Integrity wins on value and quality with Boomer market
by Jeni Bone on 6 Feb 2012
Integrity 350 MKII underway Jeni Bone
Integrity Motor Yachts have struck a chord with families, retirees and semi-retired couples, keen to explore this great island of ours and tick off several items on their 'bucket lists'.
MD, Brett Flanagan, along with Peter Hill – Australian boating industry proponents for the past quarter century – works by the ethos of making cruising more accessible and affordable for everybody, from entry level boaties, the seasoned old salt and the budget conscious.
The Integrity range has been designed to be sturdy, stable and comfortable long range passage makers, they are also great day and weekend entertainers. 'I designed the kind of boat my wife and I would like to own, and it seems to have found its niche. We are up to hull number 20 of the 350 MKII, which is pretty good in a challenging market in two and a half years.'
Manufactured in China to strict quality control measures, complete with Australian government accredited marine surveyor living on the premises and overseeing operations, including daily inspections, the Integrity range positions itself as the best value displacement boats on the market, with unmatched local warranty and service support.
'There is a 12 month warranty on the hull and manufacturers’ warranties on all the appliances and gear, but really, since our clients become our friends, nothing is too much trouble. Customer service is our main focus. We will go that extra mile for them because we believe in our boats.'
Particularly with the Boomer market, price is a distinguishing factor. 'They are after a deal,' acknowledges Brett. 'They also want economy and they get it with what must be the best coastal cruising boat around, at 6L per hour. But they are also discerning and know quality when they see it. They want the best.'
The Integrity range of boats was created with the Australian market and climate specifically in mind. 'Boaties will greatly appreciate not only the low purchase price and running costs of these vessels but also the high quality of workmanship and finish of the interiors. A high quality FGI gelcoat system is used to create an easy to look after finish that also looks sensational.'
The Integrity encompasses the classic lines and style of the boats of yesteryear but has also been modernised with comfort and practicality.
'These are vessels designed to encourage people to go boating. They are extremely stable and easy to manage, with bow and stern thrusters, a 12’ beam, plenty of room for entertaining and just three steps from the door to the wharf.'
Safety too is a priority. 'The 35s and soon to be released 360 Flybridge have full Euro style-walk around decks and ample shade to escape the heat of our summer sun. Combine this with dual helm stations and you have the perfect all-weather boat.'
Hot on the heels of the Integrity 350 MKII is the brand new single engine 330 Sedan. Powered by a 150hp 6 cylinder Iveco engine, and including a free bow-thruster, the 330 Sedan offers exceptional entry level boating.
'Our 350 MKII Motor Yachts have fast established a reputation for exceptional sea-keeping and incredible value for money for a boat of its size,' says Brett.
'With this in mind we decided to take all that is great about our 350s and offer even greater value for money in a single engine entry level cruiser, the 330 Sedan. Our owners continually speak of how impressed they are with the spacious layouts and roomy entertaining areas of our boats, and this will be reflected in the 330, which features a large rear opening bulkhead, leading from the aft galley to the spacious cockpit with wrap around lounges and teak table. At $349,000 fully-fitted out, it would be hard to find such a roomy boat which offers the value for money of the 330.'
2012 is going to be a big year for Integrity. Building is underway on the purpose-built facility in Qingdao China – a veritable hub of ship building and yacht manufacturing and host venue of Olympic sailing in 2008.
'It will be bigger than the Gold Coast City Marina and Riviera together,' explains Brett, adding that the 70,000m2 facility will also house a 100 berth marina and accommodation for the 1,000 workers and their families.
At the 2012 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Integrity will have four new boats on display and one well-positioned for publicity in the pond at the entrance.
'That worked really well for us last year,' says Brett. 'We believe in Sanctuary Cove boat show. We are putting all our eggs in one basket this year because it works for us. Last year we sold four boats from the show and actually took two deposits during the show. All up, including leads, we sold five boats from last year’s event.'
Integrity Facts & Stats:
• 350 MKII Built to NSCV Survey standard, the only boat in the category with this level on construction and certification
• Class leading beam adds to stability as well as more spacious cabins
• Spacious undercover entertaining cockpit
• The cockpit features an icebox and plenty of storage, with space for BBQ
• The high bulwarks and handrails on the walk-around decks add to safety
• The lower helm station is simple with a single, two-lever control box
• It comes with a standard panel for the optional single Cummins 220hp engine instruments – a 150hp Cummins is standard – and a yacht-style stainless wheel
• The owner’s cabin is fully lined with teak panels
• The flybridge features a large entertaining area above the cockpit
• Market leading value at $449,000 for the 350 MKII and 360 and $349,000 for the 330.
More at www.integrityboats.com.au
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