b o a t r e v i e w : v o y a g e r v 1 2 5 0 c o n q u e s t

ConquistadorConquistador

To date the Voyager range of power catamarans have primarily been about wellpresented user-friendly and practical family cruisers.The recent release of the newevolution V1250 Conquest model however, raises the bar even further.

Stylish in profile and now sportingan optional fully enclosed flybridge, this new Conquest model is

if you like a larger more luxury version oftheir current V1100 Discovery model. Likethe Mexican conqueror Conquistador, ithails a new era in Voyager technology,specification and presentation for ratherthan simply ‘tarting’ up the V1100 modelVoyager designer and CEO, DerekAppleton, has a completely new hull aswell as deck and interior design. “Theprofile lines are still indisputably Voyager,”Appleton explained, “but the enclosed flybridge configuration required a whole newapproach to layout and styling.

“As well, we have opted for a larger aftcockpit so as to enhance theentertainment value, which has seen usstep outside the square so to speak and

take the one level of cockpit right aft tobeyond the transoms. As such, aft of thetransom upright we appeal to thefishermen, swimmers and divers whileforward of this feature it is an entertainer’sdelight.We now boast a significantly largercockpit area, a full width rear lounge withroom for a table if so desired, and ofcourse the now lift-up moulded steps tothe enclosed fly bridge level,” Appletonadded.

While the ever-enthusiastic Appletonexpounded on the virtues of the cockpitand profiles he was a lot more non-committal as regards the interior and flybridge levels. He was prepared to let theboat do the talking, and what a statementit was; from the moment I stepped aboardI was left in no doubt this was not going tobe your every-day run of the mill cruiser.

Different Approach to Cockpit Design

The aft end of the V1250 was indeedcertainly very different for it offered a newmeaning to the word spacious. All at one

level, the gelcoated cockpit floor (teak is anoption, if you so desire) actually overhungthe transoms on each hull, providingsublime floor area but more importantlyaffording the designer the luxury ofmoving the transom upright further aftthan traditional. With substantial stainlesssteel railings around the perimeter it was aperfect platform for the swimmers andfishermen – and the star-gazers seated onthe aft-facing lounge on the outside of thetransom upright.

The only down-side perhaps of thisconfiguration where the boarding platformand cockpit level are one in the same wasthe actual height up off the water ; thestandard and certainly appropriate-heightboarding ladder overcame that scenariohowever!

■ t ex t & p h o t o s b y B A R RY T Y L E R

The Voyager 1250 Conquest was verymuch at home out in the wild blueyonder.

As I have stated so many times before,everything in a boat is a trade-off andbenefits such as ease of boarding at amarina or pontoon, the enormous storageand kill-tank provision and of course theadded floor area that accrues from thisstyle of approach to cockpit design - wereinfinitely more advantageous and credibletrade-offs.

Other features within this cockpit werethe secreted (large!) BBQ within thetransom upright, the full-width forwardfacing aft lounge, the sinks at each end ofthe transom upright module, the built-in150-litre freezer to starboard of the saloondoors, corner steps each side for access tothe foredeck, generous overheadprotection courtesy of the fly bridgeoverhang and a solidly mounted shademesh and stainless steel canopy extension,and the moulded stairs which provide your(external) access to the fly bridge.

Not only were these stairs very user-friendly and safe but cleverly they hingedup also to reveal the perfect storage facility

Sublime space, when the cockpit and boarding feature are all in one - something foreveryone here.

for dive bottles, wet gear or table andchairs. With this and the huge lockers inthe aft of each hull it was clearly evidentno available space anywhere, was wasted.

Enclosed Fly bridgeThe fly bridge level was a most

expansive area of the boat, and certainlywith the enclosed aspect of this particularversion, one where you would likely spendmost of your daylight hours – whetherunderway or when moored.A skipper andfriend could be seated on the twoNavigator helm chairs behind what was amost comprehensive and as well visually‘impressive’ helm station.

