Sydney Marine Brokerage owner Andrew Withers went looking for a new workboat when he discovered Smuggler Marine, and realised he had not only solved his own boating choice but had also found a new solution for others in the same boat, so to speak. Andrew wanted a safe but fast vessel that could carry prospective clients to his listings of moored vessels around Sydney without doing damage to the vulnerable hulls.

Smuggler is a boutique builder from New Zealand and its new Strata 580 mixes a quality finish with the practical design of a rigid inflatable. Enjoy sea trials over the Club Marine Pittwater Sail Expo.

Welcome the Strata 580, the Smuggler Strata 580 has reached the twin goals of both light-weight and strength using a multilayered laminate with full-length bearers and triaxial structural glass. And at only around 600kg hull weight, it is easily pushed to impressive speeds by modest engine power.

The 580 is Smuggler's latest release, coming from a demand for a larger version of the popular 550. Significant chines and pronounced running strakes along each side can be seen in the photos hereabouts, and provide lift and stability to fibreglass running surfaces flowing to a deep 23° deadrise at the transom. Meanwhile, the 500mm tubes add to the impressive steadiness when at rest. 

Like all rigid inflatables, the Smuggler sits close to the water, but a neatly moulded optional hardtop over the helm area gave a more substantial presence to our review model. The centre console layout provides the most efficient use of space, allowing restricted access past the helm position on both sides.

Smuggler Strata 580 Ebony Hard top

Smuggler Strata 580 Soft Top

Facts & Figures
SMUGGLER STRATA 580
OPTIONS FITTED
Hypalon upgrade, 90hp Yamaha engine, custom all-over cover, esky, Railblazas, radios, hardtop, and more
PRICE FROM
$49,940
PRICE AS TESTED
$88,000
GENERAL
TYPE Rigid inflatable boat
MATERIAL GRP hull and liner, Orca Hypalon tubes
LENGTH (OVERALL) 5.8m
BEAM 2.4m
WEIGHT 600kg
CAPACITIES
PEOPLE 7
FUEL 90L
WATER N/R
ENGINE
MAKE/MODEL Yamaha F90
TYPE Fuel injected inline four-cylinder four-stroke outboard
RATED HP 90
DISPLACEMENT 1832cc
WEIGHT 166kg
GEAR RATIO 2.15:1
PROPELLER 16in
MANUFACTURED BY
Smuggler Marine, Auckland, NZ
SUPPLIED BY
Sydney Marine Brokerage
Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club,
Suite 2, 14 Mitala Street,
Newport NSW 2106
P (02) 99977907
W sydneymarinebrokerage.com

Performance Cruising Yachts shall be displaying the latest release from the famous European builder – Dufour Yachts – the new Dufour 390 Grand Large.

As a part of their business activities, the company run a successful Yacht Syndicate Program from their base in Darling Harbour.

Their next yacht syndicate program will be using this brand new model.

The Club is commitment to keeping our waterways clean and in doing so is supporting Archie Mandin and the Seabin initiative as well as engaging our Members and the broader sailing community to be responsible on water. 

• Seabin will be in action on A arm from the Sail Expo weekend 27-28 April, come down and see it in action. 
• Archie will be around over the Sail Expo weekend to meet members and discuss the Seabin and his own passion to keep our waterways clean.

The Multihull Group are thrilled to announce the unveiling of the next generation Lagoon 50 at Sail Expo located at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club on April 27 and 28. This will be the first time this new model will be on display in Australia and its only show for 2019.

The 50 is the largest Lagoon dedicated to family sailing without a crew. This model demonstrates all the fresh features of Lagoons next generation, designed by VPLP Design and Patrick Le Quement, with interiors by Nauta Design. This includes the innovative new rig with a taller mast which is further aft than her predecessors, allowing for a self-tacking jib and larger square main sail for simplified manoeuvres and enhanced performance.

The 50 is so versatile with convertible cockpit and saloon tables. There are so many spaces to socialise and admire panoramic views. Store anything you need in the huge hidden storage compartments.

This specific Lagoon shows off more options than imaginable, a boat featuring all the latest technology including lithium batteries, upgraded engine alternator and enough solar to be completely self-sufficient. The owner opted for the four-cabin layout with owners’ version featuring a walk in wardrobe, a style that embodies luxury and an incredibly neat use of space.

TMG will also be showcasing the next generation Lagoon 40 featuring a open cockpit and a more light, spacious and luxurious interior, as well as the sensational Dragonfly Sport 25, the pocket rocket trailer-sailor trimaran from Denmark.

Interested in these models? TMG are uniquely positioned to offer European pickup for adventure lovers wishing to undertake the journey of a lifetime on board their own yacht.

You are welcomed to visit Sail Expo and question the TMG’s expert team about any Lagoon Catamaran, Dragonfly Trimaran and McConaghy Multihulls model and the extra services TMG offer. You won’t want to miss this…