Stepping Up
The Integrity 460 Grand Sedan is the first semi-displacement boat from Integrity Motor Yachts and takes the brand into a whole new market of buyers. Barry Thompson went to the Gold Coast to check out the very first of the new breed.
Over the years I have had the opportunity to review just about every Integrity model and it comes as no surprise to learn that even before this totally new design was launched, there were four sold from the drawings.
Managing Director Brett Flanagan and National Sales Manager Peter Hill, seem to be able to read the market perfectly and even through the tough times of the GFC, they were still selling boats. Right now they have over 14 boats on order and interest in all their models is higher than ever.
“We don’t build superyachts and high-end passage makers, rather we have concentrated on displacement cruisers with a world class finish with an Australian price tag”, says Brett.
The brand has experienced considerable growth over the past three years, with the 460 Grand Sedan their 55th boat in less than five years sold into Australia and New Zealand. Brett works closely with the Integrity factory team in China, from design to construction, ensuring all Integrity Yachts have complete Australian/New Zealand compliances and meet all standards.
A Little Quicker
“The Grand Sedan range came about from feedback and input from existing clients,” explained, Brett. “Some of our owners wanted to move up in size, but they also wanted a boat that was a bit quicker”.
With all previous Integrity models based on displacement hull designs, there was obviously a limit to the speed factor, so something new was required. The 460 Grand Sedan, launching in August, and the 490 Grand Sedan, which will follow, are the Australian-designed, semi-custom, luxury cruiser that now fills that gap.
Brett adds, “ While it wasn’t in our DNA to go from full displacement to semi-displacement, it was a natural progression and we decided that it would also be a good time to upgrade everything from the engineering to the layout and external look of the boat”.
Obviously Brett made the right decision, with so many boats on pre-order and interest in many more. There’s also a 460 Raised Pilot House due to arrive later this year, as well as a larger 490 (14.90m) version in both sport sedan and pilot house styles.
Underwater the new 460/490 retains the same keel as the Integrity displacement models, but has been given a tweak on the aft running surfaces to feed more clear water to the propeller and with the new semi-displacement hull form provides a gain of 6-7 knots over the displacement hull.
On initial trials, the 460 Grand Sedan achieved 17 knots, running the latest Cummins 480hp QSB 5.9 480 in-line 6. This is a Tier 2 compliant engine and is available from 330hp to 480hp. You also have the option of running the latest John Deere 480hp.
Mechanically much has been retained from the displacement models, although the Quick bow and stern thrusters have been increased from 4hp to 8hp. This sees an upgrade to 95kgf output and has been done to improve the low speed manoeuvering of the boat and help to make docking an effortless task. Extra insulation has been added to the engine room and when you run the 460 Grand Sedan, you can’t help but be impressed with just how quiet the boat is.
New Layout
There is a certain refinement about the 460 Grand Sedan that sets it apart from the rest of the Integrity fleet. Starting with the 460 and 490 models, the Grand Sedan range offers a variation on the traditional layout and extra sophistication in the finishes from the existing Integrity range. The rearranged saloon, galley and helm areas still feature the open plan entertaining style layout, but with a few design enhancements to create an inviting, comfortable living space.
There is a big change in the helm station, which is now 1.5m wide and comes with a matching double bench seat. In other Integrity models, the standard is a single helm chair. As this is destined to be a boat that will do a lot of cruising, the electronics package needs to be suitable. In our case, we had a pair of Raymarine 16’ screens and there was still plenty of space for every conceivable piece of extra electronics, switches, etc. that you want to add. Fusion and Bose take care of the sounds.
There’s also a new side door for ease of access to the side decks and if you need to go forward when anchoring. An icemaker and storage take up space under the helm seat. The side decks have been widened and the solid handrails make you feel save accessing the foredeck area.
There is a certain refinement about the 460 Grand Sedan that sets it apart from the rest of the Integrity fleet. Starting with the 460 and 490 models, the Grand Sedan range offers a variation on the traditional layout and extra sophistication in the finishes from the existing Integrity range. The rearranged saloon, galley and helm areas still feature the open plan entertaining style layout, but with a few design enhancements to create an inviting, comfortable living space.
There is a big change in the helm station, which is now 1.5m wide and comes with a matching double bench seat. In other Integrity models, the standard is a single helm chair. As this is destined to be a boat that will do a lot of cruising, the electronics package needs to be suitable. In our case, we had a pair of Raymarine 16’ screens and there was still plenty of space for every conceivable piece of extra electronics, switches, etc. that you want to add. Fusion and Bose take care of the sounds.