Presented on a rounded vinyl-trimmedcarbon fibre display that was bothfunctional as well as ergonomic, featureson this helm included Seastar steering, theRaymarine E120 electronics screen withradar, autopilot and VHF, and each side ofthe E120, the Steyr engineinstrumentation.

Seating forward of this helm featurewould cater for a veritable army of guestsseated around the full-width U-shapedlounge. For dining purposes five adultscould be seated at the table at thestarboard end of this lounge, but still therewas room for at least another six furtherguests on the remainder of the lounge.

A light bright and airy room, this levelwas well ventilated by side openingwindows and vents along the dodger levelbelow the main front windows. Thestainless steel rails around both thewalkway and the perimeter of the areabehind the skipper were engineeringmasterpieces that ensured the notinsignificant area behind the skipper wassafe from mishap.

If it was a colder time of the year theclears on the rear corners and across the

Easy safe access to the flybridge, andthe step face even lifted up to reveal wetstorage for jackets and other ‘wet’ gear.(top)

The helm station was well presented, wellspec’d and above all most comfortablefor the longer trips. (middle)

Upwards of a dozen people could becomfortably seated on this fly bridgelevel. (left)

back of the fly bridge ensured it could alsobe transformed into a warm and dry roomwhich still capably accommodated up to adozen people – in comfort. And if you feltlike a wee tipple along the way, the barmodule to port and adjacent to the top ofthe stairs included a Corian-toppedservery, bottle rack and refrigerator.Indeed a very ambient part of the V1250Conquest.

A New World

Step inside the Voyager saloon and therewas a definite air of refinement about thepresentation, in particular the wood finish.Often you hear people describesomething as subtle, well in this instancethe Conquest was anything but subtle forit was in your face from the moment youwalked in the saloon doors. Bold isperhaps a less onerous or suggestivedescriptive for in a very nice wayeverything within this room made astatement.

To starboard was an elevated six-persondining setting. Arguably you wouldn’t

While ‘busy’, the saloon was certainly not space-compromised and nor did it lack for anyof the creature comforts.

normally get away with an elevation suchas this but in a room with the generouslyhigh ceiling this example boasted, it wasactually quite clever. It not only enhancedall round vision but also provided greaterheadroom for the accommodation below.

Opposite this dining setting was the aftgalley and certainly spectacular was a wordthat sprung to mind to describe this aspectof the boat. Arguments abound as to themerits of aft, downstairs, forward orforward and lower level galleyconfigurations but me, I prefer an aft galleyjust exactly like this option. Finished as inthe instance of the dining setting in richsemi-gloss Californian Beech, this multi-level galley was an absolute work of art.

The designers quite obviously listen totheir clients and in particular female clients,for the galley was very definitely designedwith the ultimate user-friendliness andpracticality in mind – without excessivelycompromising volume within the saloon.Features here included 230 litres ofseparate refrigerator and freezer, a gas 2-Very classy, the well provisioned galley was a ‘special feature’ within the saloon!

burner hob and oven as well as a microwave oven, generousbench space and importantly equally generous cupboard,drawer and general storage provision.

No, this galley was not secreted in a typically space-inhibitingU-shape that serves no purpose other than to conceal it fromthe general view of guests in the saloon, but I was more thanhappy with the presentation of what I consider to be a galleyextraordinaire, one of the best layouts and presentations I haveseen in a vessel of this size.

Completing the picture of elegance in the saloon was thechart table with (BEP) circuit-breaker switch-panel cabinetforward of the dining setting, and of course the impressive liquorcabinet which was ‘incorporated’ into the centre of the frontbulkhead.

All in all a light, bright and well presented room with space,headroom, light and ventilation in abundance – and certainly inthe context of the saloon within a 40-foot catamaran, wellabove my expectations in all facets.At night-time especially withthe upper and lower mood lights setting the scene, it was yetanother most ambient part of the vessel.

