In a major coup for the company, Australian-designed boat brand, Integrity Motor Yachts, manufactured in China, has been nominated for the European Powerboat of the Year Awards, to be announced at Boot Dusseldorf in January 2016.
A semi-custom built Integrity 460 Grand Sedan has earned its place among its European counterparts in the displacement category above 45 feet.
Integrity founder, Brett Flanagan, personally worked on the build which incorporated many high-spec features to suit its owners’ requirements.
“It’s a huge honour to be nominated, and I am very proud to be recognised among such classy company,” said Flanagan. “There were quite a few original ideas proposed for the interior, so I worked with the factory team to accommodate each one.
“That’s the great thing about Integrity: we are semi-custom so our clients can get involved and we do our absolute best for them to achieve what they are looking for in a boat. It has been a great recipe for us and I don’t intend to change it. This nomination proves we’re on a winning formula!”
The Integrity range has been designed to be sturdy, stable and comfortable long range passage makers, they are also great day and weekend entertainers.
“The idea of Integrity was to design the kind of boat my wife and I would like to own, and it seems to have found its niche.”
Comprising the 460 and 490 models, the Grand Sedan range offers an extra level of refinement in the finishes. A new hull design offers the option of varied engine models, whilst maintaining the performance, security and stability Integrity builds into every boat.
The saloon, galley and helm areas retain the open plan entertaining style layout, but with design enhancements to create an inviting comfortable living space.
Below decks emphasis is placed on spacious accommodation with fully walk-around beds a feature.
“The first European version we built has two cabins and two bathrooms. The master incorporates a huge island bed with spacious ensuite, and in the side cabin, a twin side by side bunk arrangement with its own ensuite. It’s proven a real winner!”
Based on Queensland’s Gold Coast, Flanagan travels to the purpose-built factory in Guangzhou, China each month, sometimes twice, to check on production. “With each visit we continually look for improvements in all of our models, taking in new techniques and technology. It’s an ongoing process.”
Integrity boats are manufactured to strict quality control measures, complete with an Australian government accredited marine surveyor living on the premises and overseeing operations, including daily inspections. The state-of-the-art factory is set on a colossal 70,000 square metre allotment adjacent to the Pearl River.
Integrity owners too, get the opportunity to visit Guangzhou while their boat is taking shape.
“I and my dealers around the Country like to take our clients wherever possible so they get a feel for what we do and appreciate the work that goes into building their dream boat. They feel part of the whole process and it’s a great thing to do.”
The Grand Sedan range has struck a chord with families and Baby Boomers, charmed by the traditional, timeless exterior styling, and nearly limitless interior options they can access to bring their ideal boat to life.
“We create boats that feel like an extension of their home so they go without nothing. We supply the lot for the purchase price – dinghies, covers, electronics, and accessories – so they can just turn the key and cast off.
“Our owners enjoy the faster turn of speed and economical long range cruising ability along with a more Euro, upmarket styling internally.”
Thrilled with the nomination and the kudos it confers on Integrity, Flanagan is already planning to head to Dusseldorf in January for the announcement and award ceremony.
“This is huge for Integrity. For the past five years, we have stayed true to our brand promise of being the best value displacement boats on the market, with unmatched local warranty and service support.
“We have consistently built boats that have satisfied our very discerning owners and this nomination gives us credibility. It cements us in the boating fraternity as a recognised brand that we and our owners can be very proud of. I am sure it will buoy our dealer network here and around the world and attract new owners to our brand.
“I will be traveling over with my wife and some factory staff to Dusseldorf in January to hopefully bring back the top gong. Fingers crossed!”
Performance Boating is delighted at this positive recognition globally of the brand and we actually have a 460 Grand Sedan currently in-build for a Sydney client which is eagerly anticipated.