Author : Freddy Foote
New Kiwi production boats over 10m are few and far between, but we found one! The new Superior 1050 Sedan. Leaning on its heritage from the popular flybridge model, we’re sure its set to be popular amongst kiwi boaties.
Superior Boats based in the Auckland suburb of Manurewa have been a quiet achiever in the New Zealand production boat market over recent years. The company has been building their Superior 1050 Flybridge model for over a decade now, producing around 3-4 boats a year and now have them dotted around the country.
Following on from the popularity of the flybridge model, the company under the guidance of owners Sam and Jacquie Dorotich has now released their first sedan version.
Based on the growing popularity of the ‘Sedan’ configurations the 1050 is designed to be the perfect gulf cruiser with the ability for extended stays.
“With the change in demand and increasing popularity of sedans, we decided to re-customise the current hull to suit the market,” says Sam.
The first sedan 1050 boat, saw a close collaboration with the owner who had previously owned a 1050 Flybridge model. He had commented that he just didn’t use the flybridge much but loved the internal configuration below, so felt a sedan style would more suit his boating requirements.
“He loved the boat and didn’t want to change to another brand, so we came up with the idea of slicing off the flybridge and redesigning the boat to suit a sedan style. It’s worked out extremely well and introduced us to a whole new market”, says Sam.
New Features
The chance to upgrade some of the features on the boat has resulted in seamless curved glass windows allowing for a clear non-restricted view, bi-fold doors and lift up glass allow for full connectivity between the saloon and cockpit.
With an accent on kiwi boating and entertaining, this is made easy with a new layout of the outdoor chill-box and BBQ area. The increased width of the saloon design gives more room to enjoy the open space complemented by a sky view glass window that has an internal sliding shield.
Superior Boats have also increased the size of the dash helping to support the latest two Raymarine Axiom 9-inch touchscreens and C Zone digital switching system.
 The hull retains the same dimensions of the 1050 Flybridge, at 10.5m LOA and a beam of 3.7m. Power options are 330-370hp which returns a cruising speed of between 18 to 22 knots and a top speed of 28 knots.
Sam commented that this was the first time they had run a large blade Tiger propeller (22″ x 25.5″) and he was impressed with the grip it had when pushing the throttles down from a standing start and how quick the boat got to maximum rpm and speed. “But like driving a runabout”, says Sam.
This particular Sedan was fitted with a Yanmar 8LV-370 diesel through a shaft V-drive, though the engine and drive options are open to the owners own specification.
Functional Layout
Like the flybridge model, the configuration onboard remains mostly the same.
Aft across the transom there is a sizeable boarding platform finished in teak with a live bait tank located underneath, accessed via a hatch. There is also a provision to mount a bait board to the stainless steel staple in the centre of the boarding platform. It also provides something to secure your tender to when underway. Both fresh and saltwater washdowns are also available in the boarding platform.
There are walkthroughs in both corners of the transom with doors, while in the centre of the transom there is a sink, with the top surface also finished in teak, and a lid insert available for the sink itself. Below are two large hatches providing access to the storage underneath.
In the forward port corner of the cockpit is a large ice chest, while opposite is another sink. The lift up glass and bi-fold door connect the saloon and cockpit giving a smooth indoor/outdoor flow.
The cockpit, finished with teak, is open and spacious and big enough to position a few chairs and a small table to entertain. Underneath, a large deck hatch opens up to provide access to the engine compartment as well as plentiful storage on either side of the 370hp Yanmar.
Warm Interior
As you enter the saloon from the cockpit, the galley is immediately to port, and as well as providing another sink, it features an oven, plenty of bench space and multiple storage drawers and lockers underneath. Opposite is the 120-litre fridge.
Forward of the galley is a dinette with seating for three around the sofa, while a fourth seat can be added into the companionway. Opposite is a small settee with the removable helm chair that can be removed to transform the couch into a small bunk.
The helm consists of a large moulded GRP unit finished in dark grey and sees two Raymarine MFD’s flush mounted above, while below are the engine instruments, anchor control, VHF and C-Zone controls.
This 1050 Sedan is set up with two double beds, one forward island berth and one down the port side. The forward cabin can be modified with different berth arrangements based on your requirements.
Stepping down into the forward cabin area, the head is to starboard and features a vanity with shower and toilet combined, as well as cupboard storage below and above. There is ample light and ventilation above via the large window.
Opposite the head is the recessed guest cabin which has locker and drawer storage plus plenty of natural light. Forward in the main cabin is a sizeable island berth with cupboard and drawer storage as well as significant side shelves. Both cabins can be configured as doubles or with singles.
Observation
Overall an excellent locally produced boat and long overdue. The new 1050 Sedan will tick plenty of boxes for a lot of buyers and the fact you can customise a lot of the layout is a big plus.
Who will the Superior 1050 Sedan suit? Well, so many users. An ideal vessel for those stepping out of a trailer boat and into a more substantial craft for the first time. It has all the amenities needed in not only a well-appointed day cruiser, but you are easily able to utilise it for extended stays.
Superior Boats have a core following and go into any marina around the country, and you’re bound to find a boat that has come out of their yard. With the new 1050 Sedan, I am sure that number is going to grow.
Specifications
- Boat Design Name: Superior 1050 Sedan    Â
- Year Launched: 2018Â Â Â Â Â Â
- Builder: Superior Boats
- Designer: Superior Boats
- LOA: 10.65m               Â
- Beam: 3.7m                  Â
- Deadrise: 12 deg
- Displ (Dry): 6000kg Â
- Max Speed: 28 knots  Â
- Construction: GRPÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
- Fuel Cap: 500L
- Water Cap: 340LÂ Â
- Engines Make: Yanmar 8LV-370Â Â Â Â
- Base Price of Boat:Â Â Â $NZ465,000
