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• Thread starter Deleted User YDKXO
• Start date 2 Sep 2009

Deleted User YDKXO

I see this lot http://www.clippermotoryachts.com.au/ are advertising quite heavily in the boaty press at the moment and have set up a UK sales operation (a trifle optimistic IMHO) Seem to come from Oz and the prices appear to be keen. Anyone know anything about them?  

Whitelighter

Active member.

Dunno, was going to post as well. their 60ft trawler thing looks competitivly priced at £860k  

So that's..... Outer Reef, Nordhavn, Fleming and Grand Banks European bases are now all at Hamble Point !. Blimely Semi D centre of Europe.  

Well-known member

Clippers have been the hire fleet icons in New South Wales since the seventies, with a 30' sedan and the more popular 34' aft cabin. Were always, and still are Asian built, just distributed from Oz. Some owners may do their own soft furnishings from here though. I owned a 34' aft cabin (displacement) for several years, and was a good, safe coastal cruiser. This newer range has been available for about 7 years (40' and up), and have so far not heard anything bad. They won't be built like Nordhavens, but they won't be priced like them either.  

Sundays_Child

There seems to be some overlap with these boats: http://clippers.com.hk/NewBoats.htm The 40 is the same boat. Have also seen them branded as "Sea Stella" before. All made in China.  

I think you are right with the sea stella thing.... Nothing too flash, but did the job nicely.  

• 24 Nov 2010

Clipper Too

Clipper Owner I am an Australian Clipper owner (Clipper 40). These boats are derivatives of the old CHB trawlers built in Taiwan in the 70s and 80s. CHB ceased production and the current Clippers started in 2003. The 34, 36 and 40 hulls are similar to the original CHB boats but the superstructure and interiors are new. The boats are made in China as are most trawler style boats these days. Clippers are quite good value for money but you can't expect a Nordhavn for half the price. Having said that, the equipment, finish and workmanship are very good. Clippers have been sold through dealerships in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Scandinavia. They have appointed dealers in the UK and the USA recently. We are happy with our 2007 model. Clipper have released the Cordova (stupid name) range and these are completely new contemporary designs and of much higher standard than the Heritage series. You can see all the boats at their website. I don't work for them. I am just a private owner. If you want any information from me, I am happy to respond. Regards, Clipper Too  

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Clipper Cordova 48

Author : Barry Tyler

Clipper’s Master Stroke

As we’ve come to expect from the Clipper range, the philosophy, the innovation, the fittings, the build quality, everything continues as it has done for the last 30-plus years. All that changes is the size; the company now launching into Australia the latest Clipper Cordova 48 Motor Yacht which its management team believes is the perfect all-rounder for discerning Australian luxury-cruising protagonists.

When times got tough during 2009, Clipper continued the R&D of its range, developing a further four models. This Cordova 48 model was one of them, slotting neatly between the 45- and 52-foot models in its range, but more importantly addressing a market that in Australia especially, is seen as the bread and butter top-of-the-line size both when it comes to handling, as well as pricing.

Under that magical $1-million dollar ‘barrier’ in other words, and it is this influence alone that has seen the Clipper brand reportedly eclipse all other semi-displacement brands in Australia over this last year – in terms of sales. “When you look over this Cordova 48 in particular,” Clipper Australia sales and marketing director Brett Thurley insists, “I am sure you will find that the quality of build as well as appointments make this vessel exceptional value. Then you add the luxury component and you have a cruising boat that has it all.”

One could surely dismiss that statement as manufacturer hype or marketing licence but from the very first step on board one is left with the warm feeling that nothing has indeed been left to chance with this particular example. The discerning ‘cruising eye’ will quickly appreciate the robustness, the user-friendliness and the generally accomplished manner in which each and every facet is addressed and/or presented. Long before, that is, you begin to appreciate the luxury aspect.

Aesthetically, from a profile perspective one could well be forgiven for concluding that this Cordova was just another example of your typical ‘passagemaker’ style of boat but as I say, step aboard and the more you peruse and poke around the bowels of this boat, the more (damned good) ideas you find that are just so practical in an extended-stay situation. First and foremost it must be ‘capable’ for as I’ve said before ad nauseam, a genuine cruising vessel must be ‘competent’ in the areas of refrigeration, galley, water, fuel, electrical supply – and storage!

