTON 770 AMPH I GRADY-WHITE 330 EXPRESS SEALEGS 7.5M SEMI CAB RIB I SMUGGLER 570 MULTISPORT

GRADY’S FINEST

8 REVIEWS

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

KIWI BOWRIDER RAE LINE 205OB

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M600 A LL NE W M600.

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. COMING 2021. maritimo.com.au SCAN ME

C O N T E N T S ISSUE 59

Reviews

Regulars

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6

40

Enata is an innovative foiling powerboat that is certainly different.

Derek The Chef prepares Baja Tacos

DESIGN FOCUS

GRADY-WHITE 330 EXPRESS

62

BACK COVE 39O

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The bubbles opened - let's go!

All the latest releases and updates.

LEADING COMMENT

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STRAIGHT FROM THE GALLEY

ELECTRONICS

SMUGGLER 570 MULTISPORT

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44

25 Years and still hard at it

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Ever thought of using a vinyl wrap for antofouling?

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Dean Barker, Skipper of American Magic & Director of Kiwi Yachting 'Thanks New Zealand'

PUBLISHER’S COMMENT

GUEST COMMENT

RAE LINE 205OB RIVIERA 50 SMY

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168

How to handle fish you intend to release.

Paragon 25 Cabin

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly…

Chartering

WHAT IS THE QUESTION?

NEWS

130

36

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

News, new products, boats and events.

FENTON 770 AMPH

DUNCAN ON FISHING

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SEEN & ADMIRED

SEALEGS 7.5M SEMI CAB RIB

ROGERS’S RAMBLINGS

POWER ON

FLETCH’S TIPS

Suzuki fly by wire goes smaller

MIDWEST 5.8

38

CRUISING MATTERS

Laurie Cranfield tells us how to add fun to cruising with dinghy exploration.

THE 100 % ALUM IN

PACIFIC

BONUS ALLOY BOAT MAGAZINE

I U M B OAT MAGAZI

NE

ISSUE 22 MAY 2021

PROTECTING

HUTCHWIL BOAT SHOW CO PRIZE

OUR FISH STOCKS

$

250000 WORTH OF

GOODIES

MAY / JUNE 2021

FISHING

GREAT BARRIER

ISLAND

TOW TEST

ISUZU D-MAX

FENTON 770 AMPH

X-TERRAIN

REVIEWED MIDWEST 5.8

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.POW ER B OATMAGAZ INE .COM

GRADY-WHITE 330 EXPRESS

MIDWEST 5.8 RIVIERA 50 SMY BACK COVE 39O RAE LINE 205OB FENTON 770 AMPH GRADY-WHITE 330 EXPRESS SEALEGS 7.5M SEMI CAB RIB SMUGGLER 570 MULTISPORT

SEE PAGE 58

HISTORY OF WINCHES ACCESSORIES

COX CX0 300 DIESEL OUTBOARD $10.00 INCL GST

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

KIWI BOWRIDER

MAY / JUNE 2021

MIDWEST 5.8 I RIVIERA 50 SMY I BACK COVE 39O I RAE LINE 205OB I FENTON 770 AMPH I GRADY-WHITE 330 EXPRESS SEALEGS 7.5M SEMI CAB RIB I SMUGGLER 570 MULTISPORT

GRADY’S FINEST

8 REVIEWS

COVER THE BIG BLUE WATER GRADYWHITE 330 EXPRESS

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RAE LINE 205OB

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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

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Features 56

Marine

SAGA - A FAMILY HERITAGE

Saga has been in the Hogan family for three generations, and now after 70 years, it is back in the water.

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SUPER TENDER

HEAVY DUTY COMMERCIAL & RECREATIONAL ENGINES Commercial Use

Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders recently launched their first Catalyst quad powered super yacht tender.

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ALL NEW

HISTORY OF ANCHOR WINCHES – PART 3

In Part 3 of our history of winches, Ron Czerniak looks at anchor winch controls and accessories.

104

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

COX CXO 300 DIESEL FIRST LOOK Sports Marine have landed their first COX CXO300 diesel outboard in New Zealand, and what a beast.

114

COMPANY PROFILE - PROPSPEED

L13 Diesel

Industry leaders in protecting your underwater assets, Propspeed has risen from a small Kiwi company to an international business that is currently undergoing massive growth.

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

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75 YEARS ON Seacraft / Haines Hunter artisan Kiwi Boat Builders

H10 Diesel

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Power: 380-410 hp | Torque: 1667 Nm

PARKING OUTSIDE THE SQUARE

From Whangaroa in the north, to the Mercury Islands in the South, there are a goodly number of safe havens which form traditional ‘go to’ spots. Text by Phil Gilbert

Recreational Use

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

ISSUE 22 The latest issue of ALLOY BOAT MAGAZINE has a review of the Fenton 770 AMPH and the first of the Midwest 5.8 Hardtops. We also check out the latest Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain and include a couple of great fishing articles.

SEE PAGE 139

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 22 MAY 2021

PROTECTING HUTCHWILCO BOAT SHOW PRIZE

OUR FISH STOCKS

R200 Series Diesel

250000

$

WORTH OF GOODIES

Power: 200 hp | Torque: 440 Nm

TOW TEST FISHING

GREAT BARRIER ISLAND FENTON 770 AMPH

ISUZU D-MAX X-TERRAIN

Call us today on 0800 498 632 or visit us at hyundaimarine.co.nz

REVIEWED MIDWEST 5.8

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D E S I G N F O C U S : E N AT A

INNOVATIVE FOILER Kiwis have just been exposed to foiling yachts at the highest level, but what about foiling in a luxury powerboat.

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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

Known as the Royale Cabin model, the latest in foiler flying yacht series combines Enata’s world-renowned foiling technology with a luxurious new layout that features a front cabin.

In contrast to the more open Venturi model, the Royale Cabin has a cabin up at the bow and luxurious sofa seating at the stern. The roof over the cabin guarantees privacy and discretion without compromising the view out through twin glass windows set into the bulwarks. Naturally there is a fridge and minibar here, and even a bathroom-carefully built into a partition of the cabin.

The line of the cabin roof sweeps smoothly aft, merging with the wing hard top, which protects the helm station. The intuitive console at the helm is supplemented with a double

bench so that the driver can share the delight of piloting this extraordinary craft with family or guests in supreme comfort. Technology developed at Enats’s aerospace division has given the Foiler the ability to rise and drop gently on and off its foils, as well as banking smoothly in the turns.

132smart sensors constantly monitor everything from foil and rudder trim to engine performance to ensure that you can concentrate on driving. The Foiler’s lightweight fullcarbon build and a generous 740hp give it jaw-dropping performance. The

hydrostatic power train can get the boat up to 28 knots in displacement mode, or 40 knots flying 1.5m above the waves. Its light weight means that take-off occurs around12 knots, and when foiling at 30 knots, the Foiler’s fuel consumption is 2 2lpnm. www.enata.com

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E D IGOT T O REVERY ' S N O TANGLER E WE’VE COVERED with Barry Thompson

PACIFIC

TO TRAVEL OR NOT TO TRAVEL

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

Cast an expert eye across all the latest for offshore sport fishing, as well as tinnies, centre consoles, Cast an expert eye across all the latest for offshore sport fishing, as well as tinnies, centre consoles, walk-arounds and cabin cruisers - suited to coastal, inshore, freshwater and estuary fishing adventures. walk-arounds and cabin cruisers - suited to coastal, inshore, freshwater and estuary fishing adventures.

For the thrill of the catch, there’s no better place to whet your appetite before you wet a line.

For the thrill of the catch, there’s no better place to whet your appetite before you wet a line.

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

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

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

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HE ANNOUNCEMENT RECENTLY THAT THE BORDERS ARE OPENING FOR TRAVEL TO AND FROM AUSTRALIA HAS LONG BOOK AT BEEN AWAITED. there are still some concerns, it seems BOOK NOW NOWAlthough AT SANCTUARYCOVEBOATSHOW.COM.AU SANCTUARYCOVEBOATSHOW.COM.AU plenty of Kiwis and Aussies are taking advantage of it and booking flights. I have locked in a trip in May to SCIBS and will be staying for a week to catch up on the industry and doing some boat reviews.

There will be quite a few Kiwi’s I am sure that will be heading to SCIBS to check out the latest offerings from brands such as Riviera, Maritimo, Princess, Palm Beach, Newport, Alaska, Hampton, Iliad, Back Cove and many more. Sanctuary Cove has to be the best venue of any boat show in Australasia, and it never fails to impress. Not only does the Australian industry get right behind it, so do all the major importers of boats and products. If you are into boats and equipment, I would recommend you take the time to visit the show this year.

In June, I am back on the Gold Coast for another week of work and R&R, and then in June, it’s off to Sydney for the Sydney International Boat Show. Rumours are that the show is filling fast and that the marina will be as big as ever and the exhibition halls bulging with new boats and products.

However, it seems that not everyone I have spoken to is rushing at the chance to leave the country. There are still some concerns about being caught over in OZ if there is a sudden outbreak of Covid and they close the borders. If you get trapped on the other side of the ditch, then the costs to stay are all on you, and if you do manage to get home, then there is the possibility, you may have to go into isolation for two weeks. All very valid concerns, but I reckon I have been ‘locked up’ far too long and am happy to take the risk. I need to get to the Gold Coast and Sydney, not only for business reasons but also to see my family, especially my ten-month-old grandson, who has only been a smiling face on What’s App. If this newly expanded bubble works, it shouldn’t be too long before seeing places like Rarotonga and Fiji opening up. Bring it on, I say, as I could do with a winter holiday in either place.

While it is great to attend a couple of shows in Australia, it will be the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show in May that kicks off the show season, and then in October, the Auckland Boat Show will be held in downtown Auckland. One negative thing I have heard about all the shows is the lack of new boats, engines, and equipment that exhibitors have to display. The Hutchwilco has been subject to several cancellations and downsizing of stands due to ‘no stock’ issues, but show organiser Dave Gibbs told me they had filled all the space and had several well-established brands coming back to the show.

Make sure you call in and visit us at the Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show and celebrate our 25th anniversary.

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

THE ART OF GREAT DESIGN, REFINED. Introducing the Sport Yacht Platinum Edition Collection from Riviera

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210220

he Riviera Sport Yacht Collection has long been acclaimed for its outstanding looks, luxury and performance. So we’ve retained it all yet refined and perfected every other aspect. Introducing even more luxury, style and inspired design features. The result is the Riviera Sport Yacht Platinum Edition: A vision in shimmering tones of Platinum, black and white. • All backed by the peace of mind of Riviera’s global support and Volvo Penta’s 5-year engine, drives and electronic systems limited warranty. Nothing compares with the reassurance of owning a Riviera.

Welcome to the world of Riviera and the Sport Yacht Platinum Edition.

Three superb Sport Yacht models

4800

5400 (featured)

6000

Discover more at RivieraAustralia.com

PUBLISHERS NOTE with Doug Dukeson

A 25 YEAR JOURNEY

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HO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT BACK IN MAY 1996 THAT I WOULD STILL BE TYPING AWAY ON THIS KEYBOARD – (there have been a few in between, to be fair) but since the first issue of Propeller magazine back in 1996, now 25 years on, there have been many a word punched out. From boat and vehicle reviews, editorials to advertising campaigns to marine companies worldwide, it has been a full-on 25 years.

Ironically, I am writing this editorial on a flight to Invercargill.

This takes me back to my first investigative flight back in early 1996, where I flew to Invercargill and drove back the length of the country in a Mitsubishi V3000 rental. My ankle was in a cast from a touch football mishap – but hey, ‘the show had to go on’. Barry Thompson and I had discussed the viability of starting another power boating magazine over the year while I was away in Europe on my O.E. (1994-96).

So, what better way than to travel the length of the country visiting all my old clients from our pre-1995 Seaspray and Powerboat (combined Boating World) days.

The trip was successful with feedback very favourable, and within two months, we had our first issue of Propeller magazine published and exhibited at the N.Z. Boat Show of May 1996.

Shortly after that came our non-trailerable publication Pacific MotorYacht magazine, aimed at boats 10 meters plus. This proved equally successful as a trans-Tasman title, and we even published one-China Yachting version, in Mandarin Chinese no less.

With a foot in the Australian market, we felt the opportunity to develop an Australian version of Propeller, which we aptly named Australian Propeller Magazine. This was edited by the very knowledgeable marine editor Barry Tyler, who was conveniently based on the Gold Coast.

These titles proved very successful for many years and even distributed into the USA. We charmed the USA market, attending multiple Ft Lauderdale Boat Shows, back when the big boat market was on fire!

Then around 2010 came the GFC – BANG... the industry almost came to a halt. It was time we ‘pulled our heads in’ and merged Propeller and MotorYacht to the condensed PowerBoat Magazine that you are reading now.

There have been a few specialist breakaway titles that have proved very successful over the last ten years, namely Alloy Boat, RIB, PassageMaker and PWC Annual. These are now regularly bound into seasonal issues of PowerBoat.

It has been a marvellous 25 year to date, and I have enjoyed almost every moment. I could not think of any other industry I would sooner be involved in. The opportunity to get out and about on and off the water, travel to the world’s biggest and best shows and mixing and working together with the marine industry’s interesting and entertaining characters has been unforgettable. To our readers, thank you.

We look forward to continuing to bring you the same quality publications you have been enjoying over the past 25 years – for a while longer yet.

We look forward to seeing you either here at the Hutchwilco NZ Boat show or the Sanctuary Boat Show for our Aussie readers in May. Happy Reading Doug Dukeson Publisher.

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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

Power Power -- Performance Performance -- Style Style Power - Performance - Style

Powered by ORION Setting the standard in Innovation

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FOLLOW OUR STORY FOLLOW OUR STORY @SMUGGLERMARINE Boating New Zealand @SMUGGLERMARINE

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FOLLOW OUR STORY @SMUGGLERMARINE

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GUEST COMMENT

By Dean Barker, skipper American Magic and director of Kiwi Yachting.

Exceptionally Designed & Crafted Jet-Powered RIB’s LEADING DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE

NEW ZEALAND DESIGNED AND BUILT

QUALITY PENNEL HYPALON PONTOONS

Viking JetRIB Whether it’s a day out fishing and diving or just tendering ashore, our Viking range will ensure yours is a smooth jet powered ride. Seating 4 with ease, these craft are ideal for reliable, no stress and comfortable day tripping.

A VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO KIWIS The Americas Cup is now well behind us and it is great to see NZ still celebrating Team New Zealand’s successful defence.

M Panther Jet Tender Our most compact range of yacht tenders can deftly deliver you ashore. Putting the fun into functional, these agile craft are much more than just a workhorse and will seat 3-4 adults comfortably.

WE ALSO REPAIR & REPLACE HYPALON PONTOONS.

explorerboats.co.nz SEE US AT STAND 9 AT THE AUCKLAND BOAT SHOW 8th - 11th October 2020 12

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Y ENDURING MEMORY OF THIS AMERICAS CUP WILL ALWAYS BE THE SUPPORT THAT AMERICAN MAGIC RECEIVED IN THE AFTERMATH OF OUR CAPSIZE. Having the boat completely flooded, the first night back at our dock it was hard to ever think that we could ever get Patriot back out onto the water. What happened over the next two weeks was so incredibly humbling as individuals, groups and businesses offered support and assistance in so many ways.

One small example was our local coffee shop, Johnny Wrays, providing coffee every day for the team funded by generous donations from all around the World. The Team New Zealand boatbuilders led by Geoff Senior leapt straight in to build the replacement bow section. And the way the American Magic team rallied around to get the boat back onto the water was quite unbelievable.

As we now close the book on the 36th Americas Cup, it has been so heartening to see how strong the NZ marine industry has been through these difficult Covid times. While I am sure many businesses have had to restructure their operations with the international boats not able to make it to New Zealand, at the same time New Zealand was showcased as an amazing destination for international boaties to visit once the borders do reopen. To see so many people out on the Hauraki Gulf to witness the racing firsthand really was very cool.

Now that my duties with American Magic have come to a close, it has been great to finally spend some time with the kids. Two are racing Optimists, and one is sailing in the 29er class. Being back at Murrays Bay Sailing Club has been a fantastic experience with so many of the same faces that I grew up sailing with or against now with their own kids racing at the club. Definitely gives a different appreciation of what my parents went through every weekend with me!

It has also given me some time to slowly spend more time with Kiwi Yachting which we jointly own with Richard and Isabel Macalister. It would be fair to say that after being away from New Zealand for the last six years it has been nice to come back to see the company doing well. Of particular interest in recent times has been launching two new models at Southern Pacific Inflatables. These two boats could not be any more different, but both serve a very specific purpose.

The Prodigy, which has jet propulsion, is targeted as a luxury tender with more of the European styling. It is a very different boat to what I am used to, but I thoroughly enjoyed putting it through it’s paces.

Much closer to my heart is the new PerformR, at 6m long, it is targeted specifically as a coach boat across a multitude of classes. It’s deep V hull designed by Rob Shaw allows for chasing anything from 49ers through to Optimists around in any conditions. My one is arriving next month and I cannot wait to get that out on the water to chase the kids around.

Wishing everyone safe boating over the winter months ahead. A great time to be on the water.

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

ALL LANDED AND NOW IN STOCK

See them at the Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show

NEW MODEL

CROWNLINE

220 SS

SURF RRP: $219,995*

• Premium surf gelcoat pattern Onyx/ Slate accent • Black wakeboard tower & cover • Volvo Penta 350HP engine • Pure platinum interior deluxe colour matched in Onyx • Woven cockpit mat, Snap-In

• Black dash with black upholstery accents • Volvo twin 7” SURF touchscreens with speed control, ballast & tab control • Canvas - Bow & Cockpit cover, colour matched • 4 Fender clips • Keychain remote control for courtesy lights

• • • • • •

LED lighting with can speakers Slip fit walk through door Table - side mount, portable Underwater transom lighting Batteries and battery boxes installed Comes with trailer and WOF

CROWNLINE

E275 XS RRP: $289,900*

• • • • • •

Double hull band/ middle deck band Onyx arch & cover Black Suzuki 350HP engine Lineage tri-colour interior with black dash & upholstery accents Cockpit grill with pocket refrigerator, sink and upgraded electrical system Garmin 7” twin touch screens with engine information & sonar

• • • • • • •

Canvas- Bow & cockpit cover, colour matched 4 Fender clips Keychain remote for courtesy lights LED lighting with LED lighting on arch Power assist steering Shower- handheld at bow Stereo - Perf. amplified stereo system with arch speakers

• • •

Trim tabs with indicators Underwater transom lighting Windlass - top mounted, including rope & chain Batteries & battery boxes installed - 2x series 27 batteries Comes with trailer and WOF

• •

FINSEEKER

206

RRP: $175,995*

*Competitive finance available.

Terms & conditions apply.

Price indicated is landed in NZ, including Shipping–Duty–GST, may vary due to currency fluctuations. Available for delivery late February/March 2021.

• • • • •

DB789

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Deluxe double hull band Phantom Blue Fiberglass T-Top & cover White Suzuki 200HP engine Solid moonstone vinyl with Shark skin accents throughout Center bow casting platform insert with removeable cushion & install hardware Garmin 7” touch screen (total of 2)

• • • • • • •

Canvas - 1 piece mooring cover Docking lights - stainless steel 4 Fender clips Keychain remote for courtesy lights Portable cockpit table with mount Pump-out head Rod holder/T-Top mount - total of 4 additional s/steel rod holders & lifejacket

• • •

storage Trim tabs with indicators Underwater transom lightingBatteries & battery trays installed (1x series 27-crank, 1x series 31-house) Comes with trailer and WOF

NEW ZEALAND’S AUTHORISED DISTRIBUTOR FOR CROWNLINE AND FINSEEKER BOATS

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SEEN

& ADMIRED

PA R A G O N 2 5

ULTILITY RIB Due to arrive in Auckland shortly is a Paragon 25 Cabin from the Swedish boat builder Nimbus Yachts.

T

he Paragon 25 (8.52m x 3.00m) is very different from what most Kiwi boaties might be used to and is not just another sports cruiser.

Nor is it a RIB with a lid. It’s unique and looks like a splendid combination of the two types.

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Designed as a utility boat with exceptional performance, Paragon 25 combines design with sporty performance and safe marine features. It was conceived as a leisure interpretation of the rugged search and rescue boats used around northern Europe’s coastlines. There’s no doubt about it; the Paragon 25 is a striking looking boat. The hull has a slight and subtle ‘whale back’ sheer, which gives extra freeboard forward and sufficient volume to accommodate the fore cabin down below. But the most apparent feature is the Paragon’s RIB style collar that sits immediately

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

beneath the substantial wrap-around rubbing strake. This is made from a closed-cell compound covered in Hypalon ORCA material. Power is provided from a single Volvo Penta D4-300 DPI. In keeping with its intended role as a safe all-weather performer, the Paragon has wide and secure ‘walk around’ side decks and sizeable fore and aft decks. Innovative sliding rails and opening side gates aft make boarding easy. And the finely executed teak decking gives this whole expanse of the deck a classy look. www.sportsmarine.co.nz

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NEWS

THE COMPLETE PACK AGE

Maritimo Reveals New M600

Maritimo has unveiled the first of a series of new generation Offshore Motor Yachts set to attract global attention with a sensational, true blue water, long-range offshore cruising motor yacht.

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HE NEW M600 OFFSHORE IS THE FIRST IN THE SERIES OF NEW OFFSHORE MODELS, available both as flybridge and sedan vessels. The Offshore Series exemplifies everything that the Maritimo brand stands for – long-range cruising capability, industry-defining performance and economy, offshore seaworthiness, and high construction integrity levels.

The M600 is the complete package and will have broad appeal both as a state-of-the-art fishing platform, with its speciality open water fishing attributes, or a long-range, high volume, luxury motor yacht capable of inter-continental passage making.

Maritimo’s lead designer, Tom Barry-Cotter, said the Offshore Series is a range defined by ocean tested performance, build integrity, long-range efficiency and design functionality.

“The M600 is centred upon a hull

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design that is an advanced evolution of Maritimo’s longstanding experience in long-range cruising design and worldleading shaft drive performance and efficiency,” he said.

The new offshore cockpit with enclosed transom makes the M600 Offshore ideal for those with varying fishing interests or embracing the encapsulated deck space with solid separation to the sea.

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

In terms of performance, the M600 is uniquely Maritimo. The variable deadrise hull with deep keel, sharp bow entry and flattened progression aft focused on offshore cruising performance, comfort and stability.

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

The M600’s straight shaft drives will be powered by standard twin inline six-cylinder Volvo Penta D13 800MHP power units. Paired with Maritimo’s hull and straight shaft technology, they will deliver world-class fuel efficiency and excellent operating economy combined with very low emissions.

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

Cruising efficiency and capacity gives the M600 incredible long-range capability with the M600’s 4550 litres (1200 US Gal) fuel capacity.

In addition to its race-bred performance, superior engineering and robust design, the M600 also provides levels of luxury and liveaboard practicality that will resonate with discerning owners and their families.

The M600 Offshore Motor Yacht will have its global premiere later this year. www.maritimo.com.au

NEWS

S A ESL PE ENCE 'TSATSUE L AL IRN EGV E N T

DISTRIBUTOR OF THE YEAR

A 13.7m Selene 42 Voyager Sedan.

The just-released Selene 78 Ocean Explorer.

Selene proving popular with Kiwis Selene long-range trawler-style and sedan yachts are proving increasingly popular with New Zealand boat owners.

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WO SELENES HAVE ALREADY BEEN SOLD IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 2021, and surprisingly large amounts of serious interest are being shown in the just-released 24m model.

According to Gary Erceg from New Zealand Selene distributor Yachtfinders Global, a 13.7m Selene 42 Voyager Sedan long-range coastal cruiser and a 19.8m Selene 60 Ocean Explorer

expedition cruiser are both now making their way to New Zealand for their new Kiwi owners.

“Although ocean-capable yachts are quite a niche market here, there is no doubt that the Selene range appeals to Kiwis,” he says. “There are already 12 Selene yachts cruising New Zealand waters, all sold by Yachfinders Global, and there are now another two on their way.”

A traditional-looking trawler style long-range cruiser, the latest New Zealand-bound Selene 42 Voyager Sedan boasts two superbly-appointed staterooms and great all-round visibility

from the saloon.

The new Selene 60 Ocean Explorer is the first of the new range of stylish expedition cruisers. With a modern, streamlined look, a Portuguese bridge, wide-body and fantastic indoor flow, it too is easy to handle with just two people, making it ideal for couples of all ages. Gary Erceg says he has been pleasantly surprised at the interest already being shown in the justreleased Selene 78 Ocean Explorer.

Yachtfinders Global Ph +64 9 377-3328 gary@yachtfindersglobal.com www.yachtfindersglobal.com

TWIN DISC PACIFIC - SEAKEEPER DISTRIBUTOR OF THE YEAR

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Twin Disc Pacific has been awarded the prestigious 2020 Seakeeper Distributor Of The Year Award.

WIN DISC PACIFIC CONTINUE TO LEAD THE LOCAL BOATING MARKET WITH GYRO SALES, installations and service thanks to Seakeeper’s leading gyro stabiliser range now available for boats from 23ft thanks to the launch in 2020 of the popular new DC powered Seakeeper 1.

Seakeeper is the world’s leading gyro stabiliser brand built off the back of tried and tested technology and

supported by exceptional backup service and support. The introduction of the DC powered Seakeeper 1 has opened the brand to a whole new audience of trailer boat owners. Sales of the latest release, along with an exceptionally strong brand presence in the local market, contributed to the Distributor of The Year Award’s achievement.