There’s also a new side door for ease of access to the side decks and if you need to go forward when anchoring. An icemaker and storage take up space under the helm seat. The side decks have been widened and the solid handrails make you feel save accessing the foredeck area.
The rear deck layout has not changed from previous models with 3m of very useable space, right through to the aft seating and access to the boarding platform. Seating either side has storage under and the table can drop down and give another berth. All up, if you have the twin table arrangement, there is sleeping for eight in the 460 Grand Sedan.
When all the side clears are in place, you can extend the use of the boat in all weather. The insulated ice chests can be either fridge or freezer and there is twin shore power leads to provide 30 amps all the time, so you don’t trip the fuses from overuse.
Another change is the lazarette entry in the cockpit sole, which is now further forward and three times the size. The cavernous space is almost big enough to transform into a dinghy boot locker (with the steering system repositioned) and gives great access to a lot of the engineering systems, such as a Waeco 80 litre deep freeze, steering and AC/DC panels.
Two Cabins
The Integrity 460 is a two cabin, one bathroom layout, whereas the 490 Grand Sedan is a three cabin two bathroom, with a separate en-suite for the owner’s cabin. The interior finish in the accommodation areas has been kept soft and appealing with light semi gloss horizontal timber panelling. You do have the choice of other timbers such as teak and cherry wood and in any finish from satin to high gloss.
The forward cabin can be configured in a variety of ways, from the standard central island berth to a twin vee-bunks arrangement as chosen by the owner of boat #1. This sees upper and lower single 2.5m long berths, with storage under, is fully air conditioned and very spacious.
The starboard side owner’s stateroom with a walk-around island berth is an interesting layout that makes excellent use of the available space. Dual sliding timber doors divide the large cabin off from the offset companionway, which sees the shared bathroom on the port side. If there’s just a couple aboard you can open up your accommodation area or conversely you can slide them shut for privacy.
The owner’s cabin has all the usual amenities such as cedar lined hanging lockers, drawer and under bed storage, TV and plenty of natural light from big side windows and a frosted overhead skylight.
Considering the more senior clients that purchase his boats, Brett has increased the steps from 3 to 4 from the accommodation area to the saloon. “It’s a little thing, but the extra step and solid handrails either side make the transition from either area just a little easier”, says Brett.
New Market
With the new semi-displacement hull, the 460 Grand Sedan is attracting a new wave of owners, keen for the best blend of classic attributes with contemporary styling. This is a boat that lends itself to casual, unpretentious cruising, with all the necessary comforts. With 2000 liters fuel capacity, it’s a boat that you will certainly be able to cruise long distances around the coast of Australia or New Zealand.
The 460 Grand Sedan and the shortly to be released 490 Grand Sedans will certainly suit the more senior owner with everything much on the same level and ease of access to all areas, from the engine room and lazarette, to the accommodation and side decks. It’s a very easy boat to operate and practical in every respect.
Specifications:
- Boat Design Name: Integrity 460 Grand Sedan
- Year Launched: 2015
- Designer: Integrity Motor Yachts
- Interior Designer: Brett Flanagan
- Builder: Integrity Motor Yachts
- LOA: 15.24m
- Beam: 4.35m
- Draft: 36m
- Displ (loaded): 15240 kg
- Max Speed: 16 knots
- Cruise Speed: 10-12 knots
- Construction: GRP
- Classification: CE Survey
- Fuel Cap: 2000 litres
- Water Cap: 1200 litres
- Engines Make: Cummins 480hp
- Drive Train: Shaft
- Propellers: 5 blade 27” x 20.5”
- Generator: Onan 9.5kva
- Inverter/Charger: Xantrex 3000
- Air Conditioning: CruiseAir 48000 btu
- Watermaker: Optional
- Bow Thruster: Quick
- Stern Thruster: Quick
- Anchor Winch: Quick 1200
- Anchors: Ultra 27lb
- Engine Controls: Cummins
- Lighting: Opple LED
- Paint (Antifouling): International
- Hatches: Manship
- Windows: Factory
- Porthole Hatches: Manship
- Head: Dometic
- Woodwork: American Oak
- Tender: Aurora RIB
- Stainless Steel Fab: Factory
- Saloon Doors: Factory
- Trim Tabs: Bennett
- Helm Chair: Factory
- Upholstery: Ultra Leather
- Searchlight: Jabsco
ELECTRONICS
- Autopilot: Raymarine
- MFD: Raymarine 16.5” Hybrid Touch
- VHF: Raymarine Ray 50
- Ent Systems: Bose & Fusion AF650
- Base Price of Boat: AUD$890,000
- Price As Tested: AUD$935,000
