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| Prowler 10.4 delivery from Gold Coast to Sydney
PROWLER 10.4 delivery Gold Coast to Sydney.
With the 2010 Sydney International Boat show coming up and our plans to display the Prowler 10.4 power cat, it meant moving the boat from the Gold Coast to Sydney. As it was the middle of winter, and heading south is not the normal thing to do in the Southern hemisphere at this time of year, we initially discussed the option of trucking the boat, but as the 10.4 is designed for coastal cruising and it is a relatively new model in the Formula Cruisers range, it was decided that Grant Senior and I would undertake an extended sea trial and motor her down.
With us based in Auckland the luxury of choosing a weather window for the trip was not an option so the plane tickets were booked, a delivery date set and we were hoping for the best. Leaving a wet Auckland winters day to land in Brisbane is usually a pleasant experience and this day was no exception, and as we drove over the Gateway Bridge in sunshine and warm temperatures we were looking forward to an easy run South. Normally we cruise this stretch of coast at about 25 kts in our ICON 54 models with one stop enroute and the weather does not play a major part in our thinking, however a different boat and slower cruising speed meant we had more stops to do and the weather could be a big factor, but it also presented us with an opportunity to visit previously unexplored towns.
To make it easier for an early morning departure we moved the boat to Runaway Bay Marina that afternoon, an hour long 6 knot motor down the Coomera River from Hope Island. The rest of the afternoon was spent on delivery preparation – fuelling, provisioning and stowing our gear which included our boat show sign boards, a reception desk and assorted display material. With an early start planned, the only thing that remained was to head out for a steak dinner and then check out the sleeping facilities onboard.
With the sun starting to make it’s presence felt we slipped out of Runaway Bay, checked in with the local VMR (Voluntary Marine Rescue) station to give them our details and voyage plan, before clearing the Southport Seaway at 0630 and turning south. For those of you who have not travelled this coastline it can be a rather inhospitable place with few anchorages when compared to New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf, Bay of Islands etc. The VMR service “tracks” you up or down the coast, keeping a constant tab on where you are. As you pass each station you check in via VHF or HF and they pass your details on to the next station. It is a fantastic service and comforting to know that someone is expecting your call and tracking where you are at all times.
The first days conditions were pretty good with a typical SE swell of about 1m and a light southwest breeze. This time of year the coast is used as a main highway for migrating whales and being entertained by these magnificent creatures breaching around us helped while away the hours, and after an easy run which saw us average 15 kts, we arrived at the entrance to the sister towns of Iluka Yamba at the mouth of the Clarence River. After logging off with the local VMR station, we navigated our way up river to the Yamba Marina to top off the fuel tanks and stop for the night. The bar entrance was calm and the short distance we travelled up river gave us a taste of what it would be like to explore this area in detail and confirmed to us that the Prowler 10.4 would be the perfect boat to do it in. After the usual wash down we headed into town for dinner at the Pacific Hotel, high on the cliffs overlooking the Tasman Sea.
Unfortunately our luck with the weather was not to last and the next day dawned with a strong wind warning in force to the South with SW winds up to 30 kts and seas of 2—3 m on top of a swell of 1.5m. Not the most pleasant sounding day ahead but as conditions were good at the time we thought we had better make tracks and use the good weather while we had it. Once again we checked in with Yamba VMR, told them of our plans, ETA etc and pointed the nose south with the ambitious view of getting to Port Macquarie that evening, but having Coffs Harbour as a back stop. The first couple of hours were fantastic but at 0930 the southerly hit and in no time we were in large, confused, steep seas with winds of 25 to 30 kts. With Port Macquarie a further 80 miles down the coast, the decision was made to stop at Coffs Harbour and the last 25 miles were completed at speeds between 9 and 13 kts in trying conditions. At no stage did either of us feel concerned with the handling of the 10.4, and in fact both commented on how well the boat performed and considering the conditions, how comfortable the ride was which is a tribute to both the boats design and construction.
The entrance to Coffs Harbour is excellent and posed no problems even in the rough conditions and after checking in with Coffs Harbour VMR we settled into a berth at the local marina. As it was early afternoon, we chose not to take the advice of the marina office and head to the Yacht Club where everybody holes up when conditions are rough, but spent the afternoon doing the usual onboard cleaning and a thorough inspection of the boat.
