For a long period back in the 1990s and 2000s Windy was one of the dominant forces in the 35-45ft hard top sportscruiser sector. Boats like the 37 Grand Mistral, 40 Maestro and 44 Chinook offered a sporty, practical and beautifully built Scandinavian alternative to the usual Fairline Targas and Princess V40s of their era.

Then for reasons we still don’t fully understand, Windy turned its back on the mainstream hard top sportscruiser market in favour of larger superyacht style chase boats and pure open sportsboats.

Both these new ranges still have the performance, handling and build quality to mix it with the best but for UK and Northern Europe waters, where summers are short and superyachts rarely linger, they simply aren’t as versatile or as well suited as their predecessors used to be.

That’s where this new Windy SR40 comes in. Technically, it’s the third model in the SR Sports Boat range that spans the gap between the classic open sportsboats and the semi-custom superyacht tenders; but whereas the other two models in the range, the Windy SR28 CC and the Windy SR44, are effectively open boats with a rigid sunshade overhead, the new Windy SR40 has a full wraparound hardtop providing protection from the sun, wind, rain and spray.

In fact the Windy SR40 is even more versatile than that because thanks to two large sliding side doors and opening sunroofs, it also does a very good imitation of an open boat when conditions allow.

Throw in the safety and convenience of its deep walkaround side decks, a decent cabin and heads for overnighting, and the option of both efficient diesel power or sizzling outboard performance and it’s starting to sound like all things to all people.

The big question is whether it can do all this and still deliver the soft ride and dynamic handling for which Windys are rightly renowned.

Diesel inboard or petrol outboard gives buyers a wide choice of options. Photos: Jerome Kelagopian & Hugo Andreae

Superyacht Style

As luck would have it the very first diesel powered Windy SR40 off the line was bought by MBY reader and Our Boats contributor Tim Innes and it was he, along with the French dealer Merveille Nautic, who granted us an exclusive opportunity to test it, fresh from its world debut at the Palma Boat Show.

There’s storage under the seats and an optional extra fridge. Photos: Jerome Kelagopian & Hugo Andreae

However, before we get to the subject of how well it drives, it’s worth taking a moment to delve into the SR40’s layout and its long list of optional extras. As with the W37 Shamal, W34 Alize and W29 Huracan, the SR40’s hull and exterior were penned by the Norwegian born superyacht designer Espen Øino, while the cockpit and interior styling were the work of British company Design Unlimited, best known for its work with Sunseeker.

Any concerns that this might lead to a boat with more show than go are swiftly dispelled when you see the end result; the brief was to create a ‘fast and safe multi-purpose family sportsboat with the emphasis on the practical aspects of boating’ and the finished design certainly lives up to that billing.

The pop-up aft cabin tent is only an option on the outboard boat. Photos: Jerome Kelagopian & Hugo Andreae

Deck layout

With its secure walkaround decks protected behind waist-high bulwarks, it’s a very safe and easy boat to move around with much better access to the foredeck sunpad and anchoring gear than the step-thru windscreen designs of Windy’s open sportscruisers.

Everyday jobs like rigging the lines and fenders or checking the anchor gear are a doddle, helped by strategically located lockers under both side decks as well as the foredeck and cockpit. Some of these were missing Windy’s usual lift-out baskets, which let wet ropes and fenders dry out and make retrieving them even easier, but we’re assured this was just a supply issue with the test boat and they will be added later.

The sliding side doors align with the rear windows when opened so the outlook remains the same. Photos: Jerome Kelagopian & Hugo Andreae

That hard top is also a very practical piece of design. Technically, the sliding side doors are a €16,800 option but it’s hard to imagine anyone choosing not to spec them as they make for a much better protected helm and seating area when closed but are almost invisible when slid back into the open position.

They also feel impressively solid with a reliable heavy duty manual mechanism that locks them into one of three preset positions and avoids the usual squeaks and rattles which afflict cheaper designs. There is no option for a rear set of doors but you can still enclose the aft end of the cockpit with canopies when needed.

Optional electric sunroofs over the helm and dinette (as standard they are fixed glass skylights) open things up even more, while roof rack bars for mounting paddleboards, kayaks or even bike holders add further versatility to the hard top. Steps moulded into the side pillars enable relatively easy access to these.

The vee-shaped dinette makes up into a bed at night. Photos: Jerome Kelagopian & Hugo Andreae

The other major novelty is a pair of folding balconies on either side of the aft cockpit. At €77,000, they are a big ticket option but it’s not hard to see why Med users might feel they’re worth it for the beach club vibe they offer.

The rest of the cockpit is more conventionally Windy but none the worse for it. The aft bench/sunpad is a particularly smart piece of design with angled side bolsters providing added security under way and a sliding backrest that varies the split between cockpit seating and sunpad, and allows its occupants to face forwards, backwards or both.

In forward-facing bench mode it’s a little too far from the dinette table to sit and eat but it does form the fourth side of a very sociable square of seating. An optional sun awning with slot-in carbon poles extends the shade all the way aft when needed.

The day heads has standing headroom and a separate shower compartment. Photos: Jerome Kelagopian & Hugo Andreae

A pair of wet bars separate the seating area from the helm station. The port one is largely taken up by a top-loading chilled locker, while the starboard one houses the sink, crockery and options for a Kenyon grille or induction hob.

Silwy plates and glasses with magnets embedded in the base keep these secure in their metal lined drawers but Windy has missed a trick by failing to mould a thin steel sheet under the surface of the dinette table as well. A swing-up countertop to bridge the gap between the two wet bars provides an extra work surface but does compromise movement fore and aft when raised.

The detailing has some neat superyacht style touches to it. Photos: Jerome Kelagopian & Hugo Andreae

Cabin Space

The deep set cockpit and walkaround decks limit space down below to a single open plan cabin with a separate heads forward but at least it’s a very nicely designed space with plenty of natural light coming in through the eye-level windows (even if they only look out onto the gunwales) and lots of smart detailing.

The standard fitout down here includes a vee-shaped sofa but you can upgrade this with a hi-lo table that converts to a double berth or a less versatile but more comfortable permanent double bed.

Article continues below…

Windy SR28 CC review: world class driving in a smaller package

Windy SR44 review: 10 years in the making and well worth the wait

High quality fabrics, textured bulkhead and deckhead linings, flashes of colour inside the lockers and expensive-looking lights and fittings go some way to justifying its superyacht style pretensions. Quite rightly for a day boat with overnighting facilities, the heads compartment is granted a generous amount of space with full standing headroom, a decent electric toilet and a separate shower compartment with a glass door.