The Little Extras

It’s the little extra things then that ‘make’ a boat and immediately noticeable was the boarding feature; teak-lined, at just the right height, and semi-encapsulated by substantial stainless steel drop-in pulpit hoops. Above it a portside transom door led you through onto what was a most generous-sized cockpit or outdoor living area. If it was a higher wharf situation then a side-entry door incorporated into the magnificent bulwarks complete with S/S grab-rails and a teak coaming on top of them – provided equally convenient access to the cockpit; or to the helm station via pilothouse-style side-entry door; or, to the impressive typically cruising-orientated anchoring features at the bow.

Clipper unashamedly described this hand-laid GRP Cordova 48 as a home away from home and certainly this claim was no more compelling than in the instance of the ‘play areas’. The cockpit was larger than I expected and seemingly tailor-made for those who enjoy cruising in comfort and style. Teak lined, it was the perfect place to lay out the table and chair setting and simply relax. Features within the cockpit parameters included an upright freezer against the aft cabin bulkhead, chrome-plated solid brass hawse holes and cleats, the enveloping bulwarks, and, access to the lazaretto.

Illustrating the lengths Clipper goes to, a neat S/S and teak ladder led you down into this sizeable Lazaretto which housed the battery banks of three AGM Deep Cycle 200Ah ‘house’ and three AGM Deep Cycle150Ah engine and bowthruster batteries, the Xantrax 2.4kW inverter/80A charger, and a refrigeration unit for the 12/240V cockpit fridge.

While the cockpit area would perhaps be better suited to an idyllic interlude anchored in a secluded bay of an evening, when underway guests would invariably gravitate to the upstairs flybridge level. Accessed via a moulded GRP and teak stairway complete with sensibly-positioned hand-rails, this level was simply – huge. The duplicated upstairs helm, complete in this instance with two (one is standard) single high-quality Springfield skipper’s chairs, featured the usual array of remotes and instrumentation including a Raymarine package of the ST8002 autopilot and integrated E120 GPS/plotter/sounder.

Resplendent seating was provided for seven guests (in addition to the helm chairs); three on the portside lounge and a further four on a starboard side L-shaped lounge which surrounded a teak triangular cockpit table. All were well protected from the elements by what would best be described as a typically cruising-orientated open hard-top; albeit a very substantial hardtop structure well supported by the targa-arch-style aft uprights and the solid S/S frontal supports.

Outside of the actual confines of the living area was a large aft deck perfect for the sun worshippers, for it came complete with entertainment module with electric BBQ, sink, servery and underneath it, a small refrigerator and ice-maker combo for the drinks! Offering some hint of the enormity of this upstairs flybridge level, at the aft end of this deck and outside the encapsulating S/S pulpit railing, there was still enough room left to house a tender mounted on what was a appreciably solid support cradle.

Magnificent Aritex (only the best Taiwanese craftsmanship) sliding stainless steel and glass doors lead you into the majestic saloon, the formal side of the Clipper Cordova 48. Awe-inspiring was another descriptive for while very traditional with the predominant wood décor, it still very much adhered to the luxury ideal with the high-quality fittings and layout. If you don’t like timber then forget the Cordova 48 for it was virtually an all wood (matched golden Burmese teak) interior; but in saying that it was carefully and subtly ‘balanced’ with vinyl ceiling panels, drop-fold blinds, full-length curtains and lights – heaps of downlights! No Clipper boat could ever be accused of being dark and dingy!

Traditional Saloon

The saloon layout was traditional with to the portside as you entered, a significant L-shaped leather lounge aside a four-person teak dining table. Opposite this was a low-profile storage cabinet for the free-standing 32-inch LCD TV, with forward of this again the twin-level entertainment and switch-panel module which included a lower level for the downstairs helm chair. More evidence of Clipper’s attention to detail was found in the form of a skipper’s chair which adjusted back and forth on recessed floor rails, so as to obtain the ultimate ergonomic driving position.

The helm position was unlike most ‘passagemakers’ in that it was on the same level as the saloon – there was no pilothouse as such. So, like the galley opposite, this helm feature had to be as much a fashion statement as a practical feature. And it was; the large traditional upright helm wheel the focal point of a comprehensive dash (a virtual duplication of the flybridge level) and facia module which had ‘competent passagemaker’ etched all over it.

