In the palm of your hand

The Islander 600 holds all the right attributes for a luxury getaway.

It must be an intimidating prospect for a boat builder to launch a new range to the international market - especially if the company itself is still building its own reputation.

No matter who the key players involved with the design, build and production are, there is immense pressure on the company to present a design that is more striking or groundbreaking than its more established competitors.

Unleashed at the Dubai International Boat Show this March, the newly-revamped Palm Marine faced just that situation.

Based in state-of-the-art premises in Jebel Ali, Palm Marine proudly held its head up high alongside some of the most respected names in the yacht building industry and presented its new range of sports cruisers, showcased with the Palm Islander 600.

"Many people expect builders in the UAE to be creating cheap boats," explained Harald Schlegel, Palm Marine's Business Development Manager, "but you cannot produce a cheap product without compromising quality. Yes, we may have cheaper wage bills than other countries, but we are still using the same raw materials, imported luxury hardware and quality fabrics as European builders."

Moored stern-to in Dubai Marina, the Palm Islander 600 lies just under the 20-metre mark, including the teak-laid hydraulic bathing platform that offers and easy access from jetty to the cockpit.

Large enough for a PWC or sporty tender, the bathing platform leads smoothly into the transom, with its cockpit gate to starboard.

Ridged teak steps are carved into the gelcoat for speedy crew access, and a watertight door leads down to the single crew en suite crew cabin, washer-drier and engine room.

Twin 734hp MAN engines lurk below, set on the ribs for a straight shaft configuration.

Stepping through the transom to the teak-laid cockpit, which Palm Marine lays in-house, the guest immediately catches the benefit of the extended coachroof aft of the flybridge.

"Though Palm Marine yachts are not built specifically for this region, we do look at the small build aspects that make a local owner more comfortable," explained Harald.

"For instance, the extended flybridge deck that covers the cockpit; keeping guests sheltered from the sun's direct rays, and allowing evening alfresco meals with the lights built into it."

Curving around the high transom, the Sunbrella fabric finished bench seat provides excellent shoulder support and could sumptuously support even the largest of guests. Fronted by a natural teak folding and swivelling table, the addition of a few freestanding deck chairs would allow dining for eight.

The quarter Lofrans capstans are set high, feeding all warps through the transom fairlead to keep the rudiments of mooring from inconveniencing the guest.

"But we are not just about looking good with our designs at Palm Marine," continued Harald, "we are also practical as well."

So saying he pointed out the two polished stainless sockets placed in the cockpit sole either side of the engine maintenance hatch.

"For any serious maintenance, the whole cockpit floor comes out, so engine work can be carried out without compromising the structure or dirtying the boat," he summarised.

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