Southern Cross - Boat Specs

The addition of Southern Cross to our fleet back in 2002 was a bit unexpected and unplanned. Scuzz’s initial feeling at the time was that our two other vessels, Asia and Afrika, would be enough to meet consumer demand and allow for our ongoing exploration to the regions in Northern Sumatra. However, Om and his son Yandi, with the help of a few friends, had already begun construction on a new hull utilizing the knowledge they had gained from the previous boats and our many trips in the past. In addition, quite a few extra dollars had been put into this effort. After seeing the hull was already built and the family was putting all their effort into it, Scuzz was inspired and decided to join in. From the hull, the Southern Cross was built from the ground up with the specs and style we wanted for surf travel. This also freed up Asia entirely for Aki, who was already an expert guide in the Mentawais and quickly gaining expertise up North, and gave him the ability to travel far and wide and do more searching and pioneering on his own.

The Southern Cross is similar in layout and appearance to our other boats, but you really notice the extra breadth of the boat. It is noticeably wider and roomier than Asia and Afrika, which allows for lot of extra elbowroom when cruising about the decks, salon, sleeping quarters, and eating areas.

At the lowest level of the boat, you’ll find our spacious sleeping area that houses 8 comfortable bunks for our guests. There are large individual storage areas next to each bunk, which are great for storing clothes, books, camera equipment and some of your more delicate items. There’s also a nightlight for each bunk so you can keep reading even if everyone else is crashed out. In addition to the individual storage compartments, there are additional large storage units at both the front and rear of the sleeping quarters, which are good for storing larger and more durable items like your surf gear. The cabin also contains our TV, VCR, and DVD. It’s a great place to crank up the air conditioning after a long day of surfing and pop on a video, or hook the camcorder up to the TV and watch the day’s footage.

In addition to the 8 bunks downstairs, there are two individual private cabins upstairs. One of these cabins belongs to Scuzz, and last year he knocked down one of the walls to make his room a special “deluxe cabin”. Both rooms are great for a little extra privacy, and Scuzz has been known to offer up his larger cabin as a love nest for special couples wanting to stay together.

The Southern Cross boasts a huge shaded front deck which is a great place to relax and have a bite to eat, watch your friends surf, or pick up the video camera to capture some footage. Every day we bring out the big padded mats, so it’s also a great place to practice some stretching or take a nap. In addition to the downstairs shaded area, we have another large shaded area on the top level that doubles as one of our two main dining areas. We have a huge table with benches and chairs that seats up to 10 quite comfortably. There are two additional padded benches if you want to lie down or need some extra room expand after eating all the fresh fish you catch. This entire area is shaded, and it’s also a great place to eat at night when a cool breeze is blowing.

Our other dining area is in the main deck in the salon. Couches surround another large serving table, which is also the site where you hope you don’t roll ‘em off the table in the infamous Dice Game. Every morning, often before you awaken, the crew lays out several trays of fruits, eggs, breads, cereal, granola, milk, etc. – good energy producing food to give you fuel for your first surf. Eri your chef has his own self-contained galley, which enables him to weave his magic for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Southern Cross has picked up where Asia started, and truly become the pioneering boat for Northern Sumatra missions. Its 660 horsepower push the SC along at a good clip, enabling this boat to do more miles than any other boat in Northern Sumatra, easy. Southern Cross has discovered many waves and is well known by villages all over the island chain. With our ongoing relief effort, her name only strengthens. As a result, Southern Cross is often booked almost a year in advance (2006 was pretty much full by mid-2005). This shows the good name she has, so it’s recommended that you start planning a trip early if you wish to come aboard.

Southern Cross - Boat Specs

Length (base of hull): 23m
Beam: 5.2 meters
Draft: 1.9 meters
Speed: 9-12 knots
Minimum group: 6
Max group: 9
AC: 2 units national, 1.5pk cabin
Safety: life jackets, flares, epirb, sat phone, TIKI boat standing by, fire extinguisher, first aid kit
Engine: Twin Mitsubishi 6D22 330HP
Engine genset: 2 * ps 100hp, ts 20pk
Generator: 2 * 30 kva 230v – 240v 50 hz ac
GPS: Furuno
Radio: Icom 710 ssb
Fuel capacity: 10000 lt
Water capacity: 6000 lt
Sounder: dual frequency
Toys: TV, DVD, VCR, CD player, iBook, stereo, Bose speakers, iPod
Construction: local hardwood
Crew: captain, mechanic, cook, 2 general crew mates, guide
Tender: aluminum 4m – 2.5m Yamaha 25hp
Snorkeling gear: basic/limited
Fishing gear: 2 rod reels, handlines, gaff, belt
Features: 2 large shaded outdoor areas, 2 hammocks, indoor fresh water, shower and bathroom
Flag: Indonesian