Unlike the W40 Camira, there is no second cabin tucked under the cockpit behind the companionway stairs but if you opt for the outboard powered boat, there is an option to convert the empty engine bay into a surprisingly decent aft cabin.

To give this sufficient headroom, the whole sunpad rises up on electric struts at each corner, unravelling a set of integrated canopies as it lifts like the roof tent of VW Campervan. Watching it all unfold is a great piece of quayside theatre but an expensive one at €28,000.

Twin diesels provide plenty of shove but are quite vocal. Photos: Jerome Kelagopian & Hugo Andreae

Performance and Handling

The helm layout is pure Windy; mounted as close to the centreline as possible and equipped with Shox suspension seats, a tilting wheel and a comprehensive dash layout including physical switches for all the essential items and up to two 19in glass cockpit MFDs for the rest, it’s a lesson in good ergonomics.

Even the throttles are mounted on a small extension to bring them closer to the driver. This ensures it just as comfortable to use when sitting or standing, our only minor quibble is that shorter drivers may find the base of the windscreen a too high to give a clear view of the horizon when climbing onto the plane.

Performance from the big twin diesels is solid rather than scintillating – at 10 tonnes the SR40 is almost twice the weight of a 34 Alizé and 2 tonnes more than a Camira of similar length. It still broke the 40-knot barrier and it’s impressively efficient too, burning a relatively modest 3.6 lpm at 30 knots (compared to 4.4 lpm for a Fairline Targa 40) for a range of over 250nm, but by Windy standards it’s merely quick rather than exhilarating.

The sliding backrest and angled side bolsters keep occupants secure whether facing forwards or backwards. Photos: Jerome Kelagopian & Hugo Andreae

It’s a similar story when it comes to the handling. The extra weight and higher centre of gravity of that hard top means it lacks the lightning-quick responses of the open boats but by the measure of any other yard this is still a very agile performer.

The optional automatic Humphree Interceptors do a fine job controlling the trim and list, but by limiting the angle of heel during a turn, they take some of the fun out of it so we’d advise either upgrading to the full coordinated turn option or switching them off entirely when you fancy a play behind the wheel.

Perhaps more importantly, the Windy SR40 still coped very well with the lumpy conditions of our test, and the extra warmth and protection provided to the entire cockpit by the hard top makes a massive difference to everyone’s comfort.

The brief was to create a fast and safe multi-purpose family sportsboat. It certainly lives up to that billing

The only unfortunate side effect of having a semi-enclosed wheelhouse is its tendency to trap and reflect the noise of the big diesel engines, which could become a little tiring on longer journeys,. Windy is aware of this and says it is planning to improve the sound insulation of the engine bay and air intakes.

It would also be interesting to try the outboard variant to see if this is notably quieter as well as quicker – Windy claims the big V12s give a top speed north of 50 knots!

Windy SR40 specifications

LOA: 40ft 0in (13.05m)
BEAM: 13ft 1in (4.00m)
AIR DRAFT: 11ft 4in (3.45m)
DISPLACEMENT: 10-10.4 tonnes
FUEL CAPACITY: 1,130 litres
WATER CAPACITY: 200 litres
ENGINES: 2 x 440hp Volvo Penta D6, 3 x 400hp or 2 x 600hp Mercury outboard
RCD: B
CONTACT: windyboats.com

Windy SR40 costs and options

Price From: €627,800 ex tax (2 x D6)
3 x 400hp Mercury V10: €628,150
2 x 600hp Mercury V12: €639,150
Joystick for sterndrives: €11,000
Aft cabin (outboard only): €28,000
Hydraulic platform (inboard only): €30,500
Seakeeper 4 stabiliser: €68,000
Teak decking: €20,000

If you enjoyed this….

Motor Boat & Yachting is the world’s leading magazine for Motoryacht enthusiasts. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams, as well as tests and news of all the latest motorboats.

Plus you’ll get our quarterly Custom Yachting supplement where we share the last on offer in the superyacht world and at the luxury end of the market.

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This article Windy SR40 review: Outdoor thrills with sufficient protection for year-round use appeared first on Motor Boat & Yachting.

Let’s not beat about the bush – there’s a big choice of 28-30ft sportsboats in the market at the moment and most of them are less expensive than Windy’s latest offering, the Windy 29 Huracán. Then again Windy has never sought to compete on price. Its USPs are good looks, strong performance, exceptional handling and lasting build quality.

We’ll see how it fares on all those fronts but there’s another reason to consider a Windy 29 Huracán – cruising ability. Nearly all its rivals are powered by petrol outboard motors and prioritise day trips. The Huracán, by contrast, is a compact but very capable cruiser with the option of diesel inboard power – either a 370hp Yanmar 8LV or 440hp Volvo Penta D6.

Both of these deliver similar performance to a petrol outboard while burning significantly less fuel and giving you access to cheaper, more widely available diesel. So how well does it work in practice? We borrowed a Windy 29 Huracán equipped with a 440hp Volvo Penta D6 to find out.

Big diesel engine and a very capable hull deliver plenty of fun and cruising ability. Photo: Paul Wyeth

Devil in the Details

The first thing to note is that the Windy 29 Huracán is a bigger boat than the 29 Coho it replaces. It may only be a few inches longer and wider but the Huracán’s snub nose and taller freeboard create significant extra interior volume. That translates to a deeper, more sociable cockpit and a slightly bigger, taller cabin and heads compartment.

It’s also a very stylish boat. The exterior is the work of Norwegian superyacht designer Espen Øino, while the interior is by British team Design Unlimited. The result looks and feels like a very classy product. Some of that is down to the fresh design language but much of it comes from the thoughtful detailing and premium materials used. This runs right through the boat and encompasses everything from the fixtures and fittings to the quality of the mouldings.

Article continues below…

Cormate Chase 35 first look: A quality offshore performance boat

Axopar 29 sea trial: Sun Top vs Cross Cabin – which is best?

You’ll need to watch our video review to see what we mean but even though the Windy 29 Huracán is built in Poland rather than Windy’s Swedish factory, they clearly haven’t skimped on the specifications. The stainless steel grabrails around the aft sunbed, for instance, are oval rather than round, the locker mouldings are as smooth on the inside as they are on the outside and their hinges and latches are smarter and more robust than is usual for this size of boat.

These may sound like minor details but the cumulative effect makes a huge difference, not just to the enjoyment of the boat but the practicality of it too. There are lockers everywhere, including one for the fenders under the cockpit sole, and the entire aft bench moulding lifts up on an electric ram giving exceptional access to the engine bay.

