Argus pre-sells its first Cruising Power Cat

by Market Focus on 7 Apr 2010 A Melbourne businessman with more than 30 years boating experience has confirmed his order for the first Argus E35 cruising power catamaran.

Argus Boats’ managing director, Gary Pacey said production moulds for the new boat are nearing completion at Chincogan Catamarans’ Murwillumbah boat yard and he expects the first Argus E35 will be delivered to its new owner towards the end of August 2010.

Pacey describes the E35 as a ‘boat for our times’ and with over 20 people (including three offshore clients) already showing a keen interest in purchasing an E35 in the foreseeable future, this appears to be well-founded.

Due to the extent of interest shown in the boat, priority has been placed on reducing the production cycle time with a higher investment in production tooling. Unfortunately this has delayed the international release which was initially scheduled for this year’s Sanctuary Cove Boat Show. However, an Argus Boats display will be incorporated in the Outback Marine stand at SCIBS where experienced staff will be on hand to discuss the new boat.

Prior to handover, the first boat will undergo extensive sea trials including fuel flow testing to objectively characterise the vessels impressive performance specification.

The Argus E35 is a production development of an earlier power catamaran design from renowned naval architect Roger Hill. It will be powered by two 90hp outboard motors and in this configuration has a designed top speed of around 22 knots, with an effective cruising speed of between 8 and 18 knots.

Its shallow draft of just 0.6 metres and low bridge clearance will allow it to access many coastal waterways that would otherwise be denied to most cruising vessels.

From the outset, the boat has been designed for comfortable cruising. The saloon will seat eight people comfortably, but is ideal for four or six. Each hull features a queen-sized cabin with a full 2 metre bed length. A large galley with over two metres of bench space occupies the remainder of the port hull while a comfortable toilet/shower occupies the aft starboard hull. Headroom is generous with over 2 metres in the saloon and 1.95 metres below.

The narrow hulls with 10.2 metre waterline length and deep forefoot are designed for minimal resistance, outstanding comfort at sea and exceptional fuel economy, expected to be as low as
1 litre per nautical mile at 12 knots, thanks to minimal water disturbance as the hulls cut through waves and potentially choppy off-shore conditions.

More at www.argusboats.com