Integrity 330 Sedan Review

"Back to basics without the bling". That's how we described the first of the new-breed Integrity, the 350 MkII, when we reviewed it back in May 2008 (see Trade-a-Boat Issue 401).

At the time, standard fare for new boats were electronic engines, fly-by-wire controls and electronic telemetry, yet Integrity, seemingly going against the tide, produced a boat with a single non-electronic engine, cable controls, analogue gauges and a practical, albeit comfortable, layout.

Following the success of the 350 MkII, late in 2010 Integrity released the entry-level, single-cabin Integrity 320 Cruiser Sedan and that also struck a chord, especially priced as it was at under $300K. And now? Well, they've just upped the ante with the release of the Integrity 330 Sedan, an upgraded version of the 320. Same principle: non-electronic engine, Morse cable controls, analogue gauges, affordable; but this time there's a difference - the bling is back! 

To be fair, the upgrades are more than just bling; they're well thought out, practical modifications and additions that have totally transformed the boat to a whole new level. In fact, stepping onboard you get the sense you're on a much larger boat than a 33-footer.

The new Integrity 330 is a single level, single cabin, displacement sedan, powered by a single 150hp John Deere engine. It features full walkaround decks with raised bulwarks and an open-plan layout ideally suited to couples or empty nesters that like to entertain.

MORE THAN SKIN DEEP
The changes are evident even before you board. The saloon roof extending aft to fully cover the cockpit is now supported by side stanchions giving the perception of a much larger cockpit. The roof protrudes 330m farther forward over the windscreen, providing more shade, and the lines of the raised bulwarks have been softened going forward. The result is a more streamlined and elegant profile.

They say "beauty is more than skin deep" and here it's true, because where previously the 320 was a comfortable, practical, dare I say somewhat stodgy boat, the new 330 has been tweaked beautifully, transforming it into a contemporary, stylish, user-friendly number.

The cockpit is now 300mm longer with inbuilt seating and a fold-out table, transforming this area into what I'd call an outdoor room. The bulkhead separating the cockpit and saloon-galley now features large hopper windows on gas struts and a sliding door. When all are open, it's one seamless indoor-outdoor living area that's both practical and very useable.

The galley has been relocated aft to port, so that anyone preparing meals is central to the action inside or out. It's nicely fitted out too, with twin-burner ceramic cooktop, microwave, dual-bowl sink and handy benchtop power points. A 4Kw Onan generator comes as part of the standard spec, so 240V power away from the dock isn't an issue. A refuse chute built into the benchtop is emptied from the sidedeck, a really practical feature eliminating the need to trudge rubbish through the living areas.

Opposite the galley, twin side-by-side fridge/freezers are easily accessed by family and guests, who can help themselves to drinks or snacks without disturbing anyone in the galley. Forward of the fridges is storage and a pop-up TV providing a perfect view for those seated opposite on the L-shaped dinette, immediately forward of the galley. With the helm ahead of the TV unit, a companion or guests at the dinette can converse and keep the skipper company underway.

Unobstructed, panoramic side windows and the three-pane windscreen - features of the previous model - have been retained, along with a large, single roof hatch providing no shortage of light and fresh air. Inside, with the hopper windows and saloon door open, you're comfortable and well protected from the elements, yet still able to enjoy a sense of being outdoors. At any stage, should you decide the temperature isn't to your liking, then switch on the 16,000 BTU reverse cycle air-conditioning that comes standard.

The saloon sole is teak and holly, with teak underfoot in the cockpit area. All cabinetry is warm Machore timber with contrasting, light Ultraleather upholstery and roof lining. Where there were teak curtain pelmets previously, now the headlining curves down to meet the window frame providing a softer, more fashionable look.

BELOW DECKS
Stairs leading down to the accommodation can be closed off for privacy and beside the stairs is where the AC/DC control panel is located. Battery isolator switches and access to the bilge are under the stairs.

The single stateroom located in the bow is light, bright and airy and features nearly 2m of headroom. Opening side windows and an overhead hatch provide natural light and cross-flow ventilation. There's a queen-size island bed, ample cedar-lined hanging space, drawers, shelving and storage.

The bathroom is divided, with a dedicated shower room to port and a separate head across the companionway to starboard. The head features electric toilet, vanity basin and a nice big mirror, while both rooms have opening windows. Separating the shower and head like this is a good idea; it's female-friendly and practical too, with someone having a shower while the head is being used.

OUT AND ABOUT
Getting around this boat is safe and easy, full walkaround decks and high bulwarks and siderails means that young children, pets and older folk can move around freely. Getting on and off is just as easy with a transom gate and walkthrough gates in the siderails either side.

On the stern, a wide swimplatform, which on our test boat had safety rails fitted, makes boarding and disembarking easy and a great spot for launching water toys or taking a cooling dip. A large lazarette under the cockpit sole provides access to the rudder gear and emergency tiller, with plenty of room left for storage of fenders, water toys dive gear etc.

