First Longreach Expedition catamaran hits the water

The new reversed-bow model, which has taken two years to design, develop and build, has a top speed of 20.0 knots which, combined with smooth-running Python-Drive constant velocity driveshafts, gives this boat the ability to “get out of weather fast”, Longreach says.

Cruising speed on the displacement hulls is a more gentle 11.5 knots, however, combined fuel use drops as low as 2.8 litres per nautical mile, or around 31.0 litres an hour.

With the optional 10,000-litre fuel tank, the Longreach Expedition has a theoretical range of around 3500 nautical miles between fills, meaning it can easily make an 11-day trip from Melbourne to Darwin without needing a top-up.

The Thai-built boat is designed to be self-sufficient in terms of energy, with almost 5.0kW of solar panels built into the flybridge hardtop recharging a 24.0kWh lithium-ion battery store. If the sun is not shining, a 4.3kW WhisperPower genset is available.

The battery system is powerful enough to run the Longreach Expedition’s 92,000BTU air conditioning system.

Although this build, called Sunrise III, is the second of the Expedition hulls, it has an entirely different fit-out.

It features a fully enclosed cockpit with an L-shaped lounge, electric barbecue and power opening and closing windows, and access aft to the dinghy platform.

The design includes a huge deck-level galley surrounded in windows with a lounge space, Corian benchtops, a steam oven, full-height appliances and plenty of storage.

Access to the flybridge is via an internal staircase.

Upstairs, the aft section of the fully enclosed air-conditioned flybridge is dedicated to an entertainment zone featuring a large dinette built around a large L-shaped lounge, a TV that hides away into a recess, and a wet bar.

Forward of the lounge space is the helm station featuring a pair of captain’s chairs on either side of a central steering wheel. The dash features a pair of 16.0-inch Raymarine Axiom multifunction chartplotters with 3D sonar, radar and AIS.

The Longreach Expedition’s flybridge also features a Portuguese-style deck in front of the flybridge, with access via a door to either side of the helm. This provides quick and easy access to the boat's bow via a central floating staircase leading forward.

Accommodations comprise three air-conditioned staterooms, with the starboard master suite comprising a king-size bed with built-in storage, an office space, and a bulkhead-mounted TV. Forward and to port is a private ensuite with a rain shower and head.

Aft are two queen-sized staterooms, each with its own bathroom. Aft of this space is the utility room featuring a combination washer-dryer and storage.

Longreach offers three models, the LR1200, LR1400 and LR1900.

Sunrise III’s owners are expected to take the new boat cruising once sea trials are completed.