Spotlight: Endurance 650 Pilothouse

The shape of things to come

Australian Hampton importer Dean Leigh-Smith says the Endurance 650 Pilothouse represents the new direction that yacht design is heading after the oil-price shock of recent years. That is, to accommodating liveaboard cruisers with long legs and terrific fuel efficiency throughout the rev range.

Due to make a splash in April, after which it will star at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (May 21 to 24), the Endurance 650 Pilothouse hails from Hampton Yacht’s new range of trawler-style cruisers that includes the 600 and 700 sister ships.

Leigh-Smith says the common thread linking all the Endurance cruisers is, as their name suggests, terrific fuel efficiency. But Hampton achieves this using an especially high-volume hull with increased internal height and greater beam than its predecessors.

The clever semi-displacement hull hails from naval architect Howard Apollonio. Touted as a 'hybrid', it features double chines for even or horizontal lift as you apply the power. It is also said to have exceptional sea-keeping ability and stability, which it owes in part to a set of stabilisers.

Kevlar is used to reinforce the hull in high-load areas and, with twin 873hp Caterpillar C-18 diesels and a 6800lt fuel supply, the big boat can reel in the sea miles with determination.

"The low-horsepower, high-displacement 18.1lt engines and the hull design combine to produce the most fuel-efficient union possible, but just as importantly the ‘hybrid’ hull remains efficient right through the rev-range," said Leigh-Smith.

FT LAUDERDALE DEBUT
Leigh-Smith inspected an Endurance 650 in September that is destined for the Ft Lauderdale Yacht Show (October 30 to November 3). He is scheduled to sea trial that same boat in American waters soon after the show.

"The Endurance has large capacity Caterpillar engines, commercially rated, that for their big displacement produce relatively small horsepower. That is going to be the way of the future, as the engines generate impressive torque and fuel efficiency at the 10 to 15kt speeds that are ideally suited for touring Australian waters," adds Leigh-Smith.

But while the Endurance boats are designed to achieve a consistent 10 to 15kts cruise through hell and high water, they are also able to 'sprint' up to the 18 to 20kts in order to avoid inclement weather. The boat has four-blade propellers that operate through semi tunnels to maximise top-end speed.

Under way, or at the anchor, the Hamptons are especially accommodating and comfortable abodes. The Endurance 650 bound for Australia will feature dual Onan generators, Wesmar 700 stabilisers, hydraulic 500kg davit, RIB with 40hp four-stroke engine, 20hp bow and sternthrusters, desalination unit and chilled water air-conditioning.

Down below there are three cabins including a full-beam master suite, a fourth cabin/crew quarters aft with self-contained amenities and private access from the swim platform or saloon, plus loads of creature comforts. The price of the Endurance 650 Pilothouse debuting here next year is $A3.2 million.

For more information:
Phone (07) 5573 1311; 0408 758 887
Fax (07) 5573 6972
Email: dean@gccm.com.au