Thursday dawned with no let up in the conditions and with the forecast unchanged for the area to the south, the decision was made to spend the day in Coffs Harbour, so it was a case of standing by to stand by. It seemed the popular decision as the entire fishing fleet was staying in port as well. It gave us the opportunity to do some exploring in town and to get some exercise walking up and over Muttonbird Island to inspect the state of the ocean and confirm that our decision to stay was the right one. That done we took the opportunity to give the boat a proper clean inside and out, more to while away the day than for any necessity, before heading up to the Coffs Harbour Yacht Club for dinner.
Friday showed promise of easing weather and so after an early morning walk back over the hill at Muttonbird Island to check the sea state with our own eyes, the decision was made to carry on. It was noticeable that we were the only boat in the marina to talk about leaving that morning and also the only boat heading south, but we did receive a few strange looks as we left the harbor and pointed the bow south into big swells at times up to 3.5 m with a nasty wind driven sea. After about 60 miles the weather began to settle and over the last 25 miles we managed to increase the speed and enjoy the ride a bit more. Having heard negative stories about the bar entrance to Port Macquarie, we had decided to carry on a further 15 miles and check out Camden Haven and it’s available shelter. The entrance is sheltered from the SE swells and it was an easy run inside the Camden Haven inlet and a leisurely motor a further few miles inland past Dunbogan and North Haven where we tied up at the free public wharf at Laurieton. Note that the important word in that sentence is “free”. You are allowed up to 5 days dockage “free” at the public wharf complete with water to top up the tanks. The 85 mile run was completed at an average of 10.5 kts which when considering the conditions was another big tick for the Prowler. Over a well earned steak and beer at the Laurieton RSL, we discussed how much fun could be had cruising this coast over a period of weeks or months in a boat such as the Prowler with its shallow draft and low overall freeboard which would allow easy passage under the bridges and up rivers and so on.
First light saw us cast off and motor down the estuary accompanied by a number of early morning fisherman in their “tinnies” and once again we checked in with the local VMR station. We also noted that even the locals were checking in and advising VMR Laurieton of their days plans, expected fishing area and return time – not silly considering that these guys head out to open ocean for a spot of fishing in a tinnie with nothing between them and New Zealand. I must admit that although I am not a massive fan of bureaucracy, seeing the VMR system at work and every boat, including the tinnies, having registration numbers and using the system, one could make a good case in its favour. The wind was now trying to swing to the Northeast and it was an easy 85 mile run down to D’Albora Marina at Nelson Bay (Port Stephens) where we topped up the fuel tanks in preparation for our final days run to Sydney. Once the chores were done and the sun had set, it was off to the pub for another steak dinner to watch the All Blacks hammer the Spring Boks at Eden Park.
The Port Stephens area and Myall Lakes would be another great area to cruise in the Prowler, but unfortunately we had a plane to catch so it was an early start with another 85 mile run ahead of us. The weather was now getting stronger from the north so it was a good chance to see the Prowler perform in building following seas, and as we had come to expect it was all plain sailing. Early afternoon saw us motoring through the Sydney Heads where we did a final check in with VMR Sydney, dodged the ferries, tour boats and racing yachts which seem to fill Sydney Harbour, headed past the Opera House and under the “bridge” to the Birkenhead Point Marina. Once tied up it was the usual clean, check the boat and then pack as we had a morning flight back to Auckland the next day. Before that though, it was time to become a “temporary member” of the Drummoyne Sailing Club, (temporary membership to local clubs, RSL’s etc is another great Australian system..), have a couple of beers over dinner and watch the Vodafone Warriors score a win against the Panthers. Not a bad way to look back on a 400 nm trip on which the Prowler 10.4 proved itself to be an excellent coastal cruiser capable of handling some pretty unpleasant conditions, conditions which in all likelihood you wouldn’t be out in at any rate. All said and done we averaged over 14 kts at about 1.55 litre / mile, which when considering the weather and the loaded condition of the boat was pretty encouraging. It certainly gave us new insight into the cruising possibilities of the region, the suitability of the Prowler 10.4 as a vessel for this type of boating and it’s ability to handle a range of adverse conditions.
Troy Woods
Sales and Marketing Manager
Formula Cruisers
For all enquiries please contact Troy Woods at Formula Cruisers, P +64 9 416 4836, M +64 (0)21 555 344 or troy@formulacruisers.com | www.formulacruisers.com |
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Formula Cruisers acquire Eureka Game Boats
New Zealand based Formula Cruisers continue to expand their operation with the recent acquisition of Australian game boat builder Eureka Game Boats. Eureka were responsible for the design and manufacture of the Eureka 42, a purpose designed game boat which has received fantastic reviews in the major Australian boat shows and the general boating press.
