A New Dimension in Coastal CruisingImagine a trip from Sydney to the Whitsunday in three to four days with just one fuel stop (1,000 litres total). Or around Australia in comfort - about 6,500 nautical miles - for a total fuel bill of less than $10,000. With good accommodation for four people this is the power boat that many have been waiting for. It's the coastal cruising boat that makes sense for our times.
Freedom to ExploreWith a vast array of reef, island, estuary and river destinations, the Argus E35 is at home in the Australian coastal environment. At 10.2 metre waterline length, the displacement hull technology provides an extraordinary smooth ride. Even in the type of rough conditions like the infamous Moreton Bay chop a tunnel clearance of 0.7 metres means that most waves will simply pass under. The bow with narrow hulls and a deep forefoot rises slowly to the chop so the boat slices through the waves rather than bouncing over them. A large reserve buoyancy in the asymmetrical bow carries the boat over the bigger stuff. The occasional high standing wave is softened by the new wave breaker nacelle. This means that the boat can maintain a substantial cruising speed when caught out in nasty conditions. By increasing crew comfort and maintaining a higher cruise speed, the ability to weather the unexpected is an important dynamic safety feature. With a draft of only 0.6 metres shallow water access couldn't be easier. The catamaran hull ensures a level platform for drying out on sandy tidal flats. The sedan version has an above waterline clearance of 2.9 metres which means that the majority of canal and river bridges can be undertaken without waiting for low tide. The capability of exploring river systems dramatically expands waterway access and anchorage opportunities. The helm features an elevated seating arrangement for two that provides a commanding view. Two hatches are strategically placed overhead to allow a standing position on the helm seat for an even better perspective of the surrounding area. Huge workspaces either side of the helm are perfect for charts or laptop. Economical to RunA cruise speed range of 6 to 16 knots gives incredible flexibility in range and time to destination. At 12 knots the fuel consumption of 1 litre per nautical mile gives a range approaching 600 miles in favorable sea conditions. A direct run from the Gold Coast to Sydney (400 nautical miles) or even Brisbane to Mackay (500 nautical mile) is now possible. And at current fuel prices of $1.30 per litre, the cost of a Brisbane to Mackay trip is less than $700.
Environmentally ResponsibleThe outstanding economy achieved by the design is evidenced by the minimum water disturbance. With less drag, a higher proportion of engine power goes into driving the boat forward rather than generating a huge wake. This means that lower horsepower engines can easily achieve the designed hull speed. The relatively small wake does little to disturb boats at anchor or smaller vessels under way and. It's good for the fellow boaters, it's great for the foreshore and the environment benefits by burning just enough fuel to get the job done. Live Aboard ComfortThe Argus E35 presents the unique combination of cruising ability for the voyage and outstanding comfort at anchor. The emphasis has been placed on live aboard comfort for fewer people rather than cramming additional sleeping cabins and heads. But as an entertainment platform the E35 shines to host your friends and fellow cruisers. Two generous sleeping cabins feature queen size bedding, ample storage and flow through ventilation. A single head to starboard is spacious. The large galley has over two metres of bench space and is complete with gas cook top, convection microwave oven and refrigerator. The saloon will comfortably seat 8 people for a social get together and is extremely spacious for four. The aft deck is large with room for a table and chairs to seat 8 people. The vessel is not short on headroom either with 2050 mm (6' 6") in the saloon and 1850 mm (6' 1") in the hulls. The on board systems are engineered to be quiet and hassle free. Just over 500 watts of solar panels on the roof provide the main electrical power for the vessel. In conjunction with energy efficient appliances (for example the refrigeration enclosures are fitted with thick Dow Corning foam) there is no need to run a generator. The hot water system is heated "for free" using waste heat from the refrigeration condensor sets. All of this means that the standard boat is ready to go cruising as purchased. Project StatusConstruction of the mould tooling is well underway with the hull mould completed and the deck and roof moulds nearing completion (see Photo Gallery). Our first boat is staged for launch in July 2010. |
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