Kingfisher 50

My first encounter with a Kingfisher flybridge cruiser was two years ago, when I judged one in the 2002 Australian Boat of the Year Awards.

The Kingfisher was entered in the Cruiser Non-Trailerable category and was competing against vessels from the likes of Riviera, Sunrunner and Mustang - and while it displayed some excellent qualities, it was the Kingfisher's lack of attention to detail and quality control that kept it off the podium.

Having just tested the 2004-model Kingfisher Royale 50 Sports Flybridge, I am amazed at how far the company has come in two years. In fact, the attention to detail on the current-model Kingfisher is nothing short of outstanding, and it compares admirably with its competition.

I have heard it suggested that the Kingfisher 50 hull was flop-moulded from another manufacturer's product. This is definitely not the case, and although the Kingfisher 50 does have some aesthetic similarities to the old 48 Riv hull, it was indeed designed and built from the ground up and is quite different from the Riviera below the waterline.

We ran the Kingfisher 50 offshore from the Gold Coast, and although conditions outside were relatively calm, the boat did display a feeling of solidity. The boat was surprisingly quiet, and as we pushed our way through a metre and a half of swell at 27kt, there were absolutely no bangs, rattles or shudders.

I'm a big fan of trim tabs, but this boat didn't have them - and from what I saw, it didn't need them either. It's a real credit to a naval architect who can come up with a planing-hull design that works without trim tabs.

The boat displayed excellent lateral stability and next to no bow lift as throttle was applied from a standing start. The variable deadrise and pronounced reverse chines obviously make this an efficient hull indeed.

NEED FOR SPEED
The manufacturer's pre-delivery sea-trial figures show the Kingfisher 50 reaching a top speed of 28.5kt with the twin 615hp D12 Volvos. At this speed, the boat is reportedly burning a total of 210lt/h. A 1750rpm cruise delivers 21.5kt and total fuel consumption of 140lt/h.

The gamefisherman in me couldn't resist testing the boat's manoeuvrability in reverse, and as I worked the throttles and chased my imaginary marlin around the ocean, I was pleasantly surprised at just how nimble it was for a 50-footer. A few cockpit modifications and there is no reason why you couldn't seriously fish this boat.

Due to the calm conditions, I can't really comment on how dry the boat runs or how it would handle a big headsea. Obviously it was dry as a bone and silky smooth on the test day, but looking at the boat's full bow I dare say you could end up with a bit of spray on the flybridge windscreen on rough days. But with a fully enclosed flybridge, who really cares?

Accessing the boat is easiest via the big teak-laid swim platform, which also incorporates a recessed dive ladder and stainless-steel hand rails. The hand rails aren't really necessary in my view and would be a total pain for anyone fishing from a gamechair. In fact, any serious gamefisher would probably remove the swim platform altogether.

But for swimming, snorkelling, diving and bringing tenders alongside, you can't beat the convenience of a big swim platform like this one.

FISHY INCLUSIONS
A big transom door provides access to the teak-laid cockpit, which features plenty of storage lockers, an underfloor livebait tank and quality stainless-steel hardware.

There are four flush-mounted rodholders in the gunwales and a transom shower to wash yourself down after a swim. Also incorporated in the transom is a high-pressure washdown system that feeds from the boat's freshwater tank - just the thing for keeping the boat clean on extended trips.

A huge lazarette below the cockpit sole provides more storage space and also access to the fuel tank. A smart inclusion was a fuel-tank drain in case you get a belly full of bad juice, and the handle for the drain tap was positioned separately on an adjacent bulkhead so the drain could not be opened by accident.

I particularly liked the moulded staircase that leads from the cockpit to the flybridge. I don't think there is a flybridge ladder in existence that people truly feel safe climbing up and down while at sea, but the Kingfisher's flybridge staircase provides sure footing all the way.

Access to the engine room was also via the cockpit, and although the opening was a little tight, there was ample room once inside. All filters and pumps could be easily maintained, while all wiring runs were concealed in conduit to maintain a clean look.

Another smart engine-room feature was that all water outlets drained into a manifold with one skin fitting, rather than having the unsightly look of several skin fittings along the boat's waterline. Very clever indeed. 

GET THEE BEHIND ME
As the Kingfisher 50 features an aft galley, this is the first port of call when you step inside the boat. I have always been a big fan of aft galleys - seeing as most of your entertaining goes on in the cockpit, having to trample through the saloon with plates of food to get outside doesn't make much sense.

The galley on the Kingfisher 50 is an absolute delight and features some really clever ideas. A lot of thought has obviously gone into the design, and dare I say a woman had to be involved in getting this one right!

High-gloss American cherrywood timberwork and granite benchtops look the goods, but it was the Hettich International storage solutions that really caught my eye. The duel-action corner-shelving system and lazy-Susan style pantry shelves mean no more hands and knees to get that serving dish or bottle of tomato sauce at the back corner of the cupboard. These products are right at home on boats where space is at a premium.

Other galley features include a convection microwave, two-burner electric hob, concealed household-sized fridge, plus another bar fridge with built-in icemaker.

CENTRE OF ENTERTAINMENT
The spacious saloon is located immediately forward of the galley and features a four-seater lounge to port and a six-seater dinette to starboard with a good-size table. Soft leathers, quality carpets and cherrywood venetians all contribute to the feeling of style.

A flatscreen TV, DVD/VCR combo unit and Clarion CD stacker with full surround sound ensures that you're ready for any type of entertainment. A 24,000BTU air-con unit services the saloon, while a 16,000BTU number is ducted to the cabins.

Four steps down from the saloon, the companionway leads to three cabins and two bathrooms. There is accommodation for six, with a twin cabin to port, a double to starboard and a queen-sized master stateroom forward.

All the cabins feature generous berths and quality timberwork, and the stylish soft furnishings are standouts. Due to the Kingfisher's large volume forward, the master berth can be kept low and still maintain its generous size. So no stepladder is required to climb into bed.

The master stateroom features its own en suite complete with marble benchtops, separate shower stall with glass screens and a Tecma Silence toilet - which, as the name suggests, is super quiet. The common bathroom on the starboard side features identical fittings.

The flybridge is very spacious and features a modern, stylish helm console. Adjustable helm and passenger seating is extremely comfortable, and excellent vision is provided by solid screens forward, sliding screens on either side and removable clears aft. 

EASY DRIVER
The Volvo electronic controls are very responsive and fall nicely to hand - as does the bowthruster control, which is ideally positioned adjacent to the throttles.

The Furuno Navnet sounder and chartplotter are in good view, as are all engine instruments. An overhead console houses marine radios.

There is plenty of passenger seating on the flybridge thanks to a wraparound lounge forward of the helm console as well as another lounge with an angled backrest to starboard. A flybridge fridge ensures a cold lemonade is never far away, while air-conditioning vents allow you to control the environment.

I was really impressed with the new Kingfisher 50, and it certainly was heartening to see a boatbuilder make such major improvements in two years. This boat provides excellent value for money in my opinion, and while the Kingfisher brand name is not as well known as some, if you're in the market for a 50-footer, you'd be foolish not to have a test run in the Royale 50 Sports Flybridge.

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