is yet another selling point sure to seal the deal with discerning potential owners. The higher viewpoint in the Skylounge only improves the excellent views available from the salon and dining areas. Once again there’s a roomy lounge to port upstairs with that all important wine fridge set up in the bar opposite, along with another head. At the forward of the bridge, the helm area features a pair of Pompanette armchairs. The boat reviewed had a Raymarine electronics package comprising a VHF radio, EV200 autopilot, closed scan digital radar, and an integrated E165 sounder/GPS displaying on a pair of 15 inch screens. These were supplemented by a pair of Caterpillar monitor screens for the engines. At the aft end, what amounts to a patio deck outdoors from the Skylounge, might at times be (mostly) occupied by a tender dinghy sitting on a cradle vacant the day we were aboard. This is serviced by a Brower davit with 1600 kg capacity. Without the tender this deck becomes a secondary outside living/entertaining area, a function enhanced by the barbecue set against the Skylounge’s aft bulkhead. From the ‘patio’ a solitary external staircase allows direct access down to the cockpit level without going inside – or access to the helm upstairs and their quarters downstairs for crew. These stairs combined with that doorway through the transom outside on the swim deck mean crew can function without intruding in any way on life aboard. The crew cabin has two single beds, and they have their own bathroom and toilet downstairs along with refrigeration and cooking facilities. Engine room access is through the crew area, as is a laundry and utilities room. Plenty of Power Some owners will prefer to run their own boat while others employ a professional crew. In either case, the Hampton 700 is well set up for easy docking. It has a 25 hp hydraulic thrusters bow and stern and extra control stations hidden away in each side of the cabin superstructure. The 700 Skylounge reviewed was powered by a pair of 930hp C-18 ‘Acert’ Caterpillar engines. Hampton claims a top speed of 23 knots and we backed that up by recording 23.5 knots on calm water inside the Seaway. Nevertheless, I imagine cruising Hampton 700 Skylounges will spend much of their time travelling in a considerably more relaxed fashion at displacement speeds around 10-11 knots where fuel consumption varies between 45 and 75 litres per hour. boating Displacement speed cruising translates via the 7600 litres of fuel available to a cruising range of around 1500 nautical miles. Water tankage holds 1500 litres. Two Onan gens sets of 27 and 13.5 kW capacity and a Victron 5000W inverter take care of power aboard. Hampton hulls are constructed of hand laid GRP, fibreglass if you prefer, with vinylester resins to discourage osmosis reinforced with two Kevlar laminates laid chine to chine in the hull bottom with a third Kevlar laminate in the forward collision zone. Given weather conditions during our time off the Gold Coast and due to a complete lack of any sounds indicating movement in the hull, it seems formidable structural integrity is yet another Hampton feature. In summary, the Hampton 700 Skylounge continues the Hampton tradition of uncompromising quality and contemporary style overlying a boat designed for serious use, notably including engineering equally at home on long distance bluewater voyages and social use closer to home. pm pindaramagazine.com.au Pindara Magazine 95
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Two
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