Integrity launches Aspire 42 luxury motor cruiser

by Jeni Bone on 3 Nov 2013 Integrity Motor Yachts held the launch of the first of the Aspire range of motor yachts at the 2013 Gold Coast International Marine Expo, selling two already and with hopes of selling at least six per year.

Built at the factory adjacent to the Integrity factory in China, the Aspire 42 is the brainchild of Brett Flanagan, who says he scribbled the concept on a serviette as he downed a few beverages and snacked on nuts on a flight exactly one year ago.

'Yes, she is my baby,' he says with the pride of a seasoned boat manufacturer. 'I designed the Aspire 42 as a long distance cruising boat and the ideal entertainer.'

Built as part of the joint-venture with Dream Yachts China, the first in the range, the Aspire 42 has already garnered plenty of interest.

'Friday we had a lot of committed buyers through and we have several really good leads. We sold one prior to the show and one during the show. That’s great!'

The idea for Aspire came about as a sub-brand from Integrity, 'just in case Integrity gets too busy and we can’t supply orders', and aimed at the same demographic with a penchant for higher-spec detailing and 'something a little different'.
The massive cockpit is completely undercover with a table and booth seating for all weather al fresco living.

There are hopper windows and a retractable TV, superyacht style. Inside, the large lounge area blends into the comfy couch helm, with cabin door to the side of the helm station and overhead, an oversize electric sunroof.

Below decks, the configuration is largely up to the owner, but in the case of the boat on show, there’s a large master – more like a cool bachelor pad-style bedroom – and a mosaic-tiled bathroom with jet-shower and all the trimmings. The second cabin – usually the island queen-sized bed – takes the form of two large singles, as specified by her new owner, who have named the boat 'Baritone'.

The finish is impeccable, right down to the latches on the doors, which were custom designer by Flanagan, again drawing from superyacht styling.

'I took inspiration from the bigger boat segment,' says Flanagan. 'I used the ideas of spacious living and entertaining, luxurious bathrooms and details, and made it work in 42 feet, without jamming in the features or making it cramped. It’s spacious, open plan, European styling. All the timber work is American oak, solid AAA grade and 12mm thick. It’s waxed, not varnished, with wax from Germany.'

Priced at $649,000, she is economical at 3.5L per hour, and delivers good performance, with top speeds of around 20 knots on a single 450-470hp Steyr engine. Bow and stern thrusters as standard mean berthing and handling are a breeze, even for novices.

The ideal market, Flanagan explains, is the retiree couple who want to take her out by themselves or with friends or the grandkids.

'We are aiming to show her in the US, at Fort Lauderdale, where there’s a larger Baby Boomer market that will really appreciate the design and the figures.'

The brochure describes the Aspire as designed for those seeking 'unrestrained luxury, alongside exceptional performance and safety at sea'.

'It’s the complete package,' enthuses Flanagan. 'It’s a million dollar boat for a bit over half the price.'

More at http://www.integrityboats.com.au/models/aspire.php