Hershine Bullish on Voyager Prospects

Following the success of Hershine’s launch of its new Voyager 55 Pilot House at the Sydney International Boat Show, the company is now confident that not only is the boat market recovering from the global economic crisis, but it is also showing a marked enthusiasm for the pilot house design with a Portuguese bridge.

With one vessel already sold and orders likely to follow as a result of the show, Hershine’s Australian East Coast agent Rowell Marine claims that the self-funded retirees are now less inclined to delay their dreams for the perfect motor yacht and go coastal cruising.

“They are realising that the things you regret most are the things you didn’t do,” comments David Rowell.

“And while spending eternity looking at the lid, there is plenty of time to reflect on the fact that in the last 18 months your money would have been better off invested in a boat! Not only would the investment have been more secure, but you could have been able to live the dream as well.’’

Rowell Marine, who also sold a Marlow 65 motor cruiser at the show, says that while the market recovery is under way and the cost of boat building set to rise, the Hershine Voyager sets new levels of affordability for vessels in its class.

Says David, “This is the extraordinary thing about the Hershine Voyager. While others might like to talk about starting prices, we are proud to boast of the finishing price! For 1.25 million, you get everything you need to immediately set off cruising in absolute luxury.

“More than that, you don’t even have to get a crew together. Using traditional, tried and true technology, including bow and stern thrusters, closed circuit television and a special docking station, the 28 tonne yacht can easily be slid into the tightest of marina spots by just one person. And that’s one of the biggest secrets to happy cruising!” David Rowell said.

Fitted with twin Volvo D9 575 turbo charged engines, the Hershine Voyager has the capability of reaching speeds over 20 knots or to cruise economically at 12 knots whilst enjoying the comfortable ride of the modified deep-V planning hull fitted with Wesmar stabalisers.

Although a new entrant into the Australian market the Hershine built pilot house yacht has an established history on the U.S. and European markets and a proven hull design. The vessel exhibited at the Sydney Boat Show is the 259th hull of its type built by Hershine. Adapted from the popular U.S. Jefferson design, the Hershine Voyager has special modifications for cruising Australian and New Zealand waters. This is a more traditional style of motor yacht than some of the lighter and flashier Mediterranean designs that might not offer the same security and safety when it comes to cruising Australia. Rather than risk the vulnerability of pod drives, Hershine has opted for the security of long proven hull design and engine power while still offering amazing sideways manoeuvrability.

Emphasis has been put on liveability. The walk-on and off swim platform, the covered wind-protected aft teak deck, the extra wide-body saloon with settees, coffee table, work station and the fully equipped galley are all on the one level. Every conceivable luxury is provided: recliner armchairs, dishwasher, twin oven, and induction cook top, microwave, freezer and refrigerator. Entertainment is provided with a Sony full surround 5: 1 stereo system and a large television that doubles as a monitoring station for all navigation equipment and the three closed- circuit TV Raymarine cameras that monitor the fore and aft views from the bridge and the engine room

The designers have recognised that a couple on a live-aboard cruise do not necessarily want to be constantly in each other’s faces! Hence the Hershine Voyager has a number of separate relaxation or work areas. The pilot house itself is a comfortable lounge with TV, dining table and settee. Comfortable twin helm chairs afford a spectacular forward view which makes the pilot house a true, fully equipped bridge protected from cold and weather while offering the visibility to confidently manoeuvre in busy waters.

Twin pilot house doors either side give access to the full walk-around Portuguese Bridge and onto the front deck and a comfortable forward facing seat for three to sit or lounge. A Raymarine remote control allows the vessel to be piloted from this position, or any other place on the yacht. Alternatively, the interior stairs can be taken to the flybridge which due to all the provisions of the interior pilot house can be enjoyed as an open area fully equipped with helm seat, table and lounge seating. A separate split-deck provides a barbecue area complete with bar fridge and sound entertainment system.

Aft of this area is the dingy deck complete with electric crane and a centre-console, rigid-bottom inflatable.

Fitted with a powerful 20HP outboard motor, electric start and wheel steering, the tender is always ready for action and can easily be launched and retrieved single-handedly.

Below the pilot house are two staterooms featuring queen sized beds complete with en-suite separate showers and toilets. An additional sleeping area can be used in the pilot house which has a pull out double bed fitted to the settee area.

Both staterooms have television while the master stateroom TV allows the skipper to monitor navigation information, anchor watch and keep a closed circuit watch on the surroundings from the comfort of the bed.

A concealed clothes washer /dryer unit is also fitted into the master stateroom and four separate reverse-cycle air conditioners maintain ideal temperature levels for the different indoor living areas.

Every conceivable piece of equipment is fitted, even to the extent of an automatic engine oil changer and prop guard cutters to prevent the propellers ever being fouled by a stray line. Extra sound insulation has also been installed to ensure the generator is barely audible at anchor.

Further information and vessel inspections can be arranged by contacting Rowell Marine