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| BOAT REVIEWS |
08 / 05 / 06 |
Forget the Lear Jet, get the Lectra-Lift |  | |
It's the talk of this year's Newport Boat Show, which is happening right now in Newport, Rhode Island. The same Lear name that you associate with high-speed business and executive jets is now making a mark in the marine world. And as you might expect, the new craft is a revolution too.
Same family
First of all, the new boat - yes, it's a boat - is not the 60-knot booze-cruiser you might expect from the corporate lifestyle the name suggests. That's because this is not the same Lear. Same family true, but from the daughter of Bill Lear, the American plane-maker, who rejoices in the name of Shanda - and with a name like that you'd expect something pretty exceptional, there's too much at stake otherwise.
| The convertible Lear 204. A transparent view of the retractable hardtop model. When closed down, a sliding hatch at the rear of the roof turns the boat into a four-seater open cockpit cruiser.
Source: www.learbaylor.com
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A luxury slow-boat
Super enviro-friendly, the Lear 204 is a pretty and comfortably beamy 20-foot electric boat with a top speed of just 5.5 miles an hour, which the makers claim proudly does not cause a wake. Operating duration on one charge for this very comfortable and luxurious day cruiser is reckoned at 11 hours.
Convertible & soft-top
Climb board and get ready for a lot more surprises - for example, this boat is a convertible. Yes, you read right - a convertible - in the same way that a sports car is. And actually there are two models too - a retractable hard-top and a fixed soft-top. Definitely the head-turner of the two, the "Lectra-Lift" hard-top version is truly a lock-up-and-go craft, everything secure inside its retractable shell roof.
Luxury day cruising
Both models have the same lush cockpit accommodation under cover, with retractable transparent side panels that double as windows and weather protection. Like a family lounge, the seating arrangement is not unlike having three large settees grouped together, the aft one curved around the skipper's free-standing control pedestal, the other two facing each other abeam, with a nifty fold-away dining table just forward of midships.
Wrapped round the driver
This is a craft for socialising, so the control consol is designed to involve the skipper in whatever party is going on. Topped by a compass, it houses the teak-rimmed wheel, rudder control indicator, battery level indicator, knot meter, depth sounder and the controls for the optional on-board music system, all at the driver's fingertips. There are 12-volt sockets for charging or powering your mobiles or laptop, plus holders for drinks and snacks.
| All safe and secure. Click the remote and the shell-like roof of the hard-top model retracts, sealing off the cockpit area completely.
Source: www.learbaylor.com |
Unexpected mod-cons
Cleverly, forward of the eating area, there are even galley facilities - well, a food prep counter with fresh water sink and concealed ice cooler. Built into the forepeak is also a foldaway head, actually a fold-up hatch over a removable unit, with waterproof drapes for privacy. Large lockers stow valuables, toys and of course life-jackets and safety equipment.
Safe for swimmers
Innovations abound in this unusual and stylish craft, all geared for family relaxation and safety. For instance, the broad swim-step aft is well clear of the propeller. A retractable ladder help swimmers to get in and out of the water and here is a concealed showerhead for rinsing off.
Underwater high-tech
Doing the business, both the patented propeller and rudder are high tech. The prop is designed for working at low revs to pull more water for less energy loss. Specially shaped, the hydrodynamics of the rudder create a "Bernoulli" suction effect that enables the boat to be turned in its own length. Even the cleats are special - patented "double duck" shaped with an open middle so the line goes through the centre of the cleat and pull is evenly stressed between both sides.
Dimensions
Length OA: 20ft 4in
Beam: 8ft 5in
Draught: 22in
Height above waterline: 5ft 9in (hard-top extended)
Price (per models featured at Newport Boat Show)
Lear 204 Retractable Hard top $59,950
Lear 204 Fixed Soft top $44,950
A wide range of options is offered including a custom-designed trailer.
For more information visit www.learbaylor.com
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