RHEA 36 TRAWLER
Being able to beach a boat has its advantages over other craft with more sensitive bottoms
Being able to beach a boat has its advantages over other craft with more sensitive bottoms. The ability to slide over a shallow bar or sneak into a secluded bolthole where others fear to float or just to save on haul-out and drystand fees – these are just some of the bonuses that readily spring to mind.
Whatever the reason, a stable hull shape, shafts and props in tunnels and a protected rudder add versatility to boats with these attributes, such as the new Rhea 36 Trawler from French builder Rhea Marine. Based in the French boatbuilding hotspot of La Rochelle on the Atlantic coast, the 36T is the company’s new entry-level model in its Trawler range, expanding the portfolio to four boats from 36ft up to 57ft.
Based on the bigger Rhea 43T, the 36T Rhea is available as a flybridge or sedan and the manufacturer promotes a robust build for the testing seas of the Atlantic and thus suitability for Australia and NZ’s tough offshore conditions.
At 10.8m the Rhea 36 is regarded as the ideal size for the weekend cruising family. The accommodation features a large double cabin forward and an over-and-under twin guest cabin perfect for children, with a convertible settee in the saloon.
The galley, situated aft, opens to the cockpit through a large window which acts as a serving hatch. This makes for easy alfresco dining and prevents the need for wet bodies to come into the saloon area during mealtimes, while including the chef in the fun taking place outdoors.
The drop-down transom is a feature more often associated with sailing yachts but it extends the cockpit area to provide an excellent swim or fishing platform and easy access when moored stern-to.
Alternative dining is offered on the flybridge which provides 360-degree views and protection from the sun under a bimini. Wide sidedecks and two doors also give easy access from the cockpit to the bridge where adaptable seating can comfortably accommodate five.
Bridging the gap between the slower trawler styles and sportscruisers, the Rhea 36 Trawler is no slouch – its unique hull design and twin 260hp diesels give it a wide cruise range of 11 to 20kts – bound to tug at the heart strings of the traditionalist and speed fiend alike.
Combining time-honoured aesthetics with a modern hull shape that includes tunnel protected propellers and rudder, the Rhea 36 can ground safely, at the same time offering limited drag, thereby optimising fuel consumption – essential in this day and age.
For more information, go to ensignyachts.com.au; yachtfindersglobal.com
RHEA 36 TRAWLER SPECIFICATIONS
TYPE Semi-displacement monohull
LENGTH 10.8m; 11.3m overall
BEAM 4.1m
DRAFT 1.1m
WEIGHT 10,600kg
FUEL 1000lt
WATER 350lt
ENGINE 2 x 260hp diesel