Author: James Hill
NO HURRY
Taking the gentler, slower path to cruising has been a winning formula for the Integrity trawler yacht brand with some 100 boat sold the last 11 years. James Hill looks at one of their newest creations, the Integrity 340SX.
The success of this Australian trawler range saw it snapped up in 2017 by fellow Aussie boat brand Whitehaven Motor Yachts. Whitehaven builds bigger craft in the 60-74 foot range and said at the time the reason for the purchase was to expand into the ‘Baby Boomer’ market.
This year we got to see the result of that marriage with the exciting new Integrity SX range debuting at the Sanctuary Cove and Sydney International Boat Shows. The two models 340SX and 380SX have a distinctly modern flavour whilst still retaining the sturdy trawler look and economic performance.
Two larger models the 460SX and 510SX will follow over the next 12 months while the original Classic line will also continue as well.
A dockside glance quickly confirms the new SX range adds more modern, sporty styling especially in the cabin roof and curved windscreen. However, the essential trawler DNA remains especially with the heavy displacement hull and single engine propulsion. Another key trawler element is the large saloon deckhouse that keeps the crew snug and comfortable as they push along at a relaxed pace.
The sense of a homely, comfortable trawler is further enhanced by a one-level deck plan with helm station incorporated into the saloon and galley level. This is a sensible arrangement as you steer from the social heart of the boat and there’s no need to go climbing steps to a flybridge.
Stepping aboard the 340SX a few days after the Sydney Boat Show I was most impressed by the harmonious blend of modern and tradition in this new Integrity. One of Australia’s most talented naval architects, Misha Merzliakov was brought in by Whitehaven to create this new line based on existing Integrity hulls. His ability to blend modern and retro styling is also very evident in Whitehaven’s new Harbour Classic 40.
In this particular instance Merzliakov retained the classic trawler look with moulded plank topsides but added a slightly higher freeboard and roofline. These small changes make a big difference to not only the look but also feeling of roominess aboard.
Effective living space has been boosted by a guest sleeping cabin included on the lower deck. However, the real vote-winner is the seamless open entertainment space created by the saloon and rear cockpit.
In sheltered waters you can open up the interior by swinging up the stainless steel hopper windows to the cockpit roof. The saloon/cockpit then become one continuous living space very much in the fashion of modern-day cruisers.
With the galley located aft in the saloon you also have a central food and drink prep’ area serving both entertainment areas.
A large boarding deck and transom door further enhances this feeling of space in the Integrity and makes her a great craft for summer days afloat. Meanwhile, the extended roof over the cockpit and side decks completes the feeling of a real little ship.
CABIN LIFE
On sunny Sydney winter’s day it was a pleasure to step off the dock into the Integrity 340SX cockpit with proper teak flooring and a comfy cushioned lounge to sit.
A table here also allowed me to enjoy my marina cafe coffee before setting off. With the galley bench so close it would be easy to add a decent coffee machine so you could really enjoy this view when staying aboard.
Another pleasing feature is the tall saloon windows that provide extra light and vision when sitting within the cabin lounge. Here too is a dining table so there’s plenty of places to have a meal or quiet social drink.
You’ll notice the test boat sports the light oak finish that really helps lighten up the interior. There are several other timber finishes but the oak gets my vote.
The L-shaped galley fills the starboard space behind the helm and provides dual-sinks with single faucet, 2-burner electric hot plate, microwave oven and refrigerator/freezer.
Whilst Integrity are built in China they are constructed to Australian standards and supervision. Whitehaven co-founder Ryan Hanson has huge experience in working with Asian yards and this approach continues with the Integrity line. Nick Bent, who took me out for the test, spends a lot of time at the mainland China factory. As the company production manager Nick’s aim is to ensure each boat meets the exacting standards set by Whitehaven. Customers from the other Integrity markets ( New Zealand, USA and Thailand) also benefit from this hands-on approach.
For a craft that’s 35ft 6in overall the Integrity 340SX certainly exudes a feeling of space. The increase in living room is due to the engine room wall being pushed back and allowing for a bigger bathroom to starboard and single guest cabin to port.
This new layout is all thanks to the new generation Volvo 230hp D4 marine diesel. This common-rail turbo diesel is exceptionally compact and fits nicely into the engine room nestled beneath the saloon floor.
Overnight accommodation is enhanced by the comfortable master cabin for’ard with island double-berth and ample-size hanging lockers.