ABOVE: The removable cockpit table has its own storage rack on the underside of the heavily insulated engine bay lid. Photo: Paul Wyeth

This also reveals a pre-rigged bimini cover that folds up in seconds and tensions at the press of a button, as well as a dedicated storage slot on the underside of the lid for the teak cockpit table and leg. And you only have to look at the thickness of the sound insulation to grasp how seriously Windy takes refinement.

Cockpit and Cabin

The layout of the cockpit also works very well with generous L-shaped seating to starboard, a cosy corner seat to port and a sliding backrest on the aft bench. This allows you to vary the ratio and orientation of the seating/sunbed so it faces forwards, backwards or a bit of both – the latter being particularly handy as an aft-facing seat for a watersports spotter.

Sociable cockpit layout includes multiple lockers under the seats and decking. Photo: Paul Wyeth

The matching bucket seats for the helm and co-pilot adjust for reach and swivel to face inwards. They also bolster for driving while standing, although you lose the hip support that sitting provides. The ergonomics of the helm are close to perfect with good protection from wind blast and an ideal relationship between seat, throttle and helm. We also love the extra grabrail running around the inside of the windscreen.

Our only criticism is that when sitting on the bolstered seat, the top of the windscreen frame is right in your eyeline, and we would prefer to have some analogue dials or a second screen so you could keep an eye on speed, revs, fuel and engine temperatures without sacrificing space on the standard 9in plotter (larger options are available). Twin wipers, washers and a demister are another demonstration of thoughtful detailing.

Basic galley has a sink and a single ring cooking hob. Photo: Paul Wyeth

The steps up to the opening windscreen are deep, well spaced and teak-lined for grip while the windscreen hinges are suitably sturdy and damped by a thick rubber stopper. The low bowrails do leave you feeling a little exposed up here but at least the deck is flat and moulded with a non-slip finish.

Heading below reveals a tiny galley at the foot of the companionway, the only place where there’s enough headroom to stand, with a single diesel Wallas hob, a small sink and just enough storage for a few plates, glasses and pans. The only fridge is a chilled locker under the cockpit floor by the co-pilot’s seat.

Open plan layout is fine for a long weekend away as a couple. Photo: Paul Wyeth

The rest of the cabin is almost entirely filled by the double bed which tapers towards the bow but has enough headroom to sit at the aft end. It’s fine for a night or two and benefits from a good run of eye-level lockers and plenty of natural light from the hull windows and overhead hatch. The big win is a separate heads compartment with a toilet, sink and opening porthole but it’s sitting room only and the shower is on the bathing platform.

The option of diesel power isn’t the only benefit of an inboard design, it also keeps the centre of gravity low and brings Volvo’s grippy DPi sterndrive into play. The big six-cylinder engine is an equally strong but docile companion, which while not quite as quiet as the best petrol outboards, is still remarkably refined by diesel standards.

With no analogue gauges we’d opt for a larger MFD with more space for engine data and a navigation chart. Photo: Paul Wyeth

The electronic throttle keeps gearshifts silky smooth and there’s a trolling button to slip the clutch at idle for slow speed docking manoeuvres. Put the hammer down and it takes a couple of seconds for the engine to really get going but once the turbo kicks in there’s no stopping it. There’s so much torque that you can pick any cruising speed from 20-40 knots without it feeling remotely strained.

Flat-out we saw 43 knots and even at this speed it burns less than two litres per mile, but drop the pace to 30 knots and fuel consumption falls to 1.4 litres per nautical mile. This is around 25% more fuel efficient than an Axopar 29 with a 400hp Mercury Verado and gives the Huracán a range of 230nm with 20% still in reserve, around 50nm more than said Axopar.

Fast, Fun and Refined. Photo: Paul Wyeth

It’s also a very strong and capable hull. We took it out in some sizable seas and it never felt out of its comfort zone, even when the props lifted clear of the water. Inevitably the landings were a little firmer than on the larger 34 Alizé but never enough to elicit any complaint from the hull or helmsman.

In calmer waters it was a joy to helm with a relaxed long-legged gait, perfectly weighted steering and impeccable cornering manners. If anything the steering responses could be sharper and the turning circle tighter as we suspect Volvo has designed it to suit less capable hulls than this.

In calmer waters it was a joy to helm with a relaxed, long-legged gait.
Photo: Paul Wyeth

Windy 29 Huracán specifications

LOA: 29ft 3in (8.91m)
BEAM: 8ft 10in (2.70m)
DRAFT: 3ft 3in (1.0m)
DISPLACEMENT: 3,400kg
FUEL CAPACITY: 400 litres
WATER CAPACITY: 115 litres
ENGINE: 1 x Volvo Penta 430hp V8 petrol, 440hp D6 or Yanmar 370hp diesel
RCD CATEGORY: B
PRICE FROM: £215,168 ex VAT
CONTACT: windyboats.com

If you enjoyed this….

Motor Boat & Yachting is the world’s leading magazine for Motoryacht enthusiasts. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams, as well as tests and news of all the latest motorboats.

Plus you’ll get our quarterly Custom Yachting supplement where we share the last on offer in the superyacht world and at the luxury end of the market.

Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

This article Windy 29 Huracán Review: Fast, Fun and Refined appeared first on Motor Boat & Yachting.

While the new Cormate Utility 27 looked a million dollars on the Cormate show stand, the larger Cormate Chase 35 is an altogether more practical proposition for those in search of offshore performance, day boating luxury and the potential for some decent weekending.

In its latest incarnation, this flagship model has been extended by a foot with a revised hull for extra efficiency and stability, which means it can now accommodate a pair of Mercury Racing 565hp engines for speeds in excess of 80 knots.

At around 400L, of course, the fuel tank is not huge for a boat with that much grunt but such is the efficiency of this slim, stepped hull that even the basic TDI V6 270s will deliver performance in the region of 46 knots, alongside cruising efficiency of less than 1.2L per mile.

Article continues below…

Cormate Utility 27 tour: 80mph rocketship at a price you won't believe

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Weighing in at as little as 3,000kg, the fact that Cormate works so hard to trim off any unnecessary weight is really important and the use of vacuum-infusion techniques and lots of carbon fibre both play their part in that. But as intimated, the Chase 35 also feels like a subtly luxurious piece of engineering.

The cockpit features a pair of facing settees on either side of a transverse table with delightful stainless steel inlays. That slots neatly away in a dedicated locker when not needed. The aft backrest also folds forward and down to expand the sunbed and the leading edge of the forward bench features a drop-down seat so you can sit two or three people behind the wet bar to face forward underway. As for the wet bar itself, that comes with a large fridge, a two-ring diesel stove and a cool little sink that makes great use of the space.

