"Black Pearl" Debut

With much anticipation and excitement the new edition to the Salthouse range has been launched. The "Black Pearl" Euro 49 has the Salthouse high quality finish throughout and coupled with the owner's stylish decor choices - she is really something special.

On launch day we had a gentle 50 knot sw gale to welcome her (not the last she will see I'm sure) so even with all the excitement I decided that discretion was the better part of valour and we parked her on her marina at gulf Harbour for the night!

Next day engine trials were carried out on the 345hp MTU engines and fuel consumption and speeds were recorded to compare with her 44' cousins.

Black Pearl weighed in at a dry weight of 9.5 tons and a laden weight of just under 12 tons, with 1220 ltrs of fuel and 720 ltrs of water.  Although there are many features added to this model most of the extra weight is due to the 9.5 kva gen set, water maker, air-conditioning, dive compressor, household washer/dryer, dishwasher, aft heads and BBQ.

So what speed did she reach and what fuel burn?

Well 29.6 burning 150 ltrs per hour as per 44' at max speed although we were 100rpm over revving, so may have gotten more speed! Cruising speed was of big interest at 20 knots she burns 70 ltrs per hour total and 50 ltrs at 17 knots is the sweet spot for me.  26 ltrs at 12 knots and still at 4.5 knots idle she is only sipping 2.6 ltrs per hour!

Handling - just to be sure I took her out in 4 metre north easterly sea's as I was taking her down the coast to Wellington and was keen to check she was well behaved, especially on all quarters at 15 knots. Most boats can improve handling by adding speed but on a delivery this is not an option due to fuel restraints.

I am still smiling!!!!

It was no surprise that the longer hull was impressive into the head sea, but I was surprised how impressive, she didn't slam at all in fact the waves tended to roll past us instead.

Down hill was the next question and sitting on 20 knots and surfing up to 24 she was very predictable with the bow bearing to the bow sprit and slowing before pushing over the top and off again. On all angles at this speed she was fine.

So 15 knots was left to try and there was little if any difference, as my Forman commented "you could do this all day, it feels so safe."  We were after all in a 3 day old 30 knot North East gale doing circles, the sort of conditions that can take your wife and kids sense of humor away!

All and all Black Pearl is a real credit to the team at next generation and I must acknowledge the amazing effort the owners have gone to in both decor and styling that has produced something very special. 

Even the transom mounted clay pigeon shooter was a great success and I am sure many great family memories will fill Black Pearls log book!

With the second 49' due to launch in July and the third underway we expect a very productive year ahead, this coupled with the five enquiries we currently have and the incredibly low exchange rate of 73 cents Australian - we are going to be very busy me thinks!