Cat Fancier

Power-cat hull number two

for Sunreef seals the deal.

By Bill Ando

Almost a year after the launch of Sunreef’s first power boat—the 70 Sunreef Power Expedition—the Gadnsk, Poland, builder launched hull number two of its 70-foot power cat series. This is significant for the builder, who, since its founding in 2000, had developed a reputation for building sailing catamarans—29 of the 34 yachts Sunreef has launched to date. There was the occasional dalliance with a monohull, even a 50-foot power boat was in the mix, proving the yard’s ability to build any boat. Now, 60- and 80- foot power cats are in the works.
Sunreef’s stated objective is to create unique custom-designed yachts where every aspect of the boat’s design is extensively researched and studied. This will ensure the perfect layout and exact features fitting the client’s lifestyles, aspirations and travel plans. In the case of Sea Bass, the research resulted in a dual-owner version to accommodate Dave Muzzo and Cam Chalmers, business partners and friends from Dallas, who decided on a power cat after being impressed with a Sunreef sailing cat a the Miami boat show. “We’re not sailors,” explains Dave.

Instead of a single, large owner’s cabin on the wing deck forward of the wheelhouse, there are two equal-size ensuite master cabins that offer great sea views forward and plenty of room. The location is excellent; from anchor or underway the views forward are those expected of an owner’s suite.
Two roomy mid-ship cabins, (port and starboard) also with ensuite bathrooms feature large six-pane windows in the outer hulls. The beds face outboard giving reclining guests a view of the sea, while filing the suite with natural light. Rounding out the accommodations is a fifth cabin, starboard side aft, that is used by the captain and his wife, who is also the chef. All cabins are air-conditioned and equipped with LCDs and DVDs.
The galley is located down and aft in the port hull. It is fitted with all necessary appliances and equipment such as a large fridge, freezer, dishwasher, ice maker, electric oven, microwave with grill function, and lots of storage.
On the main deck the saloon is in essence two areas in one. To port is a casual  lounge area. It’s the social center with a large bar, small fridge and sink. A large 52-inch HD flat screen TV and Harman-Kardon Hi-Fi system add the perfect finishing touches to the entertainment system. Starboard is the seating area with Alcantara covered couches.
Overall the décor is contemporary, with a decided minimalist bent. The saloon combines dark wenge with Finnish birch and silver grey Alcantara upholstered seating.
A few steps up from the saloon, the wheelhouse is at once business and pleasure. The helm to port has an observer seat in addtion to the captain’s chair, and provides access to the flybridge; relaxation becons in a spacious lounge area to starboard.
The large 320-square-foot aft cockpit sports a generous dining table, wet bar and sun-lounging pad. Wide transom steps ending in dive platforms makes the stern a social center as well. In the cockpit and the saloon, discrete LED lighting creates an intimate ambiance during late evening, enhanced with halogen lighting by Underwater Lights Limited that ring the vessel’s hulls.
Sea Bass is equipped with the highly innovative NavyBus electrical distribution system by Navylec enabling control of all interior and exterior lighting via remote control. Given its range of 300 meters, the captain will be able to amaze guests by activating impressive lighting sequences from the beach or dock and create a spectacular display of light and color. The system is based on remote intelligence, with no centralized power distributed via a communication bus it guarantees reliability, high durability, and lower energy consumption.
The massive flybridge rivals those of 100-foot motoryachts. A large composite hard top with a sun roof shields the helm, seating area, and dining table.  Sunbathing space is plentiful, while a PWC crane sits discreetly alongside the four-person Jacuzzi.
A wet bar with icemaker, sink, fridge, and an electric and regular barbecue complete the ammenities. Although it will charter as their schedule allows, these owners know how to use the boat. They love fishing. Not only is that reflected in the yacht’s name but also in some of the gear.

Specifications

LOA: 70.4’

Beam: 30.5 ‘

Draft: 5’

Displ. light ship: 94,000 lbs.

Fuel/Water: 4,226/412 U.S. gals.

Power: 2 x Catepillar @ 873-hp

(1,746 hp max)

Top/Cruising Speed: 26/17 knots

Range transatlantic @14 knots

MSRP: 1.8 million euros (base)

Contact

Sunreef Yachts

Gdansk, Poland

+ 48 601 315 206

sunreef-yachts.com

“Our fishing setup is working well,” says Dave. “We have two rod holders on board for trolling.  They are attached to the railing at the back corner of each side down in the cockpit area.  We are considering adding one up at the back of the flybridge.  We also have some light tackle on board for fishing when we are anchored.”   Sounds like there’ll be a lot of fresh fish aboard.
They do enjoy the water. Witness the Opacmare composite hydraulically operated diving board that extends out from the flybridge’s centerline. One meter in length, it extends out past the stern over open water, because that’s where the fun is.  Dave says, “We haven’t used the diving board all that much because we haven’t been in real warm water yet.  I suspect we will use it quite a lot in the Caribbean.” Which is where life will take Sea Bass after the 2010 Fort Lauderdale boat show.
Sea Bass will charter through Sunreef Yachts Charter, sunreef-charter.com, for U.S. $41,400 per week