Trawler catamarans equal happy campers

by Mark Rothfield on 7 Jul 2011 The equation for powerboating happiness is easy when you think about it. Space + economy + shallow draft + smooth motion = a catamaran.

Yachties are fast cottoning onto this fact, with Mooloolaba-based Multihull Solutions taking 12 orders for Fountaine Pajot sailing cats in the weeks since Sanctuary Boat Cove Boat Show.

Roughly half that number of Trawler power catamarans – six or so – have been sold nationally, but it has taken several years not months. That’s surprising since they’re also built by Fountaine Pajot in France.

It must be just a matter of time, for the efficiency of a multihull brings even greater cost savings for the power sector.

According to Kim McKee from Multihull Solutions, the Trawlers are totally new designs rather than being inherited from sail, and they certainly don’t look like the floating motel rooms of the dim past.

'People get to the age and stage where boats are too rolly and uncomfortable, and that’s when they turn to multihulls,' she said.

'You can’t beat them for space and there’s a great separation of living areas.'

French naval architects Joubert-Nivelt designed the Trawlers to be excellent sea boats, with generous freeboard and bridgedeck clearance, then added liberal doses of style and comfort.

Trawler’s range comprises the Highland 35 Pilot, Summerland 40, Cumberland 46 and the flagship Queensland 55.
Modern lines, innovative design and exceptional volume mark the 35-footer as outstanding entyr-level craft. It benefits from a luminous and elegant interior design with lighter woodwork, new soft furnishings and a darker parquet-style floor.

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Space has been divided up in the saloon to clearly distinguish between the dining area, galley and chart table/desk. There are three spacious cabins off the passageways, while the flybridge has seating for six and an expansive sunbathing area.

The Summerland 40 is the newest addition and it boasts a true owner’s suite with sea views and spacious bathroom. A demonstrator is available for immediate delivery.

Moving up, the Cumberland 46 has enjoyed acclaim for its spaciousness and seaworthiness. It will particularly appeal to long-haul cruising enthusiasts who value true fuel economy, with the standard engines offering a range of 1000 nautical miles at 8 knots (14 litres per hour).

Its three decks total 120 square metres, while the light-filled saloon has 360-degree panoramic viewsfeaturing two separate saloons – one for meals, with a table seating eight, and a second one inside, near the helm station.

The Queensland 55 is said to be a veritable cruising apartment with vast saloon and dining areas, gourmet galley and navigation room.

Available in two layouts, it boasts an owner’s suite that occupies an entire hull with private access, two luxurious guest cabins and a separate crew cabin. All cabins are very private with considerable storage space, king size beds and ocean views through large port hulls.

Prices range from $460K to POA, so see www.multihullsolutions.com.au