Twin Disc Pacific has a solid reputation

in the recreational boating market for supplying and servicing premium propulsion, transmission, controls, shaft systems and stabilisers, working with many of the industry’s leading brands and supplying trailer boats from 23ft up to superyachts. Call by the Twin Disc Pacific display on the marina at the 2021 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show to experience Seakeeper for yourself. www.twindisc.com.au

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NEWS

V E R S AT I L E P O W E R B O AT S

8.75m powercat

9.75m powercat

Four New Models From Nic De Mey Yachts Nic de Mey Yachts has unveiled four new additions to their versatile range of powerboats.

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HE FIRST IS AN 8.75M DESIGNED AS A WEEKEND CRUISER FOR EITHER A COUPLE OR YOUNG FAMILY, easy to handle and economical to run. At a pinch, it is trailerable, being under the max road width of 3.1m as per NZTA regulations. Power is a pair of 175200hp outboards which should give a top speed of around 35 knots. It can be supplied as a kitset or built by Nic de Mey Yachts.

The 9.75m is only a metre longer than the 8.75m model but is also a bigger volume hull that can carry more weight. It is designed as either

a bowrider or cruiser with full interior accommodation. The hull has a foil amidships that gives the hull added efficiency and speed in cruiser configuration and is designed for extended onboard stays and coastal cruising. The cockpit can either be clear for entertaining or have a centre island suited for fishing. Power option s are both twin outboard or sterndrive and, like the 8.75m, will have a maximum speed of around 35 knots.

The new 14.4m Sounds boat is a fast day cruiser built from carbon, focusing on speed and efficiency. Designed as a cruiser for the Marlborough Sounds,

it has a high-end finish emphasising outdoor entertainment, but still with a functional minimalist interior for four persons for extended harbour cruising.

Power will be 2 x 725hp inboard diesels through shafts, with a predicted speed of around 50 knots.

Nic de Mey has also shown off his 11.9m concept powercat, which he says is just an exercise in styling. This is designed more for extended fast coastal cruising at around 25 knots, and being quite beamy, there is a focus on indoor/ outdoor entertaining. www.nicdemeyyachts.com

The 14.4m Sounds boat

The 11.9m concept powercat

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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

T H E A L L- N E W P R I N C E S S X 9 5 E X P E R I E N C E T H E E X C E P T I O N A L®

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FIND OUT MORE AT PRINCESSYACHTS.COM

NEWS

E M M I S S I O N S TA N D A R D S

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

New Carb Proposals Threaten Future Of Outboards The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has issued a new proposal calling for significant cuts to THC and NOx emissions from outboard engines.

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HE BOARD’S 2020 MOBILE SOURCE STRATEGY WORKSHOP DISCUSSION DRAFT that was published late last year says that marine engines represent “a significant source” of THC and NOx emissions in the state.

According to International Boating Industry, the document proposes implementing new emissions standards

that would require reductions of 40% from current levels for all outboard engines rated at less than about 50 hp and cuts of 70% for engines rated at 50 hp and higher. The new standards would also extend to personal watercraft.

These cuts would come into effect in 2027, and they would require the use of catalytic converters to meet the emissions targets. The draft further proposes eliminating internal combustion outboards of less than 25 hp and replacing them with electric

motors with a 10-year phase-in period.

A previous CARB proposal calling for cuts to emissions from sterndrive and inboard engines was passed into law with the Environmental Protection Agency’s support (EPA). The legislation impacted the sales of sterndrives and inboards because it effectively mandated the adoption of closedloop fuel-control systems and catalytic converters, which drove up costs.

Needless to say, outboard-engine manufacturers are monitoring the situation closely.

FATCATS FOR SOUTH KOREA

Auckland Boatbuilder Lightning Marine, creators of the FatCat range of boats, continues to field growing interest locally and internationally.

L

ESS THAN 18 MONTHS AFTER THE FATCAT 4000 WAS RELEASED, and despite Covid challenges, FatCat’s can already be found in five countries with many more on the cards.

The boats are gaining traction in the government sector also. The Korean Fire department evaluated the boats’ characteristics against other designs and recently placed an order for three boats to enhance their search

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and rescue capability. Two of these boats will be fitted out with the latest underwater sonar equipment for diving support and recovery, while the remaining vessel will fill a more diverse support role.

All vessels feature significant lifting lugs as this is the preferred launching method in Korea. This is FatCat’s first foray into the global search and rescue market, and this order will be shipped in April along with other FatCat 4000’s

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

destined for private use.

Designed and built in New Zealand, The FatCat 4000 was conceived to meet the need for a safe, stable and spacious boat that performs well but in a size range that remains affordable to most kiwis. Constructed from rotomoulded polyethylene, the FatCat 4000 is quiet, maintenance-free, versatile and incredibly tough. www.fatcat.nz

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NEWS

PRODUCT REVIEW

NEW MODELS

Sideshift Discovering Stress Free Docking Kevin Higgie explains why he was so impressed with the Sideshift bow thruster that he became the Kiwi distributor.

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AVING SPENT 20 YEARS IN THE ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY AS A MARINE ENGINEER, I regularly skippered numerous vessels from 4m inflatables, to 22m Liberty boats, along with owing numerous private trailer boats over the years, I considered I was an experienced skilled boatie.

On purchasing our 12m launch with twin engines I really thought, I’d be able to handle this little beauty with ease and confidence with my skills gained over the years. Coming home after our first trip away, the wind picked up and I was about to get a reality check on how difficult it can be to dock even in mild to moderate winds. The flying bridge created additional windage, and the perfect day out, turned to a scene I do not want to ever repeat with my launch

going sideways into the bow of other berthed vessels. It was fortunate I had enough crew to help me finally gain control of the launch and dock.

That was the day I started to investigate the possibility of fitting a bow thruster.

Without any space in the hull of my boat, I was limited to what I could fit.

The possibilities were; a rim-drive tunnel thruster, a high-pressure water jet unit or the Sideshift Bow Thruster.

After contacting several companies and reading all the information on their website, Sideshift was the obvious answer. The Sideshift Thruster I was looking at was cost effective, after I considered the installation costs of the other thrusters. Not forgetting the safety fact that there are only six small holes above the water line, not a 270mm tunnel or high-pressure water pipes throughout the hull.

However, not having anyone I could talk to in NZ, I was a little unsure about dealing with a business offshore. I

made many phone calls to their head office in Canada, before I felt confident the company was a reputable one and the unit would be suitable for my boat and delivered.

Once I received the thruster and watched the installation video, I felt satisfied that it was a DIY unit and installed it myself with a little help. It was really easy to fit. After fitting the thruster, I went from requiring a crew of three, to taking my launch out by myself.

I was so impressed with the ease of installation, the size of the thruster and how quiet the unit ran when being used, I wanted to tell the world about this company. I soon became the Sideshift NZ agent. I love this product and believe no matter how good you are manoeuvering your boat, a slight wind can sneak up on you and make a very happy day out, a dangerous situation. www.sideshift.com Kevin Higge 0211549496.

NEW MODELS FROM ILIAD

ILIAD Catamarans has experienced exceptional success since its 2019 launch, and the company continues to expand with new models.

S

ET FOR RELEASE THIS YEAR ARE THE NEW ILIAD 80 AND THE ILIAD 50 S EDITION, to add to the already extensive range of power cats.

The new sports bridge model of the ILIAD 50 features a sleek sedan design while retaining the shipyard’s renowned

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range, economy and style. A contract on the first model is currently under negotiation with plans to have the first ILIAD 50 S arrive in Australia by mid2022.

The highly anticipated ILIAD 80 is on the drawing board and set for release

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

in 2021. At 23.99m in length, this exciting catamaran is set to be the largest model in the fleet. It will boast an unparalleled range, extraordinary design and the flexibility to customise your layout. www.iliadcatamarans.com

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NEWS

B O AT S H O W

TAURANGA FISHING AND BOAT SHOW The Tauranga Fishing And Boat Show (TFABS) will be held 8-10th October this year.

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HILE THIS CLASHES WITH THE AUCKLAND BOAT SHOW, the organisers feel they will still attract plenty of exhibitors and local visitors from the area. TFABS was established in 2017 with a vision to showcase all forms of water recreational activities under one roof in the Bay of Plenty. It aims to bring manufacturers of water-based leisure products and local distributors and agents to exhibit the latest product range and technology to the show visitor. Water safety, education and conservation are also a significant part of the show.

“With the difficulties that 2020 brought to us all, we are now extremely pleased to be moving forward, and we are well underway to producing the third anniversary catch up show that can grow year on year and become a significant event based in Tauranga”, says show director, Lawrence Daly.

Tauranga Fishing And Boat Show Limited have also announced it has reached an agreement with Bay Venues Limited, which operate the Trustpower Arena, Baypark, to secure both main arena halls to accommodate the high level of boat, fishing and retail interest for TFABS 2021. All exhibitor enquiries to office@tfabs.co.nz or 027 8322777 www.tfabs.co.nz

• Cule hatches and parts (NZ Made) • Ceredi plastic hatches (Italy) • Sea-Dog Line chandlery (USA) • Easy online purchasing • Great product offering

Buy online culemarine.co.nz 24

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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

NEWS

I P S I N N O V AT I O N

Riviera Celebrates 15 Years Of IPS Australia’s largest luxury motor yacht builder Riviera has reached a milestone with Volvo Penta’s Inboard Performance System (IPS).

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INCE THE IPS LAUNCH IN 2005, Volvo Penta has delivered more than 30,000 units to the international marine industry. After embracing the innovation of IPS in 2006 and adopting the market-leading technology for the company’s luxury motor yachts, Riviera has installed its 2,200th IPS unit that today are available on selected models from the Flybridge, Sport Yacht and SUV collection. IPS is also available on the new 50 Sports Motor yacht.

This represents a significant number of the units produced

by Volvo Penta, affirming the strength of the partnership with Riviera.

The benefits of Volvo Penta IPS for Riviera motor yachts are extended cruising range, higher cruise speed, lower fuel consumption, and lower noise levels.

Riviera has responded by releasing an extensive range of IPSpowered motor yachts that elevate the efficiency of design

and the luxurious inclusions found in Rivieras today.

From Riviera, they come with a five-year transferrable limited hours warranty covering all engine drives and electronics when factory fitted with a glass cockpit. Volvo Penta also provides additional owner support through the 24-hour Yacht Series Support service.

Volvo Penta IPS is a fully integrated system from the helm’s glass cockpit screens to the drive and propellers. From an engineering perspective, this means Volvo Penta IPS is a complete end-to-end system. www.rivieraaustralia.com

Power and Power and performance. performance.

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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

Volpower nz Limited

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

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NEWS

NEW SHIPMENTS

Crownline E275XS bowrider

New shipment of Crownline & Finseekers arrive Flushed with the success of their first shipment of Crownline & Finseeker Boats, Euro City Marine has just landed their first shipment for 2021 in time for the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show.

A

GAIN THEY COVER A BROAD RANGE OF BOATING STYLES, from the Crownline E275XS bowrider to the Finseeker 206 centre console.

The E275XS is an 8.18m (26’10”) outboard crossover with a standard electric arch. The flush-fit bow walk-through door of the E275XS helps extend the boating season with added protection from cooler temperatures and leads to a spacious and comfortable hot-tub-style bow seating with sizeable under-seat storage areas for a safe, clutter-free boat. Maximum power is a single 350 hp outboard, and the boat carries a wide but trailerable, 2.59m beam.

It is one of nine models in the XS Series.

The 220 SS SURF is the newest model in Crownline’s dedicated surf series. This vessel is designed to be nimble and quick while providing excellent surfing conditions.

Featuring a centre ballast system and two additional bags with quick disconnect hardware for easy filling (for 1,300 lbs. of ballast), you can

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easily increase the height and length of your wave for the best possible ride. Rated up to 350 HP, this model is light, fast and incredibly fun.

If you are after a seriously cool fishing machine, then check out the Finseeker 206. The 206 CC delivers a diverse fishing experience and impressive performance in a sleek, commanding boat. Spacious and fishable, this model features plenty of amenities, including six built-in rod holders, Wet Sounds speakers, 7" w Garmin touchscreen helm, a powdercoated T-top with canvas and many more extras everyone onboard will love.

Euro City Marine has recently acquired Bensemann Boating in both Avondale and Hobsonville, and are now also an authorised agents for Volvo Penta in both Hobsonville and the Hawke’s Bay. As an OEM supplier they also have agreements to supply Suzuki Marine, and Honda Marine.

The tough decision to shut the Avondale branch has sparked opportunity in Hobsonville. Euro

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

City Marine will be expanding and building state of the art facilities at the Hobsonville Marina. If the Hobsonville locality for Avondale customers is not convenient, Euro City Marine will also be providing a pick-up and delivery service.

Euro City has built a reputation over near 20 years in the Hawke’s Bay as a customer focused and performance driven business. It is no surprise that over the coming months they will be implementing the same high level of customer service and professionalism at Bensemann Boating. www.eurocitymarine.co.nz

Finseeker 206 CC

NEWS

OFFICIAL SPONSOR

HUTCHWILCO NZ BOAT SHOW BACKING COASTGUARD The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, the oldest, largest and most popular boat show in New Zealand, has become an official Coastguard sponsor.

“The show has long been a strong supporter of Coastguard and the great work they do helping save lives at sea,” says the show’s general manager Dave Gibbs. “We are proud to have now taken the next step and become one of Coastguard’s official sponsors.”

As part of the show’s new sponsorship, the organisers will run a live auction on the Saturday of the show, will all proceeds going directly to Coastguard NZ. “We have already been promised some great products for the auction and expect to have many more by the time the show opens on Thursday, May 13,” says Dave Gibbs.

The products to be auctioned, along

with their usual retail price, will be listed on the show’s website (www. boatshow.co.nz) and will be on display in the Hall 2 foyer throughout the show.

The show has also made it easy for those buying their tickets online to donate to Coastguard at the same time.

“We know that, like us, many boaties and anglers have huge respect for Coastguard and the work they do and would like to support them. We have therefore made it easy for those buying their show tickets online to also make a $2 donation to Coastguard if they wish.”

As part of the agreement, Coastguard

will donate a Lifetime Coastguard Membership and a Day Skipper course to the 2021 Surtees/Yamaha Grand Prize package winner.

The 2021 Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show will be held at the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane Auckland on May 13-16. Tickets are $25 each for adults while children, 16 and under, are free.

Tickets are now available at www.boatshow.co.nz with all tickets bought online earning a second, bonus entry for the $250,000-plus Surtees/ Yamaha Grand Prize and automatically going into a draw for Viking Kayaks powered kayak package worth over $6500.

MORE CHOICE. MORE RANGE. MORE FREEDOM.

www.multihullsolutions.com.au 1300 855 338 | +61 (0) 7 5452 5164 | info@multihullsolutions.com.au

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NEWS

OUTBOARD OFFERINGS

YAMAHA NEW HIGHPERFORMANCE ENGINES

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

CHOOSE FROM AN EXTENSIVE RANGE CUSTOMISED OPTIONS AVAILABLE SEE OUR PRODUCTS ON THE MARINEXPRESS STAND 622 - HUTCHWILCO SHOW 13-16 MAY 21

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DB785

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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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AVING KICKSTARTED THE 2021 BOATING SEASON WITH THE LAUNCH OF THE ALL-NEW YAMAHA V6 OFFSHORE RANGE, Yamaha has announced their latest outboard offerings.

With boat owners increasingly looking to customise their boats’ look and finish, Yamaha has announced the release of pearlescent white engine options on their popular and F115, F150 and F200 outboard line-up.

In 2020 Yamaha launched their Helm Master EX joystick boat control system, taking outboard integration to the next level.

They recently launched the new Yamaha V6 Offshore range, which saw Yamaha’s exclusive built-in electric steering and enhanced reverse thrust capabilities come across from their big-horsepower V8 XTO425, with the choice of pearlescent white and traditional Yamaha grey finishes.

They offer this pearlescent white model option across all their key high-horsepower models, including XTO425, F300, F250 and now F200, F150 and F115, allowing owners of fibreglass, painted and wrapped aluminium hulls to match their engine colour to their boat finish.

Hot on the heels of the recent V6 Offshore release, Yamaha is also launching their newly upgraded VMAX SHO (Super High Output) 4.2L V6 range, which comes in 200, 225 and 250 horsepower options.

VMAX SHO’s have been engineered specifically to deliver an exceptional hole-shot and acceleration, with an equally impressive top-end speed. Initially created for the US tournament bass boat market, these premium outboards are also well suited to a wide range of high-octane boating activities, including water-skiing, racing, competitive fishing and other water sports.

They come with an increased alternator output by a massive 40%, producing 70 charging amps, enough to power an extensive range of electronic devices. The pearlescent white F115, F150 and F200 models are expected to hit our shores in the coming weeks, while the VMAX SHO is scheduled in July. www.yamaha-motor.co.nz

NEWS

SEAWOLF

SEAWOLF UNDERGOING TRIALS

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FTER A LENGTHY GESTATION, the distinctive 15m sportsfisher SeaWolf was recently launched from the Whitianga boatyard of Harkin Boat Works.

Designed by Auckland’s LOMOcean for Tahiti based SeaWolf Expeditions, the boat is destined to range far and wide around the Pacific and will be towing lures for a large proportion of the time that she is underway.

Although nearly all modern sport fishers use a fast planing hull designed to climb out of the water at high speed, these simply aren’t as fuel efficient at slow

speeds as SeaWolf’s, which is specifically designed for trolling and passage making. The hull looks as though it should be more at home on a sailing yacht - albeit one that can also get up and go quite a bit quicker than what most would expect from a displacement hull shape.

SeaWolf hit 18 knots in first sea trials from her single, continuously rated 520hp MAN diesel engine and unlike most game boats with pleasure rated machinery, SeaWolf’s engine can safely deliver that power all day, every day.

Going fast backwards is pretty useful in

elite for a reason

www.webermarine.co.nz

a game boat and, entertainingly for the trials crew, she cracked nearly 14 knots in reverse.

Initial stability tests showed a reassuringly high stiffness in roll, borne out by the easy motion of the boat when broadside to the sea – even without the gyro stabilizer operating.

The boat features a number of interesting technical features, all focussed on finding smart, innovative solutions to the specific requirements of a small, but perfectly formed, ocean capable gamefisher. Read more about it the next issue, when a full review of SeaWolf. www.lomocean.com

Elite 18m

SF

www.lloydstevenson.co.nz

Custom design Sedan, Mid-Pilothouse and Sportsfisher Motor Yachts DB780

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

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NEWS

P O R T A B L E I N F L AT A B L E C AT A M A R A N S

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

I

T IS ONE OF THE LARGEST TRULY PORTABLE INFLATABLE CATAMARANS ON THE MARKET DUE TO THE ORIGINAL TAKACAT REMOVABLE TUBE TRANSOM. The T460LX boats oversize 550mm dia tubes offer for superior buoyancy with the additional safety of a four chamber tube system.

Pressure relief valves are standard to avoid over inflation or heat expansion.

Sports Marine

The air deck inflatable floor is of a durable design for a wide range of uses with a heavy duty Inflatable and rigid floor options available. The T460LX is rated to take up to a 20hp outboard and rated to take 8 persons or 830kgs working load. With it’s 4 + 1 safety chambers, raised floor and open / removable transom design the 460LX is well suited to a wide variety of uses such as fishing, diving, flood rescue, coach and support boats through to the true adventurer.

New Takacat NZ team.

Paul and Helen Powney have taken on the distribution of the Takacat inflatable catamaran range for New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Founded by Greg Sowden in 2007 Takacat has become a global success with well over 10,000 boats sold around the world through a global distribution network.

Paul’s career has been involved with the marine industry for well over 25 years starting in the RNZN as a weapons electrical mechanic then working for

Sports Marine

507 Moorhouse Avenue, CHristchurch Ph: 03 379 9208 Email: ben@sportsmarine.co.nz

DB783

131 Westhaven Drive, Auckland Ph: 09 274 9918 Email: Sales@sportsmarine.co.nz

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SPORTFISH SERIES

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

diesel engine distributor TransDiesel in various sales and management roles before joining The NZ Sailing Trust as their CEO. Takacat NZ have opened a new Showroom on Auckland’s North Shore at Unit 8, 3 Oracle Drive Albany. www.takacat.co.nz

Rae Line Boats

620 South Eyre Road, RD 2, Kaiapoi Ph: 03 312 6523 or 021 467 497 Email: info@raeline.com

New Sport Fishers From Bluefix Boatworks

SEA RAY SLX 210 Sleek, stylish and sporty, the SPX 210 truly stands out.

Whether you and your family prefer to relax or be active, the SPX 210 offers the amenities to make your moments exceptional. From a spacious interior for comfortable lounging to optional packages for additional convenience or watersports activities, it’s the perfect boat for making memories in style. Available for pre-Christmas delivery with sterndrive or outboard propulsion. Sea Ray has been the #1 imported boat brand in New Zealand for more than 30 years, with over 2,000 boats sold during this time. Built in the USA, Sea Ray is a trusted and proven brand, backed by their market-leading warranty. Have you heard about our 5-year care package?

Bluefix Boatworks has been working closely with LOMOcean on the expansion of their NorthCape sportfish series.

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HE RECENT INTRODUCTION OF STRIKING NEW 51’ AND 62’ MODELS HAS SEEN INTENSE WORLDWIDE INTEREST IN THESE NEW SPORT FISHERS. Emphasis has been placed on beamy design, large volume hulls with widely spaced engines for agility and easy service access. A super-fine entry for a soft ride in big seas flares out dramatically above water and carries well aft to control spray and keep the generously proportioned flying bridge dry. Big propellers run in deep tunnels to minimise draft, and the transom both above and below the waterline is shaped for maximum performance when backing down.

Both models offer sprint speeds over 35 knots depending on the machinery selected and long-range at trolling speeds that make Pacific Island fishing and cruising accessible from Australia and New Zealand.

Construction is in epoxy foam sandwich composite with structural engineering to demanding DNV international classification standards.

The designs very much reflect the huge game fishing experience of Bluefix principal Brad Rowe, with the cockpit carefully designed not only for maximum ergonomics and practicality when rigging lures or baits or fighting and tracing a fish but also offering comfortable, well-sheltered seating on the raised deck at the forward sections of the cockpit.

Both boats offer luxury roomy, three-cabin layouts, twin bathrooms and laundry, and a large, readily accessible, well laid out plant room.

Boat one is due to commence construction in mid-2021, and design work is also underway on a smaller, 38’ model.

These new models will complement the NorthCape 34 and NorthCape 40 models that Bluefix Boatworks have previously delivered. www.bluefixboatworks.co.nz / www.lomocean.com

All new Sea Ray sports boats come with: • 5 years FREE servicing • 5 year bow to stern boat warranty • 12 months FREE insurance • 5 years insurance set at agreed value • Optional 5 – year finance plan @ 5% interest rate* *Terms and conditions apply

Now available at Sports Marine

www.sportsmarine.co.nz

DB787

sales@sportsmarine.co.nz 131 Westhaven Drive, Auckland P: 09 274 9918

507 Moorhouse Ave, Waltham, Christchurch P: 03 379 9208 PowerboatMagazine.co.nz

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NEWS

NICE PLACE TO BE

WIN

FLOTILLA

MARINE ENGINE FLUSH SALT ATTACK

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HE ALL NEW MARINE ENGINE FLUSH BY SALT ATTACK IS NEW ZEALAND MADE AND USES THE FINEST INGREDIENTS, including the latest surfactants which quickly eliminate surface tension allowing for salt to be quickly and safely removed from all marine engine cooling systems. It’s super concentrated, environmentally friendly and bio degradable formula has been designed to be mixed through the proven Salt-attack mixer or made up at a rate of one part salt-attack to 500 parts fresh water.

Flushing is simple using the proven Salt-attack mixer, once the motor has been brought up to temperature (if hot flushing), flush salt attack through the engine for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Then shut the motor off, leaving the Salt Attack formula inside the cooling system allowing it to breakdown any accumulated salt.

Salt Attack Marine Engine Flush removes fresh salt instantly, for large accumulated salt build ups and blockages and for winter maintenance it is recommended to repeat the above flush for 3-5 days consecutively. Always flush your engine according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Salt Attack Marine Engine Flush is exclusively distributed by Wholesale Marine Direct, the company also suppling Salt-Away & Fueltreat for over 16 years to New Zealand & Australia www.salt-away.co.nz

S

IMPLE CALL IN TO OUR STAND IN HALL 2 AT THE HUTCHWILCO NEW ZEALAND BOAT SHOW, subscribe either online or to our printed edition for 12 months and you could win all these Otterbox coolers and tumblers.

This includes an Otterbox Venture 45QT Hard Cooler, Trooper 12QT Soft Cooler, Elevation 28OZ Growler, Elevation 20OZ Tumbler & two Elevation 14OZ Mugs.

Water-resistant and shock-resistant, Otterbox is a product of the USA and built to an exceptionally high quality and is distributed in New Zealand by Hutchwilco. www.hutchwilco.co.nz

uperior

NZ Built with passion & pride NNNNN

1050 SPORTS SEDAN

See the full Boat Review at boatmags.com

S Our New

WIN OVER $1000 OF OTTERBOX PRODUCTS

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 32

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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

NEWS

SHIRNER DYSON

90 Rivieras Support Team NZ In Cup Defence

NIMBUS 365 COUPÉ Powered by a Volvo Penta D4-260 191 kW (260hp) shaft drive engine.

A long-distance cruiser for the conscious customer who enjoys social activities, comfortable living, and easy handling.

International award winning boat with superior “all round” qualities, where socializing and other onboard activities have been combined with excellent long cruising characteristics. The 365 is all about functional design and is built for the conscious yachtsman who appreciates simplicity, comfort, and safety but also for families who want to enjoy a perfect weekend cruise.

A flotilla of 90 Riviera luxury motor yachts made a spectacular sight as they cruised through Auckland Harbour in support of Emirates Team New Zealand.

