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At the 2021 Southampton Boat Show, Motor Boat & Yachting editor Hugo Andreae took the chance to tour the Swallow Whisper 300, which was making its global debut.

There’s always at least one surprise new launch at the Southampton Boat Show and this year it came from Welsh sailing boat manufacturer Swallow Yachts.

The Swallow Whisper 300 is its first motor cruiser and in keeping with the yard’s reputation for attractive, sustainably built trailer sailers, it’s a commendably pretty design that combines traditional boat-building skills with some genuinely innovative ideas.

The first thing to know is that it’s built almost entirely from wood, in this case, box section marine ply that’s bonded together then sheathed in epoxy resin to create a light but stiff structure that’s said to be just as durable and easy to maintain as a glass fibre one.

The other big surprise is that it’s powered by a pair of relatively modest 70hp outboard engines hidden inside an engine box that doubles as a raised aft bench.

This solution has a number of advantages; it’s a much lighter, cheaper, quieter source of power than a big diesel engine and the engines can be tilted clear of the water at the end of each day to prevent fouling and corrosion.

And because they are boxed in, rather than hung off an open transom, you still get a full-width bathing platform, an extra layer of sound insulation and the more elegant looks of an inboard design.

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The result is an attractive 30ft easily driven cruiser that weighs a mere 2.3 tonnes and can be pushed along at speeds of up to 26 knots.

However, the real win is its combined fuel consumption figure of just 30lph at 20 knots, giving a range of 150nm from twin 120-litre tanks.

The part-covered cockpit allows for a sheltered helm position with a galley opposite and seats that tilt forward and drop flat to create more space at the midships dinette.

Other neat innovations include curtain-style canopies that tuck neatly into bins when open but can rapidly be drawn around the cockpit when needed and beautifully designed wooden wine glass holders that swing out from under the seats.

A clever folding companionway door slides out of the way behind the galley giving access to the lower deck with its double berth forward, deep hanging locker and nicely proportioned heads compartment.

The final surprise is the price – £150,000 seems reasonable given its custom-built status and high quality detailing. The Swallow Whisper 300 is well worth a closer look.

Swallow Whisper 300 specification

LOA: 30ft 6in (9.32m) Beam: 9ft 4in (2.85m) Draught: 1ft 6in (0.45m) engines up / 2ft 4in (0.70m) engines down Displacement: 2.4 tonnes Fuel capacity: 240 litres Water capacity: 70 litres Designer: Matt Newland RCD category: C for 8 people (provisional) Engines: Twin 70hp petrol outboard Top speed: 26 knots Cruising speed: 20 knots Fuel consumption: 30 litres/hr (approx) Cruising range: 160 miles Starting price: £150,000 (inc VAT)

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The whisper 300.

Swallow Yachts’ first motorboat is an intriguing mix of old and new: bold angles on the cabintop and transom combined with a plumb stem and strong sheerline. The prominent spray rails keep the foredeck dry when the boat is punching into a swell.

The launching of the first boat to a new design is always a nerve-wracking moment. Will the public like it? Will the reviewers be kind? Will it find a place in what is already a crowded market? The situation was particularly tense when the Welsh company Swallow Yachts brought their latest design to the Southampton Boat Show last September. The company, best known for its line of rugged sailboats, including the BayRaider 20 and the BayCruiser 26, was launching its first motorboat, the Whisper 300. But this was not a traditionally styled launch that was almost guaranteed to pull at the heartstrings of a classic-boat aficionado. It was a modern-looking speedboat powered by twin 70-hp outboard motors.

This bold move no doubt perplexed many of Swallow Yachts’ loyal sailboat customers. But perhaps the most surprising thing about the boat was what was hidden under its shiny turquoise exterior: the vast majority of Swallow Yachts’ existing range of boats are built of fiberglass, but this—arguably the most modern boat in the range—was built of wood, as all future Whisper 300s will be.

Swallow Yachts chose wood not as a romantic gesture but for sound commercial reasons. Since the 1960s, we’ve been told that fiberglass production boats are cheap to build and wooden boats are expensive. Yet here was a medium-sized commercial operation saying that building a production boat in wood (described on their website as “nature’s finest carbon fiber”) was the most economical option. I had to visit the yard to find out more.

