Purpose-built motor catamarans like the exciting new explorer-style ILIAD 50 give owners a versatile vessel for heading over far horizons, as Kevin Green discovers.
Power catamarans have many attractions for cruising boaters and day sailors alike, both of whom can appreciate the stability, space and frugality. A great example is the new ILIAD 50, brought to the market by Australian company Multihull Solutions as the first of a range that encompasses a 70 model launched at the 2019 Sydney International Boat Show, plus a 60 and 90 later. These semi-displacement yachts can do double-digit cruising speeds while offering vast ranges.
But this is not just another coastal cruising power cat, as ILIAD Catamarans CEO Mark Elkington is keen to point out. A key point of difference is a wide array of engine choices.
“The ILIAD range starts at 50 feet, as you need that size to have all the equipment that a true passage-making boat requires,” he says.
The other key market differentiator is the semi-custom build and an exceptionally high level of detail in the finish. ILIAD Catamarans offers fully optioned base boats rather than creating add-ons afterwards.
CREATING THE LEGEND
The popularity of explorer-style yachts has never been higher as boaters seek to escape the madding crowd while embracing the latest technologies to liberate them from onshore services. For motor yachts, fuel efficiency is a major attribute and this is where catamarans, with their low-drag hulls, become attractive.
Realising this, then forming a consortium to bring such a vessel to the market, proved a challenge, says Elkington. “I explored about 50 yards around the world for an offshore passagemaker that was tough enough to be beached if necessary, but most were using IPS engines, which are too vulnerable. So our choice was either forget about this market opportunity or put a team together and build something ourselves.”
The resulting company, Global Marine, includes former Azimut designer Riccardo Bulgarelli and a Chinese naval dockyard relaunched as Xinlong Yachts in Zhanjiang. A prototype was launched in October 2017, which motored 3,000 nautical miles around Asia for research and development. Only then was the mould created for the ILIAD 50.
ASTONISHING SPACE
The explorer-style ethos required the hull to be very resilient, so the 
shaft-drive engines and rudder are protected by an integrated keel. The ILIAD 50 has three impressive levels of living space, with owner or charter versions available below decks. Its silhouette is dominated by the large flybridge extending all the way aft.
Climbing up via the inboard steps from the cockpit reveals a semi-covered flybridge with lounge midships that seats eight, along with a wet bar, electric plate and bar fridge. Offset forward to port is the helm. Aft, across the swath of thick teak floor, is an open area designed to house a dinghy with a stainless steel winch base already in place – but being a semi-custom boat, this area could have sunbeds or even a Jacuzzi.
The helm has a Raymarine Hybrid Touch chart screen alongside autopilot and engine controls. The main aft deck is a vast area of relaxation space that will be a strong draw for buyers. A wet bar and table for eight means it is a seamless alfresco extension of the open-plan saloon, with the galley and dinette just inside to port.
The forepart of the saloon is elevated by a step, so there are clear views from the second (optional) helm and airflow at anchor, thanks to a large front window. The sleek contemporary galley features quality Siemens appliances and spacious Corian worktops, and the large cupboards overhead and twin-drawer fridges are ideal for victualling long term.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE
Moving back aft, each hull has moulded steps into the water and the transom can house a tender on davits. Here, also, are the hatches to each engine. The standard fitting is for 375hp Volvo shaft drives, but up to 10 engine choices are available, including different brands.
“We offer true freedom of choice, and this applies to most of the systems, such as engines and electronics,” says Elkington. The engine room is spacious and well organised with electrics and batteries elevated above the engines. Only quality components are used, like Racor filters, Victron inverters and a Seafire automatic fire suppression system. This is all housed in a sturdily built, CE-A category hull that has a solid fibreglass base and mini keels to allow a grounding if needed.
“It’s a full vinylester hull, not just below the waterline but above as well, with monolithic or solid glass around the keel line and key parts,” says Elkington. Elsewhere, PVC closed-cell infusion has been used by the Xinlong shipyard, which was visited by European CE inspectors at key stages of the build.
FINISHING TOUCHES
Most striking is the ILIAD 50’s level of detailing and quality of finish. 
It’s clearly hand-finished in most places, from rounded ends to curved cocktail table tops and immaculate stitching in the soft leather couches.
The review boat had only been on display at the 2019 Sanctuary Cove Boat Show for a single day before it was purchased. Closed off by a sliding door, the entire port hull is dedicated to the owner, with a large island bed in the stern, ensuite in the bow and vanity/desk midships. Expansive windows beside the bed and down the hull afford generous water views and give an airy feel. Teak underfoot and a quality Tecman electric head finish off the area nicely. In the starboard hull the two double berths with ensuites are equally well appointed, including memory-foam mattresses and bookshelves with tasteful mood lights.
There is ample usable deck space; the bow features elevated twin sunbeds and lockers between them to house the anchor system. The rode runs under the nacelle, safely away from bare feet, and is controlled by a substantial Quick 2000W vertical windlass.
EPIC RANGE
Cats offer great manoeuvrability thanks to wide-set shafts, and the ILIAD 50 spins in its own length. High up on the flybridge, I have clear views so easily dodge obstacles before opening the throttles. We reach 21 knots at 3,450rpm from the fitted Volvo D6-435s before I slow the ILIAD down to a more sedate cruising speed of 18 knots, showing a fuel burn of 105L/h.
Cruising at 10 knots should extend range to 750 nautical miles. And although the sea is calm, we punch through our wake without a murmur from anything. The ILIAD 50 is a highly competent power catamaran that will definitely appeal to a broad range of boaters who are looking for an odyssey of their own.
FOR MORE ILIAD 50 INFORMATION, CLICK HERE, or
T: +61 (0) 401 045 228 E: mark@iliadcatamarans.com.au