The new Integrity 490 Grand Sedan is the second Integrity to carry the Grand Sedan name and is essentially a larger version of the 460 Grand Sedan that it replaces. Based on the same hull, the extra length provides more space in the cockpit, midships in the saloon and gets an extra bathroom between the mid and front cabin.
Integrity customers it seems are very loyal to the brand, with the owner of the first 490 Grand Sedan having already had five previous to his latest purchase. With the 490 Grand Sedan, he was looking for something a little different, that he could put his touches. Being able to stamp your personal mark on your boat is what the Grand Sedan series is all about. As Brett Flanagan, the man behind Integrity Boats says; “We start with a clean sheet of paper and go from there”.
To date, there has been three Grand Sedans arrive in Australia and while still retaining the same external look, they are all different inside. One of the things that you can’t have is a twin engine package. All Integrity’s run one diesel engine and that’s the way Brett wants it to remain. “We get great economy and performance from a single engine, increase usable space in the boat and keep the overall purchase cost down”.
The 460 Grand Sedan, was Integrity’s first semi-displacement model and was the result of clients wanting something quicker and with a little more refinement. Until then all Integrity models were based on full displacement hulls so there was a limiting factor when it came to top end speed. Underwater, the new 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.
While the 460 Grand Sedan achieved 17 knots, running a single Cummins 480hp QSB 5.9, the 490 Grand Sedan tops out around 15.5 knots with the same power. Cruise speed is around 12 knots. Engine options are either Cummins, Scania or John Deere. Part of the standard package are Quick 195kgf stern and bow thrusters, which are a real bonus when you have a boat with just one drive.
A FEW CHANGES
The 490 Grand Sedan continues with the changes and upgrades that were all part of the 460 Grand Sedan, and like all Integrity boats, the arrangements from boat to boat vary. The Grand Sedan offers a variation on the traditional layout and provides an extra style of finish and appointments over the existing Integrity range. In the first 490 Grand Sedan, the owner has gone for a conventional interior with a nautical flair, combining finishes that are traditional yet contemporary.
Like the previous 460 Grand Sedan, the layout is all open plan, with friendly social spaces, all on a single level, from the transom to the helm. One unique feature is the way that Integrity has designed all glass rear door. It’s both a conventional sliding door for easy access, as well as a large hopper window, which transforms the living spaces into one vast area.
Drop the clears around the cockpit overhang and your ‘covered saloon’ area extends to over 6m long. Hot or cold weather, rain or blazing sunshine, the 490 Grand Sedan offers an exceptional expanse of protected space to entertain, relax or spend evenings away. Due to the extra length of the new 490 Grand Sedan (750mm longer than the 460 Grand Sedan), there is a more space in the cockpit. This has been utilised in the boat I was aboard, with bench seating either side, as well as across 2/3rds of the transom.
There is the option of an insulated ice box under the squabs. A dining table and a couple of free chairs took up a lot of the remaining space. However, this is all the owner’s choice and if you wanted a more open cockpit, then you can cut down on the seating. The GRP overhead cockpit cover extends through to the transom, so if you are into fishing, then the generously sized boarding platform is probably the best place to go. Centre transom is a bait station with fresh water and a storage locker under for tackle.
You could modify this for a bbq or that’s something that could be built into the upper deck area. While standard is stainless cap rails, the option of using teak around the cockpit adds a nice touch.
ENTERTAINERS GALLEY
The saloon of the 490 Grand Sedan is very different from the 460 Grand Sedan it replaces and while still utilising a full-length port side galley, the extra space has meant a more refined layout. Under the exceptionally long Corian bench top are dual sinks, a trash bin, stove, microwave and Isotherm 130-litre fridge freezers. This is a real entertainers galley.
Aft of the helm is an L-shape settee with a drop down table that has been specially shaped one side, so as to not interfere with folks walking past. Big change at the helm is that in the previous model there was a bench seat (now optional) it’s been replaced with twin seats. These can be placed in the seated, standing or bolster positions. Should you need to get outside in a hurry or to assist when docking, a sliding side door gives easy access to the starboard bulwark. Another change in the 490 Grand Sedan are the bulwark heights, that have been raised so you now step out onto the same level, rather than stepping down.
Twin Garmin GPSMap7416 MFD screens, take up most of the real estate on the raised helm, with a large facia looking after everything else. Our boat was equipped with a Fusion MSRA70 entertainment system, Simrad sonar, Garmin autopilot, Smartcraft gauges and more. The electronics package is your choice and the helm can be designed and configured to handle just about anything you want.
TWO CABIN/TWO BATHROOM
Before the arrival of the 490, the Grand Sedans all had two cabins and a single shared bathroom. The new 490 is a two cabin/twin bathroom boat, however, if you like the 490 Grand Sedan, but want three cabins, then you can order the 530 Grand Sedan, the first of which is due in late 2017.
The new accommodation layout, based on the same size area as previous models now offers a stately walk-around bed in the master stateroom, with a forward guest cabin and two athrooms. You have the choice of 2-4 single bunks in the forward cabin area or a queen size berth. Each cabin is well supplied with hanging lockers and storage.
By reconfiguring the floor levels and forward bulkhead placement, the master cabin has considerably more space, with the queen size berth now recessed under the helm station sole. This has also allowed for a separate owner’s en-suite. The VIP cabin shares the day head, which like the master en-suite has a large shower stall, head and Granite vanity.
Just how you finish the cabins is your choice, with a variety of timber and fabric options. While our boat had the very traditional teak and holly flooring, you can go for the carpet option. Each cabin has an individual air handler and both can be fitted out with TVs
LONGEVITY
Integrity continues to set the benchmark when it comes to mid-range displacement and semi-displacement cruisers, with over a dozen boats in build at their factory. The 490 Grand Sedan is a big volume boat that hits the market when it comes to value for money. Build time is around eight months. It’s well finished, well built and unquestionably goes well.
With the popularity of the Integrity range (over 80 now sold into Australia & New Zealand), it is a brand that is going to be around for some time yet and the 490 Grand Sedan is a great addition to the range.
SPECS
- Boat Design Name: Integrity 490 Grand Design
- Year Launched: 2017
- Designer: Brett Flanagan
- Builder: Integrity Boats
- LOA: 14.50m
- Beam: 4.35m
- Draft: 1.30m
- Displ (full): 15000 kg
- Max Speed: 15 knots
- Construction: GRP
- Fuel Capacity: 2000 Litres
- Water Capacity: 700 Litres
- Engines Make/HP: Cummins 480hp
- Drive Train: Shaft
- Generator: Kohler
- Air Conditioning: Marine Air
- Thrusters: Quick
- Stabilisers: Vetus
- Lighting: LED
- Ent System: Fusion
- Anchor Winch: Quick 1200
- MFD: Garmin GPS Map 7416 x 2
- Base Boat Price: $AU1.050m
- Contact: www.integrityboats.com.au
