A change of tack for Aussie boat builder Van Munster

A change of tack for Aussie boat builder Van Munster

The Sanctuary 620 represents a change of tack for the lake Macquarie based Van Munster Boatbuilding. Indeed it’s hard to believe that the classically styled dayboat comes from the same stable as cutting-edge sailing dinghies.

Van Munster Boats are renowned for their 18-foot, 16-foot and 12 foot skiffs as well as international 505’s, Sabots and GP26 racing yachts so they decided to build the new Sanctuary 620 to showcase the full scope of skills from being designed in-house by Keith Van Munster through to intricate timber detail.

“Contemporary technology with traditional design” is how Van Munster defines the Sanctuary.

The hull of the prototype has been strip- planked in Paulownia timber and sheathed using Multi-axial E-glass with epoxy resin. The boat is superbly finished throughout in high gloss polyurethane paint systems. Future hulls will be constructed from a high tech resin infusion process with traditional customized timber superstructures.

A fine entry with flared topsides in the forward sections and a firm bildge with full bodied aft sections combine to give the hull an effortless ride. The boat features a beautiful sheerline, there is a slight amount of tumblehome (curvature) in the topsides and the transom is handsomely raked.  

While the 6.2m, 1240kg boat was not designed to plane, it’s performance has surprised the builder. The 30hp Yanmar diesel engine gets the boat romping along at 12 knots, or Cruising at 7 knots. It drinks just three to 5 litres per hour.

Possible recreational applications include, fishing, workboat, tender,charter/hire boat,Dayboat or over-nighter.

For details phone 02 4973 6661