If the dash could be labelled traditional, opposite this the galley could equally eloquently be labelled as classy. Seemingly judiciously designed with long-range cruising in mind, and certainly comprehensive and accomplished in the area of appointments, features included side window ventilation, teak and holly floor, Staron bench-top, a four-burner hob, an exhaust fan, a large and deep S/S sink, a convection microwave oven, a large two-door upright refrigerator and freezer combo, and plenty of cupboard and drawer storage provision.

From the saloon, timber stairs led you down and for’ard onto an accommodation level which ‘branched out’ from a central companionway , the floor of which was a series of hatches that provided easy and convenient all-weather access to bilge pumps, shower sumps, the macerator, the toilet pump-out switch and the holding tank. Innovatively but not surprisingly, the companionway stairs lifted up to provide access to a foam and lead-insulated engine room which housed the main 2060-litre fuel and 1030-litre water tanks, the Onan 11kW generator, the stupendous 16.4kW of Cruisair air conditioning, and the Seafire fire extinguishing system.

Twin 425hp QSB, 5.9-425 GS Cummins MerCruiser Diesel engines ran through ZF 85A (2.0:1 ratio) gearboxes and conventional shaft drive, to the Hung Sheng 25”D x 22”P propellers. Interestingly, the standard engines for this model are twin 305hp QSB Cummins MerCruiser but this particular owner opted for the increased flexibility a pair of 425hp engines would offer – something incidentally Clipper Australia sales guru Brett Thurley appears keen to emulate with future models he brings into Australia. “The 425hp versions provided an acceptable top speed of 18 knots but more importantly a cruise speed of 14 knots,” he explained. “Cummins is about to upgrade this 425 model to 440hp so this will certainly provide even greater performance and more importantly, even better economy.”

Accommodation Options

Clipper offers the Cordova 48 with two different accommodation variations below decks – you can have either a two-cabin or a three-cabin layout. In either guise, it is basically a two-family layout which to me is sensible in an extended-stay situation. In both instances the master stateroom is in the bow; a room yet again dominated by wood finish – superb wood finish – broken incidentally by the variations in the way the panelling is laid and presented.

A queen-size berth dominates a spacious enough room, with additional features such as ‘his and hers’ cedar-lined wardrobes (with auto light), plenty of lighting, Bomar overhead and opening port-holes, plenty of storage drawers, a 22-inch LCD TV with integral DVD/CD player, air conditioning, and even a ‘custom’ bedding package – adding the creature comfort and ambience. An ensuite bathroom complete with separate shower and head was off the starboard side of this room. Features here included moulded vanity with S/S sink, mirrored ceilings, exhaust fan, frosted glass doors, Tecma electric heads, storage cabinet, opening porthole and teak sump grate.

The guest accommodation is where the layout variation occurs for there you can opt for the twin-berth cabin with across the companionway a third single-berth room. Both of these ‘tap’ into the master stateroom’s ensuite, which then of course reverts back to ‘house bathroom’ status. Or, you can opt for this owner’s preferred option of the twin-berth room with across the companionway a second bathroom which replaced the single-berth room. In my humble opinion this owner made the right choice, especially when you consider the fact this twin-berth room can quickly transform into a second queen-berth cabin simply by installing the infill base and pads, between the two berths.

At 18 knots flat out the Clipper Cordova 48 could never be considered a high-speed cruiser. And neither is it meant to be for Clipper has purposefully designed this boat as a cruising vessel which gets along at a good clip yet is economical and as I found out during the course of my run, quiet, stable and a genuine pleasure to be aboard. On top of that you had sublime specification – Clipper had not compromised anywhere – top quality fittings and innovation were the epitome of genuine luxury. Nothing had been left to chance with this new model; the build was exceptional as was attention to detail, and the best part of all was you get all this for just a shade over $A1-million, as tested! 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Design Name: Clipper Cordova 48
• Year Launched: 2009
• Designer: Trevor Bolt
• Interior Designer: Clipper Motor Yachts
• Builder: Clipper Motor Yachts
• LWL: 13.75m
• Beam: 4.51m
• Draft: 1.21m
• Displacement: 20,700kg
• Max Speed:  18 knots
• Cruise Speed: 14 knots
• Construction: FRP and foam composite
• Fuel Cap: 2650 litres
• Water Cap:   1135 litres
• Engines Make: 2 x Cummins 425 hp
• Gearboxes: ZF 85A – 2.0:1

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Clipper Motor Yachts – Heritage 46

Clipper Motor Yachts are proud to announce the arrival of the all new Heritage 46 being the long awaited replacement for the classic Clipper 40.

