New Ferrettis

Following the launch of the Altura 690, Ferretti Yachts has released two new stablemates – the 681 and 630. Making its debut at the Genoa Boat Show last year, the 681 measures 68 feet (21 metres) and replaces the FY 680 model.

The 681 features a new master cabin with a semi-circular sofa that affords a view of the sea, two guest cabins that have been made larger, a flybridge with two large sun decks and a wide cockpit that houses a teak table with seating for eight.

The 63m Ferretti 630 also made its first appearance at Genoa last year and, like its stablemate, also sports two open-view windows in the master cabin and large. single rounded windows positioned from aft to stern.

Enquiries: Yachting Unlimited, tel: (02) 9566 2628. Website:www.yachtingunlimited.com

SeaQuest Sports Bridge 3000

To celebrate ten years of production, Bob Trask of SeaQuest has released the SeaQuest Sports Bridge 3000 10th Anniversary Limited Edition. According to Trask, the SeaQuest Sports Bridge 3000 is “styled for families who wish to enjoy weekends and longer away from busy bays and beaches.”

The Sports Bridge 3000 is based on the 2800 model and boasts a new hull offering more water length and internal space as well as a new aft deck design that accommodates both sterndrive and dual outboard engine options.

The helm station is raised off the main deck and features a wrap-around dash module, complete with instrumentation. A starboard side deck houses a lounge, with an in-built 80-litre freezer and enough room for two alongside the helm chair.

Above the cockpit, the bridge deck has a moulded sports targa, with front and side clears, while a sliding roof hatch and zip-out forward screen provide ventilation. The galley facilities are split on both sides of the cabin area, with the portside module housing a plumbed sink and a two-burner stove. To starboard are a microwave and 120-litre fridge.

A separate full-height bathroom has hot and cold pressurised water drawn from a 230-litre freshwater tank and the Auto San toilet features electric flush, holding tank and onboard waste water processing.

A V-berth dinette converts to a double bed and a separate aft cabin, complete with screened sliding window and hanging locker, provides sleeping room for two adults. The entertainment package consists of a 17” LCD flat screen TV, with DVD/digital tuner and the sound provided by waterproof cockpit speakers via the CD/MP3 audio system. For the fisho, there is a fully-plumbed livebait tank, rod holders, twin 90-litre removable underfloor storage boxes, plus a 2000-litre storage compartment to pack the fishing gear.

Enquiries: SeaQuest Marine, tel: (07) 3389 3033.
Website: www.seaquestmarine.com.au

Bar Crusher 560WR

Constructed from heavy duty, pre-stressed 4mm bottom sides and 3mm top sides plate aluminium, the Bar Crusher 560WR measures 6.10m, with a beam of 2.25m. According to the manufacturer, the 560WR provides a smooth ride thanks to the Waveslicer, deep-V hull, while the Rigideck subfloor system ensures maximum hull strength for crew in all conditions.

Rated to carry a 115-140hp outboard, the 560WR features Bar Crusher’s Quickflow water ballast technology, walk-around configuration, rod holders, livebait tank, in-floor fish storage tank, berley bucket, storage pockets, marlin board/swim platform and swim/dive ladder.

Enquiries: Bar Crusher Boats, tel: (03) 9702 8555.
Website: www.barcrusher.com.au

Luhrs 31 Open

The Luhrs 31 Open recently arrived in Australia. Designed as a serious sportsfisher with comfortable cruising accommodation, the 31 Open comes with such standard features as a large transom fishbox, insulated live well/ice box, prep-station with sink, cutting board and livewell, fresh and raw water washdowns, tackle drawers and a transom door.

A forward dinette converts into two singles or a double berth, with two berths above. The fully-equipped galley houses a generous work area, fridge/freezer and microwave. To port is a roomy head (electric toilet, holding tank and macerator) and stand-up shower.

There is storage throughout the boat, including underfloor carpeted rod storage, drawers in the entry steps and a large bedding/cushion stowage bin forward. Powered by twin shaft-drive 315hp Yanmar diesels, the Luhrs 31 is reported to reach a top speed of 30 knots, with a cruising speed of around 20 knots.

Enquiries: BlueWater Power Yachts, tel: (02) 9979 9755. Website: www.bpy.com.au

Beneteau First

Beneteau’s First 34.7 is designed to deliver both performance and comfort. For those with a competitive streak, the First 34.7 has a large open cockpit, large steering wheel, retractable bowsprit, asymmetric spinnaker and a saildrive engine (2YM20).

Designed by Farr Yacht Design, the First 34.7 is built using the infusion technique for the hull and structure to save weight and ensure quality of lamination and weight consistency, according to Beneteau.

Enquiries: Beneteau Vicsail, tel: (02) 9327 2088. Website: www.vicsail.com

King Cat 38

Queensland-based power catamaran manufacturer, King Catamarans, will release its King Cat 38 at the Sanctuary Cove and Sydney boat shows this year.

The King Cat 38 has a beam of 5.3m and features three berths in a variety of configurations, one of which includes an en suite. A large saloon area houses a lounge with enough room to seat six adults and sleep two when the table is lowered.

The galley comes complete with all the mod cons, including an oven and hotplates, a microwave, twin sinks and ample cupboard space. The cockpit has sinks, bait tanks, kill tanks and a set of fully-moulded stairs leading to a flybridge that boasts twin helm seats and enough seating for up to 12 adults.

Enquiries: King Catamarans. Contact: Scott McGrath, tel: 0412 285 311.
Website: www.kingcats.com.au

Sundancer 290

Sea Ray has released the 290 Sundancer. By day, the 290 Sundancer provides a party venue for guests, with cup holders and a wet bar complete with stainless steel sink and built-in insulated cooler, all located in the roomy cockpit. There is even a removable carry-on cooler that can be stowed below.

