Info
About Magnum Yachts
A huge advantage with the Magnum Yacht is the large cockpit and design of the hidden motor. This allows for more leg room in the cockpit and the safety and noise factor is also worth noting.
Magnum Yachts are one of the largest trailerable yachts. They can be readily towed. They are 8.5 metres (which is why they are known as Magnum 8.5) long with a beam of 2.45 metres and have a retractable keel. There is a large double berth in the stern with a double V berth in the bow. In addition there are two quarter berths suitable for children (or small adults).
There is a fully enclosed Head, incorporating a portable toilet and a basin and shower.
The Galley comprises of an ice chest, which can be converted to a eutectic refrigerator, stainless steel sink and generous cupboards and drawers. There is a pressure water reticulation system to the head, sink and to a shower (if fitted) on the transom if required
There is ample storage under all berths, which is readily accessible.
The electrics operate via a 12-volt system and the standard installation is two heavy-duty marine batteries. These are recharged via a solar panel mounted on the transom and also when the motor is running.
Historically the motor installed was a 10 hp Yamaha four stroke. However new models now come with a 15 hp Honda.
The keel is cleverly hidden as it forms part of the wall to the Head. The keel is lifted effortlessly with a push button device installed in the cockpit and an electric motor driving a hydraulic pump. Everything is retractable, that is keel, rudder, and motor, so Magnums can be readily beached. A big bonus for children.
The yacht is effortlessly sailed by two people and can even be sailed single-handed.
The sail configuration comprises of a fractional rig with a self-tacking headsail and a main fitted with a backstay tensioner, outhaul, vang and cunningham. Two standard winches are fitted on top of the coach house and optional deck mounted winches can be added if a Genoa and Spinnaker is used.
Magnums can either be stored on their trailers or antifouled and kept in the water for extended periods.
The trailers are purpose built and are a four wheel double axle arrangement. New trailers now come with power assisted braking which is a Vic Roads requirement. See towing page for further information regarding towing.
Perhaps the majority of Magnum owners use their boats for cruising and family activities, however, there are a number of owners who are competitive and race their boats regularly.
Specifications
SAIL AREA
Mainsail including roach: 18.51 sq. metres
Genoa: 17.84 sq. metres
Working Jib: 9.60 sq. metres
PRINCIPAL DIMENSIONS
Length - overall: 8.53 metres
Length - waterline: 7.55 metres
Beam - overall: 2.45 metres
Draft - board up: 0.26 metres
Draft - board down: 1.50 metres
Displacement: 2000 kg **
Ballast: 400 kg
SAIL DIMENSIONS
SAIL LUFF LEECH FOOT L.P.
Main 8.70m 9.42m 3.48m
Gen 150% 8.44m 7.86m 4.70m 4.31m
Jib 95% 8.00m 7.26m 2.63m 2.37m
Jib* 80% 6.40m 5.51m 2.54m 2.16m
Spin 8.90m (5.90m max width)
Jib* is storm jib
** Very early Magnums (eg. hull numbers less than 10) were much lighter than 2000kg. The first few were built very light for racing (~1400kg). Later boats had heavier fibreglass layup and extras such as internal cabin (fibreglass) head lining which added significantly to the weight.
History of Magnum Yachts
South Coast Yachts originally designed and commenced building Magnum Yachts at Unanderra, NSW in 1987 and produced 76 boats in the following 10 years.
Peter Sands Yachts took over the manufacture of Magnum Yachts, building 12 boats over two years in Queensland until the moulds were purchased by Neville Mills and Amanda Chapman who formed Magnum Yachts in Victoria.
Neville and Amanda constructed 9 boats until Magnum Yachts was taken over by Graeme and Cheryl King who handled the construction and sales of Magnum Yachts, spare parts and accessories for several years. The quality of Graeme and Cheryl's work was demonstrated with the launching of the most recent Magnum, MG8100, they named 'Kingtide'.
Fibreglass moulds for the Magnum 8.5 were purchased by the Magnum Yacht Association in 2009.
The Magnum Yacht Association was formed in early 1990 by a number of Victorian owners, some of whom are still active in the association. Membership in the Association has subsequently grown to nearly fifty Magnums nationally. Today, around one hundred Magnum 8.5 yachts are owned across Australia. Owners and members of the Association are widespread in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, News South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory.
With ownership of the moulds and a broad knowledge base, the Magnum Yacht Association currently handles and facilitates all enquiries regarding the building of new hull and deck kits, spare parts, accessories, repairs and maintenance of the Magnum 8.5 yacht.
Class Rules
The Magnum 8.5 Class Rules can be found here.
Manufacturer
The moulds for the Magnum hull, deck and all other components are located in Victoria and owned by the Magnum Yacht Association. The Association can assist you to engage the services of a professional boat building firm to construct a hull and deck or any replacement fibreglass component for the Magnum 8.5.
The Association can also help you to source other parts for the Magnum such as hydraulic components, rigging and sails.
The Magnum 8.5 yacht has a reputation for safety, modern design features and quality craftsmanship. This, together with the availability of ongoing service and support will ensure that the Magnum will always be highly sought after and will continue to have an excellent re-sale value.
The Magnum Yacht Association is committed to ensuring that the reputation of the Magnum 8.5 as the premier trailerable yacht class will continue well into the future.
For further information, please contact members of the Committee.
Towing Information
Most Magnums weigh 2.5 tonnes (including trailer) or more depending on how much gear you have on board. So, regulations do apply. The car's recommended towing weight must not be exceeded and the towbar's specified maximum weight must not be exceeded. The brakes on the trailer need to be working properly and level riding bars are strongly recommended as they shift the weight to the forward wheels of the car. This improves steering, braking and handling. In addition, the proportion of weight on the towing ball needs to be in the 5-10% range.
Most jack-knifing incidents can be attributed to inadequate ball weight, especially if combined with an inadequate towing vehicle.
Our recommended Magnum towing rig is a 4 wheel drive, Land Cruiser, Patrol, or Land Rover Discovery etc, with a Hayman Reece level riding hitch. The car should have some luggage in the back to stabilize the rear of the car and the trailer brakes and lights need to be in good order.
See the VicRoads Information Bulletin on trailable yacht towing.
Club Registration Numbers
Blocks of reserved registration prefixes are allocated to motor boat or yacht clubs approved by Marine Safety Victoria. See list here.