The first vessel will arrive late December for a Sunshine Coast family and is powered by a single Cummins 480 HP diesel shaft drive. Equipped with two cabins and two bathrooms the new 46 personifies the classic Clipper “trawler” lines with a fresh and modern touch.

This new Heritage 46 is the traditional Heritage 40 reinvented and reimagined for today’s boating needs but still retains those classic Clipper styling cues. Firstly we designed her as a semidisplacement hull capable of speeds of 20 knots and planing at 14 knots comfortably. She can be built as a single or twin engine selection and of course has the keel as the lowest part of the boat.

The new 46 upgrades to a two cabin and two bathroom layout and has a really large saloon area on one level with the cockpit while boasting a much larger cockpit than the 40 it replaces.

Clipper’s proven semi-displacement keeled hull design with proven shaft drive technology is incorporated into our newest model, standard power is a single Cummins 480 HP diesel QSB series or optional twin engines are available depending on what your desired cruising and sprint speed are. Either way, you can power up to achieve an overall speed in excess of 20 knots (estimated) or have a large single-engine configuration for maximum range and economy with an optional APU auxiliary propulsion system.

The first of the new 46 heritage boats boasts an aft galley with twin pilothouse doors, in-floor storage room and two double bed cabins. Upstairs, accessed by the fiberglass staircase with teak treads, boasts an entertainment module with bbq, sink and fridge along with dual helm chairs and large lounge seating underneath the hardtop.

Well equipped, it combines all the attributes of larger passage makers into a 46ft package for ease of handling and maintenance. No dream destination or port will be out of reach with Clipper’s latest motor yacht.

ABOUT CLIPPER MOTOR YACHTS

Clipper has been building our current range in our proven Chinese shipyard in Ningbo, China for over 15 years and most importantly invests in employing our own experienced Western boat builders full time overseeing new product development and final quality control. They manage our product full time in China and live in the region working daily with our shipyard management and staff to oversee our motor yachts in build.

The result of this collaboration is state of the art designs combined with labour intensive hand crafted motor yachts featuring superb craftsmanship and wood interiors. Each Clipper is finished to the highest standard even being one of the few imported craft that meets and passes Australian electrical standards. We even have independent Australian Marine surveyors who have certified owners vessels in build to provide reassurance while a vessel is being built overseas.

For further information contact Peter 0452 262 877. Clipper Motor Yachts are located at Boatworks Marina, Coomera, Gold Coast Queensland. www.clippermotoryachts.com

Published in print January-March 2023

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Clipper Hudson Bay 50 Boat Review

It’s interesting looking back at how Clipper Motor Yachts has evolved since arriving here back in 1977. Its early 30- and 34-foot trawler-style cruisers became part of the fabric of Australian boating. In recent years, the yard has expanded and improved the line-up of trawlers, including the Heritage range of displacement cruisers from 36 to 40 feet and the Cordova series of semi-displacement cruisers from 45 to 60 feet. 

In what appears to be a complete departure from tradition, Clipper has released the Hudson Bay 50 sedan and Trade-a-Boat had the distinction of being the first publication in the world to put it through its paces. And our verdict? We think the boatbuilder is on a winner!

Brett Thurley, managing director of Clipper Motor Yachts Australia said, “We are truly excited about this new range. The company has spent a great deal of time and energy to ensure they combine the classic lines for which Clippers are renowned with the relaxed lifestyle aspects of a sedan cruiser.”

Combining classic, ageless looks with contemporary design, the Hudson Bay 50 is a single level, family-friendly sportsyacht available in either a two- or three-cabin layout. Both configurations feature two bathrooms, spacious indoor/outdoor living areas and a layout that lends itself just as easily to being a corporate entertainer, a luxury family getaway or a combination of both.

EVERY WHICH-WAY Family-friendly features abound, such as the optional Hydra-Swim hydraulic passarelle and tender lift fitted to the test boat. This innovative feature, an idea borrowed from superyachts, rises a metre out of the swimplatform, revealing three foldaway steps, creating a diving platform. Continuing outwards in an arc, it extends aft to form a passarelle and, continuing farther, submerges for swimming or launching a tender or jetski. We launched and retrieved the tender during our test and it proved brilliant in its engineering and child’s play in its operation. The swimplatform also incorporates a foldout swimladder with a hot and cold transom shower located nearby.

