A unique layout makes the Privateer Trawler 65 far more than just another displacement mile muncher
The Privateer Trawler 65 is not only the largest boat that the Dutch yard has ever built but it’s also one of the most interesting.
The owner of hull number one, taking into account the enormous flybridge you get on the 65, decided that enough outdoor space was enough and therefore enclosed the aft end of the saloon, which means no cockpit.
But take one look at the wonderfully cosy saloon, which because it is closed off at the aft end feels more like a room in a house than the saloon of a boat, and you can’t help but praise this novel idea.
Two snug armchairs slot into teak enclaves either side and a pair of comfortable L-shaped mini sofas and movable tables make up what is a brilliantly sociable area, with wonderful panoramic views out of the vast square windows.
As a place to sit in the warm and watch the world drift by it is spot on and makes for the perfect cosy night cap spot, too.
Flybridge
But with the saloon sealed off and no cockpit, how do you get in and out of the saloon and where’s the access to the flybridge?
Well saloon access is despatched by sliding doors on either side, which grant entry from either sidedeck whilst getting to the flybridge is accomplished by using either the internal staircase in the pilothouse or the quirky extended ladder that runs from the bathing platform straight to the top deck.
The saloon looking forward to the galley and raised pilothouse
It’s a top deck that majors on open space but lacks the thought of a more mainstream GRP flybridge. There is hardly any built-in furniture at all, save some low and not particularly comfortable seating by the helm and the aft end of the flybridge is left open to store the tender.
Below decks the master cabin is teak-packed full-beam affair with three large hull windows on either side. The island double berth lies athwartships with the large ensuite opposite.
There are some neat touches like auto illuminating cupboards, a TV that whirs out of the end of the bed and automatic blinds that rise and drop at the touch of a button.
Weighing in at around 62 tonnes and with a displacement hull the Privateer Trawler 65 gets on with the job of forcing water out of its way with minimum fuss thanks to a pair of John Deere 240hp diesels turning over at a lazy maximum of 2,300rpm.
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Top speed is 10.5 knots but really she is an 6-9 knot boat, the range at 8.5 knots being somewhere in the region of 3,000nm.
And that hints at that the Privateer Trawler 65 is all about, clever and effective layout aside, this is is a tough and talented mile-muncher that will take you around the world without a care.
Read the full report in the May 2015 issue of Motor Boat & Yachting.
For more information contact Privateer. Tel: +31 (0)515 559044 Web: www.privateeryachts.com
Pros
- Solid steel build
- Quality finish
- Purposeful, handsome looks
- Fascinating main deck design
- Rough weather capability
- Enormous range
Cons
- Sparse flybridge
- Compact forward cabin
- Slow cruising won't be for everyone
Verdict
Privateer's excellent build quality, detailing and long-range compsure spiced up with an intruiging deck design
Details
Length: 65ft 5in (19.95m)
Beam: 17ft 4in (5.30m)
Draught: 4ft 9in (1.5m)
Air draught: 16ft 7in (5.1m)
Displacement: approx. 62 tonnes
Engines: Twin John Deere 240hp
Top speed: 10.5 knots
Cruise speed: 8.5 knots
Range: 3,000nm @ 8.5 knots
