Live the Integrity Life...

‘Integrity Boating’ by Peter Scott

There is a new cruiser on the waterways around Queensland’s Gold Coast - the Integrity 386 ES. The Integrity is an Island Gypsy style 38 and a half footer with flybridge, walk around decks and solid teak construction throughout.

We were the first to test the Integrity 386, imported by John Rapmund and the team at Integrity Australasia based at Sanctuary Cove on Queensland thriving Gold Coast, as this bay style cruiser had literally just arrived and after a quick shake down, John had invited us to test the boat.

The Integrity has quite striking lines - almost a classic bay cruiser with its sparkling white hull, topsides and teak decks. It is also a surprise packet because, although only a 38 footer, it can comfortably accommodate eight people over-nighting.

This is achieved through clever use of space. The main saloon has 2 convertible lounges, one to a double, while the forward accommodation features a port side cabin with double and single bunk above and the Master Cabin features and Island double bed.

With its moulded swim platform, high sides and walk around deck, it is a great family cruiser, designed for on water living and entertaining.

Once aboard, the Integrity displays real warmth with its featured polished teak flooring, and solid teak fitout. The saloon area is quite spacious and features lounges either side of the entry while on the port side, a drop down and extendable table provides not only room for formal dining but also additional sleeping accommodation. These lounges typically also have huge storage lockers below. Just behind the helm seat on the starboard side of the saloon, a wine cabinet has been located with a top opening door which also becomes a bench.

The saloon area had been fitted with full curtains for privacy and to protect from the afternoon sun. The Galley is located on the port side forward to the convertible lounge while a Helm station is provided to starboard of the Galley.

The Galley is function and well appointed with its gas oven, three burner stove, handy size refrigerator, single, deep bowl stainless sink, pantry space, even drop down condiment trays and a pull out cutting board. The saloon features great forward vision with three large windows equipped with wipers while side windows are sliders with screens.

Bench tops are corian while forward of the Galley is a large chart storage area and table.

The starboard side Helm station is adequately equipped and will be enhanced when electronics are added. Says John Rampund, “We allow our owners to select their own brand of electronics although this is all included in the package”. Standard Cummins engine instrumentation has been used and a beautifully crafted wheel takes pride of place. The manufacturers have also fitted the Fireboy Retardant system to the Engine Room as well as Gas detectors.

Morse controls have been used for the twin engine configuration. Our test boat featured twin 210 hp Cummins diesels which pushed the boat along at a comfortable cruising speed of 10 - 12 knots. The Engine Bay is accessed by lifting out a floor module amidships in the saloon.

Below decks, the cabin accommodation is again fitted out in solid teak with large hanging cabinets in each cabin together with adjustable reading lamps and magazine racks. It’s funny - most people read a good deal on boats - I know we do and very few manufacturers have fitted magazine racks to their cabins. It was good to see that someone finally did. We were also impressed with the number of portholes in the cabins. The Master Cabin has four plus a hatch above while the second cabin and bathroom also have portholes. Adjustable speakers in each cabin means the central sound system can be regulated to suit individual noise level preferences.

The Integrity 386 has only one bathroom, obviously to give additional accommodation but regardless, the bathroom is more than adequate with electric toilet, vanity basin and shower cubicle. There is adequate ventilation and light.

The shower cubicle is separated from the toilet vanity area by two folding doors which fold inwards. To give more room we suggested that it open outwards.

The interior of the boat and its fitout is solid and functional. The teak floor throughout is much more practical on a boat of this type than carpet.

Access to the flybridge is via a moulded stairwell on the starboard side of the saloon door. Six steps lead up to the functional top deck which has obviously been designed for entertaining. A bimini provides shade while a stainless steel targa arch provides mountings for aerials and lights. The flybridge is quite spacious with non slip decking, an L shaped lounge to port and an aft facing lounge behind. A small triangular table has been added on the port side. The entire top deck is well protected with high stainless steel side rails which also serve as grab rails. The helm station is protected with a forward facing tinted wind deflector with grab rail above. Controls are identical to the saloon helm station and the skippers chair is an adjustable armchair with foot rest.

The Integrity is a pretty boat when underway and is an ideal family cruiser destined to make inroads in the traditional displacement cruiser range. It is competitively priced, provides accommodation for eight people, comes complete with a 7 kva generator, an electronics package of your choice, anchor winch with 70 metres of ground tackle with s/steel plough.

A quick look at the dictionary and this boat really fulfils its dictionary definition:

Integrity - sound, unimpaired or perfect condition.

Construction is certainly sound, it has no impairments of note and is perfect for family boating - that’s the Integrity 386 ES Flybridge Cruiser.

 

Boat Test on the 386 ES - ‘Go Boating’ Magazine May / June 2005 Edition