New Ocean 640 makes its massive debut at Sydney boat show

by Jeni Bone on 12 Aug 2010 Making an impressive appearance at the Sydney International Boat Show, the first in the New Ocean Yachts range, 'Y-Knot', the capacious and meticulously crafted 640 Sports Yacht which according to the company 'offers the fusion of European styling and design with incredibly good performance and an exceptional price'.

Ecstatic new owners, Ray and Denise David drove to Sydney from their Darwin home to pick up their new pride and joy, planning to return via an east coast odyssey over the next few months.

Says Ray: 'Y-Knot came about because people asked us: ‘why such a big boat?’ and we just say ‘why not?’ We love it. The quality is second to none and the timberwork inside is superb.'

First coming in to contact with the brand at the Hong Kong Boat Show where the brand was an exhibitor, Ray and Denise were attracted to the engineering, craftsmanship and the value for money.

Ray is adamant that the myth of inferior Chinese and Taiwanese boats has been 'blown out of the water' with the latest generation of vessels to come from the east, in particular New Ocean Yachts’ attention to detail.

'European brands would be $500,000 to one million dearer for a boat this size. You get a lot for your money with New Ocean and the workmanship is way better than anything manufactured locally. In Taiwan, the boat building quality is very high. Productivity is higher, they have a tradition of great workmanship and take a lot of pride in their expertise.'

In many ways, Y-Knot is an experimental boat, says Ray. 'We had a lot of custom features we wanted to add. We visited the factory four times this year over the six months it took to build. They really had to work to meet the Sydney boat show deadline.'

The factory Ray refers to is located in Kaohsiung, a hub of boat building and base to around 30 brands including Horizon – the largest builder in Asia and sixth largest in the world – part of a new era of boat building in the specially dedicated Asia Luxury Sail Boat Development District.

The features onboard are numerous and make the vessel totally worthy of inclusion in the luxury bracket. With its large hydraulic swim platform, mezzanine dining area and walk around side decks all featuring impressive teak flooring, Y-Knot boasts the styling, space and generous proportions of its European cousins.

Entertaining is a focus of the design with the large mezzanine with high gloss teak table flowing through stainless bulkhead doors and into a very roomy galley and saloon.

The saloon is characterized by space and natural light with large panoramic windows and open plan layout. The galley features high gloss cabinetry with corian bench-tops, a full length domestic fridge, convection oven, microwave and dishwasher drawer suitable for the professional cook. The very roomy single-level saloon layout features a premium Ultra leather headliner and contemporary styled leather lounge. The cabinetry and full timber floors are great examples of the quality craftsmanship that flows through the entirety of this stunning vessel.

'The Taiwanese woodworkers are fifth and sixth generation in their field,' adds Ray. 'They are absolutely as good as the Italians.'

Below decks there is a comfortable VIP stateroom forward and a large portside guest cabin both with generous en-suites. But without a doubt, the most impressive feature is the full beam master stateroom featuring a king-size bed, large portholes allowing plenty of natural light and an impressive en-suite. Plus a 40' flat screen TV, starboard and port size stools and benches and cedar lined wardrobes complete the ultimate owner’s oasis.

Featuring a pronounced deep V and driven by twin Caterpillar C18 shaft drive engines the 640 effortlessly rises to the plain and easily cuts through the most challenging swell offering the smoothest ride. The large engine room has roomy access to all components for ease of servicing and a very convenient service bench with sink and tap.

'I have owned a few smaller boats, but I have been on plenty of large boats this size and let me tell you, this is as impressive as any of them,' says the extremely satisfied Ray.

'We traveled at around 20 knots, with a top speed of 29, on one tank of fuel from Sydney to the Gold Coast. At some times there, we were in 6m seas, so we’ve proven its seaworthiness and its reliability. It was very comfortable onboard too, considering the swell.'

Next on the agenda after a provision stop on the Gold Coast is a six week voyage via the Whitsundays home to Cullen Bay Marina in Darwin by the end of September.

The New Ocean Yachts team, says Ray, undoubtedly took a few orders during SIBS, 'for its flybridge models, which are going to be amazing'. 'They will have two ready for next year's Sanctuary Cove boat show, which will convince people of the brand and its position.'

Keith Hanson and the team at New Ocean Yachts are proud of their reputation for helping to guide their owners through the complete boat purchase experience plus offering many guided tours to some of Australia’s most stunning boating locations.

For more information visit www.newoceanyachts.com.au