Stainless steel gates either side of the transom lead into the (covered) cockpit, featuring aft seating and an L-shaped dinette with a foldout table to port. Having the table here, rather than along the transom, saves space and provides a more open feel to the cockpit. To starboard are some entertainer’s delights; a teppanyaki flat-plate barbecue along with a Miele lava rock grill, fridge-icemaker combo and a wetbar sink.

The setup of the cockpit and swimplatform creates a real focal point for entertaining. Families and guests could spend hours out here socialising, relaxing, swimming and launching water toys.

More room to relax too on the foredeck, accessed along the sidedecks with high siderails to get you there safely. At the bow, a stainless steel CQR anchor comes standard with 60m of chain and a seawater washdown.

STYLISH LIVING Outdoor living is just one aspect of this boat. Step inside through a sliding glass door and the sense is one of light and space courtesy of large side windows, a huge tri-panel windscreen and an electric glass sunroof. The look is contemporary and stylish, with a teak sole and satin finished afrormosia paneling and cabinetry alongside contrasting light-coloured Ultraleather upholstery.

The U-shape galley is aft to port and well-equipped with Ceaserstone bench tops, stainless steel double sink, flickmixer tap and a full complement of Miele appliances, which incidentally are all purchased in Australia and fitted here after the boat arrives. This proves cost-effective with the current strength of the AUD, as well as eliminating warranty issues should a problem occur.

Also included is an electric four-burner glass cooktop with overhead extractor fan, convection microwave, and two-door fridge-freezer combo. Storage is ample, both under-bench and overhead, while handy 240V power points are conveniently located nearby.

A 17.5kW Onan generator provides all the power you need away from the dock and a 3000W inverter drives all appliances, galley power points and the audio/visual gear. The entertainment system includes Bose surround-sound with Fusion CD/radio, eight speakers in four zones, iPod dock and a 26in LED TV. All are integrated and can be accessed via the Simrad touchscreen at the helm or from the cockpit remote, so you can have the kids inside watching a DVD while you’re outside listening to music.

A three-seater lounge is to starboard behind the helm, and opposite is the galley with a U-shape dinette forward providing plenty of room for dining or for guests to sit underway and easily converse with the skipper. The table also folds down to form a large double berth.

A large hopper window above the galley’s aft benchtop opens outwards on gas struts and with the sliding door open creates a seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining area stretching from the swimplatform and aft cockpit through to the dinette.

RETIRE IN STYLE The three-cabin accommodation below is built around a central companionway. This area is stylish, roomy and practical, boasting plenty of head height and ample storage, as well as cedar-lined hanging space and reading lights in all of the cabins. The forward stateroom has a walkaround queen bed, LED TV and DVD, the opening portholes either side and large overhead hatch providing natural light and cross-flow ventilation. The portside guest stateroom amidships features a large double bed with storage underneath, LED TV and a deep cabinet inboard, perfect for luggage. Three large stainless steel vertical portlights let in the light and make this a room with a view. A third cabin opposite contains two large bunks and vertical portlights too. Air-conditioning is individually controlled from each cabin.

There are two bathrooms, one an en suite to the forward stateroom and the other to port servicing the remaining cabins and doubling as a dayhead. Both have vanities with Ceaserstone benchtops, ceramic sinks, travertine marble tiled floors, mirrored ceilings, Tecma electric heads, separate shower stalls with rain showerheads and frosted glass doors.

QUALITY ENGINEERING The engineroom is accessed via a hatch in the cockpit sole and everything here is neatly secured and well-engineered. There’s plenty of headroom and good space between and around the twin Cummins engines — except outboard of the port engine, where it’s a bit tight due to the location of the hot-water service and the air-con units.

Battery switches are handily located close to the entry on the aft bulkhead and Racor fuel/water separators forward. The batteries in vented boxes are starboard along with the charger and auto fire extinguisher, the Onan generator housed aft. The three fuel tanks, holding a total of 1892lt, are interconnected, fitted with sight gauges and ahead of the engines. The 567-litre water tank is farther forward. A separate hatch in the cockpit sole reveals a huge lazarette and access to the rudder gear, with plenty of space left for storing fenders, water toys or dive gear.

