Austal returns to the yacht market

Austal, the Western Australian boatbuilder best known for its high-speed ferries and advanced naval ships, has returned to the private market with 48 metres of floating luxury -- its first big private yacht under the Oceanfast name since it lost a bundle building the 60 metre Aussie Rules for golfer Greg Norman four years ago.

Aussie Rules, said to be the most luxurious private vessel built in Australia, turned into a nightmare for Austal when Norman demanded a number of changes during and after construction. The company is believed to have lost $18 million on the deal.

But now the company has unveiled a new superyacht for the world market -- and it can be yours for just $32 million.

The unnamed vessel has been launched but the final interior fit-out is awaiting instructions from the lucky new owner -- so the disputes of the past cannot be repeated.

Austal global sales director Andrew Bellamy says the new yacht is excellent value for a super-yacht, even at $32 million. "This is only semi-customised to stop any disputes," Bellamy says.

He added that after only a few weeks quietly on the international market there has already been serious interest in the boat.

Spanning three decks and a flybridge, the new Oceanfast 48 could  be the first in a line of vessels should it be successful. It has been built with every luxury that could be wanted, including lots of storage for water toys and a top-deck jacuzzi and a private theatre room.

"This is a test run," Bellamy says, "We'll decide whether to build more after we sell this one."

Austal has built 12, 52-metre patrol boats for the Royal Australian Navy and is currently conducting sea trials of its radically designed, triple hulled, high speed Littoral Combat Ship that has been built for the United States Navy.

See the Oceanfast website for more details.