Sailing Performance & Handling
The Bonito 750 is widely regarded as one of the stiffer and more weatherly boats in the 7-to-8-meter trailerable class. With a Class Based Handicap (CBH) of approximately 0.710, it consistently outpaces its predecessor, the Bonito 25, which carries a lower rating of 0.700. This performance advantage is largely attributed to a refined hull shape with a flatter transom and a high-aspect fractional rig.
On the water, the boat is known for its ability to point high and track exceptionally well, a trait highlighted in technical documentation from John Crawford Marine, which maintains extensive archives on the model's history. The 7/8ths fractional rig, often featuring swept-back spreaders and a tapered mast, provides a responsive feel that allows for fine-tuning in varying wind conditions. When well-trimmed, the 750 feels more like a fixed-keel yacht than a typical centerboarder, maintaining stability even in the building breezes and chop common to coastal reaches like Moreton Bay or the Hauraki Gulf.
Interior Comfort & Variations
For a vessel that can be legally towed by a medium-to-large vehicle, the Bonito 750 offers a surprisingly voluminous interior. The cabin is typically configured with a five-berth layout, comprising a double V-berth in the bow, a convertible dinette, and two generous quarter berths. A standout design feature is the "pop-top" or pivoting main hatch, which significantly increases headroom in the galley area—often reaching upwards of 1.7 meters (5'7")—making it functional for overnight cruising.
Variations of the hull exist under different names, most notably the Trojan 750 and the later Eclipse 750. While the hull lines remained largely consistent, the Eclipse variant introduced a modernized open-plan interior and replaced traditional timber reinforcements with a full-length moulded liner bonded to the hull, which added positive buoyancy and increased structural rigidity. Earlier Bonito 750 builds frequently featured marine-grade plywood bulkheads and traditional manual pump systems for fresh water, while later units might be found with electric keel hoists and upgraded galley units.
Popular Mentions & Media
The Bonito 750 has maintained a steady presence in nautical media within the Southern Hemisphere for decades. It is a recurring subject in the "Trailer Sailer Library" of major regional brokerages and was famously featured in Trade-A-Boat NZ as the foundation for the "reinvented" Eclipse series. The yacht "Starship" is one of the most well-documented examples of the class, serving as a benchmark for the model's performance in regional regattas and appearing in multiple promotional and technical sheets.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should prioritize a thorough inspection of the following technical areas:
- Keel Mechanism: The retractable keel uses a pivot bolt and a hoisting system (either manual or electric). Inspect the pivot area for "clunking" while underway, which indicates bush wear, and check the hoist cable for fraying or corrosion.
- Deck Core Integrity: Like many GRP yachts of this era, the 750 uses plywood reinforcement in high-load areas such as the mast base and winch pads. Use a phenolic hammer to check for delamination or soft spots, particularly around the chainplates.
- Window and Hatch Seals: The long, tinted acrylic windows are a signature of the Warwick/de Joux design but are prone to leaking if the original sealant has degraded. Check for water staining on the interior liner.
- Rudder Gudgeons: The transom-hung rudder is subject to significant leverage. Inspect the mounting points on the transom for stress cracks in the gelcoat.
Community & Resources
The primary hub for technical support and class rules is the New Zealand Trailer Yacht Association (NZTYA), which oversees the safety regulations and handicap ratings for the model. Owners also frequently collaborate through regional trailer sailer forums to share modifications for the keel lift system and rigging upgrades.
The Verdict
Pros:
- Excellent performance for its class, with a competitive handicap.
- Spacious interior with clever headroom solutions (pop-top hatch).
- Solid GRP construction with a high degree of safety and stability.
- Legally trailerable, avoiding expensive permanent berthing fees.
Cons:
- Complex keel mechanism requires regular maintenance.
- Aged examples may suffer from typical GRP "gotchas" like deck core moisture.
- Large size requires a substantial towing vehicle (approx. 1,800kg–2,000kg total weight).
