NEW BOATS - Salthouse Corsair Euro 49

The first two Salthouse Corsair Euro 49s are getting close to completion at the Dean Salthouse Next Generation Boats yard in Auckland, NZ. The new top-of-the-range Euro 49 model has been well received with a fourth order pending and the third E49 ordered and destined to work Sydney Harbour as a top-end charter vessel, the builder says.

New features include a second dayhead in the “massive” cockpit where there’s room to fit a washer/dryer or wine cooler fridge with a larger servery area aft of the galley. The unique cockpit seating and sun lounges have been retained and an inbuilt barbecue console in the aft corner of the cockpit allows for outdoor cooking.

With the addition of the Euro 49 to the Salthouse Corsair range the boatbuilder said there is now a styling that suites everyone’s taste.

“We took the opportunity to increase the sun protection in the cockpit by carrying the cabin roof all the way back,” said Dean Salthouse. “It’s what I notice the most when on other boats; you have to stay out of the sun these days so being able to fish, sit or sleep outside in the shade is very important.”

A low-profile spoiler has been added to mount the satellite dome and aerials with the traditional mast modernised with wingtip extensions.

A fully opening stainless steel door and window allow unblocked flow from saloon to cockpit and the rod locker moves aft providing additional cockpit lighting where required.

More fuel has been added as the first two E49s will travel long distances, one will be based between Havelock and Wellington and the other between Hahei and Orakei Marina.

Interestingly, the same power plant has been selected as in the Salthouse Corsair 44 (twin 345hp MTU diesels) giving an estimated 30-knot top speed.

“I can’t wait to do the fuel comparisons, especially at cruise, as the longer hull should be very easily driven,” says Salthouse. “I also think the head-sea performance will (if it could) be even better, as the long hull will reduce pitching and should help keep the hull in the water at higher speeds.”

Salthouse said it’s exciting to see the Euro 49 so well received, and with rising fuel prices and the less stable weather in the South Pacific region he expects a swing back to robust seakeeping and economical hull shapes with a big emphasis on reducing weight.

Salthouse says the mass-produced imports could never compete with his boats’ performance and quality and with interest for 50ft-plus it won’t be long before his company is producing a bigger range for existing customers to move up to.

"Aside from doubling our staff through these tough times I think we have taken the finish and performance to new levels with a lot of help from some great owners whose passion for performance and style have driven the improvements," says Salthouse. “Currently, we are talking with three existing owners about bigger versions so the company motto of refusing to have unhappy or dissatisfied customers, whatever the cost, has been the best lesson I have learnt. Loyal owners become great friends especially in the world of boating."

For more information, phone 021 42 9723; (64) 9 420 4789, email: deansalthouse@clear.net.nz

(Quick specs)
Salthouse Corsair Euro 49

MATERIAL: GRP/balsa core
TYPE: Monohull
LENGTH OVERALL: 15m
WATERLINE LENGTH: 14m
BEAM: 4.12m
DRAFT: 1m
ENGINE: 2 x 345hp MTU diesels
WEIGHT:
12 tons
FUEL: 900lt
WATER: 720lt
CABINS: 2