Silverton Sports Bridge 330 Power Boat
She is, in length and base price, the entry-level model in the Silverton line, She can sleep five and satisfy the desire of her owners to cruise in comfort. With twin Crusader engines, she enters the sea lanes with confidence. The light and airy cabin integrates a sweeping sofa, dinette table, upholstered settee, and a modern galley. Converting to a double berth. All wood in cherry. The large stateroom, forward in a single-level layout, is a comfortable and an elegant expression of Silverton style. The head, with stall shower and electric toilet, serves the entire boat. The oversized bridge and sunpad are as inviting to owners and guests as the gracious interior spaces. Silverton's unique SideWalk permits safe transit from flybridge to foredeck, whose uncluttered and streamlined aspect is enhanced by the below-deck windlass. The 330 Sport Bridge is equal to your vision of the good life and Silverton's of exceptional value.
- Twin Crusader Engines
- Sleeps 5
- Wide SideWalks
- Excelent use of space
- Exceptional Value
On the water price: £152,737 basic boat at the factory ex tax
For more information
contact Dickies today!
| Length Overall | 10.77 m |
|---|---|
| Hull Beam | 3.76 m |
| Max. Engine Power | Twin Yanmar 6LPA-STP 315 HP - 235 KW |
| Fuel Capacity | 810 L |
| Water Capacity | 393 L |
| Dry Weight | 7,115 kg |
| Light Displacement | 4200cc |
| Berths | 5 |
BETTER BUILT. . .BETTER BACKED.
For a Lifetime.
Silverton is not only intent on building better boats, we are determined to back them better than any other manufacturer in our class. For the 2007 model year, we introduce the industry’s strongest, most comprehensive warranty: Silverton Armor Protection™ It is a warranty of real value – a significant asset during ownership, which contributes in many cases to a Silverton’s exceptional resale value.
The three cornerstones of our new warranty are:
Two-Year Stem-to-Stern Limited Warranty
Silverton warrants to original and subsequent owners within the warranty period the workmanship of every part manufactured by us for our 2007 models purchased from authorized Silverton dealers for 24 months, provided the part has been properly used and maintained. If manufacturing defects are found, the part will be repaired or replaced at our expense. This warranty is fully transferable.
Prorated Five-Year Blister Warranty
Silverton warrants that its 2007 models will be free from exterior hull blisters on underwater gelcoat surfaces for five years from the boat’s delivery to the original owner, provided the hull has been properly used, maintained, and stored. Authorized Silverton dealers will be reimbursed for bottom-blister repairs made on the owner’s behalf as follows: 100% during the warranty’s first two years; 75% during its third year, 50%, fourth year; 25%, fifth and final year. This warranty is fully transferable.
Lifetime Hull-and-Deck Limited Warranty
1. Lifetime Limited Warranty Coverage to First-Use Purchaser (Non-Transferable): Silverton warrants to the first-use purchaser, who is not a corporation, limited liability entity, partnership or business entity, that the hull and deck of each boat will be free from structural defects in fiberglass materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the hull beginning with the date of delivery.
2. Five-Year Limited Warranty Coverage (Transferable to Subsequent Registered Owner): Silverton warrants to the first-use purchaser and any subsequent registered owner during the warranty period that the hull and deck of each boat shall be free from structural defects in fiberglass materials and workmanship for a period of five years from the date of delivery to the first-use purchaser and subsequent registered owner under normal use and service.
Innovations in design, manufacturing, customer service, and product value are the measures of leadership in industry. And ultimately, the standards by which customer satisfaction is gauged. By these criteria, Silverton is leading. To pay less for something that proves a disappointment is – in the long run – as unacceptable as having paid too much for it. To be satisfied with a purchase and the price paid for it – this is Silverton’s definition of value.
Leadership has its obligations. Silverton’s is to build boats that people will be proud to own. Pride of ownership is, ultimately, the greatest value any company can deliver. Silverton’s pride is to deliver that value consistently and repeatedly.
Thousands of parts and components are installed during the assembly of our yachts to achieve an integrated, unitized construction. Significant differences in fabrication, construction, assembly techniques, and the quality of componentry distinguish us and contribute to the unsurpassed value of a Silverton.