The low-slung race-ready helm is superb

The helm is delightful too. It’s very deep-set with a robust reverse screen that wraps around and extends a good way aft. The seats are also very secure with outstanding lateral support and adjustable impact mitigation – and as you would expect of Cormate, the racing throttles and bespoke toggle switches are all present and correct.

You also get a double bow cabin with a separate heads compartment beneath that raised, cushion-lined foredeck.

It’s not vast but in spite of the swept profile and the narrow beam, it works the volume very effectively. And with lots of pale teak mixed with curved mahogany-faced ply and a glittering pale blue finish to the gel coat, the quality of this offshore performance boat is equally tough to fault.

Cormate Chase 35

LOA: 34ft 8in (10.56m)
BEAM: 8ft 8in (2.63m)
ENGINES: 2 x 270-565hp inboards / outboards
TOP SPEED: 46-82 knots
PRICE: From £239,203 ex VAT
CONTACT: cormate.co.uk

If you enjoyed this….

Motor Boat & Yachting is the world’s leading magazine for Motoryacht enthusiasts. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams, as well as tests and news of all the latest motorboats.

Plus you’ll get our quarterly Custom Yachting supplement where we share the last on offer in the superyacht world and at the luxury end of the market.

Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

This article Cormate Chase 35 first look: A quality offshore performance boat appeared first on Motor Boat & Yachting.

Attempting to replace an icon is always fraught with danger but the new Axopar 29 appears to have cleared that hurdle without batting an eyelid. All the traits that made the original 28 such a runaway success have been retained or improved upon, while the few weaknesses have been comprehensively addressed. 

It’s actually the same length as its predecessor and only 3cm wider but thanks to a slightly higher freeboard, a more heavily flared bow and careful honing of the cockpit coamings, it feels like a significantly larger boat.

That’s most apparent in the bow, where there’s now space for seating along both sides of the table as well as a forward-facing bench. Lift up the latter and you’ll discover a proper little cabin underneath it.

Article continues below…

Axopar 28 OC review

We get the long awaited Axopar 28 OC out on the water for its first UK sea trial

£75000

VIDEO: Axopar 37 review

Jack Haines puts the Axopar 37 to the test in challenging seas off Mallorca

The question of which model to go for, the Sun Top or Cross Cabin, largely comes down to how you intend to use it. The Sun Top is a better party boat that’s easier to move around with space for up to eight people and a much more sociable layout in which everyone feels part of the action.

The Cross Cabin is obviously a better protected boat but you can only sit five people inside and even then the three in the back seats feel a bit hemmed in.

The Cross Cabin’s wheelhouse and doors are appreciably bigger on the 29

The wheelhouse also divides the boat into three distinct areas with those in the bow feeling cut off from those at the stern. The redesigned bow cockpit does at least provide a place where the whole crew can sit together outside (something the old boat lacked).

And what of the boat itself? Has it done enough to retain its sportsboat crown? The simple answer is yes but with one significant proviso. Clever as the multi-cabin is and even with the addition of the second more comfortable aft cabin, some people will still prefer the easier access and convenience of a conventional cuddy cabin design, especially if that comes with the added luxury of a separate heads compartment like the one in the Nimbus T8, Ryck 280 and Windy SR28CC.

Axopar 29 specifications

LOA: 29ft (8.95m)
Beam:  9ft 8in (2.98m)
Draft: 2ft 8in (0.80m)
Engines: 300-450hp
Fuel capacity: 105 gal (400 litres)

Enjoy the tour…

This article Axopar 29 sea trial: Sun Top vs Cross Cabin – which is best? appeared first on Motor Boat & Yachting.

We’ve always had a soft spot for Cormates and the new Cormate Utility 27 is no different. Featuring a Kevlar reinforced vacuum infused hull to keep it light and stiff with a razor-sharp 24.5 degree deadrise angle for soft landings and no less than three steps, it is as fast and efficient as sportboats come.

Even with the entry level 200hp outboard engine the Cormate Utility 27 will do 49 knots, while speed freaks can opt for inboard or outboard power up to 400hp and an estimated 67 knots.

It’s not all about speed though, the design is as practical as it is stylish with secure seating for eight, a table that stows under one of the benches, sunpads at both ends and a small but useable overnighting cabin with the option of a proper sea toilet.

Article continues below…

Cormate T28 review: Full test of this 50-knot sportsboat sensation

Axopar 29 sea trial: Sun Top vs Cross Cabin – which is best?

Practical touches such as cam cleats for easy fender adjustment, a Coast Key wireless kill cord system and a built-in solar panel at the base of the windscreen to charge the batteries go some way to justifying the Utility name.

Design geeks will also appreciate the teak grab rails, mahogany cabin door, racing style throttles and custom made trim tabs to match the shape of the hull’s spray rails.

Best of all, prices start at just €112,255, although you’ll need another €19,000 for the Super Marine package that includes all the aforementioned goodies.

Cormate Utility 27 specifications

LOA: 26ft 11in (8.20m)
BEAM: 7ft 6in (2.29m)
ENGINE: Single Mercury 200-400hp outboard or sterndrive
TOP SPEED: 49-67 knots
PRICE FROM: €112,255
CONTACT: cormate.com

This article Cormate Utility 27 tour: 80mph rocketship at a price you won't believe appeared first on Motor Boat & Yachting.

Electric boat specialist Candela is launching a centre console version of its innovative foiling sportsboat the Candela C-8 CC. Featuring an open bow with walkaround decks in place of the original Candela C-8’s cuddy cabin and walk-through windscreen, the new C-8 CC will take the fight directly to popular outboard powered craft from the likes of Axopar, Saxdor, Quarken and Ryck.

As well as creating room for extra seating in the bow, the new Candela C-8 CC has a more sociable deck layout with a dinette for six at the aft end of the cockpit as well as a wet bar, sunpad and separate heads compartment.

Additional features such as rod-holders, a six speaker stereo system and a built-in 15.4in touch screen navigation and boat control system all add to its desirability as a user-friendly day boat.

The other big win is a new battery and charging system from electric car maker Polestar that dramatically increases the range and reduces the charging time, making it a genuinely viable alternative to petrol powered sportsboats.

The new 69kWh battery, adapted from the Polestar 2, is said to give a range of 57nm at 22 knots – more than enough for most day trips – and can be fully recharged in just 45 mins using a high speed DC charger. The top speed is artificially restricted to 30 knots.

Article continues below…

BGH first look: Bluegame to build 50-knot hydrogen-powered chaseboat

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The key to its efficiency is Candela’s sophisticated retractable foiling system and 75kW C-Pod electric motor that enable the C-8 to fly above the waves, massively reducing drag while delivering one of the quietest most comfortable cruising experiences we’ve ever encountered.