T

HE IMPRESSIVE ARMADA OF ENTHUSIASTIC RIVIERA OWNERS, ONE OF THE LARGEST EVER ASSEMBLED IN THE 41-YEAR HISTORY OF AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST LUXURY MOTOR YACHT BUILDER, WAS ORGANISED BY NEW ZEALAND REPRESENTATIVE R MARINE FLAGSHIP. The flotilla featured Riviera motor yachts from 10.4m to 22m in length cruising from the Auckland Harbour Bridge on Saturday morning (March 13), heading to prime vantage points for the much-anticipated day’s racing in front of North Head and Rangitoto Island.

The fleet headed in a two-by-two configuration creating two separate convoy lines more than 2km long. Each line was led by Riviera’s flagship 72 Sports Motor Yachts, with another two at the convoy’s end.

Dealer principal of R Marine Flagship Dean Horgan said Rivieras’s impressive line heralded the start of a weekend of camaraderie and enjoyment by the Riviera family as the Cup racing took place.

A memorable experience for all, Riviera has a very strong following in New Zealand, with more than 600 Rivieras now cruising local waters since the first Riviera’s arrival in 1984.

“We’re ecstatic by the number of Riviera motor yacht owners who took part in this awesome event,” said Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst. www.flagshipmarine.nz

Now available at Sports Marine

www.sportsmarine.co.nz

DB786

sales@sportsmarine.co.nz 131 Westhaven Drive, Auckland P: 09 274 9918

507 Moorhouse Ave, Waltham, Christchurch P: 03 379 9208 PowerboatMagazine.co.nz

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NEWS

I N S P I R I N G R E S U LT S

FUTURE PLANS

GRAND BANKS 85 LAUNCHED Grand Banks is yet again putting the world on notice with the new Grand Banks 85.

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HIS EXTRAORDINARY NEW DESIGN IS AN ACCUMULATION OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY, superior design, and a company-wide passion for delivering the best yachts in their class. The GB85 is an ocean-cruising 85-footer with a half-load displacement of 49,000 kilos. Hull No. 1 is powered with twin 1000-hp Volvo IPS 1350s, and the company is evaluating additional power options. They say that performance projections, initial sea trial, and tank-test of new GB85’s V-Warp hull form at the Australian Maritime College in Tasmania reconfirm inspiring results. The entire deck and superstructure are fully infused carbon fibre, with all bulkheads and fixed furniture structurally bonded to the hull and deck for superior strength and rigidity. “We had one primary objective above all when we started the 85,” said Grand Banks, CEO, Mark Richards.

“To deliver the most fuel-efficient, high speed, long-range cruiser of this size in the world. It is incredibly exciting to tick this box right out of the gate on what is not yet even the official sea trial.”

A key component of Richards’s build philosophy is to

incorporate high-tech methods that focus on weight reduction while simultaneously increasing the boat’s strength.

Each hull employs infused E Glass and then carbon fibre in structural areas, cored with Corecell and Airex foam, stitched multi-axial fabric, and 100% vinylester resins.

This all helps keep the weight low, which is a critical component of such a large cruising yacht meant for bluewater passages. www.grandbanks.com

MARINE

MARINE

WASHCOAT & SHINE

ENGINE FLUSH

SUPERIOR TO WASH AND WAXES, USES AN ACRYLIONIC FORMULA, DESIGNED FOR USE WITH SALT-ATTACK MIXER

REMOVES SALT BUILD UP STOP RUSTING AND SALT CORROSION THE BEST ENGINE PROTECTION

Cleans and protects your boat and vehicle, removes stubborn road grime.

SAFE ON ALL SURFACES

CLEANS GLASS & CLEARS

MIXES AT 500/1

Leaves a streak free finish, also removes black streaks.

STAINLESS AND ALLOY

Cleans, shines and protects.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AND BIODEGRADEABLE Leaves behind a harder-than-wax protection and shine which is analytically tested to protect and delay the speed of UV damage.

WARNING 9 out of 10 engines fail due to salt corrosion. ACT NOW and flush your engine!

WHOLESALE MARINE DIRECT NZ LTD 0800 272 589 www.salt-attack.com

FREEPHONE

Made in the USA

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SEA RAY SUNDANCER 320 Forget what you think you know about cruisers. The new Sundancer 320 shatters all assumptions, reimagining the balance of indoor and outdoor space with a boat that is as versatile as it is elegant. Enjoy a crowd-pleasing cockpit, a remarkably comfortable cabin, and a new bow lounge area sure to be the most popular seat in the house. You’ll enjoy the natural world as never before - and you’ll wonder how you ever settled for anything but this. The new Sundancer 320, only from Sea Ray.

AUCKLAND BOAT SHOW 2021 AND FUTURE PLANS NZ Marine Industry Association has announced they have secured The Cloud and Shed 10 on Queens Wharf and Eastern Viaduct and adjacent water space in the Viaduct Harbour for a major Auckland Boat Show 7 to 10 October 2021.

“LOOKING AHEAD TO 2022 AND FUTURE YEARS, the NZ Marine Board of Management has approved the Boat Show Policy Committee’s recommendation to move the show back to its original March date”, says Garry Lock, President, NZ Marine Industry Association However, he added that this is subject to the MIA gaining a suitable show venue within the Viaduct Harbour/Quay St area in March 2022. “The only reason we moved from our original March date several years ago was due to the show venue not being available due to the then Volvo Ocean Race utilising all the available space,” says Lock.

The reason for the show’s proposed move to late summer/ early autumn is so that the industry can capitalise on the warmer and settled weather at that time of the year and provide sufficient lead time for exhibitors to fulfil orders taken at the show over the autumn, winter and spring period.

“A show in March also provides us the great opportunity to promote “boating as a lifestyle”, says Lock.

With the recent Viaduct Harbour expansion, including new marina and buildings for the Prada Cup and America’s Cup, the MIA are confident that this will give them facilities where boat demonstrations and boating clubs can use the water space to promote the many forms of boating.

Now available at Sports Marine

www.sportsmarine.co.nz

DB788

sales@sportsmarine.co.nz 131 Westhaven Drive, Auckland P: 09 274 9918

507 Moorhouse Ave, Waltham, Christchurch P: 03 379 9208 PowerboatMagazine.co.nz

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POWER ON The new Suzuki 115/140 BGT models are more economical and have more power than the Suzuki 115/140A models.

SUZUKI FLY BY WIRE GOES SMALLER Suzuki’s new DF115BGT and DF140BGT not only offer more power and more torque, but they also include fly by wire technology.

Suzuki Marine has unveiled two new 4-stroke outboards utilising their drive-by-wire technology typically found on larger platforms. The all-new DF115BGT and DF140BGT is the first in their class to offer Suzuki’s drive-by-wire tech in 115HP and 140HP packages. They are both still based on the 4-in-line, DOHC, fuel-injected, 2.0-litre block used for the existing 115A & 140A engines. Suzuki’s drive-by-wire technology’s reliability and precision control have been proven for years on Suzuki’s popular 150HP through 350HP models, and now the same engineering is available on smaller platforms in 2021.

PPB went to Wanganui, the home of Suzuki New Zealand, to review the first of the new BGT engines. Bolted on the transom of a Fi Glass Lightning 5.6, sea conditions on the Whanganui Bar and off the coast were calm with a minimal 36

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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

swell, so we were able to push the new Suzuki 140BGT engine to the max.

The first thing that was obvious when we left the ramp was how light and responsive the steering was, plus the engine’s quiet tone. Coupled with the silky-smooth shifting, instant throttle response and excellent fuel efficiency, the new Suzuki DF115BGT/DF140BGT engines are ahead of the game.

Graham Kennedy, Marine Dealer Executive for Suzuki NZ, says that the big difference between the 115A/140A is not only fly by wire but the new engines have upgraded compression rate of 10.6:1, giving both 2.0-litre displacement packages better acceleration and higher top speed.

By increasing the compression from 9:1 to 10.6:1 has increased the torque. This means you can run a bigger propeller with more speed and acceleration.

You have the choice of Suzuki Pearl Nebular Black or New White colour schemes.

“The increased compression ratio shows dividends from 4000 rpm and above, which is noticeable in the acceleration when you push the throttle to the stops”, says Graham.

Routine maintenance is easier as replacing the oil filter will simply involve removing the upper engine cover, which also has a new Oil Spill Catcher surrounding the oil filter mount.

So no mess to clean up when changing a filter.

There is now a water detecting system that protects the engine from water in the fuel, with an easily replaced filter.

The new engines are 8kg heavier due to the fly by wire components on the powerhead.

The gear case has been improved by optimising the gear oil passage, so the spinning pinion gear generates negative pressure, helping gear oil circulation. This designed to lower the gear oil temperature and contributes to the increased durability of the pinion gear.

“Compared to existing DF115 and DF140A engines, the DF140BGT boasts increased fuel efficiency of 5-7% across mid to high-end cruising speeds while the DF115BGT offers 5-6% improved fuel efficiency at cruising speeds”.

We ran the Suzuki 140BGT out to 6400 rpm, running a 14 x 21 3 blade stainless prop and hit the rev limiter. Back at 6000 rpm, we were still recording nearly 36.5 knots and a fuel burn of 34.7 lph / 1.1 lpnm and a range of 110 nm. At a more leisurely cruise around 3500-4000 rpm, the fuel consumption dipped to a mean 12-16 lph for around 20 knots and gave us an impressive range of 180nm.

Other improvements include a 40-amp alternator on both models that offer improved output and better charging

performance at low idle speeds - ideal for power-hungry fishing boats that spend a lot of time trolling. A redesigned cowl also incorporates a new air intake structure with improved water separation and a silencer-resonator system to attenuate engine sounds and provide a quiet boating experience at all RPM. They are available in 20-inch (L) and 25-inch (X) and Suzuki Pearl Nebular Black or New White colour schemes.

Suzuki Marine will continue to offer the existing DF115A and DF140A four-cylinder 4-stroke outboards alongside the new models. www.marine.suzuki.co.nz

FUEL & PERFORMANCE DATA Fi Glass Lightning/Suzuki 140 Fuel capacity: 140 litres RPM Knots L/h 1000 3.9 1.7 1500 5.3 2.9 2000 6.0 4.2 2500 7.1 6.5 3000 13.1 9.1 3500 17.7 11.8 4000 22.8 15.9 4500 26.6 19.8 5000 30.1 26.5 5500 33.1 34.7 6000 36.4 39.4 6400 38.0 50.3

L/NM NM 0.440 280 0.550 220 0.700 180 0.920 130 0.700 180 0.670 180 0.700 180 0.750 160 0.890 140 1.100 110 1.100 110 1.400 90

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

Add fun to cruising with dinghy exploration You can easily miss a lot when sitting aboard your boat anchored a couple of hundred metres offshore, but if you take the time to jump into your dinghy and explore the nearby coastline you’ll be well rewarded and gain a better appreciation of your anchorage, for example knowing where any rocky outcrops and shallower patches begin (keep a lead line in your dinghy to check depths).

If you have young children aboard you can make your dinghy trip a real adventure for them too as well as teaching them about about “messing about in boats”. Last but not least, surprisingly large snapper can be caught close to inshore rocks in just a couple of metres of water using floating lines and large baits, especially in the subdued light of early mornings and late afternoons.

If we’re going ashore on Hauraki Gulf island beaches we often take a small rubbish bag to gather unsightly litter although despite publicity about littered beaches we rarely find more than the odd plastic bag or container, a few bottle tops and an old jandal. Maybe other folks are regularly cleaning up beaches too?

Rangitoto Island’s Islington Bay is one of the Gulf’s most popular and sheltered anchorages and we’ve anchored here countless times during 40 years cruising.

From out in the bay Rangitoto’s rocky coastline looks much the same, but as you cruise close to shore a different world opens up of small coves and the remains of small jetties and launching ramps not visible from afar. At the northern end of the bay Rangitoto is separated from Motutapu Island by a narrow estuary heading north under a bridge into Gardiner Gap, a shallow bay separating the two islands. Within about two hours or so each side of high water this estuary is completely 38

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navigable by small dinghy, but be ready to duck going under the bridge.

Unlike Islington Bay itself the estuary has clear water and is a good place to have a swim, though watch out for rays which often glide across the bottom searching for small fish and shellfish.

Likewise Gardiner Gap is good for swimming close to high tide. If you beach your dinghy near the bridge you can walk east over the farm lands of Motutapu or follow a track around Islington Bay’s coastline. There used to

be dozens of baches here built mainly in the 1920s and 30s and these were rustic simple dwellings unlike many of today’s small mansions that people rather ironically still call baches. Many were later removed after disputes about land leases, but you can still see where they were located along with remaining chimneys and foundations. Fortunately a few baches remain reminding us how people then travelled here by ferry to enjoy their simple holidays at a slower pace of life.

Another very popular anchorage is Kawau Island’s Bon Accord Harbour.

This is particularly sheltered in easterly winds and the harbour’s depth allows anchoring well up the bay’s head between Emu Point and Moores Bay.

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

Take your dinghy on a trip into Swansea Bay on the north eastern corner up to a couple of hours either side of high water, passing through the mangroves and into the creek. It’s possible to navigate several hundred metres up this creek into a delightfully tranquil valley of bush where the only sounds are birds singing and jumping fish splashing. The water is clean and easily clear enough to see any obstructions such as submerged branches. Up this creek are several fresh water pools, ideal for a dip to wash the salt off.

If you’re visiting Coromandel Harbour a great dinghy trip is navigating the creek to Coromandel township. Anchor your vessel south-west of the Coromandel wharf and set off about an hour before high tide.

Be aware the sea can become choppy in strong westerlies so don’t overload your dinghy.

In this area life jackets must be worn, not just carried aboard and this requirement is enforced. The channel is evident and you’ll see some fairly large fishing vessels moored alongside makeshift jetties either side of the fairway. After a few hundred metres you’ll come to a bridge carrying the main road across the creek and a large area where you can beach your dinghy. The township has an eclectic mix of people and ranks as one of the most picturesque we’ve seen while providing all the cruising supplies you may need. In the old days we’d often go into the pub for a cold beer, but we’re now more inclined to have a doughnut and coffee at the bakery.

There’s also a very good takeaway offering tempting fish and chip lunches.

Don’t lose track of time though as the creek does get shallow as the tide recedes.

Enjoy your dinghy exploration and find your own favourites.

Ask any boatie who’s switched to drive-by-wire technology (SPC known as Suzuki Precision Control) and they’ll tell you the same thing – they’ll never go back to mechanical control cables. Once you’ve experienced the improved manoeuvrability, silky smooth shifting, instant throttle response and enhanced performance it offers, you’ll be a raving fan too.

To find out more about this world-first technology in 4-stroke, visit marine.suzuki.co.nz

OFFER APPLIES TO DF140BTG ONLY UNTIL 30 JUNE 2021, OR WHILE STOCKS LAST.

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TRACTA_SUZ63780_DF140BTG_PPB

DF140BTG

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

Baja Fish tacos with tomato avocado salsa While gurnard is not as strong as fish such as salmon, it does have a unique and tangible flavour. Its meaty texture holds a delicate flavour with residual earthy undertones.

INGREDIENTS • • • • •

•

• •

• • • • • • • •

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METHOD

300grm Gurnard fillets 2x tbsp. fresh lemon or 1x tbsp. fresh lime juice 2x tbsp. ground cumin 2x cups rice flour for dusting.

Cocavo Coconut Avocado, Turmeric and Lemon Zest oil for cooking Tacos (soft or crispy shell) BAJA SLAW Julienne sliced carrot, beetroot and white daikon coconut mayonnaise SALSA 2x tomatoes 1x avocado (firm) ¼ cup coriander chopped or Italian flat leaf parsley 1x spring onion finely chopped 1x small red onion finely diced (optional) sea salt to taste ½ tsp caster sugar to taste.

Juice of 1x lime or 2x tbsp. lemon juice.

Lemon or lime cheeks to garnish along with small ramekin of Thai sweet chilli sauce on the side.

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1. Place the fish fillets on a platter then drizzle over the lime or lemon juice.

2. Combine the rice flour and cumin together using a whisk, then dredge the fish fillets through this.

Set aside covered.

3. For the salsa: Quarter the tomatoes and remove the seeds then dice.

Dice the avocado into same size as tomato Combine the above in a glass bowl then add in the balance of the salsa ingredients, gently fold together so as not to mush.

4. Set aside in the fridge until ready for use.

5. Cook the fish in a non-stick fry pan in a little Cocavo Coconut Avocado, Turmeric and Lemon Zest oil until golden on one side, turn and repeat, set aside to keep warm while you cook the Tacos.

6. Warm the tacos in the oven or microwave (As Per Pkt Instructions) then place Baja Slaw top with fish fillet and Mayo 7. Garnish with coriander or Italian Parsley Lime cheeks, Thai sweet chilli sauce & Coconut Mayonnaise on the side.

Fresh Fish when not caught locally supplied by Ocean Eats Silverdale

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

y Enjo with Neudorf Tiritiri Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Fresh, crispy and tangy sauvignon blanc with bright grapefruit , guava, salty mineral and ginger flavours, the wine has appealing purity, a pleasing texture and impressive concentration.

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Cast an expert eye across all the latest for offshore sport fishing, as well as tinnies, centre consoles, walk-arounds and cabin cruisers - suited to coastal, inshore, freshwater and estuary fishing adventures.

For the thrill of the catch, there’s no better place to whet your appetite before you wet a line.

BOOK NOW AT SANCTUARYCOVEBOATSHOW.COM.AU

ELECTRONIC NEWS

C-MAP LAUNCHES NEW CHART RANGE

C-MAP has launched a re-designed, simplified charting portfolio for Lowrance, Simrad, and B&G chartplotter with C-MAP Discover & Reveal’s introduction.

Replacing the MAX-N+ range, C-MAP REVEAL charts display the very best of C-MAP. It boasts stunning seafloor and inland Shaded Relief and all the core features of C-MAP DISCOVER, including full-featured Vector Charts.

With 3D-rendered land and underwater elevation including areas of Ultra-HighRes Bathymetric imagery, previously only available in MAX-N+ Reveal, this is a game-changer for anglers and divers.

C-MAP Reveal also offers Dynamic Raster Charts, bringing a traditional paper chart look and feel, easy access to all objects on the chart, and aerial photography providing an additional level of details with thousands of photos of marinas, harbours, inlets and other notable navigational features.

REVEAL’s Satellite Overlay delivers real-world reference and enhances situational awareness for coastal navigation should you find yourself in unfamiliar surroundings.

DISCOVER charts include Custom Depth Shading. Shade contours display the highest level of information about underwater pinnacles, ledges and canyons. You can set a clear safety depth or create your own custom shading – an evergreen popular feature for fishing. www.c-map.com

RAYMARINE’S MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IDEAL FOR TRAILER BOATS The innovative new Raymarine Digital Boat Management System is proving ideal for trailer powerboats.

RAYMARINE’S NEW ANYDESK APP

The AnyDesk remote access app, one of the latest additions to the Raymarine LightHouse apps family, is proving to be a real game-changer.

Released as part of the latest LightHouse software update, AnyDesk allows support technicians to remotely access a customer’s Axiom system and quickly and efficiently diagnose and resolve issues that may otherwise require a vessel visit.

Customers connect their Axiom to the internet using a wireless network or mobile hotspot, open the AnyDesk app and provide the code to a technical support person to begin a remote session via a PC. The technician can then view their entire system in realtime, remotely perform diagnostic and system checks to quickly locate and resolve network or system issues.

The latest version of Lighthouse 3 software, v3.13.103, is now available to download at (https:// www.raymarine.eu/service-and-support/softwareupdates/mfds/lighthouse3/axiom-models.html) www.lusty-blundell.co.nz 42

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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

The Raymarine Digital Boat Management System ensures all information, including user guides, manuals, documents with manufacturers’ specifications and dates and service records, are readily available and accessible on the vessel’s MFD screen.

The latest addition to the onboard management system includes incorporating the AnyDesk App, allowing Raymarine support to dial and assess onboard issues to provide technical support remotely. This is incredibly helpful for the owner (without the need for them to store numerous hardcopy manuals onboard) and any service person who may need to access this information.

When integrated with digital switching systems such as CZone, EmpirBus or YachtSense, the Raymarine Digital Boat Management System uses rich custom graphics to provide unique monitoring of all connected onboard systems. Owners can quickly check how much “juice” is left in their trolling motor or house batteries or how much fuel or water is in their tanks. They can also control all their pumps, turn on and off lights and access their stereo system, all from their MFD screen.

The Raymarine Digital Boat Management System will be on display on the Lusty & Blundell stand, with regular demonstrations of how it works, at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show in Auckland in May. www.lusty-blundell.co.nz.

JUICE LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES ACHIEVE NMEA 2000

TURN UP YOUR FISHING GAME WITH THE NEW AXIOM+

A New Zealand made Lithium-Ion marine battery now ticks even more boxes in the ‘must have’ category, following its certification under NMEA 2000.

Endorsement by the NMEA 2000 standard confirms that Enertec Marine’s ‘Juice’ branded Pro series battery integrates seamlessly with other certified products such as CZone, Raymarine and Simrad.

This certified technology allows information from the Juice batteries to be displayed on these compatible third-party screens, allowing for more accessible information gathering and ease of monitoring out on the water. The NMEA 2000 is the ‘plug and play’ communications standard that connects marine sensors with your vessel’s display units.

«We›re excited to add another beneficial functionality to our Juice battery, which is already one of the best performers on the market,» says Enertec co-owner Jeremy Peacock.

Identifying a gap in the market for top quality Lithium-Ion batteries, Enertec Marine brought the Juice Pro series from R&D to market, creating what they consider to be the industry gold standard. They are designed and manufactured in New Zealand. www.juicelithium.co.nz www.enertecmarine.com

HYDROTOUGH™ DISPLAY

MAXIMUM VISIBILITY

Nano-coated, impact-resistant glass screen repels water, oil, and smudges for better viewing and accurate touch controls in all conditions

Now up to 25% brighter with IPS display technology delivering charts, sonar, radar and video in stunning colour and higher resolution than ever before

PERFORMANCE TUNED

SIMPLY POWERFUL

Powerful quad-core processor, increased built-in storage and ClearCruise™ Augmented Reality-capable

Better chart plotting with enhanced GPS and built-in RealVision 3D Sonar

CTEK’S POWER FREE CHARGER

CS Free delivers portable battery charging in just 15mins, with no power source.

VIEW THE RANGE AT THE HUTCHWILCO BOAT SHOW, STANDS 297 & 298 IN HALL 2, AND THE RAYMARINE CARAVAN AT EX461

Auckland - 09 415 8303 Tauranga - 07 927 9270 Whangarei - 09 438 6353 LAB0484

CTEK’s new CS FREE portable battery charger can recharge a flat battery in just 15 minutes, even when nowhere near a power outlet. A “must-have” for boaties (especially those with only a single battery onboard) and vehicle owners, CS FREE, use a plug-in detachable DC clamp cable to quickly and easily connect to the battery connection points.

CTEK’s innovative Adaptive Boost technology then automatically works out the quickest and safest way to power up and protect the battery so that, in just 15 minutes, it will have enough power to restart the engine.

Unlike most’ boosters’, CS FREE is sensitive to the state of the battery and supplies just enough charge to get the boat or vehicle going, avoiding damage to the battery and the electronics. With an internal battery that, when fully charged, will remain charged and ready to use for up to a year, CS FREE can be charged up and powered using solar power or a 12v battery and used for maintenance charging. www.lusty-blundell.co.nz.

WWW.LUSTY-BLUNDELL.CO.NZ PowerboatMagazine.co.nz

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ROGER'S RAMBLINGS with Roger Tweddell

Antifoul – foul release wraps T

he current protection method for most boats is to use antifoul paint, with hundreds of brands and many different types of antifoul paint. They range from highly ablative and self-polishing to very hard types. Antifoul paints are used almost universally, from small boats to the biggest ships. Almost all antifoul paints run out of marine growth-killing capability in the space of 2 or 3 years, depending on the conditions they are operating in.

There are also high build copper-resin mixes with an extended life and can last as long as 10 years. These behave much like antifoul paint with resin eroding overtime to expose copper oxide to give a biocidal effect.

Over the last 20 years or so, siliconbased foul release coatings have been developed. Expensive relative to antifoul paints but popular for running gear such as props, rudders, shafts, struts and trim tabs. Propspeed is probably the best example on the market.

These silicone foul release coatings, while performing exceptionally well, are reasonably sensitive and need reapplication every 2 or 3 years.

There is now another alternative, foul

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release wraps. There are questions with paints about the release of toxins in the environment, although research suggests little or no impact on biology except on the paint surface. Instead of the biocidal action of releasing toxins through a paint matrix, foul release wraps have a silicon surface making it difficult for marine growth to adhere to it. Foul release wraps have the potential to last much longer than antifoul paint. The wrap is much the same as the type used to create graphics for your car or boat and is applied in much the same way. It is a much heavier and more durable vinyl purpose-designed for the task.

Expert preparation is required with considerable work to the underwater substrate to remove all the old coatings to create a stable surface.

Then a unique epoxy base coat is applied to allow for good adhesion of the wrap. It is applied in sheets with purpose created sealers and glues to secure the edges and joins.

Silicon wraps may seem to be the logical progression from silicon paints allowing the whole bottom of the boat to be covered at a reasonably economical cost. Manufacturers claim life span can be as long as seven years,

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

although this has not been well tested due to the newness to the market.

Maintenance appears to be low with just regular hull washing or wiping down. Damage is relatively easy to repair with patching a simple process.

The wrap will last several seasons with regular cleaning, balancing the high initial cost against not having to sand and reapply antifoul paint every year or two. Antifoul paints also create a buildup of expired resins over the years, creating a need for complete removal every 10 to 20 years. Foul release wraps may be more expensive in the short term, but over time could prove to a more cost-beneficial alternative.