To be rebranded as the ICON 42, the Eureka 42 will be a welcome addition to Formula Cruisers current ICON range from 54 to 75 ft. Production of the ICON 42 will be moved to Formula’s 4000 sqm factory in Auckland with the first available construction start slot scheduled for March 2010.
"Over recent years we have had many discussions with clients and guests as to the lack of choice for a local built, purpose designed, high quality game boat and also as to when Formula Cruisers would once again produce a smaller model for family cruising" says Troy Woods, Formula's Sales and Marketing Manager. "With the acquisition of the Eureka 42 we are looking forward to providing a solution to both of these requests".
The Eureka 42 shares the Formula philosophy of exceptional sea keeping ability and features the familiar "Carolina" sheer line and flared bow favoured by sports fishing aficionados worldwide. These strengths also translate to safe and comfortable family cruising, and with the quality construction and attention to detail for which Formula have earned a deserved reputation, the new ICON 42 will provide a top quality option for the hard core fishing and general family boating fraternities alike. Formula Cruisers will introduce a number of small refinements to the 42 which have proven successful on the bigger models.
David Stills, Eureka Game Boats General Manager says "Eureka have designed a fantastic boat in the 42 and now with Formula's resources and skill sets they can be produced as an integral part of a complete model range. In addition customers will enjoy the benefits and reputation of a long established boat building company with a well established agency and after sales service network. We are proud of what we achieved at Eureka and now look forward to supporting and seeing the new ICON 42 launching in the near future".
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For all enquiries please contact Troy Woods at Formula Cruisers, P +64 9 416 4836, M +64 (0)21 555 344 or troy@formulacruisers.com | www.formulacruisers.com |
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2009 Sydney International Boat Show
With the stunning ICON 54SF “Weaponry” on display, sunny skies and a positive crowd, the 2009 Sydney International Boat Show was a successful event for Formula Cruisers.
This was the second year that Formula Cruisers, an iconic brand in New Zealand have exhibited at the Sydney show, and the awareness of the brand in Australia is growing rapidly. “This year we had a number of people who came to the show with Formula Cruisers on their short list as a must see boat” says Troy Woods, Formula’s sales and marketing manager, “and from the reception we received they were not disappointed. While not everybody will be in the market for such a serious game boat as “Weaponry”, with her custom tuna tower and extensive electronics package, show goers could quite clearly see and appreciate the quality and fit out of the highest of standards which is evident on every ICON model we produce; whether it be for fishing or cruising”
“We have a number of strong sales enquiries from the show and we expect at least a couple of these to be under contract and in build very shortly” says Woods. “The 2009 Sydney show would have to be one of the most encouraging signs for our industry that we have experienced in the last year or so. Whether it was the recognition of Formula Cruisers as a premium brand, the good weather or signs that the recession is ending; more than likely a combination of all; it certainly looks like Formula Cruisers will be enjoying a busy period ahead”. |
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SEA SPRAY REVIEW
- Icon 54 Weaponry
Extreme fishing. It’s the ultimate adventure sport: man against
the elements, miles away from the nearest land with only you and
your boat to rely on in pursuit of the perfect catch. In circumstances
like this even the most skilled game fisher needs to know they have
the best equipment at hand and Formula Cruisers have certainly fulfilled
this brief with their newest build, Weaponry. The specification sheet
on this 54-foot vessel is impressive to say the least and reads like
a wish-list. In fact it started out as a wish list. Weaponry, the
seventh build in the Icon 54 series by Formula Cruisers, has been
wholly customised to its owner’s very high specifications.
Click Here to read more |
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ICON 54 SPORTS FISHER SPECIAL
Construction has started at Formula Cruisers Auckland factory
on the latest ICON 54.
A keen game fishing enthusiast, her Australian owner had
a specific list of requirements and after looking at a number of
vessels, the ICON 54 came out on top. Sea keeping ability and construction
of the highest quality were paramount in his decision. Other important
factors included a large volume boat with full headroom throughout,
high performance coupled with excellent fuel economy, luxurious
interior finish and the ability to customise the boat to suit his
plans.