IN THE GLASS ROOM
To begin at the bottom, our bluewater hulls are laminated with solid fiberglass. A vinylester-resin layer is added to virtually eliminate osmotic blistering. No coring material is used below the waterline. Marine-grade plywood stringers are hand-laminated to the hull, then gel-coated, to form an integrated, practically waterproof system. All limber and wire-chase holes are framed in closed cell foam to prevent water penetration. Bulkheads are “glassed” to the hull – not, as is sometimes the case, puttied. Bottom paint is standard on every model.
IN THE METAL SHOP
Unlike the pieced bow rails of some other boat manufacturers, ours are fusion-welded, buffed and polished. Only oversized 316L stainless steel is used. Precise welds ensure strength, as well as beauty. Heavy-duty locking fasteners, with backing plates, secure threaded studs on all rails to the deck or house. Aluminum backing plates are bonded into the deck and hull areas to provide additional strength at attachment points for all hardware. All exterior aluminum is powder-coated. Silverton models 38' and above feature powder-coated steel I-beam engine beds, which help to isolate vibration noise and make periodic engine alignment easier. Diesel engines are “handed” on these models. All engine mounts, in every boat we build, are through-bolted.
IN THE WOODSHOP
Silverton’s 45Cand 50C compare favorably with more expensive custom yachts, in part because of their raised-panel cabinets and doors, beautifully crafted in cherry wood. We use stylish, durable European recessed 35-mm hinges exclusively on every model. Built-in furniture is bonded to the hull or stringer system for superior strength. We construct our drawers of cherry wood or cherry-finished fronts, nine-ply birch sides and bottoms. While more expensive to fabricate, our corrosion-resistant drawer slides are epoxy-coated aluminum with nylon rollers for effortless, reliable use. All cabinets are drilled, glued, and screwed. Cabinet seams are tongue-and-groove jointed. Galleys and heads feature carefully crafted, extremely durable, and strikingly beautiful Corian® counters.
IN THE ASSEMBLY AREA
Hull and deck flanges are carefully formed to mate perfectly. Before bolting them together on 6" centers, we insert elastomeric sealant and butyl tape. The seal is protected by a high-impact rubrail with a stainless-steel insert. Wherever possible, the flange is fiberglassed for additional reinforcement. Cleats and deck hardware are secured using stainless-steel bolts, fastened into glassed-in backing plates or oversized fender washers with locking nuts. This assembly provides superior strength and excellent serviceability. Underwater gear is bonded. Standard isolation transformers minimize electrolysis and stray electrical currents. Rudders and struts are made of manganese bronze.
Depending on the engines, props are bronze or Nibral on sealed, dripless shafts. The result is a steering system more resistant to propulsion load and deflections. Silverton’s sturdy, frameless window systems, with screens, can be opened for natural ventilation. In consideration of owners’ safety, we use only tempered safety glass instead of Plexiglas or ordinary tempered glass.
Exterior seating is custom built of only the finest materials. Top-grade marine vinyl is treated with Prefixx® to retard mildew and ultraviolet damage. Multiple layers of high-density foam ensure comfort. Highest-grade anodized aluminum combines superior strength and beauty. Exterior upholstery is also reinforced with Starboard, a polymer board, which cannot rot or weaken with age.
SILVERTON DEALERSHIPS
We choose our dealers carefully. They must meet rigorous standards of professionalism, experience, and service proficiency. Their personnel must be trained in our boats and their systems, and have access to the necessary equipment to provide prompt, competent maintenance and repair. Each Silverton dealer is a valued partner in our success.
BETTER-BUILT. . . BETTER-BACKED . . . for a lifetime.
For a Lifetime.
Silverton is not only intent on building better boats, we are determined to back them better than any other manufacturer in our class. For the 2007 model year, we introduce the industry’s strongest, most comprehensive warranty: Silverton Armor Protection™ It is a warranty of real value – a significant asset during ownership, which contributes in many cases to a Silverton’s exceptional resale value.
The three cornerstones of our new warranty are:
Two-Year Stem-to-Stern Limited Warranty
Silverton warrants to original and subsequent owners within the warranty period the workmanship of every part manufactured by us for our 2007 models purchased from authorized Silverton dealers for 24 months, provided the part has been properly used and maintained. If manufacturing defects are found, the part will be repaired or replaced at our expense. This warranty is fully transferable.