Environmentalists might also claim they are better for the planet. The downside is that, unlike antifoul paints, there does not seem to be the variety of different types to allow for targeted performance according to the range of marine conditions that boats encounter or the uses they are put to. Also is not a DYI exercise requiring expert applicators and precise installation.

Currently, there are only a couple of applicators offering foul release wrap in New Zealand.

ISLAND GYPSY 400 L u x u r y t w i n ca b i n f i t o u t

NZ Dealer Wanted

• Diesel shaft drive • Full keel protection • Generator • Air conditioning • Bow and stern thrusters

NEWPORT 460 NEWPORT MOTOR YACHTS

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FISHING

with Bruce Duncan (aka Captain Swish)

How many fish do you kill?

The debate will go on forever about the actual survival rate of fish that get released, but no matter what the truth is, we all need to address how fish are handled for the future generation’s sake.

T

hink about this, most of us would catch, on average, at least one undersized fish each time we go fishing, and by all accounts, 90 % of badly handled fish released die within a week or two. So if we all go fishing only twice a year, two fish each of us will kill, now think that over a million people fish the total number of undersize fish that die in one year alone will be over two million fish!

Scary stuff and this is why I get so bloody angry when I see a boatload of people dragging in undersize fish one after another only to rip the hook out and toss the fish as high in the air and as far away from the boat as possible, with a comment like “that will teach you not to steal my bait “.

Many people think that just because the fish they released swam away quickly, it will survive, yet if there is a shag close by, they will dive down and nail it. I have seen countless shags catch sprats, spotties and small flounder, but never have I seen a shag come up with a snapper he has on his own. Why is it that a fish that is not the shags natural prey is so easily caught after you have released it? What struck home and gave me a greater understanding was when I had released a snapper around the 35cm mark that I had caught in less than 3m of water close in on very rocky kelp strewn shore. This fish came on board, was handled with a wet towel, and easily de hooked as it was just in the lip. Lowered [not dropped or tossed] over the side, it swam directly into to kelp at speed.

Around twenty minutes later, a shag showed up and realising he wasn’t getting a free feed from me, he moved into the shore to hunt. The next thing I noticed was he had a snapper [ obviously the one I had released] in his beak, taking a good ten minutes to get it down his throat. I was amazed that there was a good size snapper that was carefully released yet unable to outswim and manoeuvre a shag in amongst the rocks and kelp. This proves that despite its careful release, the snapper was distressed and in shock, so unable to defend itself.

What chance then does a fish that has been mistreated have?

Virtually none, as shags are only one predator they face, and other factors now come into play. Fish swim in neutral buoyancy, so never do they have any pressure applied to any part of their bodies, so what is the impact on their internal organs when being held and squeezed in the gut cavity? I would imagine it would be like me jumping onto someone’s stomach from a great height, with them not being able to seek any medical help. Some may survive, but the recovery will be long and slow.

To give all fish that are released the best chance of survival starts with using big hooks to minimise the possibility of gut hooking. Hooks 7/0 or larger are far easier to get a firm grip and to apply pressure in reverse to the shape of the hook to release it.

"the snapper was distressed and in shock, so unable to defend itself."

Holding the fish in the right way will reduce its movements.

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Please do not use stainless steel hooks as, firstly, they are not that sharp and blunt very easily. Some fish I have caught that have had stainless hooks in them were in Slaby condition with ugly ulcerations around the wound. A lot of marine growth on the trace indicated the fish had broken off the angler many months before it was caught again.

Chemically sharpened hooks are mostly made from a finer diameter gauge wire. They appear to dissolve far quicker, especially at the point. One fish I recently caught showed fresh bruising with little flesh damage, indicating it had not long been hooked, yet the barb was well in the process of dissolving.

Holding the fish in the right way to reduce its movements and the chance of it slipping from your grip and being dropped is critical and should always be done with a damp rag. Hold the fish by the trace lowering it onto a hand covered with a damp rag with your thumb and forefinger wide apart, so you grip the fish upside down as this reduces them from kicking. Grip the fish’s head between the thumb and forefinger at the top of the gill plate where it is hard and bony not to harm any flesh or organs, lower the fish into the water, releasing the fish the right way up. The evidence of how easily a fish is bruised is when you take the fillets of fish that were just dropped into a bin to flap around till dead. Large dark red areas of flesh that quickly goes soft will be evident, so think of the unseen damage a misshandled fish has to contend with to recover.

Should a fish be gut hooked rather than trying to remove it, which only risks more trauma and damage, lower it close to the water and cut the line as close to the mouth as possible.

Over a lifetime of fishing, I have caught many fish that have survived with severe signs of miss handling from deformed jaws to loss of an eye, and in each case, if it is in good condition, I rerelease it. It is my way of thinking they deserve another chance.

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B O AT R E V I E W

UNLESS YOU OWN ONE, YOU WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND! TEXT BY BARRY THOMPSON

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Cover Story

GRADY-WHITE 330 EXPRESS

A slogan wrapped around a Grady-White logo on a T-Shirt says it all. Unless you own one, you will never understand. How true, and after experiencing another example of the brand, the very latest 330 Express, I can relate 100% to that catchphrase.

W

The 330 Express is based on the award-winning SeaV2 hull.

hen you receiving the NMMA CSI Award for Top Customer Satisfaction Ranking 19 years in a row, you have to admit that Grady-White is doing something right. Thanks to the energetic Stuart Arnold, Grady-White boats have been coming into New Zealand for seven years. His Tairua based Marine Imports Company has delivered more than 60 boats and, like every other boat dealer currently in a situation where he is unable to supply a new boat for at least 12 months due to huge demand both here and the USA. “We have never seen anything like this, it is unprecedented, and I find it hard to tell people they have to wait so long for a new boat, but that’s the same for any popular brand, so they have no other choice”, says Stuart.

The Grady-White 330 Express that I reviewed was the first I have been aboard, but not the first reviewed by the magazine. In 2020, we ran a fishing-based report on a 330 Express, but the new 2021 model this time around is an even better boat with a lot of new innovative features.

While the set-up is unquestionably about serious fishing, there is a decent emphasis on cruising, giving the 330 Express a much broader appeal.

Our 330 was the eleventh Stuart has sold to Kiwi clients, and he says he has more on order. He loves the model so much he has ordered one for himself.

“I reckon this is the best boat in the range, and it is going to suit my wife and my needs as a platform for our diving, fishing and cruising”.

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GRADY-WHITE 330 EXPRESS

While the well-proven 100% hand-laid SeaV2 hull has been retained, the topsides have undergone a redesign, and the 330 is now available in three hardtop variants; open with split-screen and clears, wrap-around with solid screens and the new AV2 top. The AV2 hardtop enclosure was designed for the 370 Express and was so popular the company has rejigged it to fit the smaller 330 Express. This includes an all-aluminium frame with a full width ventilated tinted safety glass windshield and side windows. Fitted into the grp hardtop is an electromechanically sliding sunroof w/screen and shade, storage net, LED spreader lights, six tricoloured (red, blue, white) LED recessed lights, four side-mounted rod holders and outrigger plates.

This is finished off with a SureShade electrically retractable shade with Sunbrella canvas. The aft area can also be completely enclosed with a trio of drop-down canvas sections.

You only have to look at the high bow flare, and chine angle to know this boat is going to give you a great dry ride in almost any sea state.

A well-equipped and easy to use galley.

The huge forward master has excellent storage under.

WHEELHOUSE

The helm essentially remains unchanged over the previous 330, but with a few subtle design changes. If you run a pair of Simrad MFDs, you are restricted to a couple of 12” screens, but if you opt for Garmin or Furuno, you can go up to a pair 50

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of 16”. All this is displayed on a retractable dash that can be set at any level. Dropped right down to completely conceal your screens when not in use for extra security or conversely raised and folded back for ease of entry to the back of the displays if they need to be accessed.

The fit and finish of everything are well-thoughtout, from the drink holders to the universal cordless fast phone charger and all displays and switches’ positioning. It is a testimony to the extremely high standard throughout the boat. There’s also plenty of handy storage spaces around the wheelhouse.

This 330 Express was also the first boat into New Zealand to have the New Yamaha EX complete Helm Master full manoeuverability system with full remote control, integrated autopilot, built-in GPS, Joystick controller, Stay Point, Fish Point, Drift Point and a host of new features all connected to Twin XTO V8 425hp motors.

I was keen to test out the new EX system’s capabilities, so we put in a waypoint and let the autopilot do all the work. When we arrived at the destination, a harbour marker, the boat stopped and maintained a position on the spot all by itself.

An excellent feature that is perfect for anyone fishing over deep canyons.

“It makes docking, slow manoeuvring or getting

into a fuel berth, especially if there is a crosswind so easy. This can be an issue for a high-profile boat such as the 330 Express and means there is less chance of any possible damage to the boat”, says Stuart.

The new model 330 Express has had the shore power upgraded from 16 amp to 32 amp, and there is an encapsulated 8kW Panda diesel genset complete with an 85-litre diesel fuel tank. All the batteries are AGM, plus a 50-amp battery charger is included in the list of the standard items.

Helm seating is more than just the usual twin forward bucket seats. The 300 Express has a central adjustable contoured helm chair with deluxe cushioning and flip-up bolster, plus further seating on either side. To starboard are a pair of single fore-aft facing seats, with an infill to make a small lounger and opposite another single seat with a hinged panel to convert to another short lounger. A perfect use of space and extremely practical.

FISHING COCKPIT

While on the subject of seating, the cockpit has been given a bit of a revamp also. While the previous 330 had a single foldaway aft bench seat, the new model has an extra one added to the starboard side.

Another new feature on the 330 is the additional port side cockpit door, which is a great feature when boarding from a dock. It also comes with a separate four-step ladder which is a plus for divers getting back aboard away from the engines, and the gap is wide enough to drag in a gamefish.

Storage. Well, how much do you want? The 330 Express has it in abundance. There are drawers dedicated to fishing tackle, rod racks, a storage net for lifejackets, and wet lockers for your fish and bait. Whatever you bring aboard, there’s sure to be somewhere on the 330 Express to stow it. A neat feature is the large fully insulated livewell builtin under the starboard seating. This comes with a patented Grady plenum that thoroughly aerates the entire water column, so the fish don’t get beaten up while they await their fate. There’s even a blue light to calm them down. This space can also be used as an ice bin if you are not running live baits.

The self-draining cockpit sole has six scuppers to dispel any water quickly, and there is a reinforced pad in the centre should you want to mount a game chair or stand up leaning post. Across the transom is a huge fully insulated fish bin/wet locker and is available as an option with a Dometic fridge/ freezer.

The raised helm area is a perfect use of space and extremely practical.

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GRADY-WHITE 330 EXPRESS

CRUISER CABIN

The new side door access is a great feature.

The styling below decks is flawless and conceived to offer as much comfort and homely appeal as is possible in the space available. Not much has changed since we looked at the previous model, with a massive forward berth with deep storage drawers under and a separate aft cabin beneath the cockpit sole. You can lower the dining table to convert the space into another single berth, which gives dedicated sleeping areas for six inside.

The galley is equipped with a dual Kenyon cooktop, convection microwave, Isotherm fridge/ freezer and copious storage areas for all your galley needs. You have the option of a cockpit bbq and additional cockpit fridge if you prefer to do all your cooking outside.

Grady-White has not skimped on the size of the head/shower with over 2m headroom, and someone my size would indeed not be pinched for space when showering. It’s a total wet room, with Blue LED lighting adding a nice touch.

The cockpit seats fold away when not required.

Twin Yamaha 425XTOs give the 300 Express an impressive 46 plus knots top speed.

The foredeck sunpad is a new addition to the 330 Express.

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PERFORMANCE

This magazine and others have written a lot about the Grady-White range of boats’ outstanding performance, and the 330 is one of the best of them.

The 330 is based on the award-winning SeaV2 hull, a continuously variable vee that delivers a soft and stable ride. The vee sharpens from the transom to the bow stem with 20 degrees of deadrise at the transom and around 30 degrees amidships. The two strakes and the chine of the SeaV² hull cut through the water, providing lift, stability and a dry ride.

Although the day I ran the boat on Auckland harbour was calm, I did appreciate how the hull tracks as if the boat is on rails and holds on tight in the turns, without an excessive heel. You only have to look at the high bow flare, freeboard and chine angle to know this boat is going to give you a great dry ride in almost any sea state. Interestingly the SeaV2 hull is designed for Grady-White by C. Raymond Hunt Associates, the originators of the modified vee.

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GRADY-WHITE 330 EXPRESS

Boat Design Name Grady-White 330 Express | Builder Grady-White Boats | LOA 10.21m | Beam 3.53m | Deadrise 20° | Construction Hand laid GRP | Displacement 4817kg (with twin engines) | Fuel Capacity 1253 ltr | Engines Outboard Only | Test Power 2 x Yamaha 425XTO | Propellers 16 5/8 X 19 XTO SDS | Power Options 2 or 3 Yamaha 300hp or 425XTO | Max Speed 46 knots | Weight As Tested 6854kg | MFD Simrad | Trim Tabs Bennett | Generator Fisher Panda | Sounds Fusion | Underwater Lights Lumitec | Priced From $NZ725,000 | Price as Tested $NZ800,000 plus | Contact Grady-White Boats, New Zealand | Ph +64 275365346 | www.gradywhite.co.nz | www.gradywhite.com FUEL & PERFORMANCE DATA RPM Knots L/h 1000 4.9 14 1500 6.7 20.5 2000 7.9 31 2500 8.9 49 3000 15.3 60.5 3500 23.5 84.0 3800 26.6 99.5 4000 28.8 110 4500 33.5 140 5000 37.7 175 5500 41.5 228 6100 46.1 293 54

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L/NM 2.900 380 3.100 360 4.000 280 5.600 200 4.000 280 3.600 310 3.800 290 3.900 280 4.200 260 4.700 230 5.500 200 6.400 170

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

The seat extensions are a cool touch.

This massive locker can be used as a fish bin or turned into a fridge/freezer.

With a pair of Yamaha 425XTOs, I saw a top speed of 46 knots, and that was from a fully loaded boat with three crew and 1200 plus litres (3000kgs) of fuel. Stuart says that with a half fuel load, he has seen around 50 knots on the GPS. The optimum cruise is around 3500-3800 rpm, giving the 330 Express a range of approximately 300nm. If you plan to do a lot of trolling, thanks to the Yamaha EX system, you can drop the rpm way down, so you are only running a few knots. At 1000 rpm, the speed is around 4.5-5 knots, with a miserly fuel burn of 14 lph and a range of 380nm.

OWNER APPROVAL

Our test boat was destined for a new Grady-White client in Tutukaka who plans for both family boating and serious game fishing.

According to Stuart, he is typical of most Grady-White owners.

“All the clients I have sold 330 Express boats too are experienced boat owners who know what they want and know that GradyWhite can deliver that and more. I have never had a customer say they didn’t like their boat, and all come back to me with accolades about the boat being even better than they ever imagined, especially in the rough water. Nourishment not punishment to me sums up boating in a Grady-White,” says Stuart.

It seems like the T-Shirt slogan was right- Unless You Own One You Will Never Understand.

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Family Heritage IMAGES BY CHRIS LEWIS

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Saga has been in the Hogan family for three

generations, and now after 70 years, it is back in the

water and running as sweet as the day it was launched.

Barry Thompson went to Wanaka to be amongst the first to experience the relaunching of this timeless classic.

Although put in the water several years ago it was not fully completed, until now.

Saga is a tribute to the Hogan family and Garth›s dedication to retaining as much of his family history as possible.

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T

he story of Saga is not just about the boat, but it›s also about the family that has owned it for over three decades and the engine that powers it.

Currently owned by Garth Hogan, grandson of the designer and builder of the boat, Ted Hogan. The 5.5m Saga was built in 1951 by shipwright EB (Ted) Hogan, who worked for both Vos & Brijs and Baileys Shipyard in Auckland›s hub of boatbuilding at the time, Freemans Bay. «He always insisted on telling me he was a shipwright and not a boat builder as he reckoned a shipwright repaired boats as opposed to a boat builder who built them,» remarked Garth.

However, he actually also built boats, including a large bridge decker called Rosalie, in which he won a trophy in 1918 at the Auckland Regatta and Saga. As the original boat had no name, - that Garth can recall – he named it Saga in memory of one of his father’s flathead powered hydroplanes. Construction was carvel planking using second-hand kauri and copper nails with rovings. It originally had a wooden framed glass screen, but that has since been replaced with a retro metal framed style.

The boat was built mainly as a family runabout, but it also became a regular at speedboat racing when used as the start boat.

When Ted passed away, son Ron took over the boat, and it languished, unloved and uncared for, for many years, at Ron’s towing yard in

(Clockwise from Left) The dash features an aircraft magneto switch.

Steering is through a steering box and Morse cable.

The same seating style was retained but with new upholstery.

Our tow vehicle very appropriate, a 1948 Lincoln Continental.

The origional scaled down patterns that were made to build the boat Saga on her first run on Lake Wanaka.

Garth explains the principle of the dual magneto to Barry.

Garth describes the engine as ‘a piece of work’ and would be any Ford flathead aficionado’s envy.

Saga has, since day one, only been powered by a flathead Ford V8.

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Pt Chev. Ron’s love was more for building speedway cars and making them go fast.

He didn’t have the time to restore the old runabout, so about 20 years ago, son Garth took it home.

Garth was keen to see his grandfather’s boat back on the water, but the very dilapidated hull needed serious rebuilding, so Garth sent the boat to Tim Cant, an old school boatbuilder at Pahi, on the shores of the Kaipara Harbour.

He took some rot out of the bow section and repaired any broken ribs and stringers and rebuilt the interior and deck structure which was missing.

When the boat was built, it had a timber deck with canvas stretched over. The canvas was coated with a thick sediment of a linseed oil/ paint mix and held fast with wooden beltings and copper clouts. This had long since rotted away, so a new deck was needed. A teak and honey oak deck was built based on the same dimensions as the previous one. It’s not exactly the same, but it’s the next best thing and is in keeping with the boat’s original profile.

Everything about the twin cockpit layout has been retained apart from the addition of a couple of paddles and a fire-extinguisher. You just never know what’s going to happen in a boat that’s 70 years old.

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The twin cockpit layout is classic ‘50s runabout.

by a flathead Ford V8. When first launched 70 years ago, it had a stock 85hp 1937 Ford flathead through a vee drive with a rudimentary automotive clutch. Ron Hogan, Ted’s son, was a brilliant engineer and even made the gearbox’s reverse drive. While the standard for a V drive in those days was to use tapered helical cut gears, which required a thrust bearing, Ron used herringbone gears out of a Morris truck for what is essentially a return drive.

Ron was the guru when it came to flathead Ford V8s, and his higherperformance heads were legendary.

Ron designed and manufactured these for the early Ford and Lincoln Zephyr/ Continental Flathead engines in the 1950s. The Fords were V8’s and the Lincolns V12’s.

When Garth took ownership of the boat and had all the timber rebuilding done, his next move was to repower Saga. Naturally, it could be nothing else but a Ford V8 flathead.

“I replaced the stock 1937 with a 1946 Mercury, complete with a stroker crank, big bore pistons and my father’s dual ignition heads, dual ignition magneto/ distributor, plus twin carb intake manifold”, says Garth. In standard form, Garth says the engines were about 100hp, with the new engine 60

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in Saga closer to 150hp. The engine was also increased from 239cuin to 276cuin.

Garth describes the engine as ‘a piece of work’ and would be any Ford flathead aficionado’s envy. The heads on Saga’s flathead V8 are the only dual ignition flatheads ever made from bronze.

“Dad used to make the heads from aluminium, which he melted down from dismantled parts off V12 Allison aircraft engines, which he brought for 5 pounds, but when they were used in a marine situation and raw water-cooled, they suffered from bad corrosion in the water jackets and only lasted 12 months”, says Garth.

The solution was to cast them from bronze, which he did for a customer sometime in the mid-50s, but he never made them anymore. Garth knew of these one-off heads and, by sheer luck, managed to track them down to a guy in New Plymouth who was willing to let Garth have them at a price.

“Such was the rarity of heads and the fact that I wanted them so bad, I swapped them for a second-hand small block Chev”, adds Garth.

The dual magneto is also unique and was built using an Allison V12 magneto and ignition, which Ron made for a speedway car. Garth tracked down the

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

car and brought it so that he could get the ignition. He also sourced a genuine Hogan intake manifold and even a pair of Ron’s handmade exhaust manifolds.

When preparing the engine for the boat, instead of the automotive clutch, which provided forward drive only, a Paragon reverse gear was added making launching and retrieving a little easier.

“The boat is in memory of my grandfather, and the engine is in memory of my father. He probably knew more about flathead Ford V8s and how to get the best out of them than anyone. When we went to Bonneville in 2006 and broke the flathead powered roadster speed record (stood at 154mph), it was a lot of Ron’s technology, especially the dual ignition, that we used to get us to 189mph, a record that still stands”, says Garth.

Saga is a tribute to the Hogan family and Garth›s dedication to retaining as much of his family history as possible. If you want to have a close look over Saga, then it now resides in the Warbirds and Wheels Museum, in Wanaka, although who knows, on a good day, you may see it gracing the waters of Lake Wanaka with a very proud Garth behind the wheel.

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B O AT R E V I E W

SILENT CRUISER TEXT BY CARLY SISSON & BARRY THOMPSON

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BACK COVE 39O

The 39O is the second outboard model from Back Cove and follows the successful 34O, which has achieved world-wide acclaim.

It is also the fastest and quietest Back Cove model yet.

The 39O has a top speed of an impressive and ultra-quiet 44 knots.

T

here is a growing trend, especially in the US, for multiple outboards on cruising style sedan boats and the Back Cove 39O is one of the new breed. Built by Maine based Back Cove Yachts, the 39O is an outstanding example of this new boating genre.

While Kiwis and Aussies are not fully in-tune with running triple or quadruple outboards, in the US it is commonplace. Plus if your transom is wide enough for, five or even six outboards, then why not. The just released Mercury V12/600 and the Cox and OXE 300hp diesel outboards are prime candidates for the transoms of larger and heavier boats.

Back Cove have been represented in Australia and New Zealand since 2006 when E-Marine Motor Yachts, headed by Sydney-based Jed Elderkin showed off a Back Cove 29 at the SIBS. This was followed by a Back Cove 26 as those were the only two models built at that time.

The 26 sold at the 2007 Sanctuary Cove Show and Back Cove then introduced the new 33 and followed with the 37. All models sold well in Australia and continue to have high demand and command exceptional resale values on the pre-owned market to this day.

In 2009, the Sabre brand was added and between the two brands E-Marine Motor Yachts have delivered over 55 new boats in the Aus/NZ market.

“The addition of an outboard model in 2019

by Back Cove has resulted in a changed buyer demographic for the brand to a degree. Given the traditional Down East style of all Back Cove models, many buyers have mistakenly slotted the brand into the slow boat, displacement style cruiser fold, despite the single shaft drive models all having continuous efficient cruise speeds in excess of 20 knots”, says Jed.

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BACK COVE 39O

Classic styling with modern power.

An impressive helm with exceptional allround viewing.

Now, with outboard power and completely new hull form beneath the waterline, cruising in excess of 30 knots is comfortable and quiet with sports car like handling and remarkable efficiency. The first Back Cove 34O into Australia will be on display at the 2021 SCIBS.

DOWNEAST STYLE

Their signature Downeast style and built in Maine by more than 200 of the most accomplished craftspeople in the industry. Our Design Team is committed to the concept of the owner-as-operator and thoughtfully creates yachts that fulfill the discerning boater’s need for independence, reliability, and comfort. The results are undeniable; classically beautiful boats that are both practical and elegant.

The current range of Back Cove yachts spans from

9m to 12.5m feet in length, and have won awards and acclaim the world over. While individually unique, the Back Cove range shares key features that set them above the pack: practical designs that give owners confidence on the water, elegant living spaces for maximized comfort, energetic yet fuel efficient performance, and a quiet ride.

The 39O is the second outboard model from Back Cove, following the 34O, which debuted in 2018.

With around 50 34O on the water, Back Cove has gathered extensive feedback from its customers that it incorporated into the larger model, and while both the 34- and 39-foot models feature entirely new hull designs specific to outboard propulsion, the 39O is truly a new build.

On the 34O, Back Cove utilised a lot of the same tooling from the Back Cove 32, which is an inboard model, in order to accelerate bringing that boat to market, but with the 39O, everything from the keel to the hardtop is brand new.

BIG IS BETTER

Perhaps the most significant change is the sheer increase in space; with only 1.52m of additional length, the 39O has added a second stateroom with twin berths, as well as a lower saloon safe from prying eyes. A family of four should have no trouble spending a weekend aboard.

The cockpit also feels exceptionally spacious, with fore- and aft-facing bench seats making this an ideal space for entertaining. Among the other new design elements is a fully enclosable, climate-controlled saloon helm with lounge seating, dinette and a compact galley. On our finger-numbing sea trial, we were particularly thankful for this space.

Rolling through no wake zones at 5 knots, the 39O 64

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is near silent, allowing us to fully appreciate the scenery. We quickly accelerate into the 40-knot range. Even at speed, she is remarkably quiet, a trait that did not occur by accident.

Standard power is triple Suzuki DF350, with our test boat running the optional triple Mercury 400 Verado package. These gave the 39O a top speed of an impressive and ultra-quiet 44 knots and range of around 200nm. Best cruise was at 5000 rpm which saw figures of 33.9 knots, using 185 lph/5.5nmpl and a range of approximately 320 nm.

“It’s the fastest and the quietest Back Cove we’ve ever built because of how we have the outboards so far aft and the enclosed helm,” says Jamie Bloomquist, national sales manager at Back Cove.