AT THE HELM The helm is comfortable with good vision through the windscreen over the well laid-out dash. The test Clipper Hudson Bay 50 came with a complete array of Simrad electronic gear, including an NSS 12in fully integrated touchscreen. Overhead are electronic controls for the wipers, rocker switches and a mimic panel. A Livorsi sports wheel and a comfortable Marine Tech helm chair add to the quality look and feel of the helm.

What I especially liked was the optional pantograph skipper’s door to the sidedeck. I always find a door here handy and very practical. The skipper can quickly and easily step outside forward or aft, especially if anchoring or docking shorthanded. It’s also great for looking astern when backing into a berth, while travelling at night, I find it easier to go outside and identify lights in the distance rather than through a glass windscreen.

PERFORMANCE & HANDLING Standard power is a pair of Yanmar 6LY3-ETPs rated at 480hp each, but the test Hudson Bay 50 was fitted with optional twin 600hp Cummins QSC8.3-600 engines, which I thought were a great match for the hull. While I’ll reserve my final judgment until testing the boat with the smaller engines, my slight concern is that the lesser rated motors may not have quite the same get up and go.

The QSCs performed really well getting the Clipper up and out of the hole in quick time. She’s very easy to handle, predictable, soft riding, tracks well and feels rock solid underway — even at WOT, which on the day was nearly 26kts.

The Hudson Bay 50 had full fuel and water for the test in 1.5m of swell with around a half-metre of sea on top. We ran her with, across and into the swell at various speeds and not only did the boat perform well but also stayed surprisingly dry with no water over the bow. In terms of performance and handling the Clipper rates highly, my only criticism being that she took a long time to come around — I’d be looking to see if the rudder gear needed a tweak.

At around 1500rpm, the Clipper loped along at around 9kts using just 35lt/h, but I thought her best cruising speed was at 2450rpm, which with about half tabs down produced 16.5kts using 136lt/h. At that rate, leaving a bit of fuel in reserve from the standard 1892lt capacity, she’d have a range of around 200nm. As a dayboat or weekender that’s okay, but for coastal cruising (which she’s more than capable of) then it’s nowhere near enough and I’d be looking at fitting larger tanks.

tradeaboat says… Sedans have been popular in Australia over the last few years, most of a sportsboat style. The Clipper Hudson Bay 50 has a more classic and ageless look, with a high-quality and contemporary interior. Her handling is exceptional, she looks good, has all the comforts of home and represents good value.

This boat would appeal to a younger market, someone still in the workforce, perhaps with a family, that wants to get out on the water but can’t afford the time away for long trips. As she is, the Hudson Bay 50 is perfectly suited as a luxury dayboat, long weekender or a stylish corporate entertainer. With the addition of larger fuel tanks and a bit more refrigeration she’d be capable of going almost anywhere. As I said earlier, I think Clipper is on to a winner with this boat!

(Facts&figures) CLIPPER HUDSON BAY 50

PRICE AS TESTED $1,190,965

Twin 600hp Cummins QSC8.3, full fuel and water.

RPM  Speed FUEL BURN 1000 7.3kts 26lt/h 1500 9kts 35lt/h 1700 10.4kts 58lt/h 2200 15.8kts 100lt/h 2350 17.3kts 116lt/h 2530 19.2kts 144lt/h 2800 21.8kts 179lt/h 3080 24kts 240lt/h

*Sea-trial data supplied by Clipper Motor Yachts Australia. Fuel burn is both engines combined.

OPTIONS FITTED Upgraded engines to 600hp Cummins QSC, electric sunroof with Oceanaire blind and sliding insect screen, Sunbrella dinghy cover, teak rail capping rail, main deck Sunbrella windscreen cover, Hydra-Swim hydraulic and extended swimplatform, 17.5kVa Onan genset, stainless steel pantograph helm door, Bose surround sound system, and Simrad NSS 12 touchscreen electronics package (inc. GPS, fishfinder and autopilot).

PRICED FROM $1,049,000 w/ twin 480hp Yanmar 6LY3-ETP engines

GENERAL MATERIAL: Handlaid FRP TYPE: Semi-displacement monohull LENGTH OVERALL: 15.88m BEAM: 4.7m WEIGHT: 19,000kg DRAFT: 1.06m

CAPACITIES PEOPLE (NIGHT): 6 CABINS: 3 FUEL: 1892lt WATER: 567lt HOLDING TANK: 189lt

ENGINE MAKE/MODEL: 2 x Cummins QSC8.3-600 TYPE: Six-cylinder electronic turbo-diesel RATED HP: 600 (each) DISPLACEMENT: 8.3lt (each) WEIGHT: 896kg (each)

SUPPLIED BY Clipper Motor Yachts, Gold Coast City Marina Waterfront, 76-84 Waterway Drive, Coomera, QLD, 4209 Phone: (07) 5519 4019; 0419 788 000

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Prices and specifications supplied are for the market in Australia only and were correct at time of first publication. Boatsales makes no warranty as to the accuracy of specifications or prices. Please check with manufacturer or local dealer for current pricing and specifications.