Prorated Five-Year Blister Warranty
Silverton warrants that its 2007 models will be free from exterior hull blisters on underwater gelcoat surfaces for five years from the boat’s delivery to the original owner, provided the hull has been properly used, maintained, and stored. Authorized Silverton dealers will be reimbursed for bottom-blister repairs made on the owner’s behalf as follows: 100% during the warranty’s first two years; 75% during its third year, 50%, fourth year; 25%, fifth and final year. This warranty is fully transferable.
Lifetime Hull-and-Deck Limited Warranty
1. Lifetime Limited Warranty Coverage to First-Use Purchaser (Non-Transferable): Silverton warrants to the first-use purchaser, who is not a corporation, limited liability entity, partnership or business entity, that the hull and deck of each boat will be free from structural defects in fiberglass materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the hull beginning with the date of delivery.
2. Five-Year Limited Warranty Coverage (Transferable to Subsequent Registered Owner): Silverton warrants to the first-use purchaser and any subsequent registered owner during the warranty period that the hull and deck of each boat shall be free from structural defects in fiberglass materials and workmanship for a period of five years from the date of delivery to the first-use purchaser and subsequent registered owner under normal use and service.
Innovations in design, manufacturing, customer service, and product value are the measures of leadership in industry. And ultimately, the standards by which customer satisfaction is gauged. By these criteria, Silverton is leading. To pay less for something that proves a disappointment is – in the long run – as unacceptable as having paid too much for it. To be satisfied with a purchase and the price paid for it – this is Silverton’s definition of value.
Leadership has its obligations. Silverton’s is to build boats that people will be proud to own. Pride of ownership is, ultimately, the greatest value any company can deliver. Silverton’s pride is to deliver that value consistently and repeatedly.
Thousands of parts and components are installed during the assembly of our yachts to achieve an integrated, unitized construction. Significant differences in fabrication, construction, assembly techniques, and the quality of componentry distinguish us and contribute to the unsurpassed value of a Silverton.
IN THE GLASS ROOM
To begin at the bottom, our bluewater hulls are laminated with solid fiberglass. A vinylester-resin layer is added to virtually eliminate osmotic blistering. No coring material is used below the waterline. Marine-grade plywood stringers are hand-laminated to the hull, then gel-coated, to form an integrated, practically waterproof system. All limber and wire-chase holes are framed in closed cell foam to prevent water penetration. Bulkheads are “glassed” to the hull – not, as is sometimes the case, puttied. Bottom paint is standard on every model.
IN THE METAL SHOP
Unlike the pieced bow rails of some other boat manufacturers, ours are fusion-welded, buffed and polished. Only oversized 316L stainless steel is used. Precise welds ensure strength, as well as beauty. Heavy-duty locking fasteners, with backing plates, secure threaded studs on all rails to the deck or house. Aluminum backing plates are bonded into the deck and hull areas to provide additional strength at attachment points for all hardware. All exterior aluminum is powder-coated. Silverton models 38' and above feature powder-coated steel I-beam engine beds, which help to isolate vibration noise and make periodic engine alignment easier. Diesel engines are “handed” on these models. All engine mounts, in every boat we build, are through-bolted.
IN THE WOODSHOP
Silverton’s 45Cand 50C compare favorably with more expensive custom yachts, in part because of their raised-panel cabinets and doors, beautifully crafted in cherry wood. We use stylish, durable European recessed 35-mm hinges exclusively on every model. Built-in furniture is bonded to the hull or stringer system for superior strength. We construct our drawers of cherry wood or cherry-finished fronts, nine-ply birch sides and bottoms. While more expensive to fabricate, our corrosion-resistant drawer slides are epoxy-coated aluminum with nylon rollers for effortless, reliable use. All cabinets are drilled, glued, and screwed. Cabinet seams are tongue-and-groove jointed. Galleys and heads feature carefully crafted, extremely durable, and strikingly beautiful Corian® counters.
IN THE ASSEMBLY AREA
Hull and deck flanges are carefully formed to mate perfectly. Before bolting them together on 6" centers, we insert elastomeric sealant and butyl tape. The seal is protected by a high-impact rubrail with a stainless-steel insert. Wherever possible, the flange is fiberglassed for additional reinforcement. Cleats and deck hardware are secured using stainless-steel bolts, fastened into glassed-in backing plates or oversized fender washers with locking nuts. This assembly provides superior strength and excellent serviceability. Underwater gear is bonded. Standard isolation transformers minimize electrolysis and stray electrical currents. Rudders and struts are made of manganese bronze.
