24 Jan
Their Sealine S330 has connected Joe and Orsis with the beauty on their doorstep and brought the family together
After being introduced to boating through a friend, Sydneysiders Joe Sulyok and his wife Orsis decided it was time to embark on their own journey.
“Orsis wasn’t keen on that size (40 feet), so we bought a smaller 25-foot open deck design which we enjoyed and so did the kids, but we wanted something with an enclosed deck so we started looking to see what was around,” Joe recounts.
He admits he hadn’t really heard of Sealine until they started their boat search.
“When I did a bit of research and found out Sealine’s heritage and reputation, now German built, it did make a big difference,” Joe acknowledges. “We looked at a lot of other boats and you could really see the difference in quality – you still can,” he adds.
Their shopping list put them squarely in the crowded family cruiser segment of the market. “We were looking around that 32 to 35 feet, it ended being a bit bigger at 37 (feet) which was even better, and we wanted a nice open deck to enjoy a day out, a little kitchen, plus a head with a shower if possible,” Joe explains. “We also wanted one cabin, and a second one would be a bonus,” he says.
It was possible and the Sealine S330 was a seamless fit for their requirements. At 10.3 metres with a generous 3.5m beam this Bill Dixon design combines flair and flexibility with highly functional outdoor entertaining and living spaces. The ‘S’ in S330 designates a Sports model, with an open cockpit and helm, ideal for Sydney’s long hot summers.
There’s easy access to starboard from the large swim platform to the cockpit leading to a open and roomy L-shaped rear lounge and timber table popular for cheese platters and sundowners. A huge automatic retracting sunroof can be closed for shade, while drinks are stored in a handy Isotherm fridge and sink behind the driver’s position.
“It was just the right size and a step up I guess”, Joe says. “It’s been great” he continues. “My wife and I have enjoyed it, we have older kids and they enjoy it and they have taken it out a fair bit as well.”
With the world’s largest natural harbour on their doorstep Joe and his family have their pick of Sydney Harbour’s 47 beaches, along with dozens of sheltered bushland coves. No matter what the weather they can find somewhere for an extended lunch and afternoon swimming off the back of the S330.
“Generally, we head to Chinamans Beach or Castle Rock Beach, or occasionally Athol Bay, drop the anchor and get out the paddle boards,” Joe details. “Boating brings us together a bit more,” he agrees. “The kids are 18 and 21 and they bring boyfriends and girlfriends but there’s enough room for eight of us to go out, have lunch, have a swim and enjoy the day
Consistently rated in the Harbour’s top ten beaches, Chinamans is a beautiful north-facing beach in Middle Harbour. It’s quiet and shallow with fine white sand, and a favourite with local families chasing the all-day north-facing sun.
When the sun slips below the bush clad ridges, there’s the option to head back to the marina – a short trip thanks to the S330’s twin 220hp Volvo Penta D3 turbo-diesels with Duoprop stern drives that power Patrice to a top speed around 30 knots – or stay out overnight and take in the panorama of the night sky.
The S330 boasts two very comfortable cabins, there’s a king berth in the bow and a transverse berth for guests. The head with shower is to starboard and reviews praise the amount of head room and feeling of internal space in the saloon.
Naturally there was some trepidation in moving up in size, especially since Joe’s marina berth is a little exposed, but a recently purchased Dockmate, a well-known wireless remote control docking system should make the parking process easier.
“Nine times out of ten it’s fine,” he says. “But if you get a bit of wind and current it can be tricky. The Dockmate will also give the kids a bit more confidence coming in.”
Recent severe squalls experienced by Current Torque on the Harbour have underlined the importance of a sure-footed and agile design when things start to get gnarly and that’s where the S330’s Bill Dixon hull comes into its own, smooth-riding with impeccable manners.
“The boat handles really well in choppy conditions, many people don’t realise parts of Sydney Harbour can get quite a bit of swell. Our previous boat had a deep vee hull but the Sealine handles even better,” Joe reveals.
He agrees the Sealine has given him the confidence to plan longer trips, most likely a short hop north to Sydney’s other world class cruising grounds on Pittwater and the Hawkesbury.
Asked what the best part of being out on the water is for him, Joe replies: “That’s easy. Just bringing the family together has been the most enjoyable aspect for us.”
It’s that dual appeal as a family weekender and sporty cruiser that’s obviously a key to good times and fun inter-generational boating.
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