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Whisper 300, a hard-top boat inherited from a classic sailboat range

The Whisper 300 is a 10-meter hardtop yacht designed in the style of the Swallow Yachts shipyard, entirely in wood. It mixes classic and modern lines and has been designed for a rational family use, with medium power engines.

Lightweight and less polluting design

The Whisper 300 is the first powerboat from the Welsh shipyard Swallow Yachts , which produces a range of small classic yachts . While it retains a classic look, its modern hull with a slim bow and strong step is slightly narrower than normal. This 9.32 m hard-top boat is built entirely of epoxy-prepreg wood. Below the waterline, the hull is covered with a fiberglass and epoxy skin. The shipyard opted for this less polluting construction method compared to monolithic fiberglass. Still in this approach of reducing environmental impact, the teak of the floor was replaced by cork. Solar panels and a rainwater recovery system are used for the onboard equipment, such as the toilets for example.

Engines with limited power

In addition to the design, the English shipyard has chosen to reduce the power of its engines, against the trend of a market where the tendency is to over-engine. Two 70 hp outboard motors are enough to give her a cruising speed of 26 knots. The range at 20 knots is 150 miles. The engines are hidden in a soundproof box, positioned in front of the transom, which is totally closed. The hull design has also been thought for a future electric propulsion when the market will be more mature.

A living space to be together

Designed for family use to spend quality time with loved ones on the water, the Whisper 300 offers a large, secure cockpit with two side seating areas and a removable table. The galley is compact, but offers a refrigerator. The starboard helm station is modern and spacious, well protected behind the hard-top glass. It offers two seats.

inside, the cabin offers a double bed and a closed toilet. Two additional persons can sleep under the hard-top which can be closed with a cover.

A high rate due to construction

Its price of 175,882 euros puts it slightly above the market given the engine offered, but it is compensated by the quality of construction offered and the design that is out of the ordinary.

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Swallow Yachts make a debut with a difference at Southampton

New from Swallow Yachts and making its world debut at the Southampton Boat Show is….well, it’s not what you might expect. Known for their range of classic style daysailers designed and built using modern methods, their latest boat has taken us by surprise. Classic looks, yes, cutting edge construction, yes, but hang on a minute, where are the sails?! The 30’6’’ (9.32m) Whisper 300, designed for sociable cruising with a reduced environmental footprint is – gasp – a motor boat and what’s more, we like it.

Designed with sustainability both present and future in mind, the Whisper 300 is built almost entirely from wood. Modern treated timbers, epoxy adhesives and paints mean the maintenance is comparable with a GRP counterpart, but the design brief is clearly focussed around making its environmental impact considerably less. Solar panels, rainwater harvesting for onboard facilities and cork – rather than teak – decks are some of the ‘green’ features incorporated, while a sleek hull shape and well thought out power installation allows for fuel efficient cruising.

With elegant proportions and a clever shape transition into an efficient underwater body, the Whisper’s strong but light hull is easily powered, lending itself to electric propulsion in the future. A modern wooden boat like this behaves like a GRP one – all structural timbers are saturated in epoxy and below the water line the boat is completely sheathed in glass fibre and epoxy – without, as Swallow Yachts point out, creating the same landfill issue further down the line. Talking about what happens to a boat at the end of its life may not be a popular conversation, especially when you’re trying to sell a new model, but it’s one the leisure marine industry has to have.

Marketed as “a motor boat we hope sailors will understand,” Swallow Yachts have settled on a formula that’s sure to persuade many a power boat cynic who’s secretly tired of tacking. Whisper 300 needs just two 70HP outboard engines to achieve speeds of 26 knots, concealed under a soundproofed cover; twin outboards providing reliability sailors will value, while using significantly less fuel than competitors. This division of systems extends to the fuel tanks, filters, batteries and all other engine support functions. Accommodation is simple but comfortable; there is a compact galley with fridge, a large double berth in the forepeak and room for two more when the saloon table is dropped.

Using the same CNC manufacturing methods as the Swallow Yachts sailing range, designer Matt Newland – whose father Nick started Swallow Boats, as Swallow Yachts was originally known – has kept external brightwork and the associated maintenance to a minimum, while retaining enough varnished wood throughout to complement the classic lines and give the boat character. On the marina (M015 – M018) at the Southampton International Boat Show from 10th to 19th September, the Whisper 300 is definitely one to shout about.

Swallow Yachts Classic Looks, Modern Performance, Innovative Design

Swallow Yachts are renowned for their elegant designs that combine classic looks with modern performance.