A standard extended swim platform, with a concealed three-step ladder, offers access to the water and incorporates a hot and cold transom shower. And when it’s time to sunbath, the cockpit seat slides out and folds down to a sun pad. The helm station comes complete with a swivel bucket seat with a flip-up thigh bolster, the latest in instruments (including SmartCraft), weatherproof illuminated switches, power-assisted steering, sounder and VHF radio.

The galley contains a recessed stove, microwave, sink and dual-voltage refrigerator, plus fibreglass granite-coloured benchtops and ample storage. The 290 Sundancer sleeps up to six in three separate cabins. The mid-stateroom has a private double bunk, while the V-berth features a mirrored locker and wood tone cabinets, plus filler cushions and a privacy curtain. Seating in the dining area converts to an extra bed, with the addition of filler cushions.

Entertainment comes via the standard 12V AM/FM single CD stereo, with six-disc changer, MP3 port, amplifier and six speakers. The 290 Sundancer is powered by twin 4.3L MPI Bravo III petrol sterndrives. Other power options include: Twin 5.0L MPI Bravo I petrol sterndrives or twin 5.0L MPI Bravo III petrol sterndrives.

Enquiries: NSW Andrew Short Marine, tel: (02) 9524 2699; Qld Sea Ray, tel: (07) 5591 7032; WA Challenge Marine, tel: (08) 9240 8060.
Website: www.searay.com

Stratos Boats

Avid fishos who have been glued to their TVs watching the Australian Fishing Championships on Channel 10 might have noticed the Stratos fishing boats used as the tournament’s official boat.

Brisbane’s Bruce Cunningham, of Cunningham’s Marine, is Australia’s only Stratos dealer. “We carry several Stratos bass boats in stock ­– all powered with Mercury engines. Best of all, you can get into the 18-foot, 6-inch model, just like the anglers use on the show, for around $50,000,” said Cunningham.

All Stratos fishing boats come equipped with twin rod lockers, recirculating livewells, underfloor tackle storage, electric motors and electronics.

Enquiries: Cunningham’s Marine, tel: (07) 3284 2348.

Ocean Alexander

The Altus 45 is the first model from Ocean Alexander to be released in Australia. A recent expansion at the company’s Taiwan factory has resulted in a move to bring the boats to Australia and they are being imported by Ocean Alexander Motoryachts Australia at Brisbane’s Raby Bay.

Ocean Alexander Motoryachts Australia director, Darren Berry says: “We are confident that our competitive pricing and long list of standard inclusions on every model will ensure the Ocean Alexander product stands out from the crowd.”

The Altus 45 is part of Ocean Alexander’s Sport Sedan range and is designed by world-renowned naval architect, Ed Monk Jr. The hull of the Altus 45 features prop tunnels, which are designed to provide greater lift, speed and manoeuvrability, while also reducing fuel consumption.

Standard power comes via twin Yanmar 370hp diesel shaftdrives that are reported to produce a 21-knot cruising speed. For those wanting a bit more power, the optional 440hp Yanmar can produce a 28-knot top speed. Powerplants from Cummins and Caterpillar are also available.

Standard features include air conditioning, flybridge hardtop, 42” plasma TV, barbecue, icemaker, genset, full electrics and designer décor.

Enquiries: Ocean Alexander Motoryachts Australia. Contact: Darren Berry, tel: 0417 006 009. Website: www.oceanalexander.com.au

Cabo 40 Express

The latest addition to the Cabo Yachts Australia model line-up is the 40 Express. Designed to appeal to the serious sportsfisherman or family boater, the 40 Express has a reported top speed of 36 knots when powered by 700hp C-12 Caterpillar diesels.

The Express features an LOA of 42’10”, a beam of 15’9” and a draft of 3’5”. It has a transom deadrise of 16.5 degrees and 140 square feet of room in the cockpit. Standard features include a transom livewell, underfloor fish boxes, transom door and padded coamings.

The helm deck has ample seating thanks to an L-shaped lounge and the entire deck can be raised hydraulically to provide engine room access. Below deck is an air-conditioned main cabin with an L-shaped lounge that converts to upper and lower berths.

A fully-equipped galley on the port side includes Corian benchtops, microwave oven, two-burner stove, fridge/freezer and ample storage. The master stateroom features an island berth and rod lockers.

Enquiries: Cabo Yachts Australasia. Contact: John Briggs, tel: 0411 190 111. Website: www.caboyachtsaustralasia.com

Corsair 33

The Corsair 33 is the latest addition to the Corsair range from Chris-Craft. Available with either petrol or diesel engines, the first Corsair due in Australia will sport Volvo Penta 375hp diesels.

The Corsair 33 features Chris-Craft’s deep vee hull and classic flared bow. For those who like to party, the on-deck entertainment centre has a wet bar (fridge/icemaker optional extras), seating for up to eight people and speakers providing stereo sound from the entertainment system, which includes a flat screen television and DVD player.

The standard bimini offers protection from the elements and can be stored in a moulded compartment beneath the hydraulic engine hatch when not in use. Inside the cockpit are double width helm seats and a wrap-around U-shaped lounge aft with a centre walk-through to provide access to the swim platform. All seating has stowage underneath.

Offering overnight accommodation for up to four, the Corsair 33 includes a forward stateroom that can double as a dining area, a fully-equipped galley, enclosed head/bathroom and a separate berth amidships with privacy curtain.

The galley includes a stainless steel refrigerator, microwave, sink and ample storage. The main saloon offers seating for four in a vee berth arrangement. Options on the Corsair 33 include a teak table for al fresco dining and a sunpad kit to convert the aft lounge to a sunbed.

Enquiries: Chapman Marine Group, tel: (02) 9326 2867.
Website: www.chapmanmarine.com.au