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Ex-McLaren boss named chairman of Princess Yachts

• Jamey Bergman

Antony Sheriff joins shortly after Princess announced it would cut 350 jobs.

Princess Yachts have named the former managing director of supercar manufacturer McLaren Automotive as the new chairman of Princess Yachts International plc.

Antony Sheriff will succeed Philippe Mellier at Princess, and Mellier will remain on the board of the boat manufacturer’s holding company.

The 52-year-old American-Italian Sheriff headed up McLaren for a decade but took the carmaker to court following his resignation in 2013.

Sheriff joins just weeks after Princess announced it would cut 350 jobs as part of a company restructure. The luxury yacht maker employs around 2,000 at its headquarters in Plymouth on the UK’s south coast, and said the cuts would affect the back office, development and production divisions.

Princess is launching new models of its yachts in 2016 in spite of its economic troubles. Chris Gates, managing director of Princess Yachts said the manufacturer had weathered difficult economic conditions from 2008 onwards but had invested heavily in state-of-the-art facilities and product development and was proud of the firm’s commitment to Plymouth.

In a statement about the management change, Gates said: “It was an absolute pleasure to have worked with Philippe Mellier over the past year as he was really passionate about the brand and product and I thank him for all of his efforts.

“I’m delighted to welcome Antony here at Princess as our new executive chairman. I can clearly see his experience and energy adding tremendous value to our business and I am looking forward to working alongside him to further develop Princess over the coming years.”

And Sheriff expressed enthusiasm about his new role: “I am thrilled to be stepping into such a respected luxury brand that is clearly seen as a world leader in the industry.

“Over 50 years, Princess has built a well-deserved reputation for building the finest boats in its class and I am looking forward to working with Chris and the rest of the brilliant team at Princess, to continue to build the best and most innovative products while delivering the best customer experience in the industry.

“I hope to help grow Princess into a truly iconic British brand with far reaching recognition and respect.”

Under Sheriff’s leadership, McLaren conceived a range of ground-breaking supercars such as the MP4-12C, 650S, 570S and P1 that were successful models for the company.

Sheriff built a global distribution network for McLaren during his tenure and turned the company into an elite, technology-driven and profitable luxury sports car brand.

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Press Releases

KPS Capital Partners to Acquire Controlling Ownership of Princess Yachts

Investment will Accelerate Company’s Growth and Innovation

New York, NY  (February 13, 2023) -- KPS Capital Partners, LP (“KPS”) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling equity interest in Princess Yachts (Holdings) Limited, (“Princess Yachts” or the “Company”), a leading global manufacturer of luxury motor yachts.  Existing stockholders will retain ownership in the Company.  Completion of the transaction is expected in the first quarter of 2023 and is subject to customary closing conditions and approvals. 

Princess Yachts is a leading builder of luxury motor yachts and is recognized for its timeless design, hand-crafted quality and exceptional seakeeping.  Headquartered in Plymouth, England, the Company’s unparalleled level of vertical integration – including on-site design, engineering and manufacturing – has helped position Princess Yachts as one of Britain’s most iconic luxury brands.  Princess Yachts serves a global customer base through its best-in-class international dealer network.  The Company has approximately 3,200 employees and operates five manufacturing facilities in Plymouth, England.

Ryan Harrison, a Partner of KPS Mid-Cap Investments, said, “We are excited to make this significant investment in Princess Yachts, a leading company in the luxury global yachting industry with an iconic brand grounded in British tradition, a remarkable and growing product range and worldwide reputation for quality and innovation.  KPS’ investment will accelerate Princess’ growth trajectory and fund numerous investments for its future.  We look forward to working with Princess’ existing stockholders, Chief Executive Officer Antony Sheriff, the senior leadership team and the talented employee base at Princess Yachts.”   

