The 1971 Pleysier 52 'Panawonica' has now SOLD.
She was designed by highly acclaimed Raymond Hunt naval architects. Featuring the signature deep vee hull shape providing seaworthiness and offshore capabilities that are second to none. Her smooth curves and the overall attention to detail of her exterior surfaces heralded a new standard of game fishing vessel construction here in Australia - not seen before.
She is undoubtedly one of the finest presented Australian game fishing vessels to roam our coastline. Having been in the custody of only two notable owners for over 50 years with her current owner's attention to detail evident in her presentation courtesy of constant upgrades. She is well travelled up and down the east coast having been a regular in the Cairns Marlin Marina for the annual game fishing season before retreating to the safety of the Gold Coast as her home berth.
This is the first vessel we have sold that we can say is fit for a King! Her next owner will be chuffed to learn back in 1979 a then young Prince Charles - now the King of England - spent a day onboard 'Panawonica' landing a 540lbs Blue Marlin some 20nm west of Rottnest Island. As a momento of the day, a hardcover book onboard the vessel contains plenty of photos of this outing. Needless to say when you read the book it is fair to say the boat has aged gracefully while Charles looked a lot younger than he does today!
In term of significant upgrades over the years her current owner has undertaken a complete engine room refurbishment - fuel and water tank upgrades - several complete two-pack external repaints, and the modernisation of the flybridge hardtop including the installation of a Black Marlin tuna tower. She is undeniably a pretty boat on the water.
As to be expected from a vessel designed for game fishing, access to the huge 106 sq ft teak-laid cockpit is via a large transom door. The cockpit features a centrally mounted Reelax 130lb game chair with the flybridge overhang providing great shade for anglers to lounge on her daybeds out of the elements but immediately adjacent to where the action happens. As was a common design with game fishing vessels of this era the day beds are positioned on top of the engine boxes - the engines being aft of the saloon bulkhead - access to the engine is therefore excellent for maintenance purposes. Two top-loading cockpit freezers are positioned at the aft of the engine boxes.
From the cockpit entry into the saloon is through a centreline gloss timber door leading into an open-plan space, which compliments the massive cockpit entertaining space when it's party time. Large windows surround this area inviting plenty of natural light. Ceiling-mounted rod storage in the saloon is a constant reminder of the design intent of 'Panawonica'. The interior has a clean and uncluttered layout with the galley positioned in the starboard forward corner of the saloon. The galley features an impressive brushed stainless steel benchtop and the seemlessly welded sink is a classy touch. The timber louvers on the cabinetry are in immaculate condition. Portside is an L-shaped lounge upholstered in chocolate brown leather with a dual pedestal high gloss dining table. To starboard, aft of the galley, is a comfortable in-line lounge which doubles as a saloon daybed.
Forward from the main saloon via the centre staircase is the lower accommodation in the bow consisting of two private cabins. The master cabin on the portside of the vessel features a double bed with dual access ensuite. The forward guest cabin is configured with a Vee berth. And finally one more crew bunk is positioned to starboard as you make your way to the bow cabin.
At the heart of the boat you will find a pair of 590hp Detroit 6V92 shaft drive diesels, giving a comfortable cruise speed of 17 knots with a top speed of 29 knots. Onboard ship's power is provided by an Onan 7 Kva Genset.
Inspection of this vessel is a must to see to appreciate her presentation courtesy of her passionate owner. This is a rare opportunity to acquire one of Australia's most prominent game fishing classic's. 'Panawonica' is turnkey ready for her next custodian.
Lying Alexander Marine's head office and marina, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