From inside the helm station, it is easy to tune out the roar from the triple 400-hp Mercury Verados.

The hull is also remarkably stable, and combined with the sound mitigation, you’d nearly forget you are sitting on a boat if it weren’t for the passing scenery.

The Back Cove proves easy to maneuver at low speeds and is a breeze to moor and bring into a dock. On an open boat, this would be an abridged cruising day at best, but the enclosed helm allows us to extend the day in an already extended season.

Jumping off the boat onto a floating dock to grab some drone footage allows us to utilise one of the other new features on the 39O: port and starboard transom gates, which diverge from the centerline transom door on the 34O and all other Back Cove models. Disembarking and boarding the boat is easy, even with the outboards lifted out of the

water. And if the dock is too tall to board from the swim platform, there is a vertical grab rail at the aft end of the hardtop that makes it easy to board amidships. These considerations make the vessel even more family-friendly, as has the added space in the interior.

With the sun beginning to rapidly set, we board the boat once again and turn back for home, more appreciative than ever for the enclosed helm now that any semblance of warmth has been swept away by the breeze. Once out of the cove and into the river, we comfortably push the Back Cove to a top end speed of just over 40 knots, more than zippy enough to reach the dock before the last light disappears.

And the boat made quite an impression along the way; Back Cove had already sold 16 models when we went to press. “When we came out with the 34O, that was new territory for us. We didn’t have a lot of information about what the potential was for a cruising model with an enclosed helm deck,” says Bloomquist. “We gathered a ton of feedback from that first owner group.” The 39O attracted the attention of boaters moving up from smaller models, downsizing from larger cruising yachts and even considering Back Cove for the first time now that the builder offers outboard propulsion. So, with all of this newfound interest, will the builder be expanding the line in the future?

“There are several different sketches for additional outboard models,” Bloomquist says. “I would not rule it out.” Right now, there are no concrete plans or timelines, as the 39O seemingly falls into a sweet spot in the balance between speed and

A spacious and very inviting interior greets you when you step inside.

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BACK COVE 39O The 39O has an extra second stateroom with twin berths.

The 2 cabin layout has the master forward.

fuel consumption. That is not to say that there will never be a larger outboard model, and if the upgrades made to the 39O based on feedback from the 34O are any indication, future models should only continue to improve.

I am envious of our captain for getting to spend the night aboard. The climate-controlled helm station having proven itself against the elements, I would be happy to settle onto a berth for the night, even as the temperature continues to fall. But this is only a brief visit to my hometown, where normally I would be preparing to spend more time with the approaching holiday season.

With COVID-19 cases on the rise and forcing us all to hunker down in our homes, however, the Back Cove provided a brief excuse to return, if only for a day. Selfishly, there is nowhere I would rather enjoy the newest model in what has already become a standout line. She may be the last remaining boat at the dock tonight, but in such a tumultuous year, when the water provides the only true escape from the grim realities ashore, why stop now?

Model Back Cove 39O | Priced From $USD675,000 Price As Tested $USD696100 | Type Hardtop Construction Alloy 5mm/3mm | Displacement 12000 kgs | LOA 13.12m | LOH 11.96m | Beam 4.14m | Draft 0.91m | Power 3 x Mercury Verado 400 | Power Options Outboard Only | Propellers Merc 14.6 X 16” Rev. 4 | Tab Zipwake Interceptors | Fuel Capacity 1968 litres | Contact E Marine Motor Yachts, Ph +61 417200165, jed@emarine.com.au, www.emarine.com.au

FUEL & PERFORMANCE DATA RPM Knots L/h 600 3.0 7.2 1000 4.7 13.6 1500 6.8 20.5 2000 8.7 31.5 2500 10.6 50.3 3000 14.3 71.5 3500 17.7 99.1 4000 22.0 122.3 4500 29.1 155 5000 33.9 185 5600 37.5 224.4 6000 41.0 306 6500 44.0 418 66

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L/NM 2.400 730 2.900 610 3.100 570 3.700 470 4.800 360 5.000 350 5.600 310 5.600 310 5.400 320 5.500 320 6.000 290 7.500 230 9.500 180

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

The 39O falls into a sweet spot in the balance between speed and fuel consumption.

The Back Cove

Downeast & Fast

It’s time for some family fun!

A new class of outboard powered cruising boat with sumptuous accommodations, an on-deck galley and cockpit seating for all of your guests.

34O & 390 Outboard • 37 & 41 Inboard Diesel

Sports car like handling and exhilarating performance will add enjoyment to your long range cruise or your day trip to the beach.

Back Cove Yachts • 23 Merrill Dr. • Rockland, ME 04841• 207-594-8844 • backcoveyachts.com E Marine Motor Yachts • Clontarf Marina • 1 Sandy Bay Rd. • Clontarf, NSW 2093 • +61 417 200 165 • emarine.com.au

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SUPER TENDER Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders recently launched their first Catalyst quad powered super yacht tender.

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Four 300hp Yamaha outboards are good for 45 knots.

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The electronics suite is extensive.

A custom feature is the narrowed offset cabin creating massive deck space for sail storage and superyacht maintenance tasks.

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aunched last month T/T Skorpios is the latest custom superyacht tender from Auckland’s Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders.

Constructed as a high-end yacht support tender, this customised Catalyst’s design genesis lies in the high-performance chase boats of Emirates Team New Zealand, previously built by Salthouse Boatbuilders.

Since 2019 the ever-popular Catalyst has found a new home with LSB. T/T Skorpios is a multifunctional support tender but her primary roles are as a chase boat and weight reduction for her mothership S/Y Skorpios, a 38m high performance superyacht currently under construction in Finland. A Catalyst straight from the mould is 13.7m where as T/T Skorpios has been extended to 15.3m (12.73m LWL) to create additional cockpit space and room for holding tanks inside her hulls. Sahe also houses the motherships anchor and custom fairlead in the transom between the hulls, with a chain box in the cockpit. The 160kg anchor can be deployed via a Maxwell winch from the tender and attached to the mothership creating significant weight savings by carrying her 400kgs of chain. She also holds an additional 500 litres of water and 1000 litres of diesel including a highspeed fuel transfer system. |

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

Engel 40 Litre

Your Boat Deserves

Combi Fridge / Freezer Engel’s latest addition

This new model is a new combination Fridge and Freezer, with added features including the removable internal divider and thermostatically controlled fan.

The MT-V45F gives three versatile configurations; option 1

Freezer 16 litres / Fridge 23 Litres (total 39 Litres) option 2

Freezer 22Litres / Fridge 17 litres (total 39 Litres) option 3

Refrigerator Only

(Divider removed total 40 Litres)

• Fully customizable for logos and designs • Exceptional wet and dry traction • Under foot comfort and shock absorbent • Protects against scratches, chips and dents • Sound dampening and stain resistant • Ideal for fishermen and family comforts

Five-Year Warranty

This model also includes the user-friendly digital control with LED display, along with built in battery monitor. Supplied with both cords, the 12 volt cord that plugs straight into your vehicle’s cigarette socket and the 240 volt lead with three pin plug, (Auto switching).

DB466

For more information visit:

www.engelnewzealand.co.nz

P: +64 6 308 9337 M: +64 274 952 885 E: glen.davidson@bluskyproducts.co.nz W: www.bluskyproducts.com.au

DB776

With built in battery monitor

Proud supplier to T/T Scorpio

PROUD BUILDERS OF THE CUSTOM CATALYST RANGE lloydstevensonyachts.co.nz

09 274 7680

luke@lsb.co.nz

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Equipped with Ulman suspension seating the ride is incredibly soft.

T/T Skorpios has been extended from 13.7m to 15.3m (12.73m LWL).

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Another noticeable custom feature is the narrowed offset cabin creating massive deck space for sail storage and superyacht maintenance tasks. Unlike other Catalysts T/T Skorpios also has an enclosed foredeck area between the hulls with Hypalon tubes around the bow giving her the ability to nudge up to the mothership for crew and passenger transfers without risking damage. This foredeck platform also doubles as an unobstructed viewing platform for race days.

Constructed from carbon and e-glass with foam core T/T Skorpios is a lightweight, highperformance chase boat capable of an impressive 45 knots despite carrying the extra weight of the additional mechanical and engineering systems. Catalyst is a powered by four 300hp Yamaha outboards.

Equipped with Ulman suspension seating the ride is incredibly soft at any pace and her impressive design results in a flat ride capable of tight full speed turns without cavitation.

Built to Lloyd Stevenson’s usual high standard T/T Skorpios is a true superyacht tender, but the Catalyst design has proven to be incredibly versatile with a range of owners and tasks including chase boat, luxury tender, private motor yacht, fishing and dive platform, island hopper and resort boat.

Designed by Morelli & Melvin, T/T Skorpios is LSB’s first Catalyst build and number 19 in the Catalyst family, a credit to Salthouse Boatbuilders incredible reputation. She is also LSB’s 67th custom build and with the level of enquiry surrounding the Catalyst it will not be long before another is on the water. www.lsb.co.nz

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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

ZF is Propulsion As a global leader in mar ine pr opulsion sy st ems, ZF is y our r eliable par t ner .

ZF Marine provides a range of innovative components, designed for superior reliability and performance. Our Supershift2 transmission technology offers immediate and smooth engagement for improved response and passenger comfort. When combined with ZF Controls, Steering, Propellers and New Hybrid Systems, a complete propulsion solution offering full vessel control is at hand.

Control heads Steer by wire system

Joystick maneuvering system

Control functions Drift speed and direction control system Automatic positioning system

Electronic control system

Fixed pitch propellers Transmissions Integrated clutch control system

For more information visit ZF.com/ mar ine Australia:1800 93 72537 New Zealand: +64 (0)27 358 7353 Email: customersolutions.au@zf.com PowerboatMagazine.co.nz

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SSIC A L SC

2021 update W

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SMUGGLER MULTISPORT 570 2010 TO PRESENT DAY

e first ran this review on the Smuggler Multisport 570 in our Aug/Sept 2010 issue of Propeller Magazine shortly after it pick up the GRP Fishing Boat Under 6m award at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show.

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Since then, Smuggler Marine have built many more with the latest launched just in time for the 2020 summer.

While little has changed in the layout and options in the past 11 years, each boat can be individually speced with a load of equipment and power options.

REVIEW - AUGUST SEPTEMBER 2010 NZ PROPELLER MAGAZINE

DÉJÀ VU

Freddy Foote tests the Smuggler Multisport 570, which left him with a distinct feeling of Déjà Vu.

T

esting the Smuggler Multisport 570, winner of the GRP Fishing Boat Under 6m award at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, left me with a distinct feeling of “have I been here before?” It all seems quite familiar, but a little bit different. In fact it was only a few years ago that I had tested a couple of models with the same heritage as this boat.

As has been widely publicised in recent months, Smuggler Marine has purchased the entire Bonito range and re-badged all the boats and models as Smugglers – now giving Smuggler one of the most extensive ranges of models of any GRP boat manufacturer in Australasia.

The Smuggler Multisport 570 is now what was previously known as the Bonito 535 Multisport – a boat model that I had had a lot of experience with.

The Smuggler 570 range continues to incorporate a cabin, bowrider and centre-console model as we see here. More recently we’ve seen the bowrider model being our very own photo boat (tested in our June/

July 2010 Propeller Magazine issue).

A centre console model is not new to New Zealand brands, but it has been some years since there has been a production model available from a fibreglass manufacturer – especially one of this size.

Dave Pringle, MD of Smuggler Marine, says there is a definite niche’ in the market for a boat of this type.

“There are plenty of RIB centre consoles available, but a RIB doesn’t necessarily suit the needs of all users. We felt that people would love the open layout of a centre console that h as a higher sided profile than a RIB,” says Pringle, who added “You won’t accidentally gaff a tube on this boat!”

The Multisport still features a moulded floor section that runs chine to chine and part way up the side of the hull. Construction however still incorporates a plywood cockpit sole, with the fibreglass liner sitting on top, rather than replacing it altogether. The boat now features a fibreglass liner on the insides of the cockpit side shelves.

A traditional centre console with an open and spacious layout.

The windscreen offers plenty of protection.

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In the summer the big targa top will keep you protected from the blazing sun an UVs.

Plenty of seating and storage is available in the bow section.

The ice chest is fully drainable and insulated.

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You Decide

As with all Multisport models, the internal layout can be customised to suit an owner’s needs and there is a large accent on items being removable to customise the day’s boating as needed. In the aft corners, bin seats are easily removable, to be left at home if not required.

The main helm seat, one of the biggest items in the boat, can also be fully removed if needed. You could opt for a standalone leaning bar should you wish, which would really open up the cockpit. As everything is secured in place with brackets and pins, there is no reason why you can’t have both and swap them in and out as needed.

One great feature of the main helm seat fitted to our test boat was that the back rest was movable. More simply, you could sit facing forward while underway, then once anchored and fishing you could shift the backrest forward to then have an aft facing seat.

The targa hardtop assembly can be easily disassembled if you have height issues in your garage. It can be taken off in one piece, or there is an option for a foldaway unit too. The targa top also accommodates a rocket launcher, VHF aerial and an LED floodlight to illuminate the cockpit when fishing

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at night. Additional cockpit lighting is also fitted into the cockpit sides. A further nice feature of the hardtop was the inside of it was finished neatly, having been lined with vinyl.

The helm was neat and stylish, and housed an Eagle multifunction display, a VHF, dual cup-holders, handrails and the regular engine instruments by Evinrude. The internal dimensions of the helm console are certainly huge, giving plenty of room to stow all your gear for the day.

Back aft, there are features aplenty. In the port corner there is a small storage locker, while immediately behind that, set into the port boarding pod, is a fully plumbed live bait tank, which is accessed from above.

A similar storage locker is located in the starboard corner and a small sink with wash-down hose close by is a feature.

A transom curtain hides away batteries, oil tanks and other onboard systems, while various Tallon receivers will cater to a variety of accessories that can be fitted such as dive bottle holders etc.

In the aft section of the cockpit is a large storage area, which is self-draining and is ideal for wet gear, or to store the day’s catch. It also features removable carpet if you want to store larger items such as dive

bottles, to get them out of the way.

For’ard and immediately in front of the helm console is a chilly bin seat. Forward of that is an aft facing V-shaped seating arrangement complemented the bow section with storage underneath, and also housed the control for the capstan forward. Under the floor is a storage locker identical in size to the aft one in the cockpit.

This particular model’s layout essentially provides forward facing seating for six people. There are another couple of seats forward near the bow, facing aft. There are six rod holders built into the tops of the gunnels, with a further four built into the bait board, not to mention the rocket launcher above. Having somewhere to store a rod is not going to be an issue and the cockpit side shelves provide ample storage for 6 a further 6 rods as well as gaffs and nets.

No Slouch

Our test boat was fitted with an Evinrude 115hp E-TEC direct injection two stroke. Running a 17” Viper propeller and still being a relatively fresh motor, it proved to be no slouch and cracked the 40mph mark with 43.0mph @ 6000rpm. The boat will cruise comfortably at 30mph pulling 4500rpm and according to the E-TEC gauges was consuming 25 litres per hour. 41 litres per hour at wide-open throttle.

The 570 is rated for 90-150hp, with the 115hp being the preferred option.

I found it to be the perfect match for the hull, giving the right balance or performance for the type of boat and the type of boating it is intended for. The 115hp

engine packaged with the 570 makes it pretty much foolproof boating, and someone with very little boating experience would easily be able to take this out for a day on the water and be able to master it very quickly.

However, these hulls traditionally love a bit of horsepower, so if you’re after a little extra zing and are a competent driver and as we have demonstrated on our Bowrider 570 model, it will more than handle 150hp, making this a 50mph boat.

Feeding the E-TEC 115 is a 120-litre built-in fuel tank, though there is an option for tote tanks should you specify a smaller horsepower engine. The cockpit sole historically was raised in order to accommodate a big underfloor fuel tank.

As you’ll see by the accompanying photos, test day was mirror smooth, so finding rough water to check out the handling just wasn’t going to happen.

However, having had a lot of experience in the prior 535, I can say without hesitation that the hull is an excellent performer.

You can really turn the boat in sharply and dig in hard on corners without the hull breaking loose. A double turn-down chine gives it a very soft ride, and more importantly, being an open centre console, a very dry ride. It is the kind of boat in which you would feel comfortable venturing further afield, or as a lot of us encounter, a boat that will go well when it cuts up rough as we’re heading home.

The rigidity of the targa top section was put to the test when we tackled a couple of large ferry wakes – hardly a shudder or wobble was felt through the boat. Some centre consoles opt for the canvas Bimini

A clean and tidy dash with plenty of grab rails

top, though Pringle says it’s actually no cheaper and thinks the hardtop gives the boat a better look.

Being targeted unashamedly at the fishing market, this boat’s stability at rest was really fantastic. Two of us moved around the boat easily, with very little heel being experienced.

The helm seat facing aft is a great feature.

There’s a live bait tank fitted into the port side.

Driving Pleasure

Model Multisport 570 | Designer Smuggler Marine | Type Open, centre console | Construction Fibreglass | LOA 5.75m | LOH 5.3m | Beam 2.24m | Deadrise 21 degrees | Height on Trailer 2.85m (rocket launcher down) | 2.38m (HT folded down) | Trailerable Weight 1300kg | Engine Capacity 90-150hp | Power Options Outboard only | Fuel Capacity 120 litres | Manufacturer www.smuggler.co.nz FUEL & PERFORMANCE DATA Revs Speed MPH 4.5 1000 rpm 1500 rpm 6.0 2000 rpm 7.6 2500 rpm 8.5 3000 rpm 12.0 3500 rpm 19.7 4000 rpm 26.0 4500 rpm 30.5 5000 rpm 35.0 5500 rpm 40.0 6000 rpm 43.0 78

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Litres/hour 1.1 2.5 4.8 10.0 15.0 17.0 22.0 25.0 31.0 36.0 41.0

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

Driving the Multisport 570 was an absolute pleasure. I found the seated position suited me best, given the fact that conditions were very light, and it was winter! The large windscreen provided awesome protection from the biting winter chill.

This will be a great boat in the summer for exploring the Hauraki Gulf or wherever you may be. Not that I’m saying you can’t boat during the winter, just rug up and you’ll be fine. The standing driving position was excellent, affording plenty of visibility forward over the windscreen and the engine throttle control to the right was within easy reach.

Overall, I agree with the boat show judges that the Multisport 570 is a real winner. It’s a boat that is going to be very adaptable to so many uses. It will make a great boat for families to use on general days out on the water, while at the same time it can be customised to be a well appointed fishing machine.

The centre console layout gives you the ability to fish six people at once should you need – which you’ll struggle to match in other craft of the same length. Despite its being a centre console, I was really quite overwhelmed with the amount of storage available.

Depending on how you wish to have your Multisport 570 fitted out, you can get one on the water for as little as $49,700.

Dave Pringle commented, “As you see this boat, it’s fairly highly spec’d. We released it only just in time for the boat show. We really wanted to show off every aspect – just what is available and what can be achieved with the right ideas.”

The Bonito name may be gone, but the Smuggler name is set to further entrench itself into the future history books of kiwi boating.

ALL NEW.

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Humminbird’s top of the range APEX series provides the clearest sonar imaging available, with industry leading direct 2kW Airmar plug and play. The Solix G3 series is now upgraded with lightning fast dual core processing speed and the Helix G4N series now boasts a giant 15.4” high definition display in its arsenal. All models have everything you need to view their every move underwater, with MEGA Imaging+™, Dual Spectrum CHIRP, AutoChart® Live and One-Boat Network compatibility.

Now you know our secret weapons. Choose yours, and show us what you’ve got.

H U M M I N B I R D . C O . N Z | M I N N K O TA . C O . N Z

*Shown with optional CHIRP Radar.

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01_20_HB_NEW_PPB_DEC

NEW ZEALAND’S SAFEST UTE

isuzuutes.co.nz

B O AT R E V I E W : R A E L I N E 2 0 5 O B

KIWI BOWRIDER Rae Line Boats latest addition to their range, the 205OB, further reinforces the companies commitment to becoming a leading builder of bowrider boats in New Zealand. Barry Thompson went to Christchurch, the home of Rae Line, to check out the new model.

T

he 205OB extends Rae Line Boats range to five models, with the 186 CX and 186 OB Cabin Cruisers essentially the same boat, one with sterndrive and the other with outboard power. The same goes for the 180 BR and the 185 OB, which are identical in most respects apart from sterndrive or outboard power options.

Rhys Williamson, the owner of Rae Line Boats, says the emphasis on new models is expanding the bowrider range. He sees this is a continually developing market with a lot more potential for his brand.

“Kiwi’s love bowriders, for their versatility and suitability for family boating, and I see a real niche in the market for this style of boat that is designed and built by Kiwis for Kiwis.”, says Rhys.

AS GOOD AS NEW

While based on the 190 Cuddy Cabin hull that has had an impressive reputation for being a very stable and well-performing hull, it is different. This is essentially a whole new boat from the hull to the deck and internal layout. Plus, it is outboard only, where the 190 Cuddy was strictly stern drive.

Rhys says that they initially took a 190 hull removed its inner planning strakes before moulding another transom section which extended the boat by a further 500mm to an overall length of 6.30m. The transom

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was also redesigned to suit a 25” shaft outboard.

The modifications continued through the upper section of the hull’s sides, creating a new shear line and overall profile of the boat. This also added more freeboard to the hull’s sides and gave the new 205OB a more modern and stylish style.

“The 190 had three strakes per side, and I felt that if we eliminated the inner strake, we would get a better ride, and this has certainly proved to be the case, especially in the choppy water”, says Rhys.

It didn’t stop there, with a new two-piece internal liner and impressive 2m long ski locker. Plenty of space for rods, skis, wakeboards or even dive bottles. This also forms an essential part of the boat’s structure and is tied into the total stringer system.

The 205 OB is positively buoyant, and all underfloor spaces that can be, are filled with foam.

The bowrider style does somewhat limit any unconventional layout, and the 205OB is certainly very typical of all bowriders but comes with a flash of class. There is an attention to detail in the 205OB that is often missing in mass-produced trailer boats.

The boat looks chic, from the quilted inserts to the stitched branding, plus the seat and panel style.

There is storage under the squabs, which runs right back under the two consoles. Plans may include side entry lockers and upper shelves to increase the storage capabilities. Forward is the deep anchor locker, which in our boat housed a drum winch.

VIEW THE VIDEO AT

ine.co.nz

www.powerboatmagaz

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

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RAE LINE 205OB

MORE SEATING OPTIONS

A typical bowrider but with a flash of class.

At this stage, there is only one cockpit seating layout option which sees a full-width rear bench seat and twin forward swivelling bucket seats.

The rear bench features a removable starboard squab to allow easy access through the open transom door on to the boarding platform. If you don’t have the optional Fusion subwoofer, there is a moulded step included. The aft deck and, as well as the entire cockpit and bowrider flooring, is finished with U-Dek. To port is a moulded recess for the telescopic ladder and to starboard a deep wet locker. Plans are to offer a lot more seating with

Our boat was set up with serious water sports in mind, hence the X-Air wake tower and the amazing Fusion sound system.

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options for either a rear L-shape or U-shape seating arrangement. Based on many US bowriders’ style, the more seating focused cockpit is designed for those that prefer towing water toys and socialising rather than fishing or diving.

However, in its current layout, the 205 OB is still very much a Kiwi all-rounder with space and attributes to make it a combo ski-fish-dive boat.

Our boat was set up with serious water sports in mind, hence the X-Air wake tower and the amazing Fusion sound system. This came complete with six 6” Signature speakers, Fusions’s latest 12” subwoofer and a pair of 8.8” Signature tower

speakers. The sounds were exceptional, and the sub certainly accentuates the bass.

The 205 OB has a new dash that is capable of taking a 12” MFD. Our boat had a 4” Vesselview display and Smartcraft gauges, Fusion RA210, USB charging ports plus switches for the tabs and drum winch. While this is a boat you would typically drive seated, tucked behind the screen or in the bolster position, there is enough space with the seatback to stand.

Again the attention to detail is presented on both consoles with imitation carbon fibre vinyl eyebrows, a carpet lined deep glovebox, drink holders and a deep recess behind the passenger handrail.

best riding attitude. Once I got it right, I was able to sit back and enjoy the ride. The high bow and side profile mean it is a dry boat, and we never took a drop of water on board. Acceleration from holeshot is rapid, and there is plenty of prop bite if you are going to pull a couple of slalom skiers out from a deep water start.

The overhead X-Air wake tower bimini affords some protection from the sun, with about 2m clearance under it. There is an optional soft top bimini with clears, should you not want to go to the extra expense of the specialist tower.

At this stage, there is only one cockpit seating layout option which includes twin forward swivelling bucket seats.

The rear bench features a removable starboard squab to allow easy access through to the boarding platform.

POWER RANGE

The new 205 OB is rated for single outboards, 175HP to 300hp, with the review boat running a Mercury 250 Verado. With three aboard and a full tank of fuel (175 litres), we recorded a maximum speed on the calm waters of Lyttelton Harbour of 40 knots @ 5500 rpm, swinging a 19” Inertia propeller.

If you want to go a little faster, then a Mercury ProXS V8 250 will climb that up to 47 knots @ 5700 rpm. At wakeboard towing speed, around 2750rpm @ 15.5 knots (18mph), fuel consumption was a reasonably conservative 21 lph.

