With over two years of design, development, and construction, the first of the Longreach power catamarans take to the water. Here is our first look at the stunning new Longreach Expedition ‘Sunrise III’ days after launching from Ocean Marina in Thailand as the factory undertakes sea trials the owners prepare to go cruising.
With a top speed of 20 knots the boat has the power to get out of weather fast thanks to the twin diesel python shaft drive motors, but drop that speed back to a comfortable cruising speed of 11.5 knots, and the displacement hull efficiently slices through the water consuming just 2.8 litres per Nautical Mile or 31 L per hour combined, providing a range of approximately 2,000 nautical miles. The optional 10,000 litre fuel tanks provide a range of over 3,500 nautical miles.
There are just under 5kw of solar panels on the flybridge hardtop powering the 24 kw lithium battery bank to help power the boat including 92,000 BTU of air-conditioning, backed up by a 4.3kw wisperpower genset.
Sunrise III is the second hull of the Longreach’s to launch and this Expedition version incorporates a truly unique layout. The closed in cockpit features electric windows to easily open or close up the space, with a BBQ grill and cockpit L shaped lounge with an aft door that slides open and provides access to the Davco aft dinghy platform.
The Galley is incredibly generous in space and function and would rival many modern homes, with Corian benchtops, beautiful fixtures, a steam oven, and lots of storage, while surrounded by large panoramic windows and accompanied by a generous lounge that opens out into the cockpit. A large standup fridge has plenty of chilled storage and then go upstairs to the flybridge in the protection of an internal staircase.
The flybridge boasts a large Portuguese style helm featuring two comfortable bucket seats and an extensive display of Axiom 16inch Raymarine chart plotters with 3D sonar, Radar AIS, and more, providing easy access to the forward deck. While behind the helm you enjoy an air-conditioned entertaining area with a pop-up TV, lounge, wet bar, and access to an aft deck with a Davco crane for lifting dinghies and more.
The master cabin is simply vast, with a king bed, storage underneath, office, surrounded by natural light, ventilation, and reverse cycle air-conditioning. There is also a TV mounted on the bulkhead and plenty of storage.
On the port side forward is the dedicated private ensuite with a separate rain shower, separate vanity, and fresh water flushing toilet with portholes to allow ventilation when necessary.
The starboard side enjoys a queen sized bed with large side windows for natural light and a massive dedicated bathroom forward. While the aft utility room houses the washer dryer and general storage.
While the port side offers another queen cabin, all beautifully appointed, with a more compact shower and toilet combination.
For more information visit longreachcatamarans.com
