21 Nov
Sandy Grant and his family are looking forward to exploring even more of Brisbane’s huge boating playground aboard the stylish and versatile outboard powered Sealine C335v.
Reviewers of the C335v have praised the boat’s smooth, quiet and assured sea-handling, adding up to a family boating experience that delivers in every department.
For Sandy, whose previous boat was the award-winning RYCK 280 day boat, it’s a step-up in terms of size and amenities.
“I really liked the RYCK as a boat, it was fantastic, but we needed extra room if we were going to stay for more than one or two nights,” he tells Current Torque. “I also didn’t realise how much my wife would enjoy power boating, as she wasn’t into sailing,” he continues. “We thought it would be better to have something that was a bit bigger, more headroom and more protection from the elements,” he adds.
The Sealine C335v certainly delivers in each of those departments.
With twin white Mercury V8 Verado 300’s on the back, the C335v has an LOA of 11.01 metres or 36′ 1”, a beam of 3.5 metres and a draught of just 0.89 metres, compared to 1.03 metres for the inboard powered C335.
The design brief was for the C335v and C335 was to equip them with all the comforts of a larger 36-foot yacht. The headroom in the saloon and cabins is unique in this class.
Extra protection from the harsh Queensland sun is provided by the long cockpit roof, which extends over the large L-shaped lounge at the rear of the cockpit, an all-important factor for spending time on the water in the Sunshine State. Custom side screens will also help to take the bite out of the summer afternoon rays.
Downstairs, the Owners’ cabin maximises natural light with a large hull window and three skylights. A large mirrored wardrobe and mounted shelving offer plenty of storage space, while ambient lighting and first-class materials complement the luxurious feel of the generous island bed. More design smarts have paid dividends in a fully-equipped head with a separate shower stall.
The guest cabin is also roomy with two single berths, a seat and a wardrobe, all practical but also well-crafted and stylish.
Sandy’s C335v is hull #41 in Signal White, was delivered last month. The two-cabin single head version with twin V8 Verado 300s is capable of skating across the Bay at 40 knots. He lists the convenience and versatility of the outboards, as well as the shallow draft, as the main reasons for his choice.
“What you can pack into that nearly 34 feet is quite incredible really,” Sandy observes.
“There are real benefits in buying new, and what I like about the outboards is you lift the boat once a year, you have the engines serviced and you drop it back in,” he details. “If, in ten years’ time you need to re-power then you just drop the new ones,” he argues.
Familiarity with Mercury’s Verado range that was installed on his RYCK 280 also influenced Sandy’s decision.
“They’re quiet and reasonably efficient. You get the redundancy of the second engine, and there’s a bit of extra speed,” he notes.
Sandy’s 335v has synthetic teak on the swim platform and extensions around the engines, the cockpit floor, and on the convenient steps to the side decks. Features such as a sliding glass door and a hinged window meld the indoor and outdoor spaces between the cockpit and saloon. Fresh air is assured by the electric sunroof and the driver’s door integrated into the panoramic window on the starboard side, which can combine to make this space virtually open air.
The saloon table with manual high/low leg that converts into a lounging berth, which you can recline on in air-conditioned comfort. When it’s time to cool off, you can shower off on the swim platform before grabbing a chilled drink from the additional fridge openable from the cockpit. Any bounty from the Bay can be prepared on the induction cooktop.
Sandy plans to head to a number of sheltered bays and anchorages that dot Moreton Bay’s over 3,400 square kilometres of waterways and more than 360 sub-tropical islands, including the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron’s ‘down-the-bay property’, at Canaipa.
Located on the north-east tip of Russell Island, the private members’ retreat is a local favourite and covers 1.1 hectares with shower, toilet, and laundry facilities, a swimming pool, barbecues, picnic areas, and extensive lawn areas for play or camping.
Other possible destinations and anchorages include the Little Ship Club on North Stradbroke Island and Dux on South Stradbroke Island, which offers picnic and camping grounds, BBQs, showers and toilets, plus a small Clubhouse.
Conditions on the Bay itself can vary between mirror calm and a nasty chop or even waves up to 1.5 metres. A hull that rides high and dry and cuts cleanly through confused swell patterns is desirable, and the Sealine’s lines are from renowned designer Bill Dixon.
Sandy is interested in ascertaining the differences between the Sealine’s hull and that of the RYCK, both from Dixon.
“I think this hull will probably get up on the plane a bit quicker and will cruise on the plane at a slower, more economical speed,” he suggests.
Watch the official Sealine video on the C335 & 335v here:
Sandy is estimating an easy 22 knot cruise speed for Sealine C335v, meaning it will be capable of reaching most of the Bay’s expanse within a few hours.
“We’re really looking forward to being able to spend more time away. The great thing about this boat is we’ll be able to do everything in it we did before, but with more room and definitely more comfort,” he agrees.
The Sealine C335v with its speed and responsiveness will ensure fast and safe passages to wherever Sandy and his family choose to go, and once there, they’ll appreciate its quality amenities, open-air living spaces, and comfortable accommodations.
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