The Rae Line 205 OB hull is a modest 20deg, and in the relatively calm sea conditions, the hull rode exceptionally well, with no vices. Running into either a short choppy head sea or following sea, I found I needed to play with the trim to get the

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RAE LINE 205OB

Model Rae Line 205OB | Priced From $NZ104,000 | Price As Tested $NZ136,000 | Type Bowrider | Construction GRP | LOA 6.30m | Beam 2.45m | Deadrise 20 Deg | Height On Trailer 2.1m | Trailerable Weight 1820 kgs (Std boat no options) | Power Mercury 250 Verado | Power Options Outboard Only | Power Range 175-300 hp | Propeller 19” Inertia | Fuel Capacity 175 litres | Trailer Watercraft | Manufacturer Rae Line Boats | Ph + 64 (0) 21 467 497 | 620 South Eyre Road, Swannanoa 7692, Christchurch | rhys@raeline.com | www.raelineboats.com

FUEL & PERFORMANCE DATA RPM Knots L/h 650 2.5 2 1000 4.5 4 1500 6.0 7 2000 8.0 12 2500 10.5 18.5 3000 19.0 24.5 3500 23.5 31 4000 29.0 40 4500 33.0 51.5 36.5 77 5000 5500 40.0 100.5 86

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L/NM Range(NM) 0.800 190 0.890 170 1.200 130 1.500 100 1.800 87 1.300 120 1.400 110 1.400 110 1.600 98 2.200 71 2.500 63

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Fully designed and developed in-house, the boat has all the features any good NZ made boat should have

ALL ROUNDER

The 205 OB has a new dash that is capable of taking a 12” MFD.

The 185 has been on the market, firstly as a Sea Ray and then a Rae Line, for over 20 years. With over 300 built, it is from this extensive pool of owners that the 205 OB is pitch. Rhys says that many 185 owners have asked him for a bigger version, and the 205 OB has been built to fill that void. Boat #1 was sold to a previous 185 owner.

Fully designed and developed in-house, the new Rae Line 205 OB has all the features any good NZ made boat should have while being integrated with well-styled lines and pleasing proportions to offer up a very versatile bowrider. It’s a boat that will be just as comfortable offshore as it would be in an enclosed waterway. Look for something even bigger from Rae Line in the future as they add more models to their range.

MAKE A SPLASH! With the all new Signature Series 3 12” sports-style subwoofers. Packing a thunderous 1400-watts peak power, experience premium low end frequencies like never before. They feature industry-first CRGBW LED lighting and are True-MarineTM accredited with a 3-year warranty.

F U S I O N E N T E R TA I N M E N T. C O M

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History of

Anchor Winches PART THREE

In our first two articles we explored the history of anchor winches aboard powered trailer boats and then, more generally, power boats between about 10m and 30m. In part 3 Ron Czerniak looks at anchor winch controls and accessories.

W

hether your vessel is a 6 metre runabout sporting a simple capstan winch or a 30m luxury cruiser featuring a sophisticated dual anchor winch and stern handling capstan system, it is safe to say that the availability of a wide range of anchoring solutions is a varied and as numerous as there are boat

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manufactures and boat models.

But why so many variations? Simple.

What does the boat owner require for a particular vessel? Usually it is a case of need dictates system. On a small trailer boat, often all that is required is a simple, inexpensive and easy to install and use capstan winch capable of manually hauling a combination rope/chain rode. This

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consists of perhaps 6mm short link chain connected to a longer length of 8 mm nylon rope, around the capstan drum. Whereas on a large, modern cruiser or an ocean going traditional “trawler type” designed vessel, possibly a more complex twin vertical anchor windlasses, or dual chainwheel horizontal windlass and stern handling capstan system is needed.

DRUM WINCH

One type of anchor winch, while becoming more popular on larger trailer boats, but as yet not seen much, if at all, on grander 10 to 30 m pleasure craft, is the drum reel winch. Although feasible, as witnessed by the number of large drum reel winches on commercial fishing boats, perhaps the main reason owners of large, sleek pleasure craft are not keen on this type of anchor winch is simply that they are, to say the least, unsightly.

But not so today. Modern drum reel anchor winches, which are now being installed on many makes of trailer boats, have been designed

in such a way that in most cases; providing the boat’s anchor locker is of sufficient size, the entire winch, motor, rope and chain are able to be housed below deck. This gives the owner all the benefits of a concealed anchor winch, thus overcoming the aesthetics issue. There is no reason that a drum reel winch cannot be installed on a 20 m pleasure craft, and indeed, some companies such as Lone Star in Australia have a model (GX5) suitable for boats of this size. The only constraint to having the complete system installed below deck, is the size of the anchor/ chain locker up forward.

A vessel with twin chainwheel horizontal windlass.

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HISTORY OF ANCHOR WINCHES

POWER ON

In addition to the wide variety, size, design, configuration and type of anchor winch available, there are also numerous ways to power the winch (manual units aside). Considering electrically powered winches alone there are 12 volt, 24 volt and more recently 48 volt DC (Direct Current) units of both the permanent magnet and series wound motors types, increasingly and more specifically designed and manufactured for the marine market.

In addition to DC electric, when we start getting into larger vessels, AC electric becomes another common option. The third popular option, particularly on larger vessels, is hydraulic. And, it is oft been said that hydraulically driven windlasses are perhaps the best option, whenever feasible, to install on a given craft.

Although generally a bit more expensive to install initially, they tend to be more reliable and can be run all day, every day. Not that this is likely in regards to anchor winch use, but nice to know. In addition, hydraulic units and the hydraulic system itself, are by far the lowest maintenance of the three.

Commercial vessels have used drum winches for many years but they are unsightly until hidden below deck.

Drum winches are proving popular on trailer boats.

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The simplest and still one of the most common windlass controls are basic waterproof foot switches.

ANCHOR WINCH CONTROLS AND ANCHORING ACCESSORIES

Needless to say, that in order to operate a windlass (deploy or retrieve the anchor), no matter what type of unit being considered, you need controls and other essential and perhaps non-essential, but nice to have, optional control accessories.

First and foremost are up/down controls. In other words, a switch of some sort that enables the windlass to be activated to either power down the anchor or power it up (lift) after having been anchored. Although “free falling” the anchor is also an option, we will leave that discussion for another time.

The simplest and still one of the most common windlass controls are basic waterproof footswitches.

These come in a variety of designs and are usually available covered or uncovered. They are generally mounted on the foredeck in close proximity to the windlass and usually, close enough to the windlass so that the operator can access the winch if necessary (for instance should the rope or chain jam).

Sometimes a single footswitch is mounted on the forward cabin sole of a trailer boat, so that if operating a simple capstan winch for example, the operator can stand up in the forepeak, head and shoulders through the forward hatch, and activate the footswitch in order to haul in the rode around the capstan drum.

By far the most popular windlass control unit however, is the helm station up/down switch, often used in addition to foredeck mounted footswitches. The helm station switch,

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used in conjunction with a reversing solenoid unit, enables safe and convenient operation of the anchor winch from the protection of the helm station. It should be noted that both these types of switches must be used with a circuit breaker/isolator switch for added safety.

By integrating the helm switch, circuit/ isolator, and dual direction solenoid units, this combined system is really all that is required to adequately and safely operate the windlass and/or stern handling capstans if installed.

However, there are more control devices, should the boat owner wish to install them, to make life even easier when it comes to deploying or retrieving the anchor. For example, panel mounted combined windlass controllers and rode counters, hand held remote combined windlass controllers and rode counters (both available wired or wireless). Often incorporating the ability to also control deck wash and spreader light functions as well as being able to operate a bow and/or stern thruster if fitted. Or, the boat owner may just want to install a simple and inexpensive, helm station mounted rode counter.

Over the past few decades several companies have worked on developing devices that would let the helmsperson know how much rode they were letting out while deploying the anchor. A very important aspect of anchoring, as it is well known that the amount of anchor chain (rode) is instrumental in successfully setting the anchor and ensuring that it holds on the seabed, once set.

Without going into details of how to properly anchor your boat suffice it to say that the common rule of thumb

By integrating the helm switch, circuit/isolator, and dual direction solenoid units, this combined system is really all that is required to adequately and safely operate the windlass.

when anchoring with an “all chain” rode and depending upon weather and sea conditions, is a minimum of five to seven times the depth of water. So, if you have ascertained that you are going to anchor overnight in 5m of water (remembering to allow for tidal movement), then you should be employing a minimum of about 25 to 35m of chain. If you are using a combined rope/chain rode, then at least 50% more rode should be deployed depending how much of your rode is chain. The less chain, the more scope required. Scope is defined as a ratio of the length of an anchor rode from the bit to the anchor shackle and the depth of the water under the bow of the boat measured from deck height.

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HISTORY OF ANCHOR WINCHES

display unit plus a magnet and a sensor. The magnet is fitted into the chainwheel of the windlass and the sensor is fitted into the deckplate.

Many windlass manufacturers are now routinely fitting the magnet and sensor during manufacture of the anchor winch. The magnet and sensor are aligned so that every time the windlass rotates the magnet passes over the sensor. This information is then sent to the console unit. To work properly rode counters must be calibrated for the particular anchor winch and rode on the boat and can generally be used with freefall and drum reel winches.

Bow rollers and chain stoppers are often dismissed as either being unnecessary or unthought-of when it comes to completing the anchoring package aboard a boat of any size.

In fact, these two simple items are extremely important for smooth and safe anchor deployment and while the boat is actually anchored. A well designed and installed bow roller, whether you have a trailer boat or small superyacht, can make all the difference when it comes to anchoring.

Maximum depth includes tidal variation.

RODE COUNTERS

Another factor to take into account is catenary action. Chain forms a catenary, or curve, in the rode that helps keep the pull on the anchor horizontal so that it digs in when tension comes on it, even with less scope. An all-chain rode has some advantageous catenary in all but the strongest (say, hurricane) winds. The catenary effect can also be achieved and enhanced by attaching a heavy weight — called a kellet — to the rode.

So, awareness of what depth of water you are going to be anchoring in (depth sounder), what kind of seabed your anchor has to ‘dig into’ (nautical chart) and what the weather and sea conditions are likely going to be while you lay at anchor (marine forecasts), make knowing how much rode you have out, crucially important.

Although there are very simple means of judging how much rode you are deploying; for example, painted links or tying on a nylon cord or cable tie for every 3m of chain will enable you 92

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to visually see how much chain you are deploying or retrieving. However, these days, more and more recreational mariners rely on the convenience and accuracy of rode counters. The AutoAnchor system, designed and developed in New Zealand almost three decades ago by Auckland couple, Brian and Janice Dowle, is perhaps the most widely used type of rode counter anywhere in the world and the likes of Maxwell, Muir, Lewmar and Lofrans all offer their own branded version of these systems. Companies such as Quick have developed their own, but similar, systems. Basically a chain counter or rode counter takes the stress out of anchoring and it is a lot easier than painting or marking the rode each season.

Chain counters or rode counters can be fitted to almost any size and type of windlass – electric, hydraulic or AC powered and using either rope/chain or all-chain rodes.

Most Modern day rode counters come with a kit that includes a console

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Hinged and unhinged bow rollers as typical found on most boats.

CHAIN STOPPERS

Finally, the one piece of anchoring equipment perhaps most overlooked by many boaters, is the humble chain stopper. Whether this be a very sophisticated stainless steel stopper and pawl set-up or simple ‘lanyard’ design This is perhaps the safest piece of anchoring equipment you can install

Chain stoppers take the pressure off the winch when anchored.

and use on your boat, whether at anchor or underway.

Once you have deployed your anchor and are ready to settle in for the night, simply by engaging the chain stopper on the anchor chain, you totally secure your boat and, just as importantly, you take all the strain of your anchor winch. Anchor winches are designed to deploy and retrieve the boat's chain and anchor. They are not designed as a mooring point!

Equally, once you have retrieved your anchor and you are ready to get underway, by simply ensuring that the chain stopper is ‘locked’ into position, securing the chain, there is virtually no chance of the anchor self-launching itself while the boat powers through rough (or even calm) seas.

Anyone who has seen an anchor self-launch while cruising along at 20 knots will understand what that anchor and chain can do to the hull. Installing a chain stopper is cheap insurance!

Even on a trailer boat, a chain stopper (snubber) of some sort, should be employed. An added benefit of using a rope snubber while laying at anchor is that you won’t have to listen to the chain scraping along the seabed (especially if rocky) all night as the boat is, in fact, anchored off the rope snubber, not the chain.

The anchor tensioner is a simple, adjustable and easy to use, securing the anchor firmly into the bow roller; taking the weight off the windlass and preventing accidental deployment of the anchor while under way. Fixed to an existing cleat or bollard, there is no installation required and once the tensioner ‘claw’ is hooked onto the chain and the cam-action lever locked and further secured with a quick release pin; the anchor is well and truly secured.

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Anchor chain snubber.

EVOLVING AND FUTURE TRENDS IN ANCHORING?

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Dynamic Positioning Systems (DPS) have certainly become more mainstream in the past few years. Once solely the domain of commercial survey and oil exploration vessels, they are now entering the recreational boating market and even trailer boats are benefiting from variations of these sophisticated, big boat systems. Remember, it was not that long ago that the idea of self-driving automobiles was the stuff of science fiction. Even my four year old mainstream

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HISTORY OF ANCHOR WINCHES

SUV has the capability to park itself once I’ve arrived at the supermarket parking lot. So, imagining anchoring without an anchor is not that farfetched.

So What is DPS? Dynamic Positioning (DP) is a computer-controlled system to automatically maintain a vessel’s position and heading by using its own propellers and thrusters.

Position reference sensors, combined with wind sensors, motion sensors and gyrocompasses, provide information to the computer pertaining to the vessel’s position and the magnitude and direction of environmental forces affecting its position.

As with any system, there are advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, it is quick to set up while manoeuvrability is excellent and it is easy to change position. No anchor handling tugs are required and the vessel is not dependent on water

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Minn-Kota trolling engines perform silently and with precision.

depth or limited by an obstructed seabed.

On the negative side, these big ship systems are complex, with thrusters, extra generators and controllers.

They are not cheap to initially install and can be costly to run with higher maintenance of the mechanical systems. There is also a chance of

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running off position in the case of strong currents or winds. But then again, these things can be true of traditional anchoring; as anyone who has ever had their anchor drag in the middle of the night can attest to!

There are a number of companies now designing, manufacturing and supplying DPS type systems to larger

recreational vessels and, not just superyachts, but power boats in the 15 to 30m range.

The Xenta System is promoted as the virtual anchor at the touch of a button and the company claims that Dynamic Positioning is the perfect way of maintaining your boat’s position without dropping anchor. Investigation reveals that there are several other marine companies offering similar systems. Both Twin Disc and Volvo Penta are well known examples. During my research I found that You Tube has many short video clips showing how DPS systems work on mid-sized boats (i.e. those around the 15 to 30m range). If you are interested, just search YouTube by typing in the following search words: DPS virtual anchor. Enjoy!

DPS is also now available, and somewhat practical for smaller outboard powered boats (less than 15m ), such as the likes of Mercury Marine’s ‘Skyhook’, and Yamahas new EX system.

They are also available with some trolling outboards from Minn-Kota and MotorGuide. Both perform silently with remarkable precision in keeping the boat in position. As with a conventional anchor, the bow tends to point into the current or wind, whichever is stronger.

However, there are drawbacks. Electric trolling motors are relegated to smaller, freshwater fishing boats and salt water bay boats with low-profile bows. Trolling-motor shafts aren’t long enough for boats with high bows. Also, to adequately control a boat larger than 7m, you need a 36volt system, which means three heavy, deep-cycle batteries dedicated to the trolling motor As with trolling motor systems, there are drawbacks with “Skyhook” type systems. For instance, when used on larger recreational fishing boats (a nice way to precisely target fish on wrecks or in passes without anchoring); in reality, not as idyllic as it may originally seem, mostly because of the noise, vibration, exhaust fumes and constant thumping as multiple drivetrains and perhaps also, bow and stern thrusters, rev and shift to hold the boat in position — not exactly the peace and quiet most anglers have in mind. Also, with fishing lines draping over the sides with engines in gear, the chances of fouling a propeller increase significantly.

It is important to note that if you’re using an automatic positioning system, resist the temptation to set and forget. Engines stall. Fuses blow. Electronics blank out.

Any of these can short-circuit a virtual anchoring system.

If your head’s not in the game, you’ll quickly be at the mercy of wind and current. Need to just relax? Drop the old-fashioned anchor in a quiet cove. That’s a positioning system that you can trust the most.

Anchoring systems have come a long way since the earliest explorers set sail across the planet’s oceans. Seldom do we have to manually drop the anchor or hand over hand retrieve it after a day’s fishing or in the morning, when we are ready to get underway after a quiet night in a secure anchorage inside your favourite bay or cove.

While this and the previous two articles have explored the history of anchor winches on all sorts of pleasure craft, we have yet to delve into anchoring itself. Having spent most of my life on and around both sailing and power boats and having anchored innumerable times and witnessed countless other boat owners anchoring their vessels, I can only but say that; “The Art of Proper Anchoring” is an article in its own right. Watch this space!

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B O AT R E V I E W

BLUEWATER EXPLORER TEXT BY MARK ROTHFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF WEBSTER

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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

The 50 SMY has power to burn with two engine choices, IPS propulsion efficiency, or a shaftdrive option.

RIVIERA 50 SMY

Riviera’s new 50 SMY is brimming with features, combining attributes of a luxury passagemaker with the performance of a sports motor yacht.

A

s 25 knots of salty southerly peppered our bow, whipping up whitecaps across the bay, sailors of yore would’ve been bracing their breeches and holding on to their oilskin hats for dear life.

Aboard the new Riviera 50 Sports Motor Yacht (SMY) however, merely a faint air-conditioned breeze wafted across our faces while we sipped a chilled mineral water and charged headlong into the tempest at around 30 knots (55.5km/h).

It’s testament, I should add, to a glass-wrapped flybridge that cocoons its occupants in comfort at all times, on a vessel of 50ft 7in (15.4m) in hull length.

Of course, boating life isn’t always sunshine and roses – even in ‘beautiful-one-day’ Queensland, and especially not in the southern states. A yacht like the 50 SMY will inevitably encounter some rough stuff, so it’s good to know she’s equipped to take it.

The enclosed bridge isn’t just the top storey, but also the top story for a design that started life as the single-level 505 SUV then seamlessly melded the headline features of Riviera’s SMY collection. It adds a fifth living zone, quiet and spacious, and a commanding view of the surrounds.

Among other key elements aboard the 50 SMY are a sports cockpit, covered in front of mezzanine seating area, internal staircase, and a full-beam master stateroom as the centrepiece of a three-cabin, two-bathroom accommodation plan.

Weight differential is less than one might imagine – only about a tonne – which suggests careful attention was paid to the laminate.

It all very much lends itself to equal parts family cruising, fishing and entertaining, combined with highly efficient planing performance and the ability to run long distances at displacement speeds.

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RIVIERA 50 SMY

A boat that even in a gale makes life a breeze.

Flybridge helm is built for extreme comfort underway, the impressive dash bursting with the latest tech,

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SISTER ACT

The large-volume hull, first conceived in 2019 for the 505 SUV, makes an exceptional platform for the 50 SMY, and the two sister ships share a number of common attributes on the lower level.

Stepping aboard, our test boat has the optional hydraulic swim platform fitted, which enables pushbutton launch and retrieval of its 3m RIB tender. The platform sides extend forward along the aft quarters to protect the topsides.

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Dual transom doors then lead to a well-appointed cockpit, with a barbecue-wetbar to port, 130lt fridgefreezer opposite, and underfloor lockers. Our test boat’s owner had chosen dealer-fitted synthetic Permateek for the platform and cockpit, favouring its durability.

The raised mezzanine seating area, while first seen on the 505, actually drew inspiration from the 64 Sports Motor Yacht. It works exceptionally well here, doubling the outdoor living space and blending like a back porch with the saloon. Really, if cruising is as much about the destination as the journey, here’s the place to kick back with a coffee or glass of red while anchored in a sandy bay. The port settee can house a full-length fridge inside its base, while the starboard lounge converts to a double pad.

Properly wide sidedecks and raised bulwarks connect the foredeck, which in turn employs the sunpad cushions and tender cradle found on the SUV. The bowsprit flows into the flared hull – a cleaner, leaner look than a protruding sprit.

Linking the mezzanine with the saloon are a tempered glass door and awning window. The U-shaped galley resides aft and to port, where it can efficiently serve meals to hungry guests in the mezzanine and forward dinette. There’s room for a twin-ring electric cooktop, microwave, dishwasher, dual-drawer fridge-freezer, stainless-steel sink, plus storage cabinets and drawers above and below the

bench. A freezer is located opposite.

From here, the sister ships differ. Where the SUV has offset lounges to allow for the lower starboard-side helm, the 50 SMY’s lounges face each other, forming a circular socialising hub that’s large enough for eight occupants. Where the SUV’s aft lounge sits, the SMY gets an internal timber stairwell with inbuilt liquor cabinet and glass storage. There’s no safer way to transition to or from the upper bridge.

Our test boat has white Corian benchtops, walnut trim and cream furnishings, lending a luxurious carlike vibe along with all the comforts of home.

That includes down below, where a full-beam master suite is bathed in light from large hull windows, and has a queen-sized island berth, chaise longue and vanity. While you have to step down to cross sides,

The aft galley will be a busy place when there’s a crowd aboard, but it’s equipped to serve.

The terraced cockpit design is finding its way onto more and more cruisers these days, the benefits obvious.

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RIVIERA 50 SMY

Sea views or bigscreen TV viewing, the full-beam amidships stateroom is a liveaboarder’s dream.

The views are always commanding from a flybridge.

An impressive boat from any angle.

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stooping is not required. Within the same private cabin are an en suite and a walk-in robe.

The VIP stateroom is forward and there’s a guest cabin to starboard that can accommodate either a single bed or double bunks. Both offer good headroom and airiness.

The test boat’s owners, coming up the range from a Riviera 43, were convinced to buy off the plan after seeing overlays of the 50 SMY with Riv’s older 47 Open and current 54 Enclosed Flybridge. The comparative living space tipped the scales.

HIGH FLYER

The flybridge has solid glass on three sides, but remains open on the aft overhang – optional clears can then fully seal this section. The side windows slide open, plus you have twin sunroofs overhead, so it can really open up to the breeze.

At the same time, you can close a hatch over the stairwell to reduce engine noise and prevent falls. It’s a security feature, too, when locking the boat.

The aft dinette lounge is huge and converts to another sunpad. It has a wetbar and optional joystick

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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

opposite, or you can specify an additional helm station.

Set to port, the main command centre offers twin pedestal-mounted leather seats and places controls, screens and switches close to hand and in clear view. Attention to finer details like the stitching is impressive.

From here, we summoned the twin Volvo Penta IPS 950 diesels that are specified as the optimum power match. The 505 SUV’s standard plants are D8 IPS 800s delivering 600hp apiece, whereas the SMY gets the upgraded D11s (725hp) due to the boat’s greater weight and windage.

A shaft-drive alternative is also offered for the SMY, employing twin 800hp MAN diesels. Thanks to veedrive gearboxes, the engine locations and weight distribution remain largely unchanged. Servicing won’t be an issue either, as the engine room boasts almost full headroom and considerable width.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the MANs have an edge at displacement speed, achieving a range of 2060nm (3815km) compared with 1750 (3241km), based on the same 3300lt capacity.

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RIVIERA 50 SMY

Model Riviera 50SMY | Priced From $AUD 1,899,800 | Price As Tested $AUD 2,047,445 | Type Flybridge | Construction GRP | Displacement (Dry) 25,500 kgs (depending on engines) | LOA 17.02m | LOH 15.43m | Beam 4.96m | Draft 1.34m | Power 2 x 725hp Volvo Penta D11 IPS 950 | MFDs 3x 16" Garmin | Interceptors Volvo Penta | Gyro Seakeeper M9 | Generator Onan 17.5kW | Decking Permateek | Fuel Capacity 3400 litres | Contact www.rivieraaustralia.com

FUEL & PERFORMANCE DATA RPM Knots L/h 600 5.6 9.5 900 7.8 24.5 1100 9.2 43.5 1300 10.2 71.5 1500 11.3 91 1700 15.1 138 1900 19.1 163.5 2100 23.8 190 2300 28.2 229.5 30.6 249 2400 2500 32.5 270.5 2565 33.7 286.5

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L/NM Range NM 1.700 1700 3.200 920 4.800 610 7.100 410 8.100 360 9.200 320 8.600 340 8.000 370 8.200 360 8.200 360 8.400 350 8.600 340

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

What more could you ask for in a saloon of this calibre.

The pods win the planing battle, gaining three extra knots at topend – 33.7 knots (62.4km/h) compared with 30.6 knots (56.7km/h) – and being more fuel miserly. Word is, though, that a new MAN powerplant may address this difference so it will come down to personal preference.

Plant the throttles on the Pentas and there’s a slight linger on holeshot as 25.5 tonnes of hull builds steam. Give her a little run-up however, and the mid-range thrust makes its presence felt quickly and maintains excellent momentum through turns.

You’re not penalised for going faster if sea conditions allow, as fuelburn ratios remain relatively constant through the rev band from 1900 to 2560rpm. Noise- and ride-wise, the cruising sweet spot is around 25 to 28 knots (46 to 51.8km/h).

We drove both with and without the optional gyro and found the 50 SMY handled well either way, as auto trim tabs also assist in levelling the ride and maintaining track. The benefit would be more appreciable in displacement mode or at anchor.

In the hours we spent aboard, it was hard not to be genuinely impressed by the overall performance, finish and finesse. The marriage of SUV and SMY has afforded lots of big-boat features, with multiple living areas and a tremendous amount of practicality and versatility.

At the time of writing, there were strong forward orders for new builds, so pricing will vary on delivery timing. In round numbers, let’s say $2 million base price … good value for a boat that, even in a gale, makes life a breeze.

COX DIESEL OUTBOARD SETS NEW STANDARDS Sports Marine have landed their first COX CXO300 diesel outboard in New Zealand, and what a beast.

