The post GFC demise of several Gold Coast companies that manufactured sport cruisers have made way for an influx of imports traditionally from the USA. Borne out of Brazil, the Fibrafort boats are challenging the worlds sports cruiser market with a range of high-specification quality built boats.
Fibrafort currently has the largest dealer network of the segment in Brazil with 49 domestic dealers and a further presence in 43 countries including Australia. It boasts two busy production-line produce models from 16 to 32 feet, and motor yachts measuring from 35 to 44 feet. With an organic growth of over 20 years, the company offers the highest design and technical quality which requires careful work from a dedicated production team.
Local Fibrafort distributor Stefan Boating World are making big inroads into the Australian market with well appointed models at aggressive pricing, to fill the gap in the sports cruiser segment of the Gold Coast market. “The sports cruiser market has always been a fast growing form of recreational boating and with an increasing demand for new models to replace the Gold Coast built boats of the 1990’s and 2000’s,“ says Tim Atkins, operations manager at Stefan Boating World. “The Fibrafort F330 ticks all the boxes with unmatched features for the price point.”
Fibrafort proves to be an affordable family boat for weekends away on the Broadwater with enough power and agility to take the kids skiing and tubing, without ever spilling mum’s chardonnay. The hull has a unique designed that reduces noise and improve handling. Manufactured with a composite of polyurethane and fiberglass that is core filled with closed cell foam which creates a hard wearing finish.
“Step onto the F330 and you instantly get the impression the boat is user-friendly. The dive platform is wide and open with a rear facing lounge that creates a wonderful on-water play area idea for swimming or disembarking with ease via the inbuilt ladder,” explains Tim. A retractable shower allows you to rinse of your feet, wash the kids before dinner, or take a late afternoon shower.
The cockpit layout is one of the best designed for this length boat. Tim says, “The captain has the comfort of a bench seat while passengers can enjoy the view from a long port side lounge. But that’s not all, there are further lounge seating encompassing the cockpit only interrupted by a transom passage way.” There is ample room to lay down a towel and catch some sunshine.
At the helm of the F330, there is a distinct white colour dashboard with chrome gauges and stylish wheel. There is space for an optional inbuilt GPS and sounder, and offers easy access to the bow with the walk through windscreen. It also has some very clever features such as a transom BBQ, removable centre table, removable esky and sound system speakers positioned in the targa.
Tim says, “With a capacity for 160 litres of fresh water and 380 litres of fuel you can go places. There has been no short cuts taken during the design and construction of this range of sports cruisers.” He is not wrong—the cockpit is the ideal spot to kick back when underway and provides passengers with all-round views.
Accessed through a cockpit doorway, the cabin below boasts homely accommodations that are very livable for a family. With a 1.8-metre head height, you can prepare meals in the kitchenette utilising the stainless steel sink, microwave, refrigerator and glass door pantry. Immediately to starboard is the well-proportioned bathroom with shower head. A dinette for family dinners easily converts to a double bed surrounded by windows, and overhead, a hatchway and mirrored bedhead. Another double bed amidships, which features an iconic and stylish large rectangular window finished in tinted glass and stainless steel, will ensure the kids are never bored and always have a view of nature outside. The cabin has LED lighting and European quality carpets, and plenty of cupboards, drawers and under-seat storage. “The fit-out is superb. The wood finishings are all class,” enthuses Tim.
Tim lists just a few features, but stresses this boat needs to be seen to be believed. Tim is confident this model will become a local favourite.
There are various petrol and diesel options available for the F330. The single engine models are powered by a 300HP to 400HP engine in either petrol or diesel, while a twin-engine set-up is fitted with 150HP to 265HP diesels, or 190HP to 260HP petrol engines. The engine access is first-rate, through a large gas-lift hatch in the cockpit giving generous room to complete required maintenance.
The F330 is a responsive performer and shows no reluctance when pushing itself onto the plane. Overall, the Fibrafort F330 lives up well to its sports cruiser label, and will no doubt impress current sport cruiser users and those wanting an all-round family fun boat.
Tim invites you to come aboard and see for yourself at Stefan Boating World “The best thing about the boat is the price, which at $209,000 represents excellent value given the quality of the fit out and equipment provided as standard.”
“The Fibrafort F330 epitomises a sports cruiser with sporty good looks and a layout that defies the boat’s physical dimensions. It is a beauty!”
Editorial by Andy Kancachian
