Ocean Alexander, Galeon host Gold Coast showcase

Five stunning motor yachts were assembled at the Southport Yacht Club for the Alexander Marine Australia event, including the radically styled, ultra-modern Ocean Alexander 26R alongside its more traditional-looking sistership, the Ocean Alexander 88 Skylounge.

These two extravagantly appointed shaft-drive motor yachts were joined by the quad Mercury 350hp outboard-powered Ocean Alexander Divergence 45, a sports bowrider cruiser like no other.  

The Polish-made Galeon range was represented with the inclusion of the innovative Galeon 510 Skydeck and the Galeon 640 Fly.

For sheer "wow factor" it was hard to go past the stunning Ocean Alexander 26R. This ultra-modern looking vessel with its plumb bow shape (including wave-piercer forefoot), contemporary, open plan fit-out, and multiple living areas drew admirers like bees to a honey-pot.

Available with an open flying bridge or with an enclosed Skylounge (as pictured), the Ocean Alexander 26R is a formidable ocean cruiser, capable of speeds of up to 24 knots from a pair of 1650hp MAN V12 turbo diesel engines.

Some of the key features include four staterooms, opening/fold-out side-deck balconies, floor-to-ceiling saloon windows for amazing views, multiple wet bars and BBQ electric grills, hot tub/jacuzzi on the flybridge deck, and a huge high-low transom swim platform with accompanying beach club/wet bar set-up.

More traditional, but equally impressive is the Ocean Alexander 88 Skylounge semi-displacement cruising yacht.

This wonderfully appointed craft appeals to buyers looking for a comfortable, spacious vessel with classic, trawler-style hull lines, and a more conventional interior design featuring light-coloured satin timbers.

The Ocean Alexander 88 Skylounge has four staterooms with ensuites plus a crew cabin, multiple living areas over three decks, bow and stern outdoor living spaces, flybridge helm station with a state-of-the-art Garmin electronics suite, bridge deck barbecue grill and hot tub, as well as the popular high-low hydraulic transom swim platform aft.

The Ocean Alexander 88 Skylounge runs to a peak speed of 21 knots, but will cruise all day at 16-18 knots courtesy of dual 1600hp MTU turbo diesel shaft-drive engines.

Bow and stern thrusters ensure this 27-metre long vessel can be docked with ease.

The Ocean Alexander 45 Divergence is aptly named. This quad-outboard engined sports bowrider represents quite a departure from Ocean Alexander's traditional shaft-driven motor yachts.

The Ocean Alexander 45 Divergence targets sports boaters, fishermen, divers and everyone in between thanks to its versatile centre console/cabin layout, spacious decks and bow and stern seating areas.

Key features include a queen berth cabin with galley and head compartment below decks, deluxe console helm station with triple bucket chairs and overhead hardtop, cockpit barbecue grill and galley, side-deck opening balconies to port and starboard, bow lounging/living area, and optional fishing features such as a live well, sub-floor kill tanks, rod holders and more.

With four 350hp supercharged Mercury Verados bolted to the transom, the Ocean Alexander 45 Divergence accelerates to a top speed of about 42 knots.

Founded in Poland in 1982, Galeon has grown to become one of Europe's premier motor yacht manufacturers, with the Galeon boat range now numbering close to 30 models. 

Alongside the Ocean Alexander range, Alexander Marine displayed two Galeon models – the Galeon 510 Skydeck and the Galeon 640 Fly.

Aesthetically, the Galeons are great-looking boats, the blacked-out tinted windows blending with the rakish cabin rooflines and svelte hull shapes to create a sleek, contemporary look.

Throughout the interior, rich, dark timber cabinetry on the display boats was offset with light-coloured carpets, stone-look benchtops, and upholstery.

The award-winning Galeon 640 Fly is a fine example of the Galeon breed, combining an excellent standard of fit and finish with functional design and innovation.

I was particularly impressed with the walk-through interior configuration that allows you to step from the enclosed saloon to the bow living/lounging area through an electric centre-opening windscreen.

Other features include the "beach mode" fold-out side balconies, aft galley with hopper style window for entertaining, bow, bridge, saloon and cockpit living areas, saloon and bridge helm stations, three staterooms (plus crew cabin), four bathrooms, wet bars, barbecue grills, hydraulic high/low swim platform and more.

The Galeon 640 Fly achieves a top speed of 29 knots when powered by dual 1000hp Volvo Penta shaft-drive diesels.

The smaller of the two Galeon models displayed over the weekend, the Galeon 510 Skydeck is a terrific cruising all-rounder.

Similar to the Ocean Alexander models, the Galeon 510 Skydeck has fold-down side-deck balconies to increase the aft living space, along with a bow seating/lounging area with cocktail table.

You'll also find a spacious saloon helm station, indoor/outdoor galley (with a bar/balcony on the port side), and accommodation for six adults in three staterooms.

The stand-out feature of this Galeon model is unquestionably the Skydeck flybridge helm station. Press a button and a soft-top Sunbrella cover on the roof of the boat slides back (on rails) to reveal an open-air helm station and living area.

The procedure for setting up the open-air upper deck takes just a few minutes to complete and can be compared with opening the soft top on a convertible motor vehicle. Bravo Galeon!

The Galeon 510 Skydeck achieves a top speed of about 33 knots from a pair of 725hp Volvo diesel engines coupled to traditional shaft drives (Volvo Penta IPS 950s optional).