Depending on the engines, props are bronze or Nibral on sealed, dripless shafts. The result is a steering system more resistant to propulsion load and deflections. Silverton’s sturdy, frameless window systems, with screens, can be opened for natural ventilation. In consideration of owners’ safety, we use only tempered safety glass instead of Plexiglas or ordinary tempered glass.
Exterior seating is custom built of only the finest materials. Top-grade marine vinyl is treated with Prefixx® to retard mildew and ultraviolet damage. Multiple layers of high-density foam ensure comfort. Highest-grade anodized aluminum combines superior strength and beauty. Exterior upholstery is also reinforced with Starboard, a polymer board, which cannot rot or weaken with age.
SILVERTON DEALERSHIPS
We choose our dealers carefully. They must meet rigorous standards of professionalism, experience, and service proficiency. Their personnel must be trained in our boats and their systems, and have access to the necessary equipment to provide prompt, competent maintenance and repair. Each Silverton dealer is a valued partner in our success.
BETTER-BUILT. . . BETTER-BACKED . . . for a lifetime.
Silverton 330 Sport Bridge June 2001
Words - David Lockwood
The Silverton 330 Sport Bridge is a serious 'touring wagon' with all the Euro-styling and mod cons to keep you away from home for good... David Lockwood was treated
Silverton makes no pretension about its place in the overall scheme of things. As part of the Luhrs Marine Group in America, its mission statement might say something along the lines of: "We will include all the comforts of home." Indeed, comforts and amenities are the hallmark of Silverton.
The trend was set in the early days when it first made lapstrake skiffs for cruising off the Jersey coast. Decades on the brief has been maintained in its conventional-looking convertibles, avant-garde liveaboards and sportscruiser models.
Driven by customer feedback and considerable R&D, Silverton embraces the include-the-kitchen-sink and turnkey approach to boatbuilding. For confirmation of this, take a trip down below on the 330 Sport Bridge. The extraordinary high-volume interior has all the mod cons built-in at factory level. Furthermore, all Silverton boats are fitted with something called a Marine Pac. This comprises fenders, dock lines, safety gear, ground tackle and boat hook. Meanwhile, engineering isn't compromised in the desire to provide space and creature comforts.
Among the details worth noting are one-piece stainless bowrails, tempered safety glass windows, dripless shaft seals, marine-ply bulkheads encapsulated in glass and bonded to the hull, and enginerooms that are well insulated and accessible. All this makes for a big 33ft cruiser that can ply your favourite waterways for weeks at a time. Rather than crossing oceans, Silverton understands that there are people out there who want to be mollycoddled while ambling around in search of the perfect lunch spot.
PURPOSE-BUILT CRUISER
This wholesome approach to powerboating is no more evident than in the 330 Sport Bridge. A comfortable motorcruiser, it provides a level of comfort and a range of amenities you won't find on more single-minded boats. The finish, in particular, is just like a modern apartment. Benchtops are covered in Corian a high-quality granite substitute with neutral colour schemes preferred. Solid cherrywood timber is used for the walls and panelling, while longlasting marine vinyl covers the lounges and there is lots of plush Stainmaster carpet.
As you step down in the saloon of the 330 Sport Bridge, you get the feeling you're in a much bigger boat. As the saloon is set down, the ceiling can be raised without affecting stability. Down below you can't help notice the big surrounding windows offering a terrific view outside. Tailor-made blinds and curtains can be drawn for privacy at night or while parked in the marina, while plush furniture calls hither from the peripheries. The warm hospitality is extended to the designer fabrics. There are lots of chic scatter cushions, smart bedspreads, soft head-and-wall liners, and downlighting that adds considerably to the ambience.
Architecturally, the Euro-styled interior works. Headroom is a handy 1.96m and the emphasis has gone on providing living space rather than room for a family of boat people.
CRUISING AMENITIES
To port, beside the sliding door leading from the cockpit, is a galley; perhaps better described as a domestic kitchen. Running longitudinally, the generous L-shaped Corian benchtops are surrounded by a dozen or so cherrywood drawers and cupboards.