For a craft that’s 35ft 6in overall the Integrity 340SX certainly exudes a feeling of space. The increase in living room is due to the engine room wall being pushed back and allowing for a bigger bathroom to starboard and single guest cabin to port.
This new layout is all thanks to the new generation Volvo 230hp D4 marine diesel. This common-rail turbo diesel is exceptionally compact and fits nicely into the engine room nestled beneath the saloon floor.
Overnight accommodation is enhanced by the comfortable master cabin for’ard with island double-berth and ample-size hanging lockers.
THE WATER TEST
Having cruised a 34-foot trawler cruiser many years ago it was a joy to step aboard a modern version that has mod cons like bow and stern thrusters. For a single shaft boat this makes life so much easier when docking, or when leaving a marina pen.
Once clear of our pen at the delightful Clontarf Marina we glided smoothly along at low revs through the tranquil waters of Middle Harbour. Our destination was Sydney Heads and a look-see at the clear blue lagoon-like waters of Castle Rock.
While our pace was a leisurely 6 – 8 knots it didn’t seem to matter when a lot of the Harbour waters are governed by No-Wash or 8-Knot speed limits. Given these speed restrictions you really aren’t losing too much time compared to the modern fast cruisers and the ride is quite smooth.
I found the slow pace of the Integrity also very relaxing and it certainly allows you to soak in the view. Not surprisingly ex-yachties are major buying group for these boats. Sailing people don’t mind the slower pace and they certainly appreciate the economy!
Performance is also an interesting aspect of these new displacement cruisers. Push the throttle down and you get around 10 knots (3500rpm) max while backing off you get 8/9 knots at 3000rpm and 7 knots at 2200rpm.
A sweet cruising speed is about 8 knots (10 Litres/hour) or 7 knots (8Litres/hour). With a generous 980 litre fuel capacity in two tanks there’s a comfortable 588 nautical mile range with 25 per cent safety reserve. For typical day cruising you probably wouldn’t burn more than 30 litres of diesel so it all equates to thrifty boating!
I love the wheel house helm station with sliding door alongside. With the sea air wafting in from the outside it brought back nostalgic memories of the old days of motor cruising in the 1960s. And that side door is very handy for popping outside for a look-see when docking.
The Helm station has all the essential controls including bow/stern thrusters, engine gauges and a VHF radio. A raised instrument panel is left bare but would be the perfect place to add a modern chartplotter/sounder like Raymarine’s new Axiom 16 inch unit.
The flag mast atop the cabin has a pad for a radar yet unless you’re planning some really long coastal adventures it’s better utilised to mount a TV antenna or Wi-Fi booster so you don’t miss favourite movies on Netflix!
VERDICT
Back in the 1970s an earlier generation of trawler-cruises laid the foundation for a slow-lane cruising movement that’s lasted till today. Over time most of the trawler brands have morphed into semi-fast designs however Integrity has stayed true to the trawler tradition so if you want an economical, go-anywhere but leisurely paced cruiser the 340SX is hard to beat.
For cruising unknown waters it’s great to have the single shaft drive enclosed in a protective long keel just in case you hit the mud. The 340SX is also a sturdy beast with solid vinylester-skinned fibreglass hull below the waterline and foam cored fibreglass above to keep weight down and ensure good motion offshore.
Overall the Integrity 340SX is hard to fault and apart from the side passageway being a little squeezy between the wings she feels just right. I particularly love the electric anchor winch with its practical 60m of chain and bow wash down.
The price is right too at $AUD550,000 including classy teak decking plus quality upholstery and fully equipped galley. That price also includes an Onan diesel generator and 240V electric system.
The only extras on our test boat was a 16,000btu aircon in the saloon, roof ladder and central rail for the swim ladder. The latter is perfect for mounting that must-have stainless steel BBQ unit and stowing the inflatable dinghy for shore-side exploring.
Specifications
- Boat Design Name: Integrity 340SX
- Year Launched: 2019
- Builder: Integrity Motor Yachts
- Designer: Misha Merzliakov
- LOA: 11.50m
- LOH: 10.07m
- Beam: 3.65m
- Displ: 10 tonnes
- Max Speed: 10 knots
- Construction: GRP
- Fuel Cap: 980 litres
- Water Cap: 450 litres
- Engine Make: Volvo Penta D4 / 230hp
- Drive Train: Shaft
- Generator: Onan
- Anchor Winch: Lewmar
- Thrusters: ??
- MFD: Raymarine Axiom 16”
- Priced From: $Aud550,000
- Price As Tested: $Aud5 60,940