The COX CXO300 is an impressive engine.

P

acific Powerboat Magazine was given the opportunity to review the exciting and long-awaited COX CXO300 diesel outboard and what a beast. Editor Barry Thompson said if he didn’t know it was a diesel outboard, he would not have been able to tell the difference from a petrol equivalent.

“Visually, it looks great, and as for any specific diesel smell or noise, it just wasn’t there. Quiet, responsive and incredibly fuel-efficient.”, says Barry.

The 300 complies with EPA Tier 3, one of the most stringent fuel emission standards in the world and is one of the most environmentally friendly outboards (petrol/diesel) available today. “The

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engine note at cruise is similar to petrol but while a little noisier than petrol at idle and lower rpm, it’s not offensive and just seems a little harsher than a petrol engine”, added Barry.

The COX CX0300 is built in the UK by Cox Powertrain, and while the gestation period has been long and arduous, the result is nothing short of outstanding. “I have been impressed by many outboards over the years, but the COX CXO300 is something else”.

Under the lightweight carbon fibre cowling is a 4.4 litre V8 cast alloy powerhead with high-pressure common rail fuel system and twin turbochargers, which produce 338hp at the crankshaft

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

and 300hp at the propeller. The engine is not based on anything else and was designed from scratch by Cox Powertrain engineers.

The engine is surprisingly compact, helped by a vertical crankshaft, which reduces the length of the engine’s shaft and total weight. While the overall weight of 393 kgs is 121kgs heavier than a Mercury 300 Verado, it is more than compensated for with its massive torque. The COX CXO300 produces 650nm of torque, arguably more than twice an equivalent 300hp petrol outboard.

With two gearbox options; 1.46:1 for larger heavier vessels or 1.23:1 for lighter boats and those looking for speed, you can

“Quiet, responsive and incredibly fuel-efficient.”

VIEW THE VIDEO AT powerboatmagazine.co.nz

Acceleration to maximum 4000 rpm was reasonably quick and with no turbo lag.

configure the engine to suit your boat.

There are three shaft lengths available, 25”, 30” & 35”.

The COX CXO300 gets its maximum horsepower at 3500rpm and only revs through to 4000 pm. The restricted torque at very low RPM means you are not overpowering the propeller. There is substantial mid-range torque that provides powerful and responsive acceleration and cruise performance.

ON THE WATER

Sports Marine had planned to mount the first COX CXO300 on the transom of a new Boston Whaler, but due to unprecedented

One of the cool aspects of the COX CXO300 is that you can start using a keyless FOB ignition.

sales of trailer boats in New Zealand, they didn’t have one in stock by the time the COX arrived. Instead, we had a 2016 Seaswirl 230 Walkaround which served as the donor boat. As the review was about the engine and not the boat, it didn’t matter.

One of the cool aspects of the COX CXO300 is that you can start using a keyless FOB ignition. Whilst the technology of keyless ignition is increasingly popular in the automotive industry, it is only just becoming a viable option for marine. This also acts as MOB if you happen to fall out of the boat. The engine will stop when you are about 50m away from the boat. We tried it, and it certainly works. Beats the

regular kill switch.

Acceleration to maximum 4000 rpm and in our case 41 knots (47 mph) was reasonably quick and with no turbo lag. 0 to 30 mph took just 11 secs. We were swinging a 15 1/4” x 22” Bravo One propeller, and it had heaps of bite, with no noticeable loss of rpm in the cornering. I think the engine would handle a bigger 23” or even 24” (e.g.15” x 24” Turning Point), which would probably make the boat quicker from a standing start and give better efficiency and top-end speed.

Talking about efficiency, that is where the COX CXO300 stamps its mark, in New Zealand, where diesel prices are so much lower than petrol. (Based on PowerboatMagazine.co.nz

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The engine is surprisingly compact, helped by a vertical crankshaft, which reduces the length of the engine’s shaft and total weight.

With two gearbox options, you can configure the engine to suit your boat.

regular pump prices of 0.99 cents per litre for diesel and 1.78 cents per litre for petrol in Christchurch). We did a fuel comparison between the CXO 300 and a competitor’s petrol 300hp outboard based on a similar boat, and the results were interesting. At around 20 knots, the CXO300 ran at 1.2 nmpl with a total cost of diesel after one hour of just over $NZ22. The petrol equivalent was $NZ50.

At wide-open throttle, 41 knots for the diesel outboard and 45 knots for the petrol 300, the comparison was $NZ71 instead of $NZ200, a saving in the diesel engines favour of 65%. These same fuel savings will not apply in places like Australia, where petrol and diesel are much the same price at the pumps, but it certainly does in NZ. That all sounds great for Kiwi boaties, but you also need to take in the cost of the engine in the first place. The COX CXO300 is going to set you back just shy of $100,000, whereas a petrol 300hp outboard is around half that.

FUEL & PERFORMANCE DATA RPM Knots L/h 750 3.5 2 1000 4.5 3.3 1500 7.0 10.3 2000 9.0 20.1 2500 10.5 24 2700 23.5 28 3000 26.0 32 3500 33.5 42 4000 41.0 72 106

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Another big plus for the diesel is its extended service programme which sees the first service at 50 hours, and then every 250 hours after that. Considering the average recreational boat usage in New Zealand is around 45 hours annually, that’s over 22 years with just four service schedules! The CXO300 is commercially rated, giving you industry assurance, but it also has a recreational warranty of 5 years or 1500 hours (whatever comes first) and a commercial warranty of 18 months or 1500 hours. According to COX, the engine has a lifespan of triple that of a petrol outboard equivalent! While the diesel outboard is a no brainer for any commercial operators, all the first shipment of CXO300s into New Zealand have surprisingly all been sold to recreational users.

Cox Powertrain is a privately owned, British company based in Shoreham, UK, founded in 2007.

Cox Powertrain has accomplished a lot over the past

L/NM Range(NM) 0.580 760 0.740 590 1.500 290 2.300 190 2.300 190 1.200 360 1.300 340 1.300 340 1.800 240

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A 2016 Seaswirl 230 Walkaround served as the donor boat.

decade, from seeing a gap in the market for compact-sized diesel engine solutions.

Although unique in design, the CXO300 has been built for purpose and developed according to industry standards, making it compatible with controls (NMEA 2000), propellers, standard prop shafts, transom bolt pattern and current steering systems.

The trim range is the same as most big V6/V8 outboards, -4 to +16 deg and a tilt of 71 deg, so the lower unit should be well clear of the water when tilted up.

Designed specifically for commercial and recreational use, the CXO300 is set to disrupt the marine market, offering a new and exciting option. It is, as COX says, Formula 1 technology purpose-built from the ground up for the marine industry. www.sportsmarine.co.nz

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B O AT R E V I E W

HAMMER DOWN TEXT & IMAGES BY RICHARD MILNER

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SEALEGS 7.5 SEMI-CAB RIB

The Sealegs 7.5 Semi-Cab is dry, warm, spacious and very practical.

The Sealegs Semi-Cab has been developed on a recently designed new hull that fits between two very successful sizes.

The Sealegs 7.5 SemiCab is an advancement on the centre console Utility cockpit layout, which has resulted in a more robust day boat design.

A

t first glance, the cockpit has been widened across both the port and starboard tubes. It cuts off the access forward, which for some users might be somewhat restrictive. The Semi Cab design is quite enclosed, and it has an extra-large windscreen that is relatively short. It looks very substantial and has a certain ruggedness about it.

At this point, I must confess I am tired of taking boats out that are designed to perform at their best in moderate to rough water only to find our test day conditions present calm, pristine waters.

Some might say we plan it, but it was simply the day we could all find an excuse to take this new design out and put it through its paces. We decided to test the Sealegs 7.5 Semi-Cab in the same waters off Takapuna as the centre console version we trialled in September 2020.

STORAGE APLENTY

I was again impressed with the ample storage that the boat offered. The 2 by 1 seating for the helm backs on to a large utility area with two large storage compartments, drink holders, speakers and everything you need to store your essentials. I never seem to travel light with the always needed drone and camera gear and a woolly jersey as we never leave the dock without one – however, this is two arm falls of stuff to keep dry. For the Sealegs 7.5 Semi-Cab, I could have had five armfuls, and there would still be space for lunch and a brew of brewskies.

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SEALEGS 7.5 SEMI-CAB RIB

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

The bow section is great for softbaiting.

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in Auckland, but we all know it’s nigh on impossible unless it’s a slack full tide with no other boats and no wind to get onboard without someone getting wet. Those three conditions don’t even register with Sealegs. You don’t even have to climb up the ladder – the wheels are lowered, and you can easily slide into the boat. Marvellous.

Upon the wheels and easily without effort, we were on our way down the ramp. It’s a little embarrassing, I must admit, as all the wet, cold and miserable onlookers watch the boat enter the water with ease and grace. The Yamaha 225 fires up, and without any fuss, we are off the bottom and pottering out to sea.

At this point, you probably think – ahh, he’s an amphibious lover – nothing is further from the truth.

When they first hit the New Zealand market, I was among their biggest critics but having had the time on a couple of them now, I can certainly see how they have changed the landscape of recreational and commercial boating for good.

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HAMMER DOWN

Clear of the markers and comfortably offshore in true Richard fashion, no fuss, no delays, hammer down.

The Sealegs 7.5 Semi-Cab has been rigged with a slightly larger Yamaha 225hp outboard to combat the marginally heavier overall weight of the Semi Cab. It is straight away noticeably a great combination.

The hull easily slides through the water and planes comfortably a little nose up. I notice that the hull is difficult to pitch the nose down, but I’ve been assured that as it’s a prototype that Yamaha had yet to rig the engine correctly. However, all will be set right before production.

While I have spent a fair amount of time in cabin RIBs over the years, as this is almost a centre console, lacking the wrap-around feeling, it feels oddly exposed. A neat feature of the windscreen is it can be raised to remove the wind from your face. It is a genuinely odd sensation to be on a RIB with a cap on and not lose it in 200m. How often is it the case that your hat comes off as soon as you power up and, if not gone over the transom, is stuffed in the console somewhere. I like it.

It’s about this time I realise just how protected we are. At 1.9m tall, my head is below the screen. The 2x1 seating offers a great experience.

Not that long ago, I had a hard-sided centre console boat. A real oldie that had been rebirthed. I miss that boat, but one reasonably fine day, my wife decides we are off to Waiheke for a vino. We launch the boat at Birkenhead – back before the pontoon was destroyed. We power up to the bridge, realise it’s choppier than expected and climb into full wet weather gear. The look on my wife’s face tells me that I’m in for some expensive wine at the vineyard. She’s not impressed. We get out there, and we are wet. I mean wet. Long story short, we have a fantastic time at the vineyard, and yes, I have just one as I have to

drive the boat home. We get to the beach at Matiatia, and my wife says – I’ll see you at home – I’m going on the ferry. Fantastic day ruined. Now you might say yes!! Hammer down on the way home, and I won’t lie, there weren’t many horses spared on the way home. But the point of the day was to spend it with my wife, and that didn’t go entirely to plan.

Down to 12knots, and the boat demonstrated that it just wanted to go – we had to calm it down constantly, so we didn’t go too fast. This is encouraging, as at no time did I find myself having to feed power in to keep going continually. With three onboard and all my junk, we weren’t the lightest either, so this was impressive.

DRY DRY DRY

PROTOTYPE DESIGN

It gets me wondering about the Sealegs 7.5 Semi-Cab – we are dry, warm in t-shirt and shorts, and having found some chop, we are still dry and warm. I now think this is precisely what the designers at Sealegs were thinking about. How do we combine ease of entry – wheels with comfortable riding – tubes, and now we have the semi cab for dry, comfortable boating? It’s a winner.

The guys at Sealegs tell me that some photographers loved it for the dry, comfortable ride during a recent regatta, and all commented on its function.

Before long, it’s time to head in. I’ve put it through its paces, and it handles lovely. Sure it’s not quite rigged right which is a shame, but it holds on in the corners, spreads the water away in the chop and sits nicely in the millpond we had.

A call comes in, and the boat is needed at Westhaven for a demo – I was quick to suggest we all thunder down the harbour, and it might give me an excuse to stretch its legs. Off we went, and you guessed it.

Hammer down all the way home.

We have a quiet and comfortable ride in a side sea surfing the small half metre swell, and the boat sat beautifully. A slight right around North Head towards Tamaki and the high speed lane, we were treated to the short sharp chop of wind opposing tide. Using a little trim to keep the nose down, the boat cut through the chop nicely. The tubes cushioned the ride and the design of the hull spreading the water.

The only real gripes I have with the boat are features that can be ironed out as this is a prototype design.

At 1.9m tall, the helm seats were too close to the console, so seated driving was uncomfortable.

The Inboard engine air intake and exhaust, are in the centre console , with the engine exhaust is at the bottom of the boat. Also, the forward area that is accessible by walking over the tubes either side of the centre console. The forward cushion wasn’t removable for someone to stand forward. If fishing or anchoring, this could be a bit of a gripe, but Sealegs promised more development in that area would see options of a smaller seat or no seat forward. I genuinely believe that it will be a fantastic

Aft of the helm is a large utility area with plenty of space to store your essentials.

Up on the wheels and easily without effort we were on our way down the ramp.

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SEALEGS 7.5 SEMI-CAB RIB

Boat Design Name Sealegs 7.5 Semi-Cab RIB | Priced From $NZD 255,645 | Price As Tested $NZD 307,659.50 | Builder Sealegs | LOA 7.5m | Beam 2.71m | Deadrise 21 deg | Construction Alloy | Fuel Capacity 180L | Engine Range 150 – 250hp | Test Power Yamaha 225 | Max Speed 38knots | MFD Simrad 10inch | Trailer Make Voyager Trailer | Contact www.sealegs.com

FUEL & PERFORMANCE DATA RPM Knots L/h 1000 3.6 3.1 1500 5.3 4.7 2000 7.0 6.3 2500 8.0 8.5 3000 11.0 15.3 3500 16.1 19.4 4000 24.0 24.0 4500 31.0 28.2 5000 34.0 31.9 5500 35.7 35.3 5800 (WOT) 38.0 87.0 112

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L/NM Range (NM) 0.870 150 0.890 150 0.900 150 1.100 120 1.400 96 1.300 100 1.000 130 0.910 140 0.940 140 0.990 130 2.300 58

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

A neat feature is the windscreen can be raised to remove the wind from your face.

design for the family and work alike with these couple of kinks ironed out.

Technically it is the same as the other 750 hulls with the Briggs and Stratton 35hp petrol engine neatly housed in the console. In the same stroke of brilliance, both the wheels and the outboard use the same fuel source, so no mistakes at the end of the day running out of gas before you come out of the water. There is an electric Electrosol option as well, which is powered by a 7kwh battery and a 1.5hr runtime which should be enough for a weekends use.

Overall, well, no, not Overall, is a bit of a well its average, and how do we dress it up. This boat does not suit overall at all. The Sealegs 7.5 Semi-Cab is a first for amphibious RIB style boats, and it’s a winner. It’s dry, warm, spacious and very practical.

I am looking forward to the further development of this series of layout from Sealegs, and I believe kiwis that have traditionally opted for a centre console instead of a cabin will find this a welcome change from wet, cramped centre consoles.

LESS HASSLE, MORE FUN

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COMPANY PROFILE

PROTECTING YOUR UNDERWATER ASSETS Industry leaders in protecting your underwater assets, Propspeed has risen from a small Kiwi company to an international business that is currently undergoing massive growth. PPB went along to their Auckland HQ and spoke with its dynamic CEO Chris Baird and GM, Nona Pedersen, about its development, growth and future aspirations.

CEO Chris Baird has big plans for the global expansion of Propspeed.

WHEN DID PROPSPEED START? While there is actually no set date to define when Propspeed started, it was like many small Kiwi start-up companies. It just evolved. In fact, it was more than ten years after company founder and owner Guy Jacobsen first came up with the idea of Propspeed that it went to market. It was born out of his frustration of having to pull his sportfisher out of the water every couple of weeks to remove growth off the running gear.

He felt there had to be some product to coat the rudder, prop and shaft and eliminate this costly and time-consuming task. After teaming up with a local boat painter (Robbie Auckett) and a chemist from a paint company, they set about ‘inventing’ Propspeed. It wasn’t until the early ‘90s that Propspeed started being applied by local paint applicators, and it was one of those painters based at Orams Marine, Auckland, that coined the name Propspeed…and it stuck.

“It was organic growth with word of mouth the key driver, as more and more people saw boats being hauled out with gold painted underwater running gear and wanted to know what it was”, says Nona Pedersen, General Manager of Propspeed International.

The international market opened for Propspeed when in 2001, they applied Propspeed to their first superyacht. Six months after leaving New Zealand, the boat was hauled out in Ft Lauderdale. The owner was so impressed with the lack of any growth on the underwater running gear, he secured the distributorship for the USA and set the company off in a whole new direction.

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Propspeed GM, Nona Pedersen has been driving force in the company for the past seven years.

While Propspeed was run by the owner as very much a lifestyle business, in 2014, that all changed with new management and direction for the company. Clint Jones joined as MD when there were only three full-time staff with Pedersen came on board soon after, as marketing director.

Two years ago, saw another big step with the appointment of marine industry heavyweight Chris Baird as the new MD. Today, this once-small Kiwi marine business is now a bigger Kiwi marine business and growing.

With his background in Navman and Fusion, two Kiwi marine brands that he helped take from homegrown success to international acclaim, Baird is already well on the way to doing the same for Propspeed.

WHAT IS PROPSPEED? Propspeed’s tagline is Protecting Your Underwater Assets, and this, according to the CEO Chris Baird, is any metal component under the waterline apart from the hull. “We are not an antifouling product; we are a foul-release coating. By using Propspeed, you have growth free running gear that is proven to increase boat efficiency, reduce drag, save fuel and maintenance costs, and importantly prevent corrosion.

Propspeed is the industry benchmark in foul-release coatings.

It lowers the water’s surface tension on the running gear and is a coating that works because it is super slippery and doesn’t allow marine growth to stick to the metal surface.

It has extremely strong anti-corrosive properties and provides a dielectric barrier (insulator) between the metal substrate and the marine organisms. It is an eco-friendly product and does not contain copper, tin or any other toxic substances which may cause environmental pollution. One of the potent properties of Propspeed is its barrier to electrolysis as it protects the metals from all the saltwater nasties.

It features an exceptionally strong chemical and mechanical bond between the metal substrate, the Etching Primer and the Clear Coat – ensuring that the Propspeed coating sticks to running gear and any other underwater metals and performs season after season.

• ANTIFOULING • POLISHING • TOUCH-UPS • REPAINTS • PROPSPEED • MAST & BOOMS Blending quality marine products, craftsmanship and customer care.

For more information phone: 09 428 3906 DB252

HibiscusMarineCoatings.co.nz Gulf Harbour Marina, Gulf Harbour, Auckland, NZ PowerboatMagazine.co.nz

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“Following the success of Foulfree and Lightspeed, we have some more new products to bring to market that are currently under development.”, - CEO Chris Baird

Propspeed products include Propspeed for running gear and all underwater metals, Foulfree for transducers and Lightspeed for underwater lighting. “Propspeed should last at least a year, but depending on what sort of marine environment your boat is moored in, the water temperature, and how often you use it, this can be up to 3 years”, says Pedersen.

It can be applied by a professional applicator or is also sold as a DIY product. An average cost to apply Propspeed to a twin-prop 13m boat by a professional applicator is $NZ1200.

WHERE ARE YOUR MAIN MARKETS? “While New Zealand and Australia are huge areas for our products, Florida is Propspeed’s single biggest market. We are also growing in other US areas, especially on the West Coast and in countries such as Brazil, China, Taiwan, and Europe. We have identified France, Spain and Italy as the key European areas. We have also been adding a number of respected and strong country distributors across the globe, says Baird.

He added that Propspeed is applied at the factory by some of the world’s leading boat builders, such as Riviera, Fairline, Burger, Hinckley, Palm Beach, Grand Banks and Horizon. He says that his plan going forward is to get the product into as many OEMs as he can, so the boats leave the factory already coated with Propspeed and then the owners will be more likely to recoat again when the time comes.

WHAT ARE FOULFREE AND LIGHTSPEED? “Foulfree is a coating designed specifically to protect transducers from marine growth to ensure accurate signal transmission. We partnered with Airmar, the world leaders in transducers, to ensure the coating was safe and didn’t react with the sonar. Lightspeed is a silicone coating that adheres to the surface of the underwater lights, providing a thin, protective layer that repels and prevents marine growth, keeping your lights bright and is suitable to apply to any surface such as brass, bronze, alloy or plastic”, said Pedersen.

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WHAT NEXT FOR PROPSPEED? “Following the success of Foulfree and Lightspeed, we have some more new products to bring to market that are currently under development. However, we have just released a dedicated package to cater for the commercial market. Essentially it is the same product but in much larger containers to make application easier.

“While some copycat companies are promoting a similar product to Propspeed, none have yet been able to come close to the performance and sustainability of Propspeed.

One of the tell-tale differences is that Propspeed, unlike some competitors products, will not delaminate, so a chip out of the Propspeed coating will remain, just that, a chip and go no further.

“However, we are not sitting back and being complacent, and have our R&D department currently formulating the next generation of Propspeed so that we can stay one step ahead of our competitors”, said Baird.

“The development into the commercial market is a big push forward for us, and we have just employed someone in the Netherlands who will be solely responsible for the commercial sector of the market in Europe. We have also opened an office in Seattle to get closer to the commercial operators on the US West Coast and plan to expand our commercial presence in the Gulf of Mexico and China. The commercial sector is unquestionably going to be a big growth area for Propspeed, so we need to be focused on the key hubs,” says Baird.

Propspeed, a private company owned by Jacobsen Holdings, is based in Auckland, New Zealand, from where all the processing and packaging of Propseed, Foulfree and Lightspeed is carried out. To better supply the global market, they also have a warehouse in Florida and another in The Netherlands. In total, the company employs around 30 people worldwide and growing. www.propspeed.com

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Clearwater Cove, Hobsonville Marina, West Harbour, Auckland, NZ. info@motoryachtservicecentre.co.nz

CALL +64 9 416 1179 OR +64 274 725 242 MOTORYACHTSERVICECENTRE.CO.NZ PowerboatMagazine.co.nz

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Years of Artisan Kiwi Boat Building 75-years of boat building is being celebrated in 2021, with the company behind the manufacture of Haines Hunter Boats in New Zealand celebrating its 75th birthday.

In 1946, SeaCraft, the forerunner to Haines Hunter New Zealand, was established by the late Yeoman ‘Sandy’ Sands. Over the past seven and a half decades, the company has evolved and been at the forefront of the trailer boat industry in New Zealand.

In its formation years, the company produced clinker-built timber boats and oars - In fact, SeaCraft was the largest manufacturer of oars in NZ for over 20 years. The range of boats built were powered by Seagull outboards or with small inboard motors.

Investing heavily in apprenticeship training, the blueprint was established – quality designs, quality materials and skilled boatbuilders.

Growing quickly throughout the ’50s

and with solid demand for quality boats and accessibility to outboard motors, the company consolidated its position as NZ’s most prominent production boatbuilder.

The mid ’60s saw the company transition from wooden boat manufacturing to fibreglass, a radical departure from traditional boatbuilding skills but was immediately recognised as the new way forward.

To fully embrace this new technology, two of its staff were sent to California to learn the new processes. During that period, the company constructed a purpose-built laminating and glass factory. Being temperature and humidity controlled, this new factory was state-of-the-art and provided a

facility to produce world-class boats.

Having acquired the Mercury outboard franchise, and with more horsepower available, SeaCraft developed a range of fibreglass boats to suit these “BIG“ engines of up to 130HP! The flagship was the SeaCraft Valencia, a 17 footer powered by a 115HP motor and retailing for $5,000.

Haines Hunter (NZ) Ltd was established in New Zealand in 1972. SeaCraft acquired the manufacturing rights in 1980 and purchased the Haines Hunter brand outright in 1984. From those early years in the 1980s, Haines Hunter was taken to another level with the introduction of now-iconic models such as the 1800S, SF535, V565L and SF700.

Haines Hunters are perfect for family boating.

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The Seacraft team, circa 1956.

The Icons

The model that catapulted the brand was the V198 which was manufactured between 1974 and 1985.

The V198 came onto the market just as bigger horsepower motors became available from manufacturers in the US. The V198 was almost the only boat on the market that could handle the 175hp Mercury Black Max and the 200hp Evinrude / Johnson outboards that were released in 1975.

From there, Haines Hunter built 320 V198’s and ever since they stopped production of the model in 1985, the model has an enviable reputation for its exceptional seakeeping and rough water performance.

Another significant model for Haines Hunter has been the SF535 – unquestionably one of the most successful production trailer powerboats in New Zealand. Between

An early Seacraft clinker dinghy.

1984 and 2021, Haines Hunter built just over 3000 units of the 535; the model now superseded by the 545.

The SF600, released in 1990, proved to be an outstanding success and over a 30-year production run with many innovations and refinements - it always remained a big seller. The introduction of the SF650 Haines Hunter set a new benchmark for rough water ability, and the SF700 continued its march as the company’s most successful large model.

The advent of the SF700 in 1988 was the first of the new generation 7m boats on the market, and sales were exceptional. 200 Haines Hunter SF700 Mk1s were built from 1986 – 2001, with a further 238 SF700 Mk2s built from 2001-2009 before the model was replaced by the popular 725.

The Future

Haines Hunter has always been a big advocate of apprenticeships, with dozens of young boat builders starting their career at the Ellerslie factory. With that, Haines Hunter has a one person, one boat approach to boat building.

One person takes responsibility during the finishing process of each boat.

This ensures attention to detail, quality workmanship and engenders genuine pride of “ownership” in the finished product.

