Launched earlier this year, the Frauscher 1017 GT Air is the latest in the shipyard’s line of exciting 10 metre day boats.
Yachts
Features
FRAUSCHER 1017 GT AIR
The 1017 Series is one of the most popular model lines to come out of Frauscher’s Austrian shipyard. Over the last eight years, several versions have made it to market, including the single cabin 1017 GT, the 1017 Lido open cruiser and a limited number of Lidos created by the famous German designer Thomas Rath.
NEW GENERATION
The second generation of 1017, the GT Air, has taken over from the popular 1017 Lido, keeping the familiar family silhouette emphasised by the high-grade stainless steel moldings and the Frauscher nameplate.
In all of the Frauscher models, the Air prefix has become synonymous with optimized space, which has been made possible thanks to the helm’s location. “In developing the 1017 GT Air, we were primarily concerned with improving the feeling of space on board,” commented Michael Frauscher. “The centre helm, the extended benches and innovative storage space solutions create a completely new feeling of freedom of movement over a length of 10 metres.”
Once on board, you are instantly aware of Frauscher’s familiar features. For example, the bathing platform is equipped with a shower, and while you’re there, you can use the retractable ladder to safely climb down into the water.
Two sunpads (which lift to reveal the engines and additional storage) are separated by a teak walkway. This leads forward to the two sofas. Initially they appear to be quite exposed, however, a hidden bimini top can be erected to shade the cockpit occupants. Another feature of the Air is the removal of the wetbar. Here, everyone’s refreshments have been moved to two drinks cabinets under the aft sofas.
The helm features two stylish seats that can transform from comfy sit-downs, to sporty stand-up posts, depending on the skipper’s mood and he or she gets to look a more streamlined dashboard. Featuring a 12-inch Raymarine Axiom Pro all-in-one display with the new LightHouse 3 operating system, it’s a lot cleaner and less retro than previous 1017s. The other main detail of the helm is the sleek, wraparound windscreen. This slopes down to create the bathroom door, which is complete with a head and wash basin.
The foredeck lounge with its twin sofas and tables can be used as dining area, or turned into a large sunbathing spot. Again, a second hidden bimini can be erected, allowing the Air to be enjoyed in sunnier climes – and enjoyed it can be, as the day boat is complemented by a high-quality, 14 speaker, audio system. Frauscher only uses marine certified equipment, such as Clarion, BOSE or Fusion Electronics and you can control the audio system using portable iOS devices.
The helm features two stylish seats that can transform from comfy sit-downs, to sporty stand-up posts.
DYNAMICS AND ENGINES
When it comes to power, a pair of 6.2 litre MerCruiser V8s can be found under the aft sunpads. Diesels are an option, with Volvo’s D4s being offered. Or for some real smiles, a pair of 430 hp, 8.2 litre MerCruiser V8s can be specified. For ease of use, a bow thruster is offered as an option – perfect for accurate maneuvering in tightly packed yacht clubs, or seamless mooring at a restaurant.
| Frauscher 1017 GT AIR specifications | |
|---|---|
| LOA: | 9.99m |
| Beam: | 2.99m |
| Draught: | 0.85m |
| Material: | Fiberglass |
| Displacement: | 3.9t |
| Max speed: | 50 kn |
| Cruise speed: | 35 kn |
| Passengers: | 10 |
| Engines: | 2x 430 hp MerCruiser V8 |
| Fuel: | 520 ltr |
| Shipyard: | Frauscher (Austria) |
CONCLUSION
The Frauscher 1017 GT Air is a fine example of how a shipyard can subtly evolve a model line without alienating enthusiasts. Dynamically, the Air improves on its predecessors, making it an even more desirable choice as a tender, or day boat.
