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Powering to Windward
The advantages of powersailers can be summed up in on word -
VERSATILITY.
The
power sailer has come a long way from the early models of a decade ago and the
latestImexus 28 with a Volvo 140 hp turbo diesel will have a wide appeal.
However
the best seller of these European built boats is the outboard powered version
that has sold about 600 worldwide, and after a day aboard in a variety of
conditions I can clearly see why.
The advantages of power sailers can be summed up in one
word:VERSATILITY. Thanks to a hull shape that can both sail and
plane, with the addition of a large outboard – up to 120hp on the latest
incarnation of the Imexus 28 – you can reach speeds of 24knots. When the other
main features of the Imexus are included – swing keel, water ballast and a beam
that permits towing – this all adds up to an amazingly versatile craft.
SHELTERED
COCKPIT
The Imexus cockpit is a comfortingly deep and sheltered area
thanks to the high forward bulkhead and spraydodger with bimini, while the
transom door hinges to access swim platform, water ballast gate and outboard.
The cockpit area is self draining – through the transom – and washboards slot
into the large main hatch. The only thing that indicates it is a power sailer is
the centre console with small diameter wheel plus throttle adjoining it.
However, as I found out later, the wheel is large enough to allow the helmsman
to sit comfortably in the cockpit with good vision to sail telltales. An upgrade
from previous models, this optional hydraulic steering easily turned the twin
rudders and outboard. Instrumentation on our review boat included a Raymarine
plotter/sounder on the binnacle with bulkhead compass, again a simple layout
that works. The large volume hull ensures plenty of storage space here, with two
small coaming lockers and a couple of larger ones under seating, whilst fuel or
generator isstored in a secure aft locker accessed from the rear
deck swim platform. The cockpit is a good length with room for six and enough
bench width to stretch out for an afternoon siesta in the sun.
The
sailing setup is simply laid out with mainsheet andblock attached
to solid stainless bar on the helm console while a pair ofAndersen
50 winches either side of the main hatchway control the jib sheets, roller
furler and halyards; with four jammers either side.
VERSATILITY.
The
power sailer has come a long way from the early models of a decade ago and the
latestImexus 28 with a Volvo 140 hp turbo diesel will have a wide appeal.
However
the best seller of these European built boats is the outboard powered version
that has sold about 600 worldwide, and after a day aboard in a variety of
conditions I can clearly see why.
The advantages of power sailers can be summed up in one
word:VERSATILITY. Thanks to a hull shape that can both sail and
plane, with the addition of a large outboard – up to 120hp on the latest
incarnation of the Imexus 28 – you can reach speeds of 24knots. When the other
main features of the Imexus are included – swing keel, water ballast and a beam
that permits towing – this all adds up to an amazingly versatile craft.
SHELTERED
COCKPIT
The Imexus cockpit is a comfortingly deep and sheltered area
thanks to the high forward bulkhead and spraydodger with bimini, while the
transom door hinges to access swim platform, water ballast gate and outboard.
The cockpit area is self draining – through the transom – and washboards slot
into the large main hatch. The only thing that indicates it is a power sailer is
the centre console with small diameter wheel plus throttle adjoining it.
However, as I found out later, the wheel is large enough to allow the helmsman
to sit comfortably in the cockpit with good vision to sail telltales. An upgrade
from previous models, this optional hydraulic steering easily turned the twin
rudders and outboard. Instrumentation on our review boat included a Raymarine
plotter/sounder on the binnacle with bulkhead compass, again a simple layout
that works. The large volume hull ensures plenty of storage space here, with two
small coaming lockers and a couple of larger ones under seating, whilst fuel or
generator isstored in a secure aft locker accessed from the rear
deck swim platform. The cockpit is a good length with room for six and enough
bench width to stretch out for an afternoon siesta in the sun.
The
sailing setup is simply laid out with mainsheet andblock attached
to solid stainless bar on the helm console while a pair ofAndersen
50 winches either side of the main hatchway control the jib sheets, roller
furler and halyards; with four jammers either side.
