BAIA 54 -2001MY  

It is rare that a vessel of this calibre comes on the market, and this is your opportunity to own one of the most impressive sports-cruisers in the country. 'Platypus' has been turning heads on and around Sydney Harbour for the last 15 years. She was a one owner boat from new till mid 2021 when the current owner took possession, who has since completed many upgrades and improvements while the boat has been in his care.

Powered by twin D12 Volvo (700hp) engines, Platypus has a top speed nearing 40 knots and a comfortable cruise of 30 knots with her Arneson surface drives delivering ultimate speed and efficiency by reducing underwater drag by up to 50%. Adding to the boat's performance is the vessels hull constructed of Pre-Pregnated Kevlar providing a light but durable hull. She runs as good as she looks and provides an exceptionally soft and dry ride. 'Platypus' has 3 spacious cabins + crew accommodation, 2 bathrooms and a large well-appointed galley. She has teak laid decks and oversize sun pads both on the bow and aft. This Baia 54 is a unique vessel that needs to be inspected to be fully appreciated. She is highly optioned and really stands out from the crowd. She would be just as suited for entertaining large groups of friends on Sydney Harbour day trips as she would be pointed North for island hopping exploits around the Whitsundays.

'Platypus' stands as a testament to the Italian shipyard's renowned craftsmanship, delivering a fusion of luxury, performance, and striking design. Embodying the essence of speed and elegance, this sleek and stylish yacht is a captivating masterpiece on the open waters. With its unmistakable silhouette and innovative features, the Baia 54 leaves a lasting impression, drawing the attention of boating enthusiasts and design connoisseurs alike. Whether embarking on exhilarating high-speed adventures or indulging in opulent relaxation, the Baia 54 promises an extraordinary yachting experience like no other, where every journey is a celebration of beauty, power, and refined comfort.

Key Features:

1. Performance: The Baia Aqva 54 is designed for impressive speed, performance and reliability, featuring the revered 700 Hp D12 Volvo Penta's (1500 hrs), coupled to Twin Disc / Arneson Surface Drives, which reduce drag by 50%, throw up an impressive rooster tail at top speed, and allow shallow water navigation (Draft 0.5m). Misunderstood and underrated, the Arneson drives are trouble free and very low on maintenance, requiring only a 'boot check' on every annual service. No more legs, shaft drives or under hull bent drive shafts and broken gear boxes; the Arneson's are 'direct coupled' to the Volvo's and were to be the proxy for modern day high performance boats in the Pershing and Mangusta yachts, as well as most border patrol boats. The current owner has done many trips to Lake Macquarie, and the shallow waters are no issue for the Arnesons, able to be 'trimmed up' above the lowest point of the hull.

2. Design: Platypus boasts a sleek, modern exterior; make no mistake, "She's a looker", with a massive bow entertaining area, an almost 5M beam and mid-ship pilot's helm. The interior design, characterized by typical Italian clean lines, large oval windows, and attention to aesthetic details that exude sophistication and elegance. Cherry Wood, Napper Leather, Plush Pile Carpet and Stainless adorn the interior. You would never know she is 20+ years old. She really is the Ferrari of the Pittwater ! A forward master with ensuite, an aft port side twin single with ensuite / dayhead and an aft starboard L shape twin single complete the accommodations. The captain, of course, has his / her own quarters, with a wet head. Full size fridge / freezer and cabin electronics running on a 1500W inverter circuit, means days at sea without having to run the Generator. All lighting has been upgraded, all previous 'Euro' circuits converted, including an upgraded 80A charger. Neo Flex Wifi controlled lighting installed everywhere lights her up like the Opera House during Vivid..

3. Cockpit: Platypus offers a spacious cockpit area next to the pilots helm with a power retractable roof. Host 10 for lunch ! A remote Fusion system, Neo Flex Wifi Lighting, Dual color white / blue LED downlighting, a 42 inch Smart TV connected to a Quad antenna wifi system, new Garmin twin screens, with Radar, Sonar, Nav, Depth and Auto Pilot and don't forget the newly installed transom speakers. The giant aft Sunbed can accommodate 5 adults, and with the storm covers on, doubles as a fantastic fully enclosed kids sleeping area at night.

4. Storage: The yacht is designed with ample storage space for water toys, equipment, and personal belongings, with storage areas under the transom boot lid, in the engine room, and in the anchor storage room. Platypus is also equipped with special tie downs for a paddleboard to be secured on the Bow.
5. Swim Platform: The vessel boasts a very large swim platform that can be used to create a beach club area, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or easy access for water sports. The transom speakers and underwater aqua luma lighting, pay tribute to Platypus's original flag point of 'St Tropez'. Custom tender chocks and a cleverly re-engineered passerelle that doubles as a Davit for a tender have been installed. Note, the existing tender has now sold, hence the price reduction.

6. Maintenance: When do you see a boat with 15 years of documented service history across only 2 owners ? Platypus has been looked after by Newport Marine Services, both at Newport and Bobbin Head. There is nothing that NMS doesn't know about this boat, and references are available. All receipts are available on request. Platypus is a turn-key, nothing to spend proposition, with the next annual due in May 2024 and the current owner committing to it regardless of sale date. Included in the May service will be anti-foul, anodes and prop-speed. The next engine service is due July 2024.

Brief service / refit history below:

Last Survey - July 2023 by Alan Francis, nothing material noted. Copy available on request
Last OOW Service - July 2023 by NMS, next booked 13th May 2024
Arneson drive service (1 in 10 year major) - Feb 2024, with all hydraulic rams replaced.

Electrical upgrades: Sept 2022
NeoFlex LED lighting and LED downlights throughout the boat (Wifi enabled), 5G Quad antenna Wifi system install, upgrade to Smart TVs (x2), Upgrade Fusion amps, install 2 fusion speakers to swim platform. Install larger Inverter and add 2 inverter circuits in the Galley. Install a shore power cut-off safety and an inverter override switch in the main control panel.
All 12 AGM house batteries replaced and upgraded 80 Amp charger - April 2021
Extensive Interior refit including replacing waterproofing, carpet, vinyl trim, all mattresses, leather lounges - April 2021

Link below for Dan's Boat Life video shoot: https://youtu. Be/4VDpARqxX_M

Link below for Dan's Boat Life walk through and boat review:
https://youtu. Be/tppBa8R5xVk