Boating New Zealand - May 2018

table layout doubles as an additional twin berth when required.

To starboard the galley has a sink, stove and fridge, and the

helm position (located in the centre of the dash area) doesn’t

impinge on access down to the cabins on either side.

I like the way the bifold cabin door folds lat to one side,

and with the window along the rear cabin wall also opening

completely, the sense of space and low is accentuated. It makes

for easy conversation across saloon and cockpit.

he helm seat is a padded model on a gas strut. Simrad

instruments dominate the helm – a NSS9 Evo3 multifunction

display, AP44 autopilot controller with colour digital display

and a lush-mounted VHF radio.

Wislang opted to install CZone digital switching throughout,

and just four switches control all lighting on board. A Yamaha

Command Link display shows all the parameters for the twin

outboards. Additional controls for the Fusion stereo and anchor

capstan complete the clean and simple helm layout.

Numerous layout options are available for cabin and cockpit

and Leech works with buyers to design something that works for

them. For Ostra, Wislang’s sailing experience taught him that a

cross-beam layout is best for a good night’s sleep: the luxurious

double bed is oriented across the main cabin. A simple step-up

makes for easy access, and the cabin door provides privacy.

To port is a wet room with hot water shower and toilet, and

a surprisingly large hand basin, more akin to an apartment

than a boat. In both sides a fairly snug, single berth provides

two more sleeping spaces and, with the settee in the cabin,

Ostra can accommodate six.

he bow area’s protected by a stainless safety rail, and access

to it is easy around the cabin sides or through the hatch in the

master cabin. An automatic winch and stainless plough pick

take care of the anchoring duties.

PERFORMANCE

Ostra’s dominant feature is stability. It’s immediately obvious,

and with the wing-deck well clear of the water she powers

through sizeable swells and waves without issue. he hard chines

do a good job of keeping spray down and well away from the hull.

Pushing hard into turns, she remained lat with no

outward-heel. I was pleased to see that even with the rear of

116 Boating New Zealand

the cabin completely open there was no suck-back of spray

into the interior, and the high wing-deck kept spray from

coming over the bows.

he twin Yamahas do a great job, easily pushing her to the

optimum cruise speed of 23 knots at 4,500rpm. At this speed

fuel consumption is around two litres per nautical mile, not bad

for an 8.25m boat with three adults, two children and a couple

of hundred litres of fuel on board. Engine noise isn’t intrusive –

even with the rear wall completely open – conversation was easy.

Allowing for a safety margin her twin 200-litre fuel tanks

ofer an efective range of around 180 nautical miles, but for

game ishing this would increase to over 250 nautical miles at

trolling speeds. With the weather conditions and the children

on board we didn’t push her to the maximum but Leech says the

planing hulls give a top speed of 35 knots.

LEFT The rear cabin wall –

comprising bifold doors and

window – can be opened

completely to enhance

cockpit-saloon flow.

BELOW There’s a well-

protected fishing spot between

the engines, and plenty of room

around the saloon table.