Features include a two-burner electric stove, microwave oven, 110V-12V fridge/freezer, and big sink with single-action tap. Off the forward edge is a raised platform for mounting a television and VCR. Coffee-makers are standard equipment on other Silvertons, and you're not short-changed with the 330 either. A bar area with two stools is incorporated in the galley, and there is a CD player and a variety of electrical plugs for things like telephones. Opposite the galley is a wardrobe for hanging your Sunday best. Alongside is the boat's only head, but it's convenient for guests and owners. Moulded and fully-lined for ease of cleaning, it comes with an electric loo, useful vanity, room to move and, unusually for a boat of this length, a separate shower stall with full headroom.
As the 330 Sport Bridge has just one helm station, the lounge area behind the windscreen gains in size. To port is a settee that can seat three people alongside drinks tables. Warm timber walls with framed paintings surround the sitting area.. just like home. On the starboard-side is a sizeable L-shaped lounge and dinette made from solid cherrywood, surrounded by curios like those you might come across in a hotel lobby. The dinette converts to an impromptu double berth, though the 330's accommodation is built with permanents in mind.
The single cabin is designed in such a way that a couple or at most a family with small children can liveaboard comfortably. Nestled in the bow, the single cabin is set behind a sliding door and is surprisingly roomy thanks to its transverse or offset double bed with inner-spring mattress. Niceties include an overhead hatch, lots of scatter cushions, full-length hanging locker, drawers for storing personals, oval mirror and, of course, headroom. There is space to mount a television and options including a linen package and, if you must, a lower helm station.
DAYTIME DECKS
Naturally, days on the 330 will be shared with the outdoors. To this end, the boat has a useful cockpit protected by a small overhang in which you could dine alfresco or park yourself on a folding chair while dangling a line for a bream. Among the things you'll find in the cockpit are non-skid floor, mooring cleats, storage lockers, transom door, boarding platform with folding ladder, and a transom shower. From here, a moulded stairwell leads to the bridge.
Silverton don't call it a Sport Bridge for nothing. In keeping with Euro trends, the bridge is a lifestyle centre with plenty of built-in creature comforts, lots of seating, sunpads, and innovative moulded walkways leading down to the foredeck. The bridge has an adjustable two-person helmseat set behind a functional, tinted windshield and a big console high on walnut facias and chrome-rimmed gauges. There's room to flush-mount electronics and navigation aids and a great view of the road ahead, as though you're driving a big runabout.
Alongside the helm is a sexy U-shaped lounge that can seat up to four people, with another transverse lounge behind and a sunpad further aft again. I'm not sure how many people waterways authorities will let you carry here, but there's room for at least 10. Catering for the expected crowd is a wonderful moulded wetbar with drinks fridge or optional icemaker, glass holders, cutting board, and a sink with hot and cold water. Water capacity is a useful 393lt, fuel around 700lt, and serious cruising types should consider fitting a windless and perhaps a genset.
The optional radar arch helps streamline the boat's lines, but it's also a useful mounting spot for a bimini top and clears. This way, you can still cruise in comfort in poor weather. A spotlight would also be useful for finding those all-too-rare public mooring buoys at night.
SWEET CHARIOT
Standard with twin 5.7lt, 290hp Crusader petrol engines, the testboat had an upgrade to twin 4.2lt, 240hp Mercruiser D-tronic diesel donks. With shaftdrives, the boat should stay in control when parking in strong crosswinds, while also being lower maintenance than a cruiser with sterndrive legs. As it was, there wasn't even a zephyr blowing at Blakehurst Marina on Sydney's Georges River just a few jellyfish, a speed-restriction zone, some winding channels and finally a light sea breeze to contend with on expansive Botany Bay.
As to be expected, the 330 Sport Bridge is more chariot than dragboat. The twin direct-injection inboards provided a top-end speed somewhere in the mid-20kt. Low-speed planing speed came in at around 2500rpm, where the Raytheon Tridata said we were doing 16kt. In between the two, around 3000rpm, the boat and crew were doing around 20kt. At this speed, the wind ruffles the hair but the eyes aren't quite watering, allowing you to kick back on a lounge, carry on a conversation and take in the view.
The Silverton 330 Sport Bridge would be a useful touring wagon for the Gippsland Lakes, Hawkesbury, Port Stephens and the Gold Coast to Moreton Island. Having recognised that not everyone enjoys bulldozing their way out to sea and going green around the gills, the boat comes loaded with more features than most. And when you stop to think about it, there's something to be said for taking this option. Imagine cruising upriver or along the coast for a short while, pulling up a mooring or sending the anchor down in a clandestine bay I can see myself kicking back on a lounge, periodically looking up at the view, engrossed in a good book, with the wetbar close at hand.