Innovative stand out features like carbon masts and water ballast have made our sailing boats sought after throughout the world, while our new environmentally sensitive motor boat, the Whisper 300 is built for discerning buyers looking for something different.

Based in the UK, we  export all over the world, and welcome enquiries from anywhere.

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NEW Swallow Yachts Whisper 300

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Whisper 300

Riviera nautic boat sales is your national dealer for.

The Ultimate Modern Classic

Lighter, quieter, stronger and more environmentally sustainable.

Forget everything you thought you knew about outboard-powered cruisers. The Whisper 300 is a game-changer.

The new Whisper 300 is a beautifully classic cruiser for people who want something different. Quieter, more efficient and created more sustainably, Whisper Yachts exude understated grace and class, while treading more lightly on our environment.

Her light and easily-driven hull form is powered by just two 70 horsepower outboard motors, neatly concealed beneath a sound-absorbing engine cover. That’s approx one third the power required by similar-sized motor cruisers; and of course, one third the fuel consumption.

The new Whisper 300 is handcrafted excellence.

Each Whisper 300 is hand-crafted by Swallow Yachts, UK. There is no mass-production and no moulds. Each Whisper is meticulously crafted almost entirely from natures finest carbon-fibre: Wood.

Wood!? But what about maintenance?  Well, this is an encapsulated wood building process. The wood is protected by modern epoxies and 2-pac paint finishes that provide at least the durability equivalence of fibreglass. The Whisper exudes all the class and sophistication of a wooden boat, with the low maintenance and durability equivalence of fibreglass. This creates a boat which is lighter, stronger and more easily driven than her competitors.

And her looks?  We’ll let you be the judge.

With all these benefits, why aren’t all boats built using the encapsulated wood method?

It is a labour intensive process not often suited to high-volume manufacturers. Swallow Yachts prioritises quality over quantity and has thoughtfully provided the market this high-quality alternative. You can be assured when you purchase your Whisper 300 that your boat has been painstakingly crafted for you, mostly by hand, by Swallow Yachts’ skilled in-house craftspeople. The attention to detail is breath-taking.

Specification

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Swallow Whisper: New Boat, Nice Ideas

The good-looking 30-foot Swallow Whisper is a new boat from a small builder in the U.K. that has some features that might be welcome in the U.S.

Built of light-weight wood with the hull sheathed in fiberglass and epoxy, it’s powered by two relatively small 70-hp Yamaha outboards that are hidden in an engine box, instead of hanging off the transom. A weekender that can sleep four, it tops out at 26 knots, and has a range of 160-nm.

Until it launched the Whisper last summer, Swallow Yachts made trailerable sailboats in its yard in Wales. But it decided to branch out, thinking a powerboat might be more attractive to couples and families who are pressed for time. And Swallow wanted a powerboat with an efficient hull that could be driven by smaller, fuel-efficient engines.

The Whisper’s hull is built of box-section marine plywood bonded together and then sheathed in fiberglass and epoxy resin. It’s stiff, light and durable. With a beam of just 9’ 4” it also is relatively narrow, offering less resistance as it powers through the water.

The two outboards sit in an engine box in the cockpit that doubles as an aft bench seat. It’s insulated, so the outboards are even more quiet than usual. Since they don’t occupy any space on the transom, the boat has a large swim platform, similar to one you’d expect on an inboard-powered boat.

The helm deck is protected by a hardtop with solar panels on top that can help charge the batteries. There’s a small cruising galley opposite the helm with dinette seats that can be converted to berths for two if needed. A nice touch: wooden wine-glass holders swing out from under the seats.

Below, the Whisper has a forward V-berth for two and a separate head and shower.

LOA: 30’6”; Beam: 9’4”; Draft: 2’4” engines down; Displacement: 5,291 lbs.; Fuel: 63 gals.; Water: 18 gals.; Power: 2×70-hp outboards. Read more at  http://swallowyachts.com and see the video below:

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Whisper 300

Whisper 300 - Now available in Australia!

The all-new Whisper 300 by Swallow Yachts UK has arrived in Australia. Stand out from the crowd!

Forget everything you thought you knew about outboard-powered cruisers. The Whisper 300 is a game-changer.

Like us, you're probably captivated by the strikingly classic styling of the Whisper 300. If that's not enough, consider that she is lighter, quieter, stronger, 300% more efficient and more sustainable than most of her competitors.