At 22 knots it consumes just 1.2kWh per nautical mile compared to around 1.5 litres per nautical mile (equivalent to 15kWh) for a typical 300hp outboard powered sportsboat.

Running costs should also be significantly lower than petrol or diesel powered sportsboats with a full charge costing as little as €10 and no scheduled servicing costs for the first 3,000 hours.

It’s not all good news though, the starting price for the C-8 CC is €330,000 (roughly double the cost of its closest petrol powered rivals) and buyers will have to wait until 2024 for first deliveries of the new model.

Production of the original Day Cruiser version of the C-8 featuring the new Polestar battery will continue alongside the new CC model.

Candela C-8 CC Specifications

Length: 29ft 2in (8.89m)
Beam: 8ft 3in ( 2.50m)
Weight: 1,700kg
Battery: 69 kWh
Charging: Type 2 AC charging, DC up to 135 kW
Range: 57 nautical miles at 22 knots
Top speed: 30 knots

This article Candela C-8 CC first look: New centre console version of ‘flying’ electric boat appeared first on Motor Boat & Yachting.

But as the builder behind Galia’s range of compact runabouts, its expertise in fast open sportsboats is equally well proven.

Working hand in hand with celebrated designers such as Tony Castro and Roberto Curtò, Galeon manufactures virtually everything in-house, from the furniture and the glass to the stainless steel fittings.

And that enables it to deliver a line-up of leisure boats that feels entirely unique.

Article continues below…

Galeon 325 GTO yacht tour: Inside an ultra-luxurious £350k outboard sportsboat

Galeon 410 HTC first look: New sportscruiser to inherit class-leading cockpit

The Galeon range

With 28 models from 30 to 80ft, the Galeon fleet is not short on choice. You can opt for one of ten Flybridge models, from the entry-level 300 to the flagship Galeon 800, or you can go for a lower-profile tri-deck cruiser, courtesy of the six-strong Skydeck line.

Those in search of higher-octane sport can choose between the HTC hardtop with its enclosed saloon and the HTS hardtop with its semi-open deck.

And if you want Galeon’s most authentic sportsboat experience, the new GTO at 33 and 38ft features an open bow, a sports cruiser-style cockpit and best-in-fleet performance.

Our pick

The Galeon 325 GTO is the first in a new line of high-performance outboard-powered sportsboats. Designed for the full spectrum of day boating applications, as well as occasional weekends away, this stylish two-berth day cruiser is an authentic multi-tool of a boat.

Particularly welcome features include a drop-down beach terrace to port, so you can increase your day space at anchor and enjoy a closer connection to the water.

There is also a comprehensive cockpit wetbar, a convertible sunbathing pad that makes great use of the space above the twin outboards, and a flared forward hull shape with a beamy forepeak, creating sociable bow seating for up to six people at a time.

Galeon 325 GTO specifications

LOA: 9.99m
Beam: 3.34m
Engines: Twin 300-450hp Mercury outboards
Top speed: 40 knots
Starting price: £379,142 (inc. VAT)

UK dealer: Galeon Yachts UK
Tel: +44 (0)2381 611661
Web: www.galeon.pl

First published in the August 2022 MBY Sportsboat supplement, supported by Galeon Yachts.

This article Galeon sportsboats: Everything you need to know appeared first on Motor Boat & Yachting.

Having supplemented its Knoxville HQ with large-scale production facilities in Poland, its boats are now distributed to every corner of the globe, earning it more industry awards than any other boat brand out there, and the reason for that success is simple.

Now, as ever, Sea Ray builds fast family boats that combine a manageable size with sporting hulls, a high level of finish and a laudable openness to new design ideas.

The Sea Ray range

Sea Ray’s fleet comprises five product lines. The Sunsport line features three sporting weekenders from 23 to 25ft. For extra space, the Sundancer’s open and coupé-style sportscruisers provide inboard and outboard options at lengths of up to 37ft.

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For a more vigorous helming experience, the SPX bow rider line offers serious people-carrying capacity from 19 to 23ft.

The broad-bowed SDX line takes up the mantle at 25, 27 and 29ft. And the ultra-versatile SLX line pushes the party platform to new heights with everything from the 250 SLX to the astonishing 400 SLX flagship.

Our pick

The Sea Ray 320 Sundancer is an extraordinarily versatile sportsboat. In addition to a ten-person cockpit with wide-open views, a sporting helm and a sleek hardtop, it offers a brilliant new offset seating zone at the bow, with armchair-style loungers and a secure walkaround deck.

If the 320’s asymmetrical open-air layout feels like that of a high-end day boat, its performance also has the power to surprise. Equipped with a soft-riding deep-vee hull and up to 700hp of inboard or outboard propulsion, this four-berth multi-purpose entertainment platform can deliver speeds of up to 37 knots.

Sea Ray 320 Sundancer specifications

LOA: 10.0m
Beam: 3.0m
Engines: Twin 300hp inboards / 350hp outboards
Top speed: 37 knots
Starting price: Available on application

UK dealer: Marina Marbella UK
Tel: +44 (0)1489 576676
Web: www.searay.com

First published in the August 2022 MBY Sportsboat supplement, supported by Sea Ray.

This article Sea Ray sportsboats: Everything you need to know appeared first on Motor Boat & Yachting.

A variety of modular deck layouts and intelligently conceived options also ensured it was both practical and versatile.

Eight years on, Axopar continues to live up to that early promise. Its boats are all about fun; they’re fast, user-friendly, sophisticated and offer very impressive value for money.

Thanks to a range of different open and enclosed designs, they also appeal to a broad cross-section of boaters. Critics are equally impressed.

Having scooped two MBY Motor Boat Awards, the Best of Boats trophy and the coveted European Powerboat of the Year crown, Axopar has laid down an impressive marker for how modern multi-purpose sports boats should look.

Article continues below…

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The Axopar range

Axopar’s entry-level Axopar 22 is available in open (Spyder) and T-Top variants. In both cases, it features a variety of layout options, as well as a 200hp transom for up to 45 knots.

Above that, the new Axopar 25 marries an optional T-Top with a wide-open walkaround layout, a configurable cockpit and a neat two-berth cuddy for weekends away and day boating flexibility.

The best-selling Axopar 28, in Open, T-Top and Cabin formats, brings yet more versatility with added-value options such as Axopar’s ingenious aft cabin.

And that trend continues as you move up the range. The Axopar 37 supplements its Spyder and Sun-Top variants with a dramatic new gullwing-equipped XC Cross Cabin that blends open and closed boating to fantastic effect.

And while the flagship Axopar 45 is currently only available in XC Cross Cabin form, it will soon be joined by a new 45 Cross Top, Sun-Top, T-Top and Spyder.