Antony Sheriff, Chief Executive Officer of Princess Yachts, said, “We are thrilled to partner with KPS for this exciting new chapter for Princess Yachts.  KPS and the Princess Yachts team are deeply committed to investing in the Company’s future while continuing to further strengthen our portfolio of best-in-class motor yachts.  With a current order book nearing a record $1 billion and many model lines sold into 2025, we have never been in a stronger commercial position.  Together with KPS’ tremendous track record of manufacturing excellence and investing in leading brands, we are now positioned to take Princess Yachts to the next level of industry leadership in quality and innovation.  Under KPS’ ownership, we will accelerate a range of growth and operational initiatives to build upon our long and successful history.”

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP served as legal counsel to KPS.  Macquarie Capital and Latham & Watkins LLP served as financial advisor and legal counsel, respectively, to Princess Yachts.

About Princess Yachts

Princess Yachts is a leading builder of luxury motor yachts and is recognized for its timeless, understated design, unique craftsmanship and exceptional seakeeping.  Headquartered in Plymouth, England, the Company’s unparalleled level of vertical integration – including on-site design, engineering and manufacturing – has helped position Princess Yachts as one of Britain’s most iconic luxury brands.  Princess Yachts serves a global customer base through its best-in-class international dealer network.  The Company has approximately 3,200 employees and operates five manufacturing facilities in Plymouth, England.  For additional information, please visit www.princessyachts.com .

About KPS Capital Partners

KPS, through its affiliated management entities, is the manager of the KPS Special Situations Funds, a family of investment funds with approximately $21.6 billion of assets under management (as of March 31, 2024).  For over three decades, the Partners of KPS have worked exclusively to realize significant capital appreciation by making controlling equity investments in manufacturing and industrial companies across a diverse array of industries, including basic materials, branded consumer, healthcare and luxury products, automotive parts, capital equipment and general manufacturing.  KPS creates value for its investors by working constructively with talented management teams to make businesses better, and generates investment returns by structurally improving the strategic position, competitiveness and profitability of its portfolio companies, rather than primarily relying on financial leverage. The KPS Funds’ portfolio companies generate aggregate annual revenues of approximately $19.6 billion, operate 223 manufacturing facilities in 26 countries, and have approximately 47,000 employees, directly and through joint ventures worldwide (as of March 31, 2024). The KPS investment strategy and portfolio companies are described in detail at www.kpsfund.com.

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EXPLORER 48

Clipper’s Explorer Series of pilothouse motor yachts introduces a groundbreaking new design capturing all the desired features of the larger models in a 48 footer. For those that want a true bluewater long-range cruiser in a live-aboard package then this new vessel will deliver the accommodation, design, and space to meet the brief. A clever saloon and galley arrangement incorporates a large U-shaped dinette and twin tub chairs on the same level as a galley which you would expect to find in a much larger motor yacht, a perfect area for relaxing at anchorage after a day cruising.

Our naval architects and interior designers have collaborated to deliver a spacious full-width master cabin amidships featuring an island bed to ensure those long passages and lazy days at anchor are as comfortable as possible. Oversized mid-ship portholes allow for opening and a great view wherever you wake up. There is also a separate guest cabin which can be fitted with a queen-size bed or twin bunks and also has a separate ensuite attached. We have even designed an alternate layout that gives you a straight staircase to the pilothouse and down to the cabins for those who wish to eliminate a curved companionway set of stairs to the accommodation area. This layout allows for a second ensuite including separate a large stand-up shower should you feel this alternate plan suits your needs.

Clipper’s proven semi-displacement keeled hull design with proven shaft drive technology is incorporated into our newest model, standard power is a single Cummins 480 HP diesel QSB series or optional twin engines are available depending on what your desired cruising and sprint speed are. Either way, you can power the 46 up to achieve an overall speed in excess of 20 knots (estimated) or have a large single-engine configuration for maximum range and economy with an optional APU auxiliary propulsion system.

Choose from traditional Teak cabinetry and trim or customise your new Explorer 48 with American Walnut or Aniegre woods in a modern and contemporary internal fit-out, the team at Clipper will work with you to achieve your perfect custom layout and finish.

The new Explorer is well equipped and combines all the attributes of larger passage makers into a 48ft package for ease of handling and maintenance. No dream destination or port will be out of sight with Clipper’s latest motor yacht.

LENGTH OVERALL

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Single D6 Volvo 435 HP (Optional Twin Engines)

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