Following an initial inspection of the ICON 54 at the recent
Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, all that was left was a
successful sea trial. Carried out on a wet, windy Auckland winters
day, the sea trial categorically demonstrated the performance and
manoeuvrability of the 54 and the final decision was made.
This ICON 54 will be built to NSW Survey and include a number
of special features to enhance it’s fishing ability; including
a tuna tower, removal of the marlin board, extensive electronics
package, customised storage for rods, gaffs and other fishing gear,
a customised cockpit with recessed toe kicks, insulated fish bins,
live bait tanks and much more. Power will be provided by twin MTU
825 hp, Series 60 engines.
“We are very excited to be working with this owner as we
believe this will be a very special boat, and one which will fulfil
his requirements for an exceptional sports fisher, in survey, complete
with a luxury fit out” said Troy Woods, Formula Cruisers
Sales and Marketing Manager
Due for launching in March 2009, this is one ICON 54 sure to
turn a few heads.
Photo is of our New manufacturing facility at the new Marine Industry
cluster development Hobsonville Auckland.
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SANCTUARY COVE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW 2008.
The introduction of the Formula Cruisers brand into Australia and the debut of the Icon 54 at the 2008 Sanctuary Cove Boat show was a great success. The Icon 54, with her strong exterior style and overall presence, received the highest praise from both the public and industry representatives alike. The biggest volume boat in her class, impressive performance and fuel economy, coupled with the highest quality finish offers a new option at the top end of the luxury sports fish cruiser market.
With a number of follow up sea trials organised, the Icon range appears destined for a successful future in the Australian market, adding to their impressive reputation in New Zealand.
Highlights of the show included the unveiling of the plans for new Icon 68, a development of the Icon 62, as well as the signing of a dealership agreement with Seagreen Marine in Perth, who will represent Formula Cruisers in Western Australia and add to our growing representation within Australia.
We would like to thank everybody who visited us at the show.
We look forward to displaying the Icon 54 at the upcoming Sydney International Boat Show. |
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FORMULA CRUISERS APPOINT DEALER PARTNER IN PERTH.
New Zealand's Formula Cruisers, builders of luxury fly bridge motor yachts, continue their growth in Australia with the appointment of Seagreen Marine in Western Australian.
Based in Fremantle, Seagreen Marine represented by Bob Lushey and Steve Green, will provide professional sales and service for the Formula range.
"It is important that we manage our growth into Australia with the appointment of qualified representation" says Troy Woods, Formula Cruisers Sales and Marketing Manager. "From discussions with Seagreen Marine it is clear that they share our commitment to provide the utmost in customer service and satisfaction in all stages of the enquiry, build and ownership of Formula Cruisers boats.
"The Formula Icon range is perfectly suited to Western Australian conditions, combining outstanding build quality with a proven design and exceptional performance and fuel economy. They are a welcome addition to our existing brands and a worthy option for anyone considering a superior sports fish style cruiser" says Bob Lushey, Seagreen Sales Director.
Formula Cruisers current model range includes the Icon 54, 62, and 68. |
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FORMULA CRUISERS MOVE TO NEW FACTORY.
Formula Cruisers, one of New Zealand’s longest established boat builders, are moving to new facilities at Hobsonville in Auckland adjacent to the planned Hobsonville Marine Precinct.
Based in Kumeu for over 12 years the shift has come out of a necessity for increased space.
“With a growing order book and larger models to start production we simply could not achieve our growth plans at the Kumeu facility” says Troy Woods, Formula Cruisers Sales and Marketing Manager. “The move to Hobsonville is a significant step in our plans for the future and allows us to increase production and implement improvements into our production systems as well as provide a better working environment for our staff”.
The new factory is over 4,000 square meters in size and includes a fully contained spray booth which can accommodate an entire Icon 54, as well as additional office and work shop spaces.
Contact:
Formula Cruisers
P: +64 (0)9 416 4836
www.formulacruisers.com |
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THE AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
The 2008 Auckland International Boat show was an excellent start to the boat show season and our congratulations go to the MIA for running another successful event.
The latest Icon 54 on display was very well received and showcased just some of the layout and style possibilities available from Formula Cruisers. Solid enquiries were received for both the 54 and 62 models, and production is looking very healthy as we move forward in 2008.
We have had a number of follow up emails returned so if you have not heard from us, please contact us with your correct details and we can answer any questions you may have.
The entire team at Formula Cruisers would like to thank everyone who took the time to visit us during the show.