GENERAL
Material: GRP
Type: Moderate-vee monohull
Length (overall): 10.76m
Beam: 3.76m
Deadrise: n/a
Weight: Approx 7,400kg (dry)
CAPACITIES
Berths: two plus two
Fuel Capacity: 715lt
Water Capacity: 393lt
ENGINE
Make/model: Twin MerCruiser D-TRONIC D4.2L
Type: Direct-injection inline six-cylinder turbodiesel
Rated hp (ea): 240hp
Displacement: 4200cc
Weight: 552kg
Gearboxes/Drives: Velvet Drive 5000A
Props: Bronze three-bladers
Published : Friday, 1 June 2001 Issue : Trade A Boat June 2001
Words - David Lockwood
The Silverton 330 Sport Bridge is a serious 'touring wagon' with all the Euro-styling and mod cons to keep you away from home for good... David Lockwood was treated
Silverton makes no pretension about its place in the overall scheme of things. As part of the Luhrs Marine Group in America, its mission statement might say something along the lines of: "We will include all the comforts of home." Indeed, comforts and amenities are the hallmark of Silverton.
The trend was set in the early days when it first made lapstrake skiffs for cruising off the Jersey coast. Decades on the brief has been maintained in its conventional-looking convertibles, avant-garde liveaboards and sportscruiser models.
Driven by customer feedback and considerable R&D, Silverton embraces the include-the-kitchen-sink and turnkey approach to boatbuilding. For confirmation of this, take a trip down below on the 330 Sport Bridge. The extraordinary high-volume interior has all the mod cons built-in at factory level. Furthermore, all Silverton boats are fitted with something called a Marine Pac. This comprises fenders, dock lines, safety gear, ground tackle and boat hook. Meanwhile, engineering isn't compromised in the desire to provide space and creature comforts.
Among the details worth noting are one-piece stainless bowrails, tempered safety glass windows, dripless shaft seals, marine-ply bulkheads encapsulated in glass and bonded to the hull, and enginerooms that are well insulated and accessible. All this makes for a big 33ft cruiser that can ply your favourite waterways for weeks at a time. Rather than crossing oceans, Silverton understands that there are people out there who want to be mollycoddled while ambling around in search of the perfect lunch spot.
PURPOSE-BUILT CRUISER
This wholesome approach to powerboating is no more evident than in the 330 Sport Bridge. A comfortable motorcruiser, it provides a level of comfort and a range of amenities you won't find on more single-minded boats. The finish, in particular, is just like a modern apartment. Benchtops are covered in Corian a high-quality granite substitute with neutral colour schemes preferred. Solid cherrywood timber is used for the walls and panelling, while longlasting marine vinyl covers the lounges and there is lots of plush Stainmaster carpet.
As you step down in the saloon of the 330 Sport Bridge, you get the feeling you're in a much bigger boat. As the saloon is set down, the ceiling can be raised without affecting stability. Down below you can't help notice the big surrounding windows offering a terrific view outside. Tailor-made blinds and curtains can be drawn for privacy at night or while parked in the marina, while plush furniture calls hither from the peripheries. The warm hospitality is extended to the designer fabrics. There are lots of chic scatter cushions, smart bedspreads, soft head-and-wall liners, and downlighting that adds considerably to the ambience.
Architecturally, the Euro-styled interior works. Headroom is a handy 1.96m and the emphasis has gone on providing living space rather than room for a family of boat people.
CRUISING AMENITIES
To port, beside the sliding door leading from the cockpit, is a galley; perhaps better described as a domestic kitchen. Running longitudinally, the generous L-shaped Corian benchtops are surrounded by a dozen or so cherrywood drawers and cupboards.
Features include a two-burner electric stove, microwave oven, 110V-12V fridge/freezer, and big sink with single-action tap. Off the forward edge is a raised platform for mounting a television and VCR. Coffee-makers are standard equipment on other Silvertons, and you're not short-changed with the 330 either. A bar area with two stools is incorporated in the galley, and there is a CD player and a variety of electrical plugs for things like telephones. Opposite the galley is a wardrobe for hanging your Sunday best. Alongside is the boat's only head, but it's convenient for guests and owners. Moulded and fully-lined for ease of cleaning, it comes with an electric loo, useful vanity, room to move and, unusually for a boat of this length, a separate shower stall with full headroom.