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The
overall topside layout of the Imexus is similar to many small cruising yachts:
sidedecks, knee high stanchions and cabin top grab rails with non-slip mouldings
integrated into the GRP.Twin shrouds are inboard on the cabin which
nicely keeps the decks clear as you move towards the pulpit, which is strongly
specified with sturdy stainless. A teak and stainless bow sprit is pleasing to
the eye and handy for bow-to landings and secures the anchor snuggly for quick
release.For easy single handmast lowering/raising, a
factory supplied stainless integrated A-frame and tabernacle setup was installed
on our review boat.
The
single spreader alloy rig is held up by twin backstays with pulley adjustment.
The shrouds are strongly located through the cabin and attached to the hull with
bottle screws to sturdy stainless chainplates.. Slab reefing is used on a semi-
battened dacron cruising main which flakes into combined lazy jack/mainsail
cover for easy dousing and stowing.
overall topside layout of the Imexus is similar to many small cruising yachts:
sidedecks, knee high stanchions and cabin top grab rails with non-slip mouldings
integrated into the GRP.Twin shrouds are inboard on the cabin which
nicely keeps the decks clear as you move towards the pulpit, which is strongly
specified with sturdy stainless. A teak and stainless bow sprit is pleasing to
the eye and handy for bow-to landings and secures the anchor snuggly for quick
release.For easy single handmast lowering/raising, a
factory supplied stainless integrated A-frame and tabernacle setup was installed
on our review boat.
The
single spreader alloy rig is held up by twin backstays with pulley adjustment.
The shrouds are strongly located through the cabin and attached to the hull with
bottle screws to sturdy stainless chainplates.. Slab reefing is used on a semi-
battened dacron cruising main which flakes into combined lazy jack/mainsail
cover for easy dousing and stowing.
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DOWN BELOW
Accommodation on the Imexus is open plan with large double
forward and kingsize under the cockpit, though this is reduced to a double if
you choose long range tanks and turbo diesel model. Comfortable couch seating
either side of the saloon table, which is also the keelbox, and good headroom
(1.85cm) for an average sailor all go to make this a very comfortable space. The
practicalities are well taken care of, tastefully fitted in satin finished
Oakwith ample cupboard space twin burner metho stove to port
alongside a stainless sink and 45l top loading ice box .The Sydney owner of our
review boat“IMPULSE” had installed a fan forced low energy 12V
eutectic system from Moorebank Marine and several other creature comforts
includingplumbed hot and cold water. Obviously power is limited by
an outboard’sreduced alternator output versus diesel, so one option
is to install agenerator as this owner had done, a honda four
stroke 4KVA inverter/generator fits nicely into the stern locker. Alternatively,
solar panels would be the go. The house battery is a 70ah and a quality
switchboard controls the boats electrics, LED interior lights are standard as is
shorepower, a Waeco 252A charger/inverter was also fitted to the test boat.
Ablutions are well taken care of on the Imexus, especially if you opt for the
pump-out head, thanks to a sizeable bathroomwith headroom, vanity
sink and hot shower fitted.
Accommodation on the Imexus is open plan with large double
forward and kingsize under the cockpit, though this is reduced to a double if
you choose long range tanks and turbo diesel model. Comfortable couch seating
either side of the saloon table, which is also the keelbox, and good headroom
(1.85cm) for an average sailor all go to make this a very comfortable space. The
practicalities are well taken care of, tastefully fitted in satin finished
Oakwith ample cupboard space twin burner metho stove to port
alongside a stainless sink and 45l top loading ice box .The Sydney owner of our
review boat“IMPULSE” had installed a fan forced low energy 12V
eutectic system from Moorebank Marine and several other creature comforts
includingplumbed hot and cold water. Obviously power is limited by
an outboard’sreduced alternator output versus diesel, so one option
is to install agenerator as this owner had done, a honda four
stroke 4KVA inverter/generator fits nicely into the stern locker. Alternatively,
solar panels would be the go. The house battery is a 70ah and a quality
switchboard controls the boats electrics, LED interior lights are standard as is
shorepower, a Waeco 252A charger/inverter was also fitted to the test boat.
Ablutions are well taken care of on the Imexus, especially if you opt for the
pump-out head, thanks to a sizeable bathroomwith headroom, vanity
sink and hot shower fitted.