Our pick

The new 25 is a very exciting exponent of the Axopar ethos. Despite measuring just 17 inches longer than the outstanding 22, this easily trailerable boat manages to combine its eight-person cockpit with a smart little two-berth cuddy beneath the low-profile bow deck.

The Axopar 25 combines the trailerable ease of the impressive new 22 with the weekending ability of the original 28

Open-air versatility, however, remains firmly at the heart of things. Available as a fully open ‘Cross Bow’ model or as the T-Top equipped Cross Top variant, the Axopar 25 comes with a two-person bow lounger, plus a modular cockpit that can be configured either with peripheral U-shaped bench seating or a big walkaround storage pod with a cushion-lined top and a removable backrest.

It’s not all about 40-knot open-air fun, though. The Axopar 25 is equally suited to sociable lunch parties, occasional weekending and family watersports, making it another deeply satisfying sportsboat from a Nordic builder at the very top of its game.

Axopar 25 specification

LOA: 8.0m
Beam: 2.23m
Engines: 200-250hp outboard
Top speed: 42 knots
Price: €121,212 (typical UK spec inc. VAT and delivery)

UK dealers: Offshore Powerboats / Axopar London Group
Tel: +44 (0)1590 677955 / +44 (0)2036 676783
Web: www.axopar.com

First published in the August 2022 MBY Sportsboat supplement, supported by Axopar.

This article Axopar sportsboats: Everything you need to know appeared first on Motor Boat & Yachting.

Founded in 2019, this bright young Finnish brand already boasts a dealer network spanning 37 countries and a raft of prestigious international awards – and much of that success is down to the know-how of founder and designer, Sakari Mattila.

He has already helped mastermind several celebrated sportsboat brands, including Axopar, Paragon, Aquador and XO, and Saxdor is arguably his most impressive to date.

By channelling his respect for “Italian design, American functionality, German quality and French pricing”, and dovetailing that with the advanced ergonomics of the “Scandinavian way of boating”, Saxdor boats has already become known for its engaging looks, quality of finish, custom-friendly layouts and high-performance hulls.

Article continues below…

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The Saxdor range

Compact though it might be, Saxdor’s five-model fleet is bursting with design intelligence. Available in Sport and Sport Pro variants, the original Saxdor 200 model marries the manageable proportions of a personal watercraft with the layout and practicality of an outboard-powered 20ft runabout.

And at nearly 34ft with a 10ft beam and an expandable aft deck, the Saxdor 320 ramps up the versatility even more.

Available in open (GTR), hardtop (GTO) and pilothouse (GTC) variants, it uses the same twin-stepped hull form as the 200, but with the optional twin 300hp outboards it is capable of pushing well beyond the 50-knot mark.

With four additional models in development, including a GT variant of the 320, plus a trio of new Saxdor 400 models, the acclaimed Saxdor fleet looks well placed to add plenty of fresh trophies to its awards’ cabinet.

Our pick

The Saxdor 320 GTC does a lot of things very well. The twin-stepped hull with vertical stem and acutely angled forefoot delivers a beautifully judged balance between cruising efficiency and ride comfort.

And the clever integration of a full-beam wheelhouse creates plenty of sheltered space for a wide central walkway, an integrated wetbar, a convertible dinette and a bow cabin with toilet.

But in spite of its obvious multifunction ability, the Saxdor 320 GTC can still hit 50 knots and handle with quick-witted dexterity as you thread your way through rough seas.

And it can still deliver plenty of outdoor entertainment, thanks to a secure walkaround bow that’s tailor-made for sunbathing, plus an aft deck that can be expanded with a pair of fold-down terraces.

For a blend of sheltered and alfresco fun in an all-weather craft that performs like a proper sportsboat without breaking the bank, the Saxdor 320 GTC is a very convincing package.

Saxdor 320 GTC specification

LOA: 10.28m
Beam: 3.10m
Engines: Single or twin outboards up to 600hp
Top speed: 50+ knots
Starting price: £137,782 (inc. VAT)

UK dealer: Ideal Boat
Tel: +44 (0)1758 703013
Web: www.saxdoryachts.com

First published in the August 2022 MBY Sportsboat supplement, supported by Saxdor.

This article Saxdor sportsboats: Everything you need to know appeared first on Motor Boat & Yachting.

Ever since it made its UK debut in 2014, its mixture of classical design, custom-ready upgrade paths and pioneering day-boating solutions has made Alfastreet boats feel bespoke and exclusive.

Its heritage in high-end roulette tables may have helped the quality of its cabinetry, but it’s Alfastreet’s famous hydraulic roof that has become something of an icon.

Built from fibreglass and mounted on stainless struts, it can be elevated at the touch of a button for unobstructed views, or closed for security at the end of a day without any of the fuss associated with zips, poppers and canvases.

And for those who enjoy the stylistic side as much as the technical features, the brand’s aesthetic fusion of gentleman’s launch and limousine tender is also supremely appealing.

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The Alfastreet range

With ten models in five hull lengths from 21 to 32ft, the Alfastreet fleet might seem relatively streamlined but, in terms of application at least, it’s fantastically broad.

Its range of open sportsboats and elegant weekenders is available with displacement or planing hulls for inland or coastal use, and with single or twin rigs of inboard, outboard or electric motors.

Broadly speaking, the inboard models occupy the middle of the fleet in the form of the 23 Cabin Evo, the 28 Open and the 28 Cabin.

Alfastreet 25 Cabin

The outboard line runs from the entry-level 21 Open to the flagship 32 Cabin, which comes with space for 12 and the option of twin 300hp engines for 40-knot capability.

And if you favour refinement and efficiency over outright grunt, the 21 Open, 23 Cabin Evo and both variants of the 28 are also available with whisper-quiet electric pod drives.

Our pick

Alfastreet’s commitment to what it calls “boutique boat production” is nowhere more evident than in the 28 Cabin.

Alfastreet 28 Cabin

Its huge open cockpit encompasses almost three-quarters of the boat’s length, from the beautifully appointed helm to an aft sunpad that extends way out above the swim platform.

With its overhead shelter, its adjustable seating and its charming mini tables, it’s a superb place for ten people to relax.

In spite of its vast open-air party zone, the elegant bulge-free foredeck still manages to conceal a genuinely tempting cabin with a king-size bed and a separate bathroom.

Alfastreet 28 Cabin

While this model is also available as an inland runabout with twin 10Kw electric pod drives, the sportsboat variant is equipped to handle anything from a single 350hp inboard to a pair of 300hp units for easy 40-knot performance.