Each vessel is hand-crafted in encapsulated wood epoxy construction by UK boat builder, Swallow Yachts - renowned for their classic looking, but modern performance sailing yachts. The Whisper 300 offers the classic styling of a wooden boat, with the low maintenance equivalence of fibreglass. This produces a boat that is lighter and stronger than mass-production fibreglass methods. She is 30 feet long yet weighs just 2400kg.

So why aren't all boats built in this method? It is a labour intensive process not often suited to high-volume manufacturers. Swallow Yachts prioritises quality over quantity and has thoughtfully provided the market this high-quality alternative. You can be assured when you purchase your Whisper 300 that your boat has been painstakingly crafted, mostly by hand, by Swallow Yachts' skilled in-house boat building team. The attention to detail is breath-taking.

The Whisper 300 will appeal to owners who are conscious of minimising their environmental footprint.

The environmental credentials of the Whisper 300 not only stem from the sustainable building materials and construction methods - but also once underway. The Whisper 300 is powered by twin Yamaha Outboards of just 70hp each! This modest power-plant pushes the Whisper 300 to top speeds of 26 knots, or cruise all day at 20 knots consuming just 30 litres per hour. That's one third of the expected consumption of similar sized vessels - and of course, one third the cost. With her engines cleverly concealed beneath an engine box, this is a smooth and quiet vessel underway.

Her large open cockpit and versatile seating is fantastic for entertaining friends and family, and beautifully appointed accommodation for two is provided in a large v-berth forward, private heads, loads of storage and hanging locker. The optional galley consisting of gas cooktop, sink and front-opening fridge completes the accommodation package.

First launched in the UK in September 2021, Riviera Nautic Boat Sales is proud to be appointed your Australian dealer for the Whisper 300. Listed price is for a base boat and includes twin 70hp Yamaha Outboards, landed in Australia, registration and GST. Contact Cam 0419 465 025 to secure yours now.

Whisper 300

DESCRIPTION

Whisper 300 - Now available in Australia!

The all-new Whisper 300 by Swallow Yachts UK has arrived in Australia. Stand out from the crowd!

Forget everything you thought you knew about outboard-powered cruisers. The Whisper 300 is a game-changer.

Like us, you're probably captivated by the strikingly classic styling of the Whisper 300. If that's not enough, consider that she is lighter, quieter, stronger, 300% more efficient and more sustainable than most of her competitors.

Each vessel is hand-crafted in encapsulated wood epoxy construction by UK boat builder, Swallow Yachts - renowned for their classic looking, but modern performance sailing yachts. The Whisper 300 offers the classic styling of a wooden boat, with the low maintenance equivalence of fibreglass. This produces a boat that is lighter and stronger than mass-production fibreglass methods. She is 30 feet long yet weighs just 2400kg.

So why aren't all boats built in this method? It is a labour intensive process not often suited to high-volume manufacturers. Swallow Yachts prioritises quality over quantity and has thoughtfully provided the market this high-quality alternative. You can be assured when you purchase your Whisper 300 that your boat has been painstakingly crafted, mostly by hand, by Swallow Yachts' skilled in-house boat building team. The attention to detail is breath-taking.

The Whisper 300 will appeal to owners who are conscious of minimising their environmental footprint.

The environmental credentials of the Whisper 300 not only stem from the sustainable building materials and construction methods - but also once underway. The Whisper 300 is powered by twin Yamaha Outboards of just 70hp each! This modest power-plant pushes the Whisper 300 to top speeds of 26 knots, or cruise all day at 20 knots consuming just 30 litres per hour. That's one third of the expected consumption of similar sized vessels - and of course, one third the cost. With her engines cleverly concealed beneath an engine box, this is a smooth and quiet vessel underway.

Her large open cockpit and versatile seating is fantastic for entertaining friends and family, and beautifully appointed accommodation for two is provided in a large v-berth forward, private heads, loads of storage and hanging locker. The optional galley consisting of gas cooktop, sink and front-opening fridge completes the accommodation package.

First launched in the UK in September 2021, Riviera Nautic Boat Sales is proud to be appointed your Australian dealer for the Whisper 300. Listed price is for a base boat and includes twin 70hp Yamaha Outboards, landed in Australia, registration and GST. Contact Cam 0419 465 025 to secure yours now.

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