All available space is utilised. (below)

The Californian Beech timberwork was crafted to a standardbefitting that of a luxury vessel. (bottom)

Accommodation

As in most catamaran designs there area number of different options available, inthis instance the emphasis was very muchon an appropriate level of skippercomfort, within the master stateroom. Assuch, this was a three-cabin configuration,with one bathroom.

The guest accommodation was in thestarboard hull, with the ‘double’ room aft of

the stairway. While not a huge room, thebed was a generous double – and therewas still room to close the door whenchanging. Features in here included afeature wall mirror, good lighting, awardrobe and side-storage facility, anopening side port-hole, a a fan forventilation. The décor in here very muchcontinued the up-market high level ofpresentation theme of theaforementioned areas of the V1250.

A most convivial dining setting – therewas room for five to six adults. (top)

The three rather than four-cabin layoutopened up space within the masterbedroom. (left)

A convenient by-product of the three-cabin option is a separate shower andhead – a stand-alone reasonable-sizedbathroom. (left)

Luxury – Catamaran-style

The forward accommodation on that(starboard) side consisted of a twin singleathwartships and fore and aft bunkconfiguration. With ample light andventilation courtesy of an overhead hatchas well as a side port-hole, this cabin in factwas brilliant in design, very roomy,generous sized berths, good wardrobe andstorage facilities, neat step access up ontoeach berth – and extremely wellpresented. Perfect really for kids who liketo spend time away from the adults!

Across on the port side was the masteraccommodation. Firstly the bathroom, thatwas aft of the stairway. While essentially a‘luxury’ characterisation would surelyembody a private ensuite (an optionalensuite layout is available), I was more thanhappy with what turned out to be a moreexpansive albeit communal bathroom, justacross the walkway from the masterbedroom. Especially appreciated was the

The guest cabin is optional twin berth like this, or a slightly smaller albeit still queen-size berth.

space around the head – not cramped –and the separate shower cubicle – whichyou could swing a cat in!

Again the luxury descriptive for themaster stateroom must be viewed withinthe context of a catamaran configuration,and yet again I have to say the designer dida damned good job.The queen-size islandberth lay semi-diagonal across the room inwhat was a most majestic setting. Therewas good headroom in this room, evenwhen sitting up in bed; there was plenty oflighting and ventilation and again, plenty ofstorage facility – even down to a huge(lined) walk-in wardrobe.

As in all the rooms there was absolutelyno gelcoat showing anywhere, the liningsand carpet were all of a high quality, andthe generous ‘splashings’ of wood trimmingand features very much enhanced thevisual pleasure. There was even a paintingabove the head of the bed - to completethe picture of contemporary opulence!

Despite it being the aft cabin, the third bedroom was far from claustrophobic. (left)

Now that is what I call a full-length hanging wardrobe. (right)

Mechanicals

As is the case with most Voyagercatamarans, the recommended mode ofpower was Steyr diesels. “They are atechnically advanced engine whichprovides exceptional performance withmiserly fuel consumption figures. I placespecial emphasis on the key elements ofweight, performance and economy andthis engine package best fits my criteria,”Appleton explained.

One would tend to suggest the hullswere seemingly quite efficient in theirshape also, but certainly to glean a topspeed of 22kts from twin 3200cc 6-cylinder 190hp Steyr diesel engines,somewhat graphically supported hisclaims. More to the point, cruising at arelatively brisk 17kts it uses just 45 litres ofdiesel per hour.

I have to be honest and suggest therearen’t too many rigs around, certainlymonohull rigs anyway, that can boastanything close to those sorts of figures –perfect for long-range cruising for youcover a lot of ground in 24 hours, at thatspeed! Interestingly with a fuel capacity of1400 litres, that equates to a range ofroughly 500 nautical miles.

In keeping with the ‘economical cruising’philosophy, onboard power is 12V withthe usual high-consumption suspects suchmicrowaves, powered through a Zantaxinverter. The three 200Ah AbsorbedPower AGM ‘house’ batteries and twoengine ‘start’ batteries were all chargedcourtesy of the heavy-duty 90Aalternators on the Steyr engines or whenin port, courtesy of the shore powerthrough the onboard charger.

