Boating New Zealand — January 2018

costs. So he negotiated the rights and set about developing a

production 20-foot (6.35m) version of the Sea Blade for the

local and export market.

Somewhat of a perfectionist, Winstone was adamant

about getting the design and resulting mouldings 100 percent

right. This is where the three years (and evidently a combined

investment of US$3.5 million with Navatek) has come in.

Finally, he is satisfied and allowed us to have a play with his

‘baby’. The weather gods played ball and it was a fantastic day

out on the water.

The boat shows a high level of attention to detail. Absolutely

everything about it is perfect, from the quality of the finish

(a mirror gloss), the perfectly-fitted Lancer custom decking

(with Sea Blade logo in prominent locations), the custom-

embroidered squabs, teak capping on the gunwales, beautiful

stainless work and the impeccable powder-coated T-top.

But this is no show-pony. A baitboard, rod holders under the

gunwales, tackle boxes tucked behind the helm backrest and

massive wet lockers show this boat is set up for fun and does

not mind getting dirty. The massive boarding platform further

adds to the fun factor – and it also houses a livebait tank.

Clear doors slide neatly into their slots on either side of the

transom, and they can be fully-removed to provide a true, walk-

through flow right from the bow area past the central helm

through to the boarding platform.

This is a multi-function boat, which will serve equally well

as a hard-core water sports vessel, a family boat or a down-and-

dirty fishing machine. The transom seat drops down when not

required, opening up access to the bait board and the underfloor

wet locker. Similarly, the helm seat can fold away, allowing the

skipper the option of standing (with a cushioned back support)

or sitting.

Speaking of the helm, this boat is seriously ‘blinged’ out.

Front and centre is the Humminbird Onix 10 Si touch-screen

chartplotter and fishfinder, with HD side imaging, down

imaging and digital sonar processing. That connects into an

on-board NMEA2000 network, from where the CZone digital

solution uses one simple display to replace an entire collection

of individual switches.

The 225hp four-stroke Yamaha hanging off the back has

the Command Link digital electronic control, connected

through the Yamaha digital tachometer and speed/fuel

displays. A Fusion MS-UD750 stereo sound system provides

the beat, and an Icom IC-M304 VHF radio takes care of

communication.

Anchoring duties are handled by the Maxwell anchor winch,

combined with the AutoAnchor AA150 rode counter and

remote control FOB. This allows anchoring off a beach and then

running a line back to shore, with the remote control used to

bring the boat back in when climbing back on board. After all

this, the livebait tank pump, 60-litre freshwater tank and wash

down/shower pump seem almost trivial.

112 Boating New Zealand

A hull that’s stable,

efficient and sea-

kindly but which also

delivers ride comfort,

speed, safety and

performance

The 225hp
Yamaha delivers
an adrenalin-
rush, but you
could get by with
a smaller plant.