Clipper to launch Hudson Bay

Clipper Motor Yachts will show the first of its new Hudson Bay sedan cruiser range, a Hudson Bay 50, at the Sydney International Boat Show this year.

"We are really excited about this new range," said Clipper Yachts Australia Managing Director Brett Thurley. "The company has spent a great deal of time and energy to ensure they combine the classic lines for which Clippers are renowned with the relaxed lifestyle aspects of a sedan cruiser.

"Many companies have produced a sedan-style of motor yacht focussed on a 'day boat' layout, rendering the boat very one-dimensional," said Thurley. "We have combined a layout and features that will focus on families getting away and staying on board while offering a comprehensive range of contemporary features.

"These include a combined teppanyaki and lava rock barbecue, sliding sunroof and large portlights in the hull that provide incredible light to the accommodation suite.

"The new Hudson Bay comes fully equipped with a hydraulic swim platform standard, Raymarine E140 navigation aids, GPS, fish finder, auto pilot, bow thrusters, a stainless-steel anchor and 100 metres of chain all standard equipment."

The new Hudson Bay 50 is designed around a single-level family and entertaining area stretching from the aft cockpit protected by a generous overhang of the hard top through the galley and saloon and dinette.

The blue-water hull is constructed in solid hand-laid fibreglass below the waterline with cored fibreglass above. Deck and hardtop are infusion moulded with a honeycomb core to maintain strength while reducing weight.

The hydraulic swim platform can be lowered to make swimming on and off the boat simpler or to launch water toys.

The transom includes two entry gates -- one on either side. The cockpit includes a transom lounge with Sunbrella fabric for the sun worshippers and a second L-shape lounge around the port side with folding dinette table. On the starboard side is an entertainer’s dream: a teppanyaki flat plate barbecue along with a Miele lava rock barbecue grill, ice-maker and fridge combo and a wet bar sink. The cockpit -- except for the transom lounge -- is well shaded by a long hard top overhang.

Wide walk-around side decks lead to the forward deck and anchor locker.

Entry to the saloon is two steps up to a sliding stainless steel frame glass door. A deck hatch below the steps offers access to the engine room.

The saloon, with wrap-around windows and sunroof, includes a well-equipped U-shape aft galley. It includes a full complement of Smeg appliances: four-burner cooktop and convection microwave oven, with a double stainless steel sink with mixer taps and under-bench refrigeration. A three-seat lounge stretches along the starboard side of this space. Flip-up bulkhead windows open to serve the cockpit just in case the cockpit entertainment unit is not adequate.

The light and airy saloon features a dinette with L-shape seating to port, a single step up from the saloon floor. The sense of light and air is enhanced by the standard glass panelled sunroof that slides open at the press of a button.

The helm position of the Hudson Bay 50 depends on the accommodation option. This model offers two accommodation design options -- three cabins and two bathrooms or a two-cabin two-bathroom layout. The helm in the two-cabin option is in the forward centre of the saloon with a starboard side companionway while the three-cabin option has a central companionway, with a starboard helm position.

As with all Clippers, the helm is fully equipped standard with a Marine Tech low-back helm seat, a complete set of engine instruments, electronic throttle and gear controls, hydraulic steering, engine and bilge alarms and Raymarine E140 multi-function display.

The two-cabin accommodation option provides for a large master stateroom amidships and double forward. The three-cabin option built around a central companionway offers the master stateroom amidships on the port side, a twin berth on the starboard side and guest stateroom forward.

"We believe this new sedan range will offer Australian families the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor living and accommodation for weekends away," said Thurley. "It combines gorgeous exterior styling that exudes class and timeless elegance with Clipper's blue water cruising credibility. The hull design shares many features of the proven Cordova range, making it equally comfortable cruising at 12 knots or speeds up to 26 knots."

Power is provided by optional twin Yanmar 480hp or Cummins 440hp turbodiesel engines. The boat is also equipped with an Onan 11kW generator.