Integrity 386ES Trawler Review

Issue: April/May 2006

NO CREW REQUIRED

Weekends away are a breeze on this Chinese-built cruiser.

Angel Bay Marine imported nine Integrity motor-yachts, ranging from the 386 up to the larger 526, in 2005/2006. The 386ES is the smallest Integrity it imported, but her size and price combination is proving so popular that three have been sold here.

The vessel in this test has a price tag of $495,000 and features twin 210hp Cummins diesels, a 7Kva Onan generator, bow thruster, twin helms, two-bedroom layout and leather upholstery in the saloon. And to top it off, she’s covered by a three-year limited structural hull warranty.

Modern Boating’s outing on the 386 was the Friday crammed between Australia day and the last January weekend, so for all intents and purposes, we were cruising on a long weekend. When we nosed into the odd, beach-lined anchorage, other holidaying flybridge vessel skippers looked on with keen interest.

With an overall length of 38ft 6in and powered by twin engines and a bow thruster, the 386 ES falls into the ‘no crew required’ category of displacement cruisers. This means you can take out the in-laws (if they ever make it to the top of the waiting list!) and they can stand back and watch you do all the work.

PERFORMANCE & HANDLING
On the water the Integrity Trawler delivered a soft ride across moderate chop and slush. But because the test boat’s underside was due for a scrub, her speeds were down from spec.

At 2000rpm she delivered a 10-knot cruise speed, which after scrub should be closer to 12.5 knots.

We drove the 386ES from the flybridge where noise levels were low. But I did go down into the saloon while underway and noted the engine insulation kept cabin engine noise levels well under control.

LAYOUT
The flybridge helm has a single seat, stainless steel wheel, a solid footrest and most of the instruments repeated from the lower helm. The helm seat is well forward, offers good visibility and there’s standing room for passengers up front so they can chat with the skipper.

Overall, the flybridge is roomy with an L-shaped lounge and table on the portside that incorporates an aft facing lounge. The whole area is protected by a bimini and the presence of stainless steel combined with the absence of timber ensures low maintenance. There’s also a good forward stowage area with a door, under-seat stowage and room for a fridge. Finally, flybridge access is via easy-to-climb teak laid stairs with a good size stainless steel grab handle and a hatch to keep the weather out of the lower cockpit. 

The gentle, efficient ride of a displacement hull puts all onboard at ease and makes moving around while underway a breeze. Wide covered bulwarks lead to a pleasant bow area serviced by high rails, quality deck fittings and a Muir windlass.

There is starboard side door access to the lower helm and getting on and off the vessel is made easy by gates in the bowrail, or via the solid transom door onto the wide, teak-laid swim platform.

The saloon and sleeping arrangements follow a traditional layout. There’s a forward owner’s berth with double island bed, a teak and holly floor, vanity with drawers, side tables and wardrobes with auto lights. The portside guest cabin features a bunk arrangement and is also finished with teak furniture.

The heads are on the same level as the accommodation and feature a separate shower with ceramic tiles. It’s a bit tight getting in, but once there it’s great and the rest of the room remains dry. The day head also features an electric toilet, good natural light and a quality vanity with sink and room to move.

The spacious galley has good views all around and features a Norcold refrigerator, microwave and electric cooktop with electric ventilation. It also has a sink with tap plus clever above bench stowage combined with cupboard areas.

The lower helm features a comprehensive array of Cummins instruments. There are switches controlling the bow thruster and three double-arm windscreen wipers with freshwater washers. The freshwater rinse stops salt forming on the screen, so the wipers don’t scratch as they sweep across.

Across from the galley is a Burmese teak bar and glass cabinet. I don’t recall seeing a TV, but the vessel comes with a stereo and there’s an air-conditioning option if required. It’s also worth noting that the test vessel had plain white curtains, but you do get the choice of teak Venetians for a little extra cost.

The rest of the leather-upholstered saloon is for lounging in. The portside table settee will seat six and the starboard lounge will seat four. You may find the odd guest sleeping there after a few too many shandies! The aft cockpit is not quite big enough to take a table.

For those wanting to add outdoor dining to their cruising experience, the 386EES extended cockpit model is available. 

OVERALL
The Chinese-built Integrity 386ES Trawler offers a good balance between features, finish and price. She has everything you need for a comfortable long weekender and there is no doubt invitations to climb onboard would be keenly accepted.

SHE’S GOT INTEGRITY
Integrity Motor Yachts offer a range of regular and trawler-style cruisers from 34 to 70 feet with spacious interiors, sea-kindly hulls and good fuel economy.

The boats are produced by renowned Chinese shipyard Jianghua Marine. In production since 1981, Jianghua’s skilled craftsmen have now completed more than 500 yachts for customers across the globe. Integrity’s build-quality and level of interior finish is comparable to any brand available in Australia today.

ENGINE ROOM
Twin Cummins 210hp powered the Integrity 386ES.

PERFORMANCE
With two adults onboard, the 386 produced the following results on a GPS. The bottom was due for a scrub, so boat speed was down by around three knots.

KNOTS – RPM
8 – 1600
9.5 – 1800
10 – 2000
12.7 – 2300

SPECIFICATIONS
LOA: 38ft 6in
LWL: 35ft 4in
BEAM: 13ft 2in
DRAFT: 3ft 11in
FRESHWATER: 950lt
FUEL: 1500lt
GENSET: 7Kva Onan
PRICE: $495,000

WORDS : ANDREW RICHARDSON

+ Comfortable ride; Competitive pricing 
– Small aft cockpit