Alfastreet 28 Cabin specifications

LOA: 9.84m
Beam: 2.97m
Engines: Twin 300hp inboards
Top speed: 40 knots
Starting price: £129,995 (inc. VAT)

UK dealer: Boat Showrooms 
Tel: +44 (0)1628 569888 
Web: www.alfastreet-marine.com

First published in the August 2022 MBY Sportsboat supplement, supported by Alfastreet.

This article Alfastreet sportsboats: Everything you need to know appeared first on Motor Boat & Yachting.

Built at Sino Eagle’s million-square-foot facility in China and developed in collaboration with the renowned J&J Design Group, its boats certainly deliver all the space, stability and efficiency you would expect of multihull platforms.

But one of the brand’s most noteworthy talents is its ability to dovetail these classical traits with the speed and style of conventional monohulls.

In addition to its luxurious wide-beam cruising catamarans, it also offers some streamlined models, which combine sporting dynamics with all the ergonomic sophistication and seductive styling you could want.

The Aquila range

There are seven models in the modern Aquila fleet. At the entry point of the range, the wide-beam 28 Molokai, in Open and Cuddy configurations, is designed for outstanding
stability when cruising or fishing offshore.

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Higher up the range, the fast, ultra-stylish Sport models, with narrower beams and more lavish on board facilities, come in at 32 and 36ft.

And for those in search of highly sociable long-distance cruising yachts with enormous deck spaces and glorious all-round views, Aquila’s 44, 54 and 70ft models deliver a powerful taste of what makes twin-hulled recreation so rewarding.

Our pick

The 32 Sport is a fine showcase for Aquila’s approach to high-performance power cats. While the relatively modest 13ft beam does great things for the aesthetic, the internal space is way better than that of a comparable monohull.

There’s a double cabin inside the port hull and a heads compartment to starboard. There’s also a huge bow lounging zone, plus a vast cockpit with a wetbar and room for 14 people. And if you rig it with a pair of Verado 300 outboards, you get all of this day boating flexibility, alongside 38-knot performance.

Aquila 32 Sport specifications

LOA: 9.9m
Beam: 3.8m
Engines: Twin 225-300hp Mercury outboards
Top speed: 38 knots
Starting price: £458,201 (inc. VAT)

UK dealer: Approved Boats
Tel: +44 (0)2380 456544
Web: www.aquilaboats.com

First published in the August 2022 MBY Sportsboat supplement, supported by Aquila Boats.

This article Aquila sportsboats: Everything you need to know appeared first on Motor Boat & Yachting.

Now, as ever, it designs and builds its boats at the heart of Finland’s historic Ostrobothnia boat building region.

With the famous Gulf of Bothnia directly on its doorstep, that provides a uniquely varied and challenging testing ground for research and development, alongside a deeply ingrained cultural heritage of boat building know-how, which continues to have a direct impact on the nature of Finnmaster’s boats.

It specialises in small, open outboard-powered sportsboats. And while its commitment to what it calls “Smart Design” puts safety, practicality and seakeeping prowess at the core of each model, Finnmaster boats are equally well known for their premium styling, high-quality build, rigorously sorted ergonomics and easy helming manners.

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The Finnmaster range

Finnmaster’s fibreglass fleet is split into four categories. At the entry point, the two S Series console boats (S5 and S6) use a centre console with lots of safe boarding points and plenty of open deck space for fishing, baggage or day boating fun.

The R Series bow riders (R5 and R6), meanwhile, provide safe, deepset seating, both forward and aft of the screen, alongside plenty of space for watersports gear and, in the case of the Finnmaster R6, generous power options for 45-knot capability.

Whether you want a fast open day boat or a practical Pilothouse cruiser, Finnmaster’s commitment to ‘Smart Design’ makes everything brilliantly simple

The three P Series multi-purpose cabin boats (P6, P7 and P8) feature a stable hull with a spacious rear deck, a four-season wheelhouse and handy overnighting ability.

And at the pinnacle of the fleet, the four-strong T Series day cruiser line delivers gorgeous styling, enormous family friendly cockpits and bright forward cabins with panoramic low-level windows.

Our pick

Finnmaster’s T9 day cruiser echoes the smaller T6, T7 and T8 models with plunging hull windows that open up spectacular views from the forward cabin.

With stylish looks, strong performance, first class build quality, a spacious cockpit and a comfortable cabin, the Finnmaster T9 is a very impressive weekender

There’s also a second two-berth guest cabin further aft – but with a long, deep cockpit and a beam approaching 11ft, there’s still plenty of open-air seating for 12, alongside all the sun-lounging space you could want.

In classic Finnmaster style, the standard features list is also extremely comprehensive. It includes a separate heads compartment with sea toilet, plus a fully featured cockpit wet bar with sink, stove and fridge.

And in addition to various ‘Smart Design’ features such as fender baskets and easy-access storage spaces, the standard package includes plenty of extras, such as windscreen wipers, bow thrusters and trim tabs. Fast, fun and fabulous to look at, the Finnmaster T9 is a beautifully resolved high-performance day cruiser.

Finnmaster T9 specifications

LOA: 9.04m
Beam: 3.23m
Engines: 300-600hp outboards
Top speed: 45 knots
Starting price: £219,831 (inc. VAT)

UK dealer: Ideal Boat
Tel: +44 (0)1758 703013
Web: www.finnmaster.fi

First published in the August 2022 MBY Sportsboat supplement, supported by Finnmaster.

This article Finnmaster sportsboats: Everything you need to know appeared first on Motor Boat & Yachting.

And by positioning itself in the 25-40ft day boating sector and leveraging the design input of British race guru, Adam Younger, it is already enjoying significant success.

Its use of the latest vacuum-infusion techniques, epoxy resins and carbon-fibre reinforcements has seen it forge a powerful reputation for the low weight, high strength and advanced security of its boats.

And by focusing on centre console, hardtop and SUV-style configurations, it has also become known for the breadth and practicality of its deck arrangements.

Fast, fun and accessible, with a high-tech production facility in Turkey and a new Southampton Head Office, Dromeas Yachts is becoming a very major part of the sportsboat conversation.

Article continues below…

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The Dromeas Yachts range

At the entry point to the Dromeas fleet, the D28 comes with a deep-V twin-stepped hull and one of three alternative deck layouts.

The Dromeas D28 CC is a spacious 50-knot dayboat with a lovely central helm, a convertible U-shaped bow dinette and a heads compartment, accessed through a lifting door in the front of the helm console.

The WA variant adds a neat little forward cabin to the mix, while the SUV adds an elegant four-season pilothouse and a 500hp transom for serious offshore adventure.

The midrange D33 also comes in WA and SUV configurations with a race-derived offshore hull and up to twin 400hp outboards.

