68 Boating New Zealand
with a boating problem’ get together for social events, and
everyone is a commodore.
“Te camaraderie shared by members is such that ‘rules’ in
the normal sense are inappropriate and any sense of formality
is for the entertainment that such pomp and ceremony usually
provides,” the charter notes.PARTY BOAT
Entry onboard is via walk-throughs in the transom of both
hulls. Te tender sits on a ‘shelf ’ that folds down between the
two hulls, and can be raised and lowered by a removable davit
on the wide transom. “It’s easy to put in, easy to launch and
retrieve – Garry can do it on his own. It was a two-person job on
the yacht,” Sandra notes.
Margaritaville is made for entertaining, starting with the
huge cockpit. Te Elliotts wanted plenty of seating here, so
as well as a fxed seat at the back of the cabin on each side,extra seating folds out of the sides of the cockpit to complete
a u-shape. Te boat’s colourful décor starts here, too: bright
yellow canvas squabs set a party mood as soon as you step
onboard, and the cockpit foor is minty-green non-skid.
Te cockpit area can be completely covered by an extendable
hard-top which slides out from the rear of the cabin, creating
a shaded, sheltered outdoor room with the addition of custom
clears at the sides. At the rear a wide transom creates another
seating space and provides room for the barbecue.
Te use of colour and sense of fun continues inside. Te
cabin’s accessed via a pair of central doors, with large, top-hinged
windows bringing plenty of light into the saloon.
It’s a bright interior – not only because of the light from
the wrap-around windows, but also the décor. A colourful,
possibly tipsy parrot, hangs in one corner, and bright cushions
complement the coral-coloured upholstery. Obviously, this is a
boat which is enjoyed and utilised, not a showroom special.Solar panels bring
the luxury of a freezer,
which the Elliotts
haven’t had before.
Of course, this means
they can now make
ice-cream margaritas.
FAR RIGHT The overhang
keeps the elements at bay
when you’re relaxing in the
cockpit.
RIGHT The roof’s an
excellent spot for solar
panels.
BOTTOM The Lombardinis
are sweet-running and
miserly consumers.