Salthouse Next Generation performance Motor Yachts

Dean Salthouse - NextGeneration Boats Limited

B O A T I N G R E V I E W S

		2010 NZ Tradaboat: Eligo: Corsair Cabriolet
		2008 Sea Spray: Dionysus: Corsair Cabriolet
		2006 Sea Spray: New Beginnings - Corsair Cabriolet
		2006 Boating New Zealand: Corsair Cabriolet 44
		2005 Boating New Zealand: Charisma

NEW BEGINNINGS: THE LATEST SALTHOUSE CORSAIR CABRIOLET

There was a touch of nostalgia when we first tested the new generation Salthouse Corsair. Three decades of this proven launch design has seen the Corsair fulfil a variety of roles around New Zealand’s rugged coastline. From Customs patrol, Police patrol, commercial fishing, deep-sea game fishing to the faithful family pleasure craft, most of us will have come across the Corsair. When we reviewed the Corsair Cabriolet Charisma, in our February/March issue of SeaSpray this year, comparatively, the modernisation and refinements made her quite a different boat to her predecessors. Now, just six months later, Dean and Treena Salthouse invited us to spend an afternoon aboard the latest Corsair Cabriolet to hit the water, New Beginnings.
Aesthetically, in direct contrast to the dark blue hull of Charisma, the silver and white livery of this latest model gave her the appearance of being a larger vessel than her predecessor, but Dean assured me that New Beginnings was more than just a ‘facelift’ model.
Inevitably there have been a few evolutionary changes to the creature comforts but a bit of tweaking to the hull, below the waterline, and New Beginnings ‘raises the bar’, in terms of enhanced performance. Next Generation Boats have also increased the beam of the boat by 200mm, which surprisingly makes an appreciable difference to the overall spatial layout.
It was a clear sunny winter’s day. A chilling south-westerly breeze was a gentle reminder that the winter months weren’t behind us just yet. However, the cockpit side clears and large volume of glass in the main saloon cocooned us from the elements. This is truly a boat for all seasons.

Dean and Treena had arranged for us to enjoy a slice of typical Kiwiana boating. A visit to that secret locale for our quota of scallops, and a relaxing bite to eat in one of the numerous picturesque sheltered bays that grace the northern reaches of the Hauraki Gulf. The minimal 1 metre draft of the Cabriolet enables you to anchor close to shore well out of any swell or chop. And to end the day - a spot of twilight fishing.
The splendour of the aquatic playground that’s on our doorstep has been embraced by many a boatie over the years, but the comfort and luxury aboard New Beginnings made this a memorable occasion.

Ostensibly the interior layout of this model is the same as Charisma although the additional 8 inches on the beam has opened up certain areas, particularly the companionway leading to the accommodations forward. Although other configurations are available, the forward cabin on New Beginnings has four single bunks. Aft of this cabin and to portside is the master cabin with a double berth. Opposite is the head/shower area that has a one piece moulded GRP vanity, bench top and separate shower stall. As Dean indicated when we reviewed Charisma, the shower curtain has been replaced with a much more functional and stylish, retractable shower door.
As a sedan, the Cabriolet has the helm station, galley and main saloon areas on one level providing a nice spacious and open feeling social area. The mullions on the forward screen are now all fibreglass with 12mm plate glass bonded on the exterior. This gives a much cleaner and modern look than the aluminium frame that existed on the previous model. A sumptuous soft cream ‘C’ shaped leather settee, portside of the bench helm seat, wraps around a pedestal dining table, which lowers to form a double berth. A second bench style leather upholstered settee lies to the starboard side of the saloon. The ‘U’ shaped galley aft portside remains the same as the previous model with ample bench, cupboard and drawer space. The eight deep drawers now have the added refinement of being self-closing.

Galley equipment is basically the same as aboard Charisma and includes a gas cooker/hob top, bench top loading freezer, under bench refrigerator and an eye level mounted microwave. The durable stainless steel bench tops have been retained, as have the custom built compressor driven refrigeration units - still the most effective form of refrigeration in my opinion.
Fishing from the large swim platform and cockpit proved to be one of the highlights of the outing. Protected from the chilling breeze, the positioning of the leatherette upholstered settees either side of the cockpit made fishing a relaxing and pleasurable experience. And what about this little practical addition? As with the previous model, New Beginnings has a walk through style transom with a stowable shutter style door. With the door removed and the lifelines dropped the tender can be carried on the swim platform/transom area.

A stainless steel rubbing strip is positioned on the small step between the swim platform and cockpit cut to the length of the legal limit for snapper – how thoughtful and convenient is that? The wrap-around port side settee returns under the hinged window to the galley. Perhaps a vertical cavity sliding window would be better rather than hinging out over the settee.
The cockpit dining table is stowable and can also be lowered. With an infill, the table and settee transform into a fantastic sunbed. The cockpit sole and swim platform are covered with cork in the style of planked teak. There is storage under both settees and the lazarette storage area has increased by way of the new underwater exhaust system which has removed the pipes that were on the previous model.

There was quite a discernable difference in performance and handling over her predecessor. Next Generation have incorporated spray rails into the hull which provide extra lift, reduce overall drag and make the Cabriolet an extremely dry boat, even in heavy weather. The hull has a fine entry to cut through seas effortlessly with a more moderate 11-degree deadrise aft for economical cruising. Powered by twin 315HP MTU’s, New Beginnings attained a top speed of 31knots (fully loaded with fuel and water) and cruised comfortably at the 24knot mark.

By late afternoon, when we had finally hooked a legal sized snapper, we reluctantly decided to call it a day and head back to the marina. The breeze had increased in strength creating a nasty one metre short, close chop. This really put the spotlight on the boat’s handling characteristics. The addition of a small keel aft has made an appreciable difference to the boat's tracking and provides greater manoeuvrability in the marina. Also, the combination of the extra horsepower, lift and weight results in a more comfortable ride. It also seems that the increased horsepower and lift provides more variance in trim control. This was particularly noticeable in a following sea. With more speed and the ability to trim the bow higher the boat didn’t suffer from yaw or bow wander - a criticism of earlier Corsairs.

Although Charisma demonstrated a dramatic improvement over earlier models of Corsair, the performance of New Beginnings sets a whole new standard.
A sunny winter’s afternoon aboard this latest model Corsair Cabriolet made me appreciate how comfortable and pleasurable winter cruising can be; especially when you have such a practical and well-appointed boat as this. New Beginnings exhibits high quality craftsmanship throughout, something that has become a signature of Salthouse built craft. Based on a time honoured and legendary hull design, Next Generation Boats have taken the new Corsair Cabriolet to a new level of sophistication, comfort and performance.

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