Recently re-released as the Admiral 9m Gamefisher, the concept behind the Whitecloud 9m was for a trailerable compact cruiser for those looking for the mobility of a trailer boat but with the size and comfort levels of a small launch.
Several years ago, John Erkkila had the vision to produce a ‘trailerable launch’ that could be towed around the country, had all the criteria for an overnighter and be a superb performer in any sea conditions. He approached renowned boatbuilder Craig Wild, who drew the lines for the vessel before beginning the construction of the timber development boat. He then refined the design and built the final model. Interestingly, the original timber version is still actively used by its current owner and is powered by a pair of Suzuki 150s.
The Whitecloud 9m saw its first public showing at the 2016 Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show. However, despite a lot of interest, the boat remained unsold and, for the past few years, has taken a back seat to other projects and business ventures.
That is until late last year when Steve Clements from Hamilton-based Admiral Boats negotiated with John to market the boat under the Admiral brand. He was already closely associated with John and Craig, as he served half of his apprenticeship under Craig, and had helped build the moulds and all the components to produce the first fibreglass boat.
“We plan to offer the Admiral 9m as a full custom boat, so owners can have the layout that suits their needs. Besides the fibreglass hull, deck and superstructure, everything else is open game, and we are looking forward to working with clients to bring their ideas into reality”, says Steve.
He added that he sees much potential for the boat, especially as an offshore sportfisher and a family weekender.
“The cabin, wheelhouse and cockpit are all very spacious, and with a wide 2.95m beam, there is potential to bring many big boat ideas into this compact cruiser”, added Steve.The boat was originally designed to offer multiple engine options with a mid mount diesel inboard coupled to the sternleg via jack shaft, shaft drive, or as the boat is now being powered with single or twin outboards.
With the outboard engine option, the area designated midships for the inboard engine is now more of a machinery space, which includes the fuel tanks (500 & 200 litres), a 150-litre water tank, 40-litre hot water cylinder and the battery bank.
MODULE OPTION
The two-seat modules on the raised forward wheelhouse deck are separate moulds so that they can be replaced with something completely different. Boat #1 has swivelling bucket seats on bases that include a split galley with a gas bbq, galley storage and cutlery drawer to port, with a sink unit, rubbish bin, and fridge to starboard. The sink unit lid folds back to offer extra bench space. There is also a fold-out jump seat at the rear of the helm module, which could be duplicated on the other side.
You can go for a basic layout with a couple of pedestal seats and coolie bins through to an L shape lounger to starboard with a detachable table and still fit in the necessary galley equipment.
The entire forward module is mounted on electric actuators, so it can be raised to access the inboard engine if that’s your power choice. Steve suggested that a large floor hatch with a lift-out bin would be a good option if you run outboards.
The Admiral 9m has a good size helm, so there is plenty of space to mount all your extra bits. Our boat was fitted with a Furuno 14″ MFD, a pair of engine management gauges, Furuno autopilot and Lenco tabs. Overhead was a Fusion entertainment system and Icon VHF.
Stairs lead down from the wheelhouse to the cockpit; again, this is another area that could come in for custom changes. Steve says he has already been looking at recessing the stairs into the moulding, increasing the useable space on the cockpit.
Any excess water that gets into the cockpit drains through large scuppers to a sump fitted with float switches. But with the inboard configuration, the cockpit is self-draining.
There are three large wet lockers in the sole for your catch or dive gear and extra long side trays for rod storage. Wide teak-covered side decks come with six-rod holders. Access to the transom is via a solid hinged door that opens outwards and locks in place. In the centre of the transom is a live bait tank, bait board and a service locker beneath. The boarding platform comes with a drop-down ladder, and extra boarding rails are available. If you go for the sterndrive option, you can have a full cage around the platform, or if you are into your game fishing, you can choose to have no platform.
MULTI-BERTHS
When it comes to the layout of the cabin, just about anything goes. Four single bunks will be ideal if you plan to use the boat as a boys’ weekender for fishing. If it’s family cruising, then the layout in boat #1 is probably better, with a double lower berth and two port side bunks. The space could also be configured with a forward vee berth, table, and even an internal galley. However, an interior galley does impinge on space, which would be at the expense of accommodation, so I would leave it in the cockpit.
True to its overnight monicker, there is a separate enclosed head and shower compartment, with an electric toilet, basin and built-in holding tank. There is storage under both the lower berths and side trays on either side. Teak is used throughout, but the builders offer various other timber options. Light and ventilation are provided from Lewmar deck hatches.
INBOARD OR OUTBOARD
With a 315 inboard diesel the boat will have a top speed of 32 knots and a cruising speed of 22-25 knots. The first Admiral 9m Gamefisher is powered with a pair of Honda 250s. They give a top speed of 41 knots, with the best cruise still around 25 knots. Flat out at 6000 rpm, the fuel usage has jumped
to around 160 lph and at 4000 rpm / 25 knots
to 60 lph.
Acceleration with the twin Hondas is rapid, with a flat transition onto the plane. In tight turns, the boat doesn’t have an excessive heel, and in the choppy water, the hull is quiet with no resonance under the hardtop. I was also impressed with the outboards’ quietness and could carry on a conversation with Steve without raising my voice.
Seated, bolstered or standing, the Admiral 9m is a comfortable and easy boat to drive.
It’s a slippery hull on the water and has a hull designed to handle some reasonably nasty water. While the twin 250s were a great package and suited the boat, I am sure you could get away with a pair of 150s and still get a good performance.
AVAILABLE NOW
While alloy hardtops of this size are extremely popular, and we see new models at every boat show, it’s rare to see something new (well, almost) this big from a fibreglass builder. Adding the Admiral 9m to their range has exposed Admiral Boats to another market segment they have not been in before.
The new Admiral 9m was given its first public showing at the 2022 Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show and attracted plenty of attention like its predecessor. Steve says that currently, the demo boat is for sale, but he is working with several clients who are keen to get a boat for next summer
“Due to our commitments building the Admiral 10m, we can’t supply a new boat for 18 months, so being able to offer the current Admiral 9m as a drive-away today package is a big attraction”, says Steve.
With a show special price of $NZ465,000, including the triple axle DMW trailer, the Admiral 9m is well priced.
- Model Admiral 9m
- Builder Admiral Boats
- Priced from $NZ480,000
- Price As Tested $NZ550,000
- Type Hardtop
- Construction GRP
- LOA 10.0m
- LOH 8.8m
- Beam 2.95m
- Height on trailer 3.95m
- Towing Weight 4950 kg
- Test Power 2 x Honda 250
- Power Options Outboard or Sterndrive
- Power Range 300-600hp
- Max Speed 42 knots
- MFD Furuno 14”
- Flooring U-Dek
- Fuel Capacity 600 litres
- Water Capacity 150 litres
- Trailer DMW Premier
PERFORMANCE DATA (BASED ON 700 LITERS)
| rpm | Knots | L/h | L/NM | Range (NM) |
| 2000 | 7 | 14 | 2 | 270 |
| 2400 | 8.5 | 20 | 2.4 | 230 |
| 3000 | 10 | 38 | 3.8 | 142 |
| 3150 | 12.5 | 42 | 3.4 | 161 |
| 3300 | 16 | 46 | 2.9 | 188 |
| 3600 | 21 | 50 | 2.4 | 227 |
| 4100 | 25 | 62 | 2.5 | 218 |
| 4400 | 28 | 68 | 2.4 | 222 |
| 5800 | 35 | 160 | 4.6 | 118 |
| 6000 | 41 | 170 | 4.1 | 130 |