The flagship D38 CC inherits some of the best features of each layout with wide-open decks, twin cabins, entertaining zones fore and aft, a huge cockpit wetbar and the option of triple 450hp outboards for easy 50-knot performance.

Our pick

The new D28 SUV takes the dynamic sportsboat underpinnings of the standard D28, ramps up the engine options to twin 250hp outboards and combines a seductive helming experience with an enclosed cockpit for authentic year-round practicality.

While the D28 is available in in open CC and WA formats, the SUV’s uprated power and enclosed wheelhouse make it a more versatile year-round companion

In spite of very serviceable overnighting facilities for four, there’s plenty of style here too. In fact, thanks to its purposeful black rails, its range of military-inspired hull colours, its all-glass pilothouse and its aggressively angled screen, this multi-purpose 50-knot boat presents a wonderfully potent profile.

And it backs up its infectious Action Man posturing with deep-cut forward spray rails, thickset rubbing strakes and reassuringly elevated forward gunwales for a dry and secure ride at sea. Fast and easily customised with stylish looks and huge versatility of application, the Dromeas D28 SUV is a profoundly capable sportsboat.

Dromeas D28 SUV specifications

LOA: 8.25m
Beam: 2.70m
Engines: Single or twin outboards up to 500hp
Top speed: 50 knots
Starting price: £128,000 (inc. VAT)

Tel: +44 (0) 2381 112435 / +44 (0)1202 748312 / +44 (0)1534 711000
Web: www.dromeasyachts.com

First published in the August 2022 MBY Sportsboat supplement, supported by Dromeas Yachts.

This article Dromeas sportsboats: Everything you need to know appeared first on Motor Boat & Yachting.

They met with tremendous success, quickly establishing Yamaha engines as the biggest player in the Scandinavian boating market – and 50 years on, Yamarin’s Yamaha-powered fleet remains just as keenly focused as it ever was.

With endless hours of applied on-water testing and customer feedback underpinning each model, Yamarin boats have become justly famous for their novice-friendly hulls, for their impeccable ergonomics and for all the comfort, handling and efficiency gains that come with a balanced boat and a properly matched engine.

In response to growing worldwide demand, Yamarin has also become known for its Cross range, which combines the resilience of aluminium hulls with the slick showroom cleanliness of moulded fibreglass topsides.

The Yamarin range

Yamarin’s fibreglass range is divided into three primary product lines: console boats (SC and CC), bow riders (BR) and day cruisers (DC). The three console boats from 4.6 to 6.1m are all very practical open-decked platforms, optimised for easy helming characteristics and uncomplicated day boating fun.

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Above that, the three bow riders, at 5.1, 5.6 and 6.3m, use a distinctly Nordic approach, with deepset bow spaces and step-through forepeaks allied to elevated screens and lots of secure embarkation points.

And at the top of the fleet, the Day Cruiser models, from 6.0 to 8.8m, bring welcome overnighting ability to the mix, with virtually no impact on either performance or day boating flexibility.

In fact, even the four-berth 88 DC flagship features a convertible ten-man cockpit, gorgeous styling and the agile 50-knot performance of a thoroughbred sportsboat.

With its secure bow, easy boarding points and eight-person cockpit, the 63 BR is a supremely grown-up bow rider

Our pick

Yamarin’s 63 BR shows just how satisfying a 21ft bow rider can be. The cockpit comes with a convertible L-shaped seating area to port and a pair of folding seats to starboard.

This allows you to open up access to the swim platforms, to rig a two-person sunbed, or to create a dining station for up to eight. The raised wraparound screen extends back to the aft bench for outstanding protection from wind and water.

And the helming experience is all the more entertaining thanks to the 10in ‘Yamarin Q’ smart display, which combines the boat’s instruments, engine data and electronic charts in a single touchscreen. For a family-friendly mix of day cruising, parties and high-octane watersports, it’s tough to beat.

Yamarin 63 BR specifications

LOA: 6.35m
Beam: 2.34m
Engine: Yamaha 130-150hp
Top speed: 42 knots
Starting price: £43,970 (inc. VAT)

UK dealer: Yamaha Motor UK
Tel: +44 (0)2030 275116
Web: www.yamarin.com

First published in the August 2022 MBY Sportsboat supplement, supported by Yamarin.

This article Yamarin sportsboats: Everything you need to know appeared first on Motor Boat & Yachting.

Though still young, the brand is already becoming known for its modular approach to boat building, which enables each craft to be customised with a minimum of fuss.

You simply pick the model and the hull colour and then configure it with a range of seating choices, dining layouts, deck fittings and watersports and fishing features.

Clean, simple and understated with modern Nordic designs but very keen pricing, Quarken has already formed a new five-year partnership with Yamaha Motor.

This means every current Quarken 27 will be equipped with Yamaha’s 300hp V6 outboard power and future models will have the option of everything up to Yamaha’s imperious XTO 425hp V8.

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The Quarken range

There are three models in the current Quarken range. The Quarken 27 Open is optimised for style, sport and the flexible deck space demanded by do-it-all day boaters.

In addition to a three-person bow lounger set into the forward edge of the helm console, the stern seating can be rigged to provide forward and aft-facing seats, a huge sun lounger or dining space for seven.

The Quarken 27 T-Top model is designed to provide the same 45-knot day boating thrills but with flexible shelter. Like the Open model, it comes with a neat little cuddy cabin, a separate heads compartment and a foredeck hatch for easy stowage.

Quarken 27 T-Top

And at the top of the fleet sits the new Quarken 27 Cabin – a versatile commuter boat with panoramic windows and a three-blade sliding aft door. As the brand continues to gain traction, the fleet is set to expand, with new models at both 33 and 40ft.

Our pick

The Quarken 27 T-Top is a cleverly designed sportsboat. The standard layout uses an open transom to starboard, alongside readily customisable deck space and a safe port walkway for easy movement fore and aft.

Quarken 27 T-Top

The style is lovely too. The little hull windows neatly mirror the angle of the hull’s twin steps, and the flared bow and vertical stem lend a sense of purpose that is borne out by Yamaha’s 300hp V6 outboard engine.

Stable, balanced and efficient, the 27 T-Top offers an easy low-speed plane, as well as speeds of up to 45 knots and wallet-friendly cruising potential of just 1.5 litres per nautical mile.

If you want extra weather protection, you can spec it with a neat wraparound canopy, and if you’re keen to upgrade the cruising ability of the two-berth cabin, Quarken’s ‘Weekend Package’ provides everything you need.

Quarken 27 T-Top specification

LOA: 8.35m
Beam: 2.59m
Engