Ultimate 270 - A unique, affordable cruiser that is easy to sail

5:15 AM Tue 10 Nov 2009 GMT

'Ultimate 270 under sail' Click Here to view large photo

The lines are familiar but the fitout and finish are from the current era, and of a different class. The Ultimate 270 is based on a Northshore 27 but that is where the resemblance ends.

Sydney boatbuilder, Jerry Hendrey of Careening Cove Boat Brokerage & Slipway, Sydney, specialises in taking classic yacht hulls and rebuilding them as new boats with a high style fitout.

Jerry bought the 27 ("I don't know how old it is", he says) stripped the hull then rebuilt it to the highest standards of style and workmanship. "I wanted to show that Australians could match the best European boatbuilders", Jerry said. "And I wanted to do something under 30ft because there is nothing much on the market".

The Northshore's keel was removed and sandblasted and the hull exterior resprayed in Aqua Mist (Off White) with double boot top line in Teal by one of Sydney's best spray painters, Paul Hendrey. The cockpit floor was finished with Tek Dek, a composite material which looks like teak but reduces maintenance. The spacious cockpit is ideal for entertaining as it can easily accommodate up to 6 people.

The 15hp Nanni auxiliary was removed and given a full service. The three bladed fixed propeller was changed to a two bladed folding propeller to improve performance.

Then the engine room was totally insulated with a high quality sound dampening material. The 20 litre insulated hot water tank was installed to supply the galley and the cockpit shower with hot water. A compact 24 litre sullage tank was also installed with a cockpit to shore discharge.

Jerry's team rebuilt the interior with shiplap silver ash on the topsides, complemented by solid teak trims and combings giving a light and airy feeling of luxury. The new user-friendly galley was fitted to include three large sliding drawers, underbench storage behind the SS sink and the new 2 burner gas stove with grill. There is also open storage above the galley bench top to give a feeling of spaciousness.

All the hatches were replaced, and to improve ventilation two Lewmar opening ports were fitted to each side of the cabin giving a warm golden glow to the whole interior.

Ultimate 270 interior - Click Here to view large photo

For a more open feel to the interior, Jerry added his trademark touch of a 12mm clear perspex bulkhead each side of the compression post. The perspex was strengthened by a highly polished stainless steel handrail.

The V-Berth bunk was also carefully thought about when rebuilding. A nest of three drawers has been installed to give the ladies of the crew some personalised storage space.

The highlight of the saloon is the teak and carbon fibre look alike table with useful centre console storage. A warm and comfortable feeling is brought to the whole interior by the teal coloured faux suede trim which has been scotchgarded for durability.

What is the instrumentation you ask? This boat has been equipped with the latest wind, depth and log instrumentation by Tacktick for better performance and greater freedom, A GPS 4008 plotter by Garmin and a VHF radio and sound system are also included. 12 volt refrigeration has been installed underneath the navigation table directly opposite the galley.

The standing rigging is new and Jerry specified a Selden boom and gas rod kicker and a Furlex furler on the forestay. The new sails are by Ian MacDiarmid.

The result of all this work is an as-new yacht with an interior of a style seen only on much bigger and more expensive boats.

"This is an as-new boat which is ready to go. All an owner needs to do is add personal effects", says the builder. The new owner will have the benefit of 12 months warranty on the hull and deck by Jerry Hendrey Boat Builders plus the manufacturers warranty on new parts.

For more information: www.jerryhendrey.com

by Harbourside Media