Going forward, the coach house roof makes a nice spot to sit and relax underway on a sunny day and on the bow is a Quick 1000 anchor winch with remote foot controls, a large chain locker and seawater washdown.

DEERE ME
One of the things I've always liked about Integrity is its enginerooms; they're always spacious, well laid out and everything is easy to get to, and the same applies with the 330 Sedan. There's good access around the single 150hp John Deere engine and plenty of room for the Onan generator, hot-water service, battery charger, batteries in ventilated boxes, holding tank and air-conditioning units. Racor fuel/water separators for engine and genset are on the forward bulkhead and twin interconnected fuel tanks with sight gauges are located outboard either side.

The hatches to the engineroom though, located in the saloon sole, leave a bit to be desired. All three are somewhat encumbered. A small one for day access can't be fully opened due to the positioning of one of the fridges. Of the other larger two, one is under the table so it's cumbersome and the third requires removal of the helm seat pedestal. I'm told that this issue has been rectified on future models.

HELM HIGHLIGHTS
The helm is comfortable, with good vision all round, and the nice big wheel and Morse cable controls fall easily to hand. There's plenty of room for the analogue engine gauges, bow- and stern-thruster switches, autopilot, Garmin 750S GPS-plotter and remote windlass controls, while the VHF radio and Fusion stereo were housed overhead. The helm seat is nice and wide, and under the skipper's seat is a handy drawer for manuals and bits and pieces.

The helm door to the sidedeck means it's easy for the skipper to go forward or aft and its only three steps out from the helm through an opening in the siderail to the dock.

PERFORMANCE & HANDLING
The Integrity 330 Sedan handles well. On test day it was blowing more than 35kts, with actual waves on the Gold Coast Broadwater - not really much trouble to this boat, though. The hull is based on the larger 350 MkII and those boats have been to Lizard Island and have crossed Bass Strait to Tasmania.

An easy boat to drive, the 330 is responsive and tracks well. She's got a full keel and a large rudder, with a shoe running under the prop so all running gear is protected. It's an ideal boat for exploring rivers, bays and inlets, places like the Myall River, the Broadwater or perhaps the Gippsland Lakes.

The engine is rated to 2600rpm, but the prop was still being tweaked on the test boat and at WOT we managed 2700rpm, indicating the pitch is still not right. At that rate we were doing 9kts pushing a bit of current. Integrity claims the 330 Sedan is good for 12kts, which, with the right prop and no current, sounds about right. I found cruising at 2100rpm felt good to me and at that rate we were doing 7.5kts. According to the official figures she'd be using around 16lt/h. With a fuel capacity of 1150lt, that would give her a range of more than 450nm, with fuel in reserve.

With a large rudder, the Integrity 330 Sedan spins almost in her own length - back off the revs, turn the wheel and give her a bit of stick and she's round in no time. A bowthruster comes standard and our test boat was also fitted with a sternthruster, so getting her back into her pen with a stiff cross breeze blowing was almost a no-brainer.

TRADE-A-BOAT SAYS…
The Integrity 330 Sedan is a big boat in a small package that represents top value for money. Suitable for couples, empty nesters, those going from yachts to powerboats or as an entry-level big boat, she's the real deal. 

With her fully protected running gear the 330 is ideal for exploring those bays, rivers and waterways where it's likely to occasionally touch bottom. That's not to say she's not capable of heading out into blue water occasionally, with her pedigree she's more than capable. The Integrity is also perfect for travel where there are height limitations or bridges to consider, a low profile and fold-down mast solving the problem.

Facts & Figures:
INTEGRITY 330 SEDAN

PRICE AS TESTED
$349,000

OPTIONS FITTED
Onan 4kW genset, teak and holly saloon and galley sole, bowthruster, Corian counter tops (galley and head),
saltwater and freshwater deckwash, transom shower, DVD player, LCD TV, overhead crockery lockers in galley,
teak name and hailing-port boards, reverse cycle air-conditioning, teak cockpit and swimplatform, cockpit seating, hopper windows, VHF radio, Fusion stereo system, electronics package, extra saloon refrigeration, and breezeway to windows.

PRICED FROM
$299,000

GENERAL
MATERIAL: Solid laminate hull with vinylester outer layers
TYPE: Hard-chined displacement monohull with full keel
LENGTH OVERALL: 10.06m
WATERLINE LENGTH: 9.14m  
BEAM: 3.72m
DRAFT: 1.1m
WEIGHT:  7 tonnes

CAPACITIES
FUEL: 1150lt
WATER: 600lt  
PEOPLE (NIGHT): 4

ENGINE
MAKE/MODEL: John Deere 4045TFM50
TYPE: Four-cylinder turbo-diesel
RATED HP: 150
DISPLACEMENT: 4.5lt
WEIGHT: 462kg (dry)

SUPPLIED BY
Integrity Motor Yachts,
PO Box 414,
Sanctuary Cove, QLD, 4212
Phone: 1300 798 735
Email: peter@integrityboats.com.au
Website: www.integrityboats.com.au

From Trade-a-Boat Issue 426, Apr-May, 2012. Photos by Ellen Dewar.