Any craftsman is always looking to see how they can improve their product, and having been pioneers of fibreglass boats in New Zealand, Haines Hunter boats have constantly been evolving.

Amongst a raft of improvements and innovations, the new generation Haines Hunter designs now feature a moulded composite PVC foam floor that’s bonded to the hull, creating

320, V198’s where built, with the last in 1985.

In the mid 1970s, the Seacraft Sierra was one of their most popular models.

The Seacraft factory in Ellerslie, circa 1980.

The SF700 Mk1 was introduced in the mid 1980s and proved a huge seller.

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The 1800S was seen on the ski scene as well as offshore racing.

Years of Artisan Kiwi Boat Building

"With Haines Hunter, it’s been 40-years of great passion, pride, great excitement."

LIONEL SANDS

watertight chambers that deliver reserve buoyancy.

“With each model that comes out of the factory it’s always about all round continuous innovation. Every builder should listen to its customers and its dealers, so we’re constantly making refinements from ergonomics at the helm and around the cockpit and throughout the boat to upholstery upgrades. Making what we think is already a great boat even better,” says Haines Hunter Managing Director, Denis Kendall.

“If we look at the ergonomics of the helm station, we want to make everything within easy reach for the skipper. Provide more niceties such as

cupholders, charger points for devices – evolving our product for the way Kiwis want to go boating.

“We’ve always been very proud of our seating configuration and the level of comfort our seats provide. Just recently we’ve upgraded our seats with a new vinyl, and we’ve upgraded the panels and bolsters to provide even more comfort and support.

“And storage, we like to think that a Haines Hunter has always provided boaties with plenty of storage – best in class in many cases.”

Marking 75 years of boat building in 2021, Haines Hunter will release a new hardtop 635 model this year, following on from the soft top version that was

The SF535 was one of the most successful production trailerable powerboats in New Zealand, with over 3000 built between 1984-2021.

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released in 2020.

The new 635 comes after an extensive 24-month development process, still carrying the brand's legendary 21-degree deep-vee that it has been so famous for via an all-new hull.

“It’s a completely new model; it’s bigger than the 600. Comparing it to a 600, the 635 carries a little more beam on the chine aft, and it still retains the 21-degree vee, and is very similar in the entry – it will still deliver that legendary ride that we’ve been famous for while being stable at rest.”

With 75-years of boat building behind them, Haines Hunter are continuing to build what their vision of New Zealand’s best performing,

The 565 C was one of the first of the new breed of Haines Hunters.

The Haines SP725 is one of their current models.

The SF485 is the smallest model in the Haines Hunter range.

The SF600, released in 1990, proved to be an outstanding success with over a 30-year production run.

practical, most desirable and most loved powerboat brand. For Haines Hunter Director Lionel Sands, son of the Seacraft’s founder, Sandy Sands, a life long passion for boat building, see’s Haines Hunter continually at the forefront of boat building in New Zealand.

“With Haines Hunter, it’s been 40 years of great passion, pride, great excitement. New ideas.”

“There are so many Kiwis who started boating in a Haines Hunter or have had experience on the water in one of our boats. We want to see that continue for generations to come.”

“Early on, we were innovative with the development of our portofino sterns,

enclosed anchor lockers, putting galleys in small fibreglass boats, and taking fibreglass boats to a new level – we’re continuing that innovation today with our new models.”

While there is no official record of just how many Haines Hunters have been built in New Zealand, the estimated figure is in excess of 6,500.

“We have always prided ourselves on building a great all-round family boat, with our designs embracing family adventure. All of our boats are great for fishing, they will suit family boating, and accommodate the creature comforts for those who just want to go boating.”

“And of course, the ride just gets better.”

Celebrating their 75th year, the company released the all new SF635.

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Parking outside the square...

HAVE YOU EVER NOTICED

that when seasoned launch and yacht owners get together for the afternoon libations, and the amiable conversation turns to post boating activities, the ‘campervan’ option is widely disparaged?

Comments such as ‘bunch of lemmings, all go to the same places, crowed campsites, can’t freedom camp anywhere anymore…’ and the like are bandied about. Ever noticed these chats usually take place in one of the 4 anchorages you traditionally use, mostly with cruising companions and often in the company of many other craft, all a little bit closer than is comfortable.

Strangely freedom camping is one of the few options still available to all boaties, but is rarely taken advantage of by many.

From Whangaroa in the north, to the Mercury Islands in the South, there are a goodly number of safe havens which form traditional ‘go to’ spots. Understandable, as a secure shelter overnight is essential to crew happiness. This means a great many excellent anchorages are often bypassed.

With more reliable weather forecasting and information from so many sources now, it gives one the opportunity to stay in locations which may have a vulnerability in certain wind or wave conditions but when they are good, they are very very good.

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Few cruisers venture as far North as the Kari Kari Peninsula from Auckland, as the coastline past Whangaroa is usually too exposed for ‘family first’ boating.

I developed the habit of going as far north as I wanted in the first days of my voyage and then trickling back down the coast to home port. That saved the long sprint home on the last day of the holidays. So….

Starting at Whangaroa, you can see the right turn indicators on

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

preceding craft at the entrance.

Pekapeka Bay (both arms) and Lane Cove are stunning anchorages, usually well sheltered, but often crowded and subject to sudden wind dumps. I have often bypassed these, and gone left, through Peach Is and down to Owhanga Bay. Tucked in behind Milford Is, under Jones Point, you are safe from any wind direction with an S in it, around to NE, and usually with very few close neighbours. Kopumiti, the

Cordova was named

by Spanish explorer Salvador Fidalgo.

Strangely freedom camping is one of the few options still available to all boaties, but is rarely taken advantage of by many.

next bay in is just about as good, but gets a bit more exposure to stiff SW breeze. Both are great alternatives to the usual havens in this amazing harbour.

The coastline between Whangaroa and the Bay of Islands, including the Cavellis’, is so often bypassed completely, or traversed through at speed. When the weather has settled from the westerly quarter Mahinepua is a truly beautiful, peaceful anchorage. Doing a trawl along that beautiful coastline a few years back,

we stopped in for lunch, and left 3 days later. Even the Northland coasts traditional NE groundswell seems to miss this awesome bay. The only neighbour was a friend cruising with us. Try it in settled weather. Across the Cavalli Passage, Horseshoe, (or Homestead Bay) on Motukawanui Is provides an excellent evening in Nth to SE breezes. There can be a lift in this large bay but it is very gentle in settled weather. Again, many times I have stopped here, there are only 3-4 boats taking advantage of the

stunning sunsets.

Trundling down the coast past Kauri Cliffs Golf Course, and past the Ninepin, forget Keri Keri or Russell and take a right into Oihi, or Rangihoua Bay. This is another bay which does not get used as much as it could, as craft roar by to more conventional anchorages. It is deeper inset than it appears on the charts, has good holding with good depth close in on the Te Puna side, gives good shelter, a great area for walking and provides much historical drama, being where

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Samuel Marsden first set up shop. A big groundswell can sometimes give a gentle lift, but this dies down quickly to nothing in normal conditions.

Everybody knows all the anchorages in the Bay of Islands. Waipiro is famous as a bolt hole in SW winds, but just around the point is the little known Te Uenga Bay, which offers even better shelter, and if the wind swings against all predictions, you can bolt across to Whiorau, (about 300m), which is great in NE winds. Further out toward the Brett, Oke Bay is a particular favourite, providing far more shelter than you would expect in even Northerly winds.

It has a great white sand beach for frolicking, and DOC walks over to Rawhiti, out to the Brett and even further for the true masochists. It is a great place to waste a day or two, in relative peace usually. The majority of boaties traverse the Cape Brett crossroads and race to Whangamumu, or further, without looking right.

Tucked into the coastline formed by the Brett peninsula, is a stunning bay.

Outu, in the right conditions, is as great a place to be as anywhere on the coast. The water is crystal clear, you can select the fish you choose to catch from your stern. Sheltered from SW, and Nth through to E, it can have a lift but this is usually more pleasant than not, should it manifest. Again, should unexpected weather happen, it is only a couple of miles to Whangamumu.

A place I often use as a staging

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post when doing the coast, is Mimiwhangata, more precisely the bay on the western side, Paparahi, when the winds permit. It affords good shelter from NW down to SE, you can fish the point from land or your dinghy, the water is clean, and just around the point is a kilometre or so of white sandy beach. Taiwawe Bay, just around the other point to the Nth is possibly an even better anchorage, but is tight (3-4 boats), and the landowners own down to the HW mark, so ask if you want to go ashore. Helena Bay gets a bit too much swell for comfy stays unless things are very settled, but it is a beautiful spot too.

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It is well worth trickling through the inside of the Rimirikis’ (Wide Berth Islands). Although not really a place to stay overnight, there are stunning clear waters, sandy bottom, obvious hard bits, and is an excellent place to spend a day before heading for safer anchorages if the weather changes.

Again, this one is very weather dependant, but grab the chance if you can.

I have found no special rarely used spots south of here, all the best anchorages are well known. Whananaki is ok when well settled, but can be untenable quite quickly. I have never had a good night at the Hen and

Chicks.

For those who like exploring, find a copy of Pickmeres’ Atlas of the Nth East Coast. Along with the RAYC Coastal Cruising Handbook, they provide so much more intimate information than your GPS plotter on these fantastic cruising grounds.

The Great Barrier Island is a destination over the holiday periods, and can get very busy. Again, all the well known, reliable anchorages are often full. Barrier has plenty of gusty squally winds, which even the better anchorages are subject to. And finding some unknown bolt hole, without errant vessels flying by becomes a sport in itself. There have been many cruising books and articles written about Aotea and most boaties know the bays outside of Fitzroy are subject to some groundswell effect at some stage. I love the nooks and hollows of Nagles Cove, and Port Abercrombie, but there are minimal places to run the dog, or walk yourself. The anchorage inside the mussel farm in Nimaru Bay, the SE corner of Katherine Bay is a great spot if it’s not blowing too hard.

You don’t really notice the lift unless something untoward has occurred offshore, cyclones in the islands or the like. The white sandy beach can dump the unwary when going ashore, but once on hard ground and dried, the sense of humour often returns, and the dog is ecstatic. Coppermine is a great spot for day stays, but I usually

move as the lift can be annoying and the wind funnels up the valley, or down depending on the prevailing breeze.

Around the top of the Needles, if the conditions allow, take a right turn and stay at Shipwreck. This is the first bay with its NW shoreline formed by the back of the rocks going out to the Needles. Rock fishing is a must.

There is plenty of water close in, and in settled weather with a W in the wind direction, is a beautiful place to stay.

Nice beach, great driftwood for the garden. It does quickly go custard with a wind change, and often on the hot days, a brisk SE breeze follows the sun onto the land. This usually dies down

if you sit it out, and the evenings can be stunning. So too, the daybreak!

The next bay down, Rangiwhakaea is very nice too, but a SW breeze can funnel down this valley, and make the anchorage busy. When travelling this coast, you don’t often see many boats anchored in these great spots.

Much has been written about Arid Cove and Haratoanga Bay. I love Haratoanga, it does usually have a slight lift, but unless you are in a yacht or an old round bilge classic, it is not really noticeable. The beach bit the shore bound crew 3 days out of 4 this season, so take a towel, or get a better skipper!. Korotiti is another

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CRUISING WITH PHIL GILBERT

bay, just south of Haratoanga, which is underated. Open to the South a bit, it does offer an excellent anchorage, especially if the wind gets up to NE/ NW. I have had times of peaceful bliss with maybe one other boat, while those around the corner are running for shelter. Further down, Waterfall Bay is at the bottom of Rosalie Bay. It has a unique cottage wedged in a steep cleft in the head of the bay, which has a chequered history according to locals! You will often see fishing boats in Rosalie, and Waterfall Bay when shelter from SW to NW winds are needed. These fisho’s usually know a thing or two, and I have had a few good nights in these two areas. You can traverse the narrow passage from Rosalie, between the large domed (Rabbit) island into Waterfall, which can offer a bit more shelter as the wind swings north.

Everybody, and especially my long suffering partner, loves Whangaparapara. Tucked in under the graveyard, where the Late great George Mason oversees his bay is a special place to be. This is one of those places where suffering the crowd is worth it. Just south, if the conditions are right, Allom Bay, on the SE side of Blind Bay is another of those spots which are magic. Watching the sun hit the water beside Little Barrier, through your misty glass of G&T makes everything seem OK. It is a small bay so be early for the best spot.

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Coromandel Peninsula, Stoney Bay, just NW of Port Charles is all too often missed in the rush to get to the Mercs, or the W side of Coromandel. It is much more sheltered than the charts indicate, and is a fantastic staging post, or stay for a day or two. With boats being much faster now, the need for a rest stop is not so imperitive, and Stoney has dropped off the radar. Go and have a look. It’s very pleasant.

No ‘go to’ advisory would be complete without Elephant Cove, in the Happy Jacks. Small, its size makes it a special place to be. No good in winds with an S in it, but any other wind, get there early and secure your spot.

You may not leave. If there is an S in the breeze, my favourite spot on this coastline is Deep Cove, on the Nth side of Whanganui Is. This island forms the NW side of Coromandel Harbour.

Deep Cove is very sheltered, while still being open to the N. It can be like sitting in a CineMax theatre as the afternoon lengthens, watching small land based craft racing to their haul out area, and other yachts and launches heading for the more traditional spots like Te Kouma Harbour. Often

PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

there are only 2-3 boats in this bay and it is an excellent spot. Woolshed and East Bays’, on the Sthrn side of Whanganui Is are excellent bolt holes when the wind does get up from a northerly quarter.

Over the Firth, the bay I go to as a preference is Bryant Bay, or Scullys’, on Ponui Island. Sheltered from the SW through to Nth, it has the space not usually found in North Harbour, on the opposite side of Ponui.

Waiheke and its myriad of small and shallow bays, are well known to most boaties and there are no secrets here.

There are many anchorages I have not been to yet. Everybody knows of one which gives unexpected and surprising degrees of shelter and comfort. I usually look for where the commercial longliners go to rest, and try these when they leave.

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PHIL GILBERT ANSWERS...

THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY…

CHARTERING

F

ROM 2006 UNTIL 2015, MY PARTNER AND I OWNED AND OPERATED A CHARTER VESSEL, MAINLY CONCENTRATING ON THE XMAS CORPORATE PARTY SEASON. THE EFFORT AND ISSUES IN MAKING SURE EVERYBODY HAD A GOOD TIME, AND GOT OFF THE BOAT SAFELY, LEAD TO SOME VERY GOOD FRIENDS, FRAUGHT SITUATIONS, AND THE OCCASIONAL VERY FUNNY MOMENT. Some charters were an absolute breeze, the best of which was Fashion Week. An international media company was a major sponsor of Fashion Week and for some years would charter our craft as a floating entertainment centre.

This consisted of us moving her 100m across the Viaduct, whereupon a local beverage supplier would load her with libations, international chefs would prepare amazing food, and throughout the day, beautiful people would get allocated an hour of free booze and food before being ushered off.

The media principle, now very sadly deceased, would move aboard and entertain from dawn to dusk, then go out Viaduct crawling. One morning I arrived to find him fast asleep, curled

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up around a small fan heater on the saloon floor. It had been cold that night, apparently was very late, and so he had hitched a ride home on the back of a scooter with an obliging lass, climbed the security fencing and collapsed, hypothermic, on the floor. That man had amazing stamina. Having showered and freshened himself, he proceeded to do the full day at a relentless pace, then went out for the evening again. Legend!.

The Rugby World cup of 2011 was another great time. Thinking outside the square a bit, we promoted our vessel as inner city accommodation with a twist. We got two amazing groups for the entire RWC. 6 Canadian rugby fans, high end professionals, had the first stint. These guys defined enjoyment. Our responsibilities included cleaning and removing refuse. The bottle bin had to be retired after these guys left, but they were immaculate ‘no mess Charlies’, and left a great tip for the cleaners. The other group were guests of a multi-national oil company, very wealthy individuals in their own right, and some of the nicest people you could meet. They loved being on the boat, rather than a penthouse suite, and left gifts too.

Other charters were not so easy. We had a fantastic on board

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chef, who loved smoking his fresh salmon on the back of the boat, with the water washing around his feet. On one charter, as one of our hostesses and I were grabbing a break on the foredeck, the chef lurched out of the galley, showing all the signs of being seasick. As good discrete NZ’ers would do, we turned away, so as not to embarrass him whilst he ‘parked his cookies’. A lot of splashing, gurgling and a small ‘thump, as a piece of meat rolled between my feet alerted us to the true situation. While testing his dish he had inhaled, and was choking on a morsal of beef. He had actually staggered to the foredeck to get our assistance only to see us turn our backs. That could have ended badly.

Quite a few guests had a penchant for alcoholically induced exuberance. A well-known legal firm had their function aboard with 32 women and two men… I think they were just token representatives. These ladies partied hard. The mature office manager was flashing her goods to the onlooking public, as we left the Viaduct. They took control of the music, and quite literally blew the upper deck speakers out of their sockets, not to mention crashing through the upper table whilst dancing upon same. Charter operators know the biggest fear with these functions is for a guest to leave the vessel unintentionally, but we can proudly say nobody ever left our boat without permission. On the contrary, often guests would not leave, even when strongly encouraged.

Some made it a mission to drink the boat dry before leaving.

Many were the taxis’ we called, for those who had made no arrangements post charter.

The ugly ones are when things actually go bad. Our unblockable toilets only flooded once, caused by an impressive offering with some structural rigidity. This monolith could not bend around the curve and had blocked the shut off valve open consequently. It took a while before (possibly) the offender told us of this issue, by which time the master cabin and ensuite were well awash. One post match clean up led to the discovery of a number of vomit filled towels, hidden behind a door in an unused side cabin… opposite the laundry! Maybe all the toilets were busy... but to hide evidence?

We took out senior management and staff of our national rugby team. These notable souls may be stoic under duress during a tight match, but put them on a gently moving craft and things are different. Whilst serving a beautiful meal off (mirror calm) Cheltenham, a once famous goalkicker requested a return to dock, as some were feeling ‘under the weather’… especially at rest. At that precise moment an alarm sounded in the wheelhouse... high bilge water alarm!!.

Manually putting on the bilge pumps, we gently cruised back to the Viaduct and tied up, whereupon everybody felt well again. Such was the demand for cleansing ales and the like, our chef volunteered to ‘barkeep’. His first attempt at a job obviously well outside his skillset, resulted in whipping the top off a German ale, including the cap lip.

Unnoticed this was jammed into the thirsty recipients mouth, wherein the blood did rapidly flow.. NOT a happy camper consequently!!

Subsequent more thorough inspections revealed a nonreturn valve on the ER bilge pump had decided to fail, and sods maritime law dictated that the float switch on that pump (checked the previous week) had failed at the same time... I guess that’s why MOSS insists on back up pumps and high water alarms too.

It was mainly all fun until the survey rules were changed yet again, and it all just got too hard.

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FLETCH’S TIPS The America’s Cup racing is competed, well done Team NZ for an amazing effort, in the end it was the combined efforts from Blair Tuke and Peter Burling (with the rest of Team NZ) that made the difference in the final races. I also would like to give thanks to the Italians for putting on an amazing show of determination and perseverance, never giving up and pushing their boat and crew above and beyond, you did your country proud and we have enjoyed having the Prada team here in Auckland.

TIP #056

TIP #057

DRY WATER PUMP #2

DRY WATER PUMP #1

e Logo

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The engine cooling pump sits in the lower section of the engine leg and uses water for lubrication (look for the intake ports in the lower leg), without being submerged they will last about a minute before they the rubber pump impeller will start to disintegrate.

Another danger to look out for is sand entering the pump, this usually happens when launching and retrieving from a beach.

Try and reduce this risk by taking care when operating in shallow water, use the engine tilt to keep the motor as high as possible but still keeping the water intake ports submerged. This will prevent sand from getting sucked up into the water pump and grinding out your rubber impeller.

Pro Tip: get in the habit of using a salt neutralizer like Salt Away or CRC Salt Terminator every 2nd or 3rd flush cycle, this will extend the life of your engine.

Outboard engines have a small water pump which is used to cool the engine, as a “hard lesson” learned make sure you run your outboard in water or have a hose attached.

This owner was unsure as to why his engine kept overheating as he had previously “flushed” his engine, but had never been shown how to correctly attach engine flush earmuffs , the end result was a burned-out water pump and an unnecessary repair bill. Pro Tip: Your local marine service center will happily show you how to connect up a hose, and how to correctly flush your outboard.

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PACIFIC POWERBOAT MAGAZINE

www.batterytown.co.nz

TIP #058

TIP #059

STALE FUEL

Pro tip 1: at the end of the summer try to use up as much of the fuel in your tank (empty as possible), when it’s time to go boating again full it completely up with fresh fuel.

Pro Tip 2 - As advised from Maritime NZ: Avoid using BioFuel, as the use of bioethanol blended petrol in marine engines is not recommended because there is a greater risk of water in the fuel tank, the problem is that it can lead to the ethanol/petrol blend becoming unstable and separating into two phases, one rich in ethanol and the other rich in hydrocarbons.

GOOD VIBRATIONS If you are looking at replacing your outboard in the future, I highly recommend VIBRA-STOP engine mounting system. This is a must-have option if you have an Alloy boat, however it works equally well in fiberglass boats. The kit consists of backing pads made from urethane and sits between the outboard and the transom, these pads significantly reduces the resonance and vibration from the engine getting transmitted into the hull.

TIP #060

KEEPING THE CLEARS – CLEAR A curse of my life as a boat owner is trying to keep the boat clears clean, they always attract spots and water marks and are a pain-in-the-arse to keep clean. James from Cover-IT boat covers gave me some Novus Plastic Polish to try, which gave a fantastic result, nice and clean clears, look like new – I highly recommend this product.

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.

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DB759

Lance from Holiday Outboards shared this expensive mistake with me as a reminder for boat owners to keep their fuel fresh.

This is an outboard engine piston with a hole blown through it which was caused by stale fuel.

The owner was using 2-yearold fuel from a tote tank, the end result is a badly damaged outboard and a repair bill that goes into the thousands.

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DB793

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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

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

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• Certified workshop, parts, sales and service • New and used boats and delivery • New and used outboards and stern drives • Outboard and stern drive master technicians

FREE* Pick up and delivery FREE* Mobile technician mileage FREE* Boat safety tuition (on the water) PARK AND SELL: we will pick-up your boat and sell it for you (No sales commision charged) *Conditions apply

• Latest diagnostic computers • Equipped workshop = Faster service • We buy and sell boats/motors anywhere in NZ • Spare parts – Marine chandlery • Marine electronics chandlery

YOUR LOCAL AUTHORISED MERCURY SPECIALIST

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

DB791

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MERCURY DEALER OF THE YEAR (NZ & AUSTRALIA)

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

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

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

Mercury New Zealand Dealer of the year 2017, 2018 & 2019 Stabicraft Alloy Boats. Stabicraft’s largest dealer 2017 and 2018 CSB Huntsman, Larson & Seaswirl Fiberglass boats Mercury Inflatable

HUGE STOCK SHORTAGES WORLDWIDE…

So get your order in now, to avoid disappointment !

uthorised ecialist

MERCURY PORTABLES. LIGHTWEIGHT AND BUILT TO LAST.

NEW V8 AND V6 MERCURY 4 STROKES IN STOCK AND ON SPECIAL !!

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

Your local authorised Mercury Specialist

YOUR NZ AUTHORISED MERCURY SPECIALIST

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

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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

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SF600R

Mob: 0275 815007

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MAY / JUNE 2021

189 Stanley Road, Gisborne Ph: 06 868 6519 Fax: 06 868 9939 Email: rex@whitepointerboats.co.nz Web www.whitepointerboats.co.nz

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DB368

12 MONTHS DIRECTORY/BRAND AWARENESS ADVERTISING OFFER FOR ONLY $100 PER MONTH. For further infomation contact: alex@boatmgs.com - 02102865298

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1487A State Highway 17, Dairy Flat, Auckland.

Ph: 021 570 505 | e: info@seafarerinflatables.co.nz | www.seafarerinflatables.co.nz

>> DIRECTORY BOAT BUILDERS & DESIGNERS, SALES & SERVICE, PRODUCT & ACCESSORIES

REPLACE

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FOR ALL MAKES AND MODELS

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FLUSH YOUR ENGINE WITH

KILLS SALT CORROSION SALT REMOVING TREATMENT

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HOLIDAY OUTBOARD SERVICES & BOAT STORAGE

www.salt-away.co.nz

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

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Pacific Rim Marine Surveys Ltd. Pre-Purchase Inspections * Insurance Surveys * Consultations Fully qualified Marine Surveyor through the International Institute of Marine Surveyors

• Welding & General Engineering • Stainless Steel Welding & Polishing • Aluminium Welding • Marine Fabrication & Welding • Balustrading & Handrails • Residential & Commercial Projects

M +64 0211 390 459 E info@pacificrimmarine.com W www.pacificrimmarine.com DB703

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DB760

MORE LEVERAGE

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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

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• Fibreglass & Timber Repairs • Spray Painting & Gelcoating • Insurance work • Antifouling 25-27 Holmes Rd, Manurewa.

PO Box 75-486. Manukau 2243 Ph (09) 267 8498

DB359

info@southaucklandboatrepairs.co.nz www.superiorgroup.co.nz

Call 021 1142 444 or info@lightningmarine.co.nz

DB453

www.fatcat.nz

POWER LIFT BRACKETS Jacking plates from $950

Power trim & tilt units from $1250

MORRINSVILLE’S MARINE CENTRE

DB261

Thames St, Morrinsville ph (07) 889 7193 • fax (07) 889 5405 Email: sportcraftboats@xtra.co.nz Jamie (021) 795 597 www.sportcraftboats.co.nz

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 2021

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