New Cat Has Fans Purring

Newcastle Herald

Friday February 8, 2008

Boating, Mark Rothfield

IT'S a cat, it's hot, made of "tin" AND it has a roof. Doesn't get better than that for a pun-loving boating scribe scratching for an opening par.

The craft in question is the new flagship for Aussie alloy powercat builder Sailfish. It goes by the name 3300 Platinum Series Weekender.

Sailfish are renowned for their strength and seaworthiness, being favoured by commercial operators and government departments, and the 3300 looks like another rugged customer . . . albeit with a soft interior.

The design team has specified 6-millimetre plate alloy for the underbody and topsides, bolstered by a solid 25-millimetre keel. Powering the 31/2-tonne cat are twin Honda 225hp 4-stroke outboards, delivering a top speed of 37 knots.

The hull is 10 metres in overall length and 3.5 metres across its girth, which translates to a vast amount of cockpit and cabin space.

For live-aboard cruising there's an enclosed bathroom, full galley and spacious forward sleeping quarters. The latter is fully lined and has a double mattress. Internal volume is nowhere more evident than in the main cabin area where a large room is divided by the portside dining lounge area and the fully loaded helm and galley.

Skippers will appreciate the dash design, which extends half way across the bulkhead in line with the double helm seat. It's positioned for excellent visibility and offers room for twin engine instrumentation, large electronic units and radios.

The cockpit has a fold-down club lounge with removable table, so it can easily be transformed into a fishing workstation.

Soon to come are 3700 and 4000 models, with a beam option up to four metres. Webbe Marine in Sydney is the agent phone (02) 9521 7944.

Fluid Beneteau lines

BENETEAU powerboats, like its yachts, have that certain je ne sais quoi a mystical style quality rarely evident in US and Aussie craft.

The new Flyer 750 Sun Deck remains true to form, combining elegant lines from the pen of Pierangelo Andreani with a spirited performance.

The unusual Sun Deck concept was developed in response to demands from dayboat owners for simplicity and flexibility.

The offset helm position affords a wide, safe access to the forward sunbathing platform.

No handling is required to set up the bow sunbed it is integrated into the shape of the coachroof and remains safely in place.

Below deck, the shape of the coachroof increases the storage and living space.

The cockpit, meanwhile, is both sociable and comfortable, as you'd expect on a dayboat.

Beneteau's patented "Air Step" hull has forward facing steps, with an air intake system at the centre of the hull and two running laterally. This aerates the water under the hull, providing ride softness and enhanced acceleration. Fuel capacity is 285 litres, water is 100 litres, so the Flyer will be good for many a mile.

Contact importer JW Marine on (02) 9518 6977 or email info@jwmarine.com.au.

mrothfield@theherald.com.au

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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