Graphite - no carbon copy

Trailerbility, efficient performance and semi-customisation are the three design parameters that guided Hobart-based Imaginocean Yacht Design (IYD) to create Graphite, a 9.8m (32ft) semi-custom sportscruiser launched at the 2009 Tasmanian Boating & Leisure Show last month.

IYD’s proprietor and principal designer, Will Allison, described the boat as a significant departure from anything else currently available.

“Whilst there is a multitude of aspects of the boat that are worthy of note, there are three (performance, trailerbility and semi-customisation) that really set her apart,” Allison says.

IYD said the ability to cruise comfortably and efficiently at speeds dictated by prevailing conditions mean that Graphite had to be different from any other production vessels. The hull form has rounded forward sections, reducing annoying chine slap at anchor and improving ride quality by reducing slamming loads. These give way to more typical hard chines aft to maximise efficiency and stability. And a spray knuckle in the lower topsides helps keep the boat dry. The slippery planes at 10 knots, with no perceptible bow rise, Allison tells us.

Epoxy composite construction has resulted in a monocoque structure that is light, strong and durable. This, combined with the long waterline length and relatively flat planing surfaces, sees bottom loadings that are half that of many production boats, claims IYD.

The big boast is that Graphite is economical to operate at any speed - attaining better than 4nm/US gal  or about 1nm/lt right up to her maximum 32kts. Another key thing was to create a boat that could be easily transported. In fact, IYF says Graphite takes the convenience of trailerboating to a whole new level.

“The same careful attention to weight minimisation - a major contributor to Graphite’s efficiency - has also resulted in a craft with an on-trailer weight of under 3500kg, allowing her to be towed behind most large 4WDs. The overall beam of 2.8m allows the boat (with an ‘overwidth’ sign and a flashing light) to be towed in most areas without a permit,” claims IYD.

Graphite is a semi-custom boat in the true sense of the word. Within the basic confines of the hull, almost anything is possible. Hardtop or Open, two berths or four; a simple change to the colour scheme, or a complete rework of the layout.

Hull number one (pictured) is now for sale and is said to feature a chic minimalist interior, sleeping for four, expansive seating areas, enormous galley with Corian bench top, and  the latest in high-quality LED lighting.

For further information, visit www.imaginocean.net, call Will Allison, 0419 366 885.