As the 330 Sport Bridge has just one helm station, the lounge area behind the windscreen gains in size. To port is a settee that can seat three people alongside drinks tables. Warm timber walls with framed paintings surround the sitting area.. just like home. On the starboard-side is a sizeable L-shaped lounge and dinette made from solid cherrywood, surrounded by curios like those you might come across in a hotel lobby. The dinette converts to an impromptu double berth, though the 330's accommodation is built with permanents in mind.
The single cabin is designed in such a way that a couple or at most a family with small children can liveaboard comfortably. Nestled in the bow, the single cabin is set behind a sliding door and is surprisingly roomy thanks to its transverse or offset double bed with inner-spring mattress. Niceties include an overhead hatch, lots of scatter cushions, full-length hanging locker, drawers for storing personals, oval mirror and, of course, headroom. There is space to mount a television and options including a linen package and, if you must, a lower helm station.
DAYTIME DECKS
Naturally, days on the 330 will be shared with the outdoors. To this end, the boat has a useful cockpit protected by a small overhang in which you could dine alfresco or park yourself on a folding chair while dangling a line for a bream. Among the things you'll find in the cockpit are non-skid floor, mooring cleats, storage lockers, transom door, boarding platform with folding ladder, and a transom shower. From here, a moulded stairwell leads to the bridge.
Silverton don't call it a Sport Bridge for nothing. In keeping with Euro trends, the bridge is a lifestyle centre with plenty of built-in creature comforts, lots of seating, sunpads, and innovative moulded walkways leading down to the foredeck. The bridge has an adjustable two-person helmseat set behind a functional, tinted windshield and a big console high on walnut facias and chrome-rimmed gauges. There's room to flush-mount electronics and navigation aids and a great view of the road ahead, as though you're driving a big runabout.
Alongside the helm is a sexy U-shaped lounge that can seat up to four people, with another transverse lounge behind and a sunpad further aft again. I'm not sure how many people waterways authorities will let you carry here, but there's room for at least 10. Catering for the expected crowd is a wonderful moulded wetbar with drinks fridge or optional icemaker, glass holders, cutting board, and a sink with hot and cold water. Water capacity is a useful 393lt, fuel around 700lt, and serious cruising types should consider fitting a windless and perhaps a genset.
The optional radar arch helps streamline the boat's lines, but it's also a useful mounting spot for a bimini top and clears. This way, you can still cruise in comfort in poor weather. A spotlight would also be useful for finding those all-too-rare public mooring buoys at night.
SWEET CHARIOT
Standard with twin 5.7lt, 290hp Crusader petrol engines, the testboat had an upgrade to twin 4.2lt, 240hp Mercruiser D-tronic diesel donks. With shaftdrives, the boat should stay in control when parking in strong crosswinds, while also being lower maintenance than a cruiser with sterndrive legs. As it was, there wasn't even a zephyr blowing at Blakehurst Marina on Sydney's Georges River just a few jellyfish, a speed-restriction zone, some winding channels and finally a light sea breeze to contend with on expansive Botany Bay.
As to be expected, the 330 Sport Bridge is more chariot than dragboat. The twin direct-injection inboards provided a top-end speed somewhere in the mid-20kt. Low-speed planing speed came in at around 2500rpm, where the Raytheon Tridata said we were doing 16kt. In between the two, around 3000rpm, the boat and crew were doing around 20kt. At this speed, the wind ruffles the hair but the eyes aren't quite watering, allowing you to kick back on a lounge, carry on a conversation and take in the view.
The Silverton 330 Sport Bridge would be a useful touring wagon for the Gippsland Lakes, Hawkesbury, Port Stephens and the Gold Coast to Moreton Island. Having recognised that not everyone enjoys bulldozing their way out to sea and going green around the gills, the boat comes loaded with more features than most. And when you stop to think about it, there's something to be said for taking this option. Imagine cruising upriver or along the coast for a short while, pulling up a mooring or sending the anchor down in a clandestine bay I can see myself kicking back on a lounge, periodically looking up at the view, engrossed in a good book, with the wetbar close at hand.
Published : Friday, 1 June 2001 Issue : Trade A Boat June 2001
