Gold Coast auction action

Knowing exactly what a second-0hand luxury motor yacht is worth is an often inexact science that has many buyers suffering from heart flutters when they open their chequebook to pay for their new marine plaything.

Like buying a house, a marine auction takes away much of the worry about paying too much. The market decides the price and both the buyer and the seller should end up being happy campers.

Next month, four luxury motor cruisers are to be auctioned by Grant Torrens International Marine at the Sovereign Islands Marina on the Gold Coast and the sale is sure to attract attention and bidders from around the country.

Held in association with the popular on-line auctioneers, Grays Online, the April 13 sale will feature an 88ft luxury catamaran with wave-piercing hulls that could be either an ideal luxury private cruising yacht of a corporate charter boat on the Great Barrier Reef or Sydney Harbour.

Pure Adrenalin is powered by twin 900hp MTU diesels which drive her to a top speed of around 26 knots while also giving good cruising economy. With a beam of 22ft, the big cat has a huge saloon and separate dining area for entertaining, and accommodation for 12 people in three double and six single berths.

The beautifully-finished and decorated yacht has had the on-going care of a full time captain during its recent life as a charter vessel on the Gold Coast and around Brisbane.

The vast covered stern deck gives ample room for entertaining and a second large observation deck is located behind the enclosed flybridge.

Only two feet shorter than Pure Adrenalin is the 86ft Monte Fino motor yacht Mystique that was built for luxury long-range cruising. One of its great attractions is that it is small enough to be handled by a competent owner-driver and friends without the need for paid captain and crew.

It features a full-beam master stateroom and a VIP and two other guest staterooms. Powered by 1200hp diesels, it also features twin generators, a watermaker, bowthruster, full electronics and a large RIB tender with a 30hp outboard.

The third boat in the sale is the Hart Marine 70ft Sports motor yacht Finesse. With speeds of 30 knots available from her 1650hp Caterpillar C12, the vessel is capable of extending a weekend away by cutting down on travel time and giving more time to relax at your final destination. She features accommodations for six people in three staterooms.

The final vessel to be offered is the Wellcraft 45 Excalibur Sports VIE 1. This 2000 model features dual Volvo 230hp turbo diesels with low hours and lots of room for entertaining,

She has two double cabins, full electronics, an ice maker and a power anchor winch.

All the yachts are open for inspection seven days a week until the auction -- which will start at noon on April 13.

More details on the boats can be found at www.granttorrensmarine.com.au.