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OUR LATEST ICON 54
Recently launched in Auckland, the latest ICON 54 from Formula Cruisers is destined for Australia, where she will be delivered into the hands of Formula Cruisers Queensland dealers, Ian Muller and Andrew Wightman.
This three cabin, twin ensuite model features a gloss cherry timber interior accentuated in natural tones with interior styling by Parkhurst Design. An external stairway and aft helm are positioned to give full wrap around seating forward and also provide the best view and functionality for game fishing.
With twin 825 hp MTU engines she has a comfortable cruising speed of 25 kts with a top speed in excess of 32 kts. Equally impressive is her range of 500 nm at 24 kts or 1200 nm at 10 kts. Included in the standard specification are amongst other items, a built in barbecue, teak cockpit, aft galley with electric drop down window, al fresco seating, air conditioning throughout, 350 kg davit, live bait tanks, and a comprehensive electronics package.
This Icon 54 will be on display at the Auckland International Boat Show March 6 - 9, and the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, May 22 to 25. |
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FORMULA CRUISERS APPOINT QUEENSLAND DEALER
Formula Cruisers, one of New Zealand's longest established boat building companies have chosen Queensland as the location for their first appointed Australian dealer.
Located in Brisbane, Formula Cruisers will be represented by Ian Muller and Andrew Wightman, and will be responsible for all aspects of Formula Cruisers sales and service within Queensland. Ian and Andrew share a long standing passion for boating and have considerable experience with the marine industry.
"Formula Cruisers have built an enviable reputation over 25 years of continuous production, producing boats which combine handcrafted luxury, exceptional volume and outstanding sea keeping performance - which is the perfect mix for Australian conditions. Whether your interest is game fishing or family cruising, the Formula Cruisers range will appeal to the discerning owner who is looking to actively use their boats" says Ian Muller.
Troy Woods, Formula Cruisers Sales and Marketing Manager says "we have been looking for some time to appoint dealers within Australia, and Ian and Andrew certainly meet our criteria in terms of knowledge, enthusiasm and a shared belief in providing the utmost in customer service and satisfaction. We have a number of growth plans underway, including the introduction of new models, and the appointment of suitable representation is very important to us".
The first ICON 54 will be delivered in April and be available for inspection in Brisbane prior to being displayed at the 2008 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.
Ian Muller:
E: ian@formulacruisers.com
M: +61 (0)419 645 911
Andrew Wightman:
E: andrew@formulacruisers.com
M: +61 (0)421 383 040 |
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FORMULA CRUISERS SALES OFFICE
Formula Cruisers recently opened their new office on the water front at Auckland’s Westhaven Marina.
Troy Woods, Formula Cruisers Sales and Marketing Manager, says “that the office is in a great central location and with information on the Formula range at hand, it is convenient for people to drop by and keep up to date with what we are doing at Formula Cruisers. If you are in the City and wish to drop in to discuss the Formula models, or simply catch up for a drink and a chat, we look forward to seeing you”.
The office address is 141 – 151 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven Marina, in the Ponsonby Yacht Club building.
Ph: +64 (0)9 376 – 0023 |
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FORMULA CRUISERS INTERIOR DESIGN SPECIALIST
Modern yacht interiors are unique in a sense that they must combine both a refined sense of style with the highest level of comfort, and this is an area which is noticeably enhanced by the inclusion of a professional interior designer. To achieve this balance of style and usability, Formula Cruisers are working with Kim Lilley of Parkhurst Design to create the interior styling for the latest examples in their ICON range of motor yachts.
Kim has a built an enviable reputation in both marine and residential interior design for combining both taste and style with practical use of materials and an eye to the construction process. “From the first time we met to discuss our ideas we have been very impressed with Kim’s ability to understand our requirements with regards to interior styling, and also her understanding of the construction details involved in modern boat building” said Troy Woods, Formula Cruisers Sales and Marketing Manager”. “She has a passion for design and boating, and this is evident by her level of detail and input into our projects. We are looking forward to long working relationship with Kim and are excited about the level of service she can offer our owners”.
Kim has introduced a modern contemporary feel to the latest Icon 54’s under construction, and has created two quite different interior styles. The next 54 to be launched features a gloss cherry interior and natural fabric tones, and while Formula Cruisers have not revealed just what is inside the Icon 54 scheduled to be on show at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat show 2008, they have promised it will be something quite special.
www.formulacruisers.co.nz
www.parkhurstdesign.co.nz
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