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HYBRID HULL
Cruising yacht and planing powerboats have very different hull
requirements, the latter requiring a flat rear section to reduce friction and
induce lift while some degree of keel deadrise is also needed for stability (or
rocker in sailboats).For stability the water ballast is essential
of course but this weight is inside the relatively narrow hull (2.5m to conform
to European and Australian towing restrictions) with taller topsides, rather
than in the keel. To compensate Imexus offer 165 kg of lead, along with the 75
kg steel swing keel which helps overall form stability. Another plus for the
Imexus is a reasonable Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SAD) which comes out at
17.02, thanks to a modest sailplan. So, working within these parameters as the
Imexus has successfully done is no mean feat. The GRP hull has a clinker moulded
exterior which looks aesthetically pleasing and nicely breaks up the effect of a
higher freeboard.
Yet another plus for the Imexus is the quality overall build. It has a substantial
feel for the type of boat it is. I noted that all the bulkheads and rovings were
smoothly finished and thickly laid up. The hull and deck are hand-laminated,
with solid GRP for the hull with bulkheads oak veneered or encased in GRP. All
trim and furniture is solid oak. Sandwich construction is used on the deck,
which aids insulation and reduces weight. Additional hull stiffness comes from
the integrated 730l ballast tank that runs along the keel spine and the inbuilt
165kg of lead ballast. Dealer Jason Gribble explained that. “The Imexus has an
impressive ballast-to-weight ratio of 45 percent with the 75kg steel swing keel
andextra fixed ballast of 165kg fitted as standard on all
Australian delivered boats.”
Cruising yacht and planing powerboats have very different hull
requirements, the latter requiring a flat rear section to reduce friction and
induce lift while some degree of keel deadrise is also needed for stability (or
rocker in sailboats).For stability the water ballast is essential
of course but this weight is inside the relatively narrow hull (2.5m to conform
to European and Australian towing restrictions) with taller topsides, rather
than in the keel. To compensate Imexus offer 165 kg of lead, along with the 75
kg steel swing keel which helps overall form stability. Another plus for the
Imexus is a reasonable Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SAD) which comes out at
17.02, thanks to a modest sailplan. So, working within these parameters as the
Imexus has successfully done is no mean feat. The GRP hull has a clinker moulded
exterior which looks aesthetically pleasing and nicely breaks up the effect of a
higher freeboard.
Yet another plus for the Imexus is the quality overall build. It has a substantial
feel for the type of boat it is. I noted that all the bulkheads and rovings were
smoothly finished and thickly laid up. The hull and deck are hand-laminated,
with solid GRP for the hull with bulkheads oak veneered or encased in GRP. All
trim and furniture is solid oak. Sandwich construction is used on the deck,
which aids insulation and reduces weight. Additional hull stiffness comes from
the integrated 730l ballast tank that runs along the keel spine and the inbuilt
165kg of lead ballast. Dealer Jason Gribble explained that. “The Imexus has an
impressive ballast-to-weight ratio of 45 percent with the 75kg steel swing keel
andextra fixed ballast of 165kg fitted as standard on all
Australian delivered boats.”
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Prospective owners have plenty of choices thanks to a good option list and the engine of
course is a major choice. The more expensivediesel version offers
arguably better reliability, better fuel economy, and weight lower down but does
reduce the size of the stern berth. A trailer is another option (costing about
$8k upwards) which makes that dream trip to the Whitsunday’sa
viable reality if you’ve a four wheel drive with 3 tonne towing capacity.
HEADING TO SEA
Heading to your favourite cruising grounds at high speed, or
on its trailer, is what the Imexus is all about so after clearing Sirsi Marina I
accelerated the 115Hp Etech to propel us down Pittwater, reaching speeds of 20.1
knots. Instantly noticeable was the relatively smooth ride, unlike the bouncy
feel of a speedboat. Tweaking the outboard trim button, and then standing up,
gave clear views ahead, as we sped past other yachts whose owner’s gave us more
than a few inquisitive looks. With no waves to speak of I banked the boat into a
series of figure eight turns at full throttle and noted how the squared hull
gripped well in the turns, which induced plenty of confidence. Motoring out past
Barrenjoey Head in search of some sea we powered on through the 2m swells with
only the occasional spray coming aboard as our speed rose to 15 knots. Wanting
to capture the moment I walked to the foredeck with my camera and felt secure
doing so. Back in the cockpit, on the helm proved an enjoyable experience, with
few bumps or groans from any part of the Imexus, and it was easy to forget a
mast was installed.“For punching into a choppy head sea, we
sometime add a little water ballast to smooth the ride, full ballast tank also
comfortably steadies the boat at anchor for a good night sleep “ explained
Jason.
course is a major choice. The more expensivediesel version offers
arguably better reliability, better fuel economy, and weight lower down but does
reduce the size of the stern berth. A trailer is another option (costing about
$8k upwards) which makes that dream trip to the Whitsunday’sa
viable reality if you’ve a four wheel drive with 3 tonne towing capacity.
HEADING TO SEA
Heading to your favourite cruising grounds at high speed, or
on its trailer, is what the Imexus is all about so after clearing Sirsi Marina I
accelerated the 115Hp Etech to propel us down Pittwater, reaching speeds of 20.1
knots. Instantly noticeable was the relatively smooth ride, unlike the bouncy
feel of a speedboat. Tweaking the outboard trim button, and then standing up,
gave clear views ahead, as we sped past other yachts whose owner’s gave us more
than a few inquisitive looks. With no waves to speak of I banked the boat into a
series of figure eight turns at full throttle and noted how the squared hull
gripped well in the turns, which induced plenty of confidence. Motoring out past
Barrenjoey Head in search of some sea we powered on through the 2m swells with
only the occasional spray coming aboard as our speed rose to 15 knots. Wanting
to capture the moment I walked to the foredeck with my camera and felt secure
doing so. Back in the cockpit, on the helm proved an enjoyable experience, with
few bumps or groans from any part of the Imexus, and it was easy to forget a
mast was installed.“For punching into a choppy head sea, we
sometime add a little water ballast to smooth the ride, full ballast tank also
comfortably steadies the boat at anchor for a good night sleep “ explained
Jason.
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Preparing
for sailing was also an easy affair as we glided to a stop, opened the water
ballast gate along with the drop down twin rudders before I let gravity and a
line on the sheet winch swing down the keel. The water ballast tank has a
forward breather which speeds the induction, which took around five minutes,
after which we hoisted the mainsail and unfurled the genoa. Using the electric
tilt for the outboardwas the last job before I settled at the helm.
Sitting in the cockpitwith hand on the small wheel was comfortable,
with mainsheet near while a quick step forward allowed headsail adjustment. The
blustery southerly wind was gusting around 20+ knots at first up Pittwater, so
we unrolled only half the genoa and hardened up to windward. Once I’d mastered
the feel of the small hydraulic wheel, the yacht settled into a steady groove,
while occasionally easing the main on larger gusts to minimise leeway and ensure
the vertical outboardrudders maximized grip. On the smooth water
the hull accelerated quickly and once it had dug in we tracked well, reaching a
speedy 6.1 knots to windward.
The hydraulic steering option is worthwhile I’d say as the engine is permanently
connected and reportedly heavier without it on certain points of sail in
previous models. Smaller diameter hydraulic helm requires extra turns, which may
lead to oversteering, but after a bit of adjustment it did a pretty good job.
Throwing in a few tacks went smoothly as all lines ran
easily.Similarly gybing was easily done, just grab a handful of
mainsheet as we spun around. On a run the Imexus didn’t disgrace herself feeling
nimble with no bad habits reaching a tad under 6 knots in the 14 knot breeze.
With the breeze dying it was back to power mode for our lunch stop so we motored
along for about five minutes to empty the water ballast before approaching
Portuguese Beach with keel and rudders up to glide into shallow water gently
nudging the beach.
In summaryof this boat , that word ‘VERSATILITY’ again comes to mind
and really does apply to the Imexus 28, a
boatthatadmirablyacquits itself on both
sides of that age old equation. Power versus Sail.
for sailing was also an easy affair as we glided to a stop, opened the water
ballast gate along with the drop down twin rudders before I let gravity and a
line on the sheet winch swing down the keel. The water ballast tank has a
forward breather which speeds the induction, which took around five minutes,
after which we hoisted the mainsail and unfurled the genoa. Using the electric
tilt for the outboardwas the last job before I settled at the helm.
Sitting in the cockpitwith hand on the small wheel was comfortable,
with mainsheet near while a quick step forward allowed headsail adjustment. The
blustery southerly wind was gusting around 20+ knots at first up Pittwater, so
we unrolled only half the genoa and hardened up to windward. Once I’d mastered
the feel of the small hydraulic wheel, the yacht settled into a steady groove,
while occasionally easing the main on larger gusts to minimise leeway and ensure
the vertical outboardrudders maximized grip. On the smooth water
the hull accelerated quickly and once it had dug in we tracked well, reaching a
speedy 6.1 knots to windward.
The hydraulic steering option is worthwhile I’d say as the engine is permanently
connected and reportedly heavier without it on certain points of sail in
previous models. Smaller diameter hydraulic helm requires extra turns, which may
lead to oversteering, but after a bit of adjustment it did a pretty good job.
Throwing in a few tacks went smoothly as all lines ran
easily.Similarly gybing was easily done, just grab a handful of
mainsheet as we spun around. On a run the Imexus didn’t disgrace herself feeling
nimble with no bad habits reaching a tad under 6 knots in the 14 knot breeze.
With the breeze dying it was back to power mode for our lunch stop so we motored
along for about five minutes to empty the water ballast before approaching
Portuguese Beach with keel and rudders up to glide into shallow water gently
nudging the beach.
In summaryof this boat , that word ‘VERSATILITY’ again comes to mind
and really does apply to the Imexus 28, a
boatthatadmirablyacquits itself on both
sides of that age old equation. Power versus Sail.
IMEXUS
28 SPECIFICATIONS
Price:
$85,919.00 (base boat, 70hp Yamaha)
Price: $104,000 (review boat well
optioned)
Length Overall: 8.50 m
Length Waterline: 8.05 m
Beam: 2.50
m
Width waterline: 1.90 m
Draft: 0.30m/1.45 m
Swing keel: 75
kg
Fixed ballast: 165 kg
Water ballast: 730 L
Weight (Light): 1,300 kg-
1,500kg
Towing weight incl trailer: 2,150kg-2,750kg
Engine: 50 HP - 120 HP
Outboard, Turbo Diesel up to 140hp
Mast length: 9.00 m
Sail
area: Mainsail 16m2; Genoa 18.5m2
Height cabin 1.85
m
Water: 70 + L
Fuel (built in): 85 + L
Design: Germany, Built Imexus
Yachts, Poland.
Imexus Yachts Australia – Church Point Brokerage
Sales
inquiry –
Jason Gribble0411231230, 02 99994188
Sirsi
Newport Marina ,122 Crescent Rd Newport NSW 2106
www.imexusyachts.com.au
email: [email protected]
28 SPECIFICATIONS
Price:
$85,919.00 (base boat, 70hp Yamaha)
Price: $104,000 (review boat well
optioned)
Length Overall: 8.50 m
Length Waterline: 8.05 m
Beam: 2.50
m
Width waterline: 1.90 m
Draft: 0.30m/1.45 m
Swing keel: 75
kg
Fixed ballast: 165 kg
Water ballast: 730 L
Weight (Light): 1,300 kg-
1,500kg
Towing weight incl trailer: 2,150kg-2,750kg
Engine: 50 HP - 120 HP
Outboard, Turbo Diesel up to 140hp
Mast length: 9.00 m
Sail
area: Mainsail 16m2; Genoa 18.5m2
Height cabin 1.85
m
Water: 70 + L
Fuel (built in): 85 + L
Design: Germany, Built Imexus
Yachts, Poland.
Imexus Yachts Australia – Church Point Brokerage
Sales
inquiry –
Jason Gribble0411231230, 02 99994188
Sirsi
Newport Marina ,122 Crescent Rd Newport NSW 2106
www.imexusyachts.com.au
email: [email protected]