That system is quite sufficient within thecontext of the specification of thisparticular Voyager example, but certainly ifyou were to take up the air-conditioningoption or include such features as electriccooking, then sensibly you would beadding a genset to the portfolio. Otheronboard systems included heavy dutySeastar hydraulic steering, ZF MicroCommander electronic controls, TMCelectric macerator heads and Clarionentertainment systems. The drive wasconventional shaft drive, through a ZF 45A2.43:1 gearbox to 4-blade 19”x21”p ZFFaster propellers. Interestingly, thesepropellers are fully protected by the keels,so beaching doesn’t present any concerns.

As stated, the Conquest was what Iwould describe as a solid performer, agood honest hull that had few vices.Weighing in at just 9,000kg (doesn’tinclude the 1400 litres of diesel and 750litres of water) the solid fibreglass hull withcomposite core and foam topsides, deckand fly bridge was a strong and tight shipand really revelled in the less than idealconditions of our test day.

In fact, at one stage we had the catvirtually right out of the water in therather gargantuan swell and waves of theGold Coast Seaway entrance. I waited forthe ‘bang’ as it literally took off – but ithandled that situation with ease, landingwith a level attitude and certainly with(very) surprisingly minimal fuss orpounding. I wish I would have been able totake a photo!

Conclusion

The bottom line was I needed to go nofurther to establish this hull indeed had theobligatory handling skills required of abona fide bluewater cruising hull. Itaccelerated surprisingly well consideringthe relatively meagre horsepower, and itrode with a nice level attitude. More to thepoint, it had the efficiency credentials toboot.

As far as perception went, I felt mostcomfortable with a ‘luxury’ tag beingapplied to this vessel for it was indeedspec’d and presented to a level beyondthat of most catamarans available on themarket today. Yet, it didn’t carry the pricetag I expected.

If you subscribe to the theory that a 40ftcatamaran is the equivalent size of at leasta 50ft monohull, then the price tag ofunder AU$1-million is most competitive. Itis pertinent to point out too that thatprice tag was with the optional extra‘Luxury Package’ which included amongstother things the enclosed fly bridge, radar,aft awning, underwater lights and drinkscabinet!

Contact:Voyager Catamarans,Octal St.Yatala, QLD. 4207 Aust.Ph: +61 (0)7 3382 7400 Email: info@voyagercats.com.auWebsite: www.voyagercats.com.au

Design Name Voyager V1250 Conquest

Builder Voyager CatamaransDesigner Derek AppletonYear Launched 2008LOA 13.0mBeam 5.3m Draft 0.96mDisplacement 9,000kgMax Speed 22 kts Cruise Speed 16 – 19 ktsFuel Cap 1,400 litresWater Cap 750 litresConstruction Solid F’glass,

Composite sandwich, and Cored panel

Engines Make 2x190hp Steyr 196 Turbo charged, 6 cyl Diesels

Gearboxes ZF 45A, 2.43:1Propellers ZF Faster 4 blade Ni-Br

19d x 21pDrive Train Fully protected direct

shaft drivesInverter Zantrax 1800Lighting L.E.D. and HalogensAnchor WinchMuir - horizontal RCMAnchor 45lb galv. PloughSteering Seastar HydraulicControls ZF Micro Commander

ElectronicWipers TMC PantographPaint FGI GelcoatPaint (Antifouling) AltexHatches LewmarWindscreens AlfabHead TMC ElectricVeneer/Plywood Californian BeechUpholstery NSW Leather CoStainless Steel BoatfitBatteries Absorbed Power -

3 x AGM house, & 2 x AGM startEntertainment System Clarion

E L E C T R O N I C SAutopilot Raymarine ST6002GPS/Plotter Raymarine E120 Colour Depth Sounder Raymarine DSM300Radar Raymarine 24 mile RadomeVHF IcomSoftware System Navionics PlatinumSwitch Panel BEP Marine Base Price AU$790,000Price As Tested $960,000

S P E C I F I C A T I O N S