– Iliad 50 –
A Legend for Modern Times
Homer’s famous poem conjures the stirring deeds, determination and glory of warriors, heroes, kings and gods. And in 2019, an exciting new range of power catamarans has been launched that evokes the epic’s themes to deliver legendary long-range performance and affordable customisation.
The international power cruising catamaran market has boomed in the past decade, and advances in design and construction technology have produced vessels that tackle the world’s oceans with impressive speed, comfort and economy. However, few production and semi-production power cat manufacturers offer buyers the ability to customise their boat to suit their individual needs without radically increasing the price. Consequently, today’s marinas are awash with homogenous power boats that don’t inspire much sense of passion from their owners. The innovative new ILIAD Catamarans shipyard is subverting this trend with the launch of a range of power catamarans that allows buyers to truly personalise their boat to a luxurious standard at a price that challenges the world’s production and semi-production power cat models.
The company has invested years of research and development with an internationally accredited team of designers and naval architects to create the ILIAD 50, 60 and 70, with plans for the 90 now on the drawing board. The ILIAD 50 is the first of the range to be launched and was unveiled at the 2019 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show from May 23-26. The ILIAD 70 follows closely on its heels with its Australian owner due to take possession in mid 2019, and the 60’ will be launched in 2020.
The catamarans are particularly unique in that clients are able to customise many aspects of their chosen model to reflect their individual style and needs but without the epic cost involved in changing aspects of most production and semi-production power catamarans. Clients are free to choose their own preferred layout, timber finishes, electronics package, luxurious fabrics, engine options and more, at an extremely cost-efficient rate. Yet the ILIAD range are also stunning achievements in power catamaran design, delivering safe and comfortable offshore performance with some of the longest range capabilities in their market segment (2500nm-6000nm).
Three levels of ultimate luxury for entertaining and relaxation.
EXPERTS AT THE HELM
ILIAD Catamarans is the successful collaboration of Global Marine and ITAC Marine with both entities bringing a wealth of expertise to the project. ITAC Marine has been designing and managing international boatbuilding projects in China for almost 10 years for the international market, while Global Marine (led by experienced business and marine specialist Paul Jenkins) is currently developing a strategic international dealer network for the brand. The range is produced at Zhanjiang at Xinlong shipyard, one of the few established shipyards in China that construct premium quality explorer-type boats for the world market and uses only the highest quality of internationally imported materials. Its impressive facility overlooks the famous Zhanjiang Bay Bridge with waterfront launching access and boasts an expansive team of internationally-trained staff who have already made waves in the industry with the construction of Bering’s luxurious 65, 77 and 80ft motor yachts.
The mastermind behind the design of the ILIAD range is renowned naval architect Riccardo Bulgarelli who worked in Italy for many years for some of the world’s leading shipyards before establishing his own design office in China. Bulgarelli has designed and project-managed the build of many exclusive custom vessels as large as 112ft for successful export to the world market. Recently appointed Asia Pacific dealer, Multihull Solutions, purchased the initial prototype based on the ILIAD philosophy and design. Multihull Solutions has a strong reputation in the region and wanted to be confident it was the right product to add to their range. The prototype was extensively tested with sea trials and ocean passages across the South China Sea, meeting head on with conditions that would challenge any ocean-going craft.
Expansive windows providing light-filled living spaces and 360° views.
Multihull Solutions managing director Mark Elkington said the 2017 Christmas typhoons that hit Vietnam were a real test for the boat. “We got caught for 24 hours in up to 7m seas with consistent winds of 70-80kts before we made shelter,” Mark said. “However, we felt very safe and comfortable on this boat even in the most intense conditions. After clocking 1000 engine hours and almost 10,000nm, the data from this prototype project was analysed by all stakeholders, including the design team, and implemented across the new ILIAD range to ensure the market would receive a boat that was up to the planned demanding standards.
“This project, while costly, was worth every dollar and hour invested. We wanted to get this right, not sell the first boat to a client and see them go through the typical ‘first-boat debugging’ challenges” said Global CEO Paul Jenkins. Mark Elkington continued, “At Multihull Solutions we have handled dozens of new multihull releases over the past 20 years and wanted to ensure we approached this project differently and learnt everything possible to completely understand the systems, make recommendations and minimise the compromises that are evident in all boats and give feedback to Global Marine and the builders first hand.”
LEGENDARY FEATURES
While the ability to truly customise each model is a major feature of the ILIAD range, the 50, 60 and 70 are also impressive achievements in power catamaran design. Global Marine CEO Paul Jenkins said the boats are true long-range power cats that make no compromises. “Each cat has been designed with an emphasis on safety, strength, stability and economy,” Paul said. “While we wanted to first and foremost create a range that allowed buyers to design a power boat that suited their unique needs without the exorbitant cost, we also have employed the finest minds in naval architecture to ensure each boat delivers outstanding performance in the most rugged conditions,” he said.
Over 10 engine options are available, and ILIAD Catamarans all come with standard inclusions, including dual control electronics as well as systems for fuel transfer, blackwater and power management systems, and full protective keels for total protection of running gear. Each model also features flybridge hard tops, resin-infused PVC foam core hulls in vinylester resin, Tecma fresh-water flush electric toilets, bathroom extractor fans and an ocean of other premium-quality fixtures. ILIAD Catamarans are built to CE (Cat A) as standard, however all models can be built to any specified international survey classification, and for maximum peace of mind or commercial operation include a five-year internationally supported structural warranty.
IN HARMONY WITH THE SEA
ILIAD has designed each model to evoke the comfort and style of luxury apartments, with astonishing space throughout their living areas. Conceptualised with long-term cruisers in mind, the catamarans are extremely functional with excellent flow across the various zones. The standard forward lounge in each model provides amazing 360° views, and unlike many other modern power cats, ILIAD has introduced an option for a spacious master suite in the main deck to optimise the use of space and create a naturally light, airy and idyllic retreat for those couples or cruisers who want to live on one level. Beautifully appointed gourmet galleys are standard across the ILIAD range, complete with the best quality appliances and rangehood extractor fans. Every cupboard is thoughtfully accessible for guests of all heights, and storage facilities are in abundance for extended cruising. As with the rest of the boat, the galley can be completely customised to adapt layouts or add and remove any fixtures or styles the buyer desires.
Continuing this freedom of choice, the flybridges can be left entirely open or can be fully enclosed with fully ducted air conditioning, or owners can elect to have the best of both worlds with high-quality clears that can be opened and closed as the elements demand. Sedan options are also available if a flybridge is not a requirement or bridge height restrictions require a reduced air height to meet an individual client’s needs. Wide, safe walkways are part of each design with hand rails at a comfortable height for complete security at sea, while clear, uncluttered decks and huge deck storage facilities make offshore passages practical, safe and carefree.
INTREPID ADVENTURERS FOR REMOTE CRUISING
Just like the legendary Achaean ships of Homer’s epic, ILIAD’s cats are designed to face the most treacherous conditions with confidence, which is a heavily tested hallmark of the ILIAD range’s DNA. Ideal for extended-passage cruisers, each model affords impressive range and speed with competitive fuel efficiency.
Main deck station ideal for long distance cruising in comfort and safety.
The company’s standard recommended engines deliver a long-range cruising speed of 7kts at a fuel burn between 1.2 and 1.5 litres per nautical mile with a range of up to 6,000nm (depending on model). Well-trimmed fore and aft at all speeds, the catamarans are able to explore farther than their competitors with the protective grounding skegs making them beachable in emergencies or servicing in remote areas.
Global Marine’s Paul Jenkins said the ILIAD design is all about minimising the many compromises in both mono and multihull vessels, for extended liveaboard cruising to more remote places to see unspoilt cruising grounds and locations that are just not accessible with most mainstream boats. “Firstly, we wanted to make a boat that was safe and as comfortable as can be for each model’s size, to offer more comfort for the crew. Multihulls were the natural choice for this project as they not only offer the stability without complex stabilising systems, but we have a separate engine room in each hull. “In the event of water entering an engine room, having separate engine rooms offers real peace of mind. You are highly likely to always have one engine to get you back to safety.
“Not many power boats offer such shallow drafts of 1.25-1.5m (depending on the model) while offering such sheer volume per metre of boat. Shallow draft allows safer anchoring as you can get into the most interesting bays and inlets to see places you would normally pass by. Further, you have the security of a three-quarter length keel/skeg to protect your running gear should a grounding occur, or more likely, if you touch the ocean floor while at anchor at low tide. “While we are not promoting that our boats are designed to run aground, the design does offer owners peace of mind if they touch the ocean floor while at anchor or while navigating at low speeds into a difficult shallow waterway or an area of poorly charted water.
Standard fuel specification by model provided can be discussed with each buyer and increased if the specific choice of model requires more range at a particular speed.
Paul Jenkins said that with multihull hull design, buyers cannot have it all. “A top speed of 25+kts does not necessarily give you a fuel efficiency and a longer range at lower speeds, just as impressive fuel burn figures of 7-8kts that achieve around one litre per nautical mile will not give you a high top-end speed. “ILIAD has balanced design around the best of both worlds, offering very impressive long-range fuel burn numbers of 1.2-1.5 litres per nautical mile, depending on the model, with respectable top-end speeds of 20- 22kts. Ideal passage-making speeds of 8-9kts with very comfortable fast cruise speeds of 16-18kts.” “Our boats will not appeal to those buyers who just want speed, bling and gadgets. Simplicity and ease of operation is our ethic, and you will see this in all our boats.
“Systems have to be simple, logical and manageable with the resources you have on board. All clients are not engineers, mechanics and electricians, so minimising complex systems is part of ILIAD’s DNA. Back-up systems and redundancy can be built into each ILIAD – that’s our power of choice,” Paul said.
Owner's suite including walk around queen-sized bed, couch, desk, incredible storage and spacious ensuite bathroom.
ILIAD 50
There has been intense interest surrounding the launch of the new ILIAD 50 at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. The catamaran has turned heads since its arrival in Australia in early May with many industry leaders predicting it will be a game changer for the powerboat market. This true offshore passage maker delivers impressive comfort and safety at sea, and with a bridge deck height of 850mm at half load, the ILIAD 50 stands above its competitors during challenging ocean passages.
The catamaran is designed for uncompromising safety and comfort, with wide and level walkways affording easy access between the aft cockpit and foredeck area. The flexible design options offer an optional forward main deck helm station (in addition to the flybridge helm station), and the flybridge stairway has been designed with a fully composite mould (not a ladder-style stairway) ensuring optimal safety and convenience for guests and crew when underway. The ILIAD 50 has an abundance of space for relaxation, including a foredeck lounge and an impressive flybridge that is a luxurious entertaining precinct all of its own featuring a lounge/dining area for eight guests, independent galley, barbecue/grill, separate drinks fridge, ice maker and more. On the main deck, the galley boasts the finest range of appliances, generous storage, an oversized stainless-steel double sink, Corian benchtops and 360-degree views of the sea.
In one of the many layout options available, the forward lounge area delivers the ambience of a luxurious waterfront apartment with views from every angle and seamless access to the saloon and dining areas. The interior design and colour schemes are a personal choice for each buyer, offering customisation, various layout options and choice of equipment brands. All cabins are beautifully appointed with queen-size beds, and generous windows help create naturally bright and airy havens for privacy and relaxation. The bathrooms are oversized for a vessel of this size and the owner’s bathroom features a huge shower large enough for two to share. The ILIAD 50’s engine rooms are designed for easy access for servicing from the aft deck though watertight hatches and all major access points thoughtfully designed for convenience and safety. The catamaran’s design allows for either traditional davits or a lifter to be fitted to her transom for the tender, or for those wanting a larger tender-carrying capacity, a flybridge-mounted crane can lift and store the tender aft of the flybridge deck area.
The ILIAD 50 boasts one of the few hull designs in its size range that can be beached in case of emergency or for out-of-water servicing when navigating in remote areas.
Priced from USD$1.4M (ex-factory and ex-tax, and well optioned for offshore passages), the ILIAD 50 is an exciting evolution in power catamaran design and delivers outstanding value for money.
FIRST CATS OFF THE RANK
Multihull Solutions has already sold an ILIAD 70 to a Queenslander buyer, Ty Hermans, who has been closely involved in customising his boat from the early design stages and will undertake its handover in July 2019. Ty and his partner Gina had been in the market for a power cat for almost two years before choosing a new ILIAD. “When we embarked on our next project we literally spent 18 months developing the spec we wanted to see in our next boat,” Ty said. “We looked at every multihull on the market, scoured every boat show in Australia, Europe and USA to ensure we saw everything that was on offer from every brand on the planet. “The decision to finally purchase an ILIAD from Multihull Solutions ended up being an easy one, as they had looked after us so well with our last boat purchase (a Fountaine Pajot Saba 50 Hull #1). “The team at Multihull Solutions were sensational and took our detailed spec to ILIAD, and the next thing we knew we were building this mountain of a boat and having a blast along the way,” he said. “We loved that ILIAD were setting out to design a range of boats that we could have a lot of influence in and be able to include the features and design elements that we wanted. “Obviously price was another driving factor that allowed us to simply get so much more for our money. “Finally, we just love being part of a brand that we believe is offering a real game-changing product to the multihull market,” Ty said.
Ty and Gina brought specific requirements to the shipyard’s design team when they made a decision to order an ILIAD 70. “For us it was important to balance a really functional design with the features that make extended trips or living on board extremely comfortable. As mentioned before, our shopping list was extensive and we weren’t really concerned with the types of blinds we were going to pick, but rather that everything for us had to be functional. “Our experience with the Saba taught us that 95% of the time we were on the boat by ourselves, so we focussed the design in being extremely comfortable for us as a couple, while also very welcoming for when we had multiple families/groups on board. “Above all the boat had to be able to be managed by us without crew, and single handed if the other person was out of action. “The main deck master bedroom is perfect for us and offers a huge volume of seamless living space when it is just the two of us – something that no other boat could provide – while also very private when guests are on board.
“The square window design is very practical, resulting in maximum interior volume and minimises UV light and heat into the interior living spaces. Having four other guest bedrooms comprising two huge king-size VIP rooms, one guest king bedroom and a three-bed bunk room, provides a level of accommodation that we would have had to buy a 120ft monohull to get even close to! “The internal raised pilot house is a sensational feature for extended voyages and the way we have arranged it all really works in with the main deck layout. “The huge hydraulic platform and flybridge-mounted crane offers us the flexibility to carry a range of tenders, jetskis, quads and other toys (I am 100% swinging my Harley onboard for the east coast trip!).
The Iliad 50's impressive flybridge that is a luxurious entertaining precinct all of its own featuring a lounge/dining area for eight guests, independent galley, barbecue/grill, separate drinks fridge, ice maker and more.
“Storage for us was an important feature, and the dedicated dive lockers and surfboard storage on the 70’ are going to be unreal, and the rest of the boat has really well-planned storage spaces and utility rooms etc. “So there are some big features that we love, but I reckon it’s the small features that have gone into the Iliad 70 that are going to make a huge difference for us living on the boat,” he said. Ty and Gina have big plans for their new ILIAD 70 to take advantage of its outstanding range.
“The 70’ has a fuel range out to 4,500nm, so we can take her pretty well anywhere on the planet, which is pretty cool. We plan to spend a few years in and around the east coast of Australia and the nearby Pacific Islands, so the family and friends can enjoy the boat.
“Then, if we haven’t upgraded to the ILIAD 90, we will take the 70 across to the Med for a few years. We had such a great time in the Med on the Saba, and the 70 is going to be an unbelievable platform for exploring the region so we can’t wait to get back there. “After the Med we can circle back to Australia via the Americas and maybe be the first ILIAD to do the full round trip. The experience of being involved in the initial design and build process of their boat has been a key highlight for the 70’s first buyers. “Obviously things are still relatively new for ILIAD and there is so much the brand will learn along the way, but I can 100% recommend to anyone looking at their next 40-100ft power boat that they should take a look at ILIAD,” Ty said.
“The semi-custom nature of the boats themselves and your ability to maximise the value of your investment in a great quality boat, supported by a cracking team, is why I reckon ILIAD has to be part of any boat-buying journey – if nothing else, just so you can see what is possible!”
The spacious flybridge can fit up to 20 people comfortably.
ASIA PACIFIC LAUNCH
Global Marine Pty Ltd has appointed Multihull Solutions their first dealer with the exclusive rights for the Asia Pacific Region. Jenkins said that interest in the new range has already been very strong and that Multihull Solutions was the ideal partner to take best advantage of the opportunities in the region. “Before we have even officially launched the range to the world market, we have already sold three ILIADs and are dealing with strong interest on orders across the range. It’s an extremely exciting start to what we are confident will become one of the most successful power cat projects in the industry,” he said.
Inspections can be arranged by contacting Multihull Solutions on +61 (0) 7 5452 5164 or emailing
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