Argus announces new Diesel Power Catamaran

by Market Focus PR on 13 Dec 2009 Argus Boats, a recently-formed division of Outback Marine Australia Pty Ltd has announced a diesel-powered version of its Argus E35 cruising catamaran.

Company director, Gary Pacey believes the E35D will appeal to serious long distance cruisers and charter operators seeking the advantages and economy of diesel power.

The announcement follows intense interest in the company’s outboard powered cruising cat since tooling began 3 months ago.

The E35D can be specified with Yanmar, Volvo or Lombardi 60 – 80HP class engines. Pacey believes serviceability will play a large part in the purchasing decision. 'Each of these mainstream Japanese and European manufacturers has excellent service facilities' he said.

The diesel engines can be fitted with high output alternators, making it feasible to run an engine at anchor in order to charge batteries. In the case of the flybridge model this can be a viable alternative to full solar charging, where solar panel area is more limited than on the saloon version. Water heating is also an option from engine heat.

For long distance cruising, the E35D is anticipated to provide a 10% reduction in fuel consumption with a corresponding increase in cruising range at a designed cruising speed of 12 – 16 knots.

Offsetting these advantages, the diesel version comes at a higher purchase price: Installing the two diesel engines requires additional engineering for the exhaust systems, propeller shafts and rudders as well as the associated cooling and fuel filtration systems.

To minimise the draft, the propellers run partly in a tunnel cavity formed in the aft sections of each hull. Surprisingly, the E35D’s draft increases by only 100 mm to 700 mm. The propellers and rudders are protected by a skeg in case of grounding.

Acclaimed naval architect, Roger Hill was engaged to design the diesel version.

Survey compliant sedan and fly bridge versions will be available for the self drive charter and owner syndication market.

Production moulds for the Argus E35 are currently being manufactured by Chincogan Catamarans in Murwillumbah, NSW. 'This group has an excellent reputation for its cutting edge quality and is passionate about the boats they build,' declared Pacey.

The Argus E35D is projected to retail from around $380,000 including gst: A relatively low price for those seeking to enter the charter market and to take advantage of the current 50% tax bonus scheme. Contracts signed by December 31 may be eligible for the Federal Government’s special one-off investment allowance. Entry-level outboard powered boats will be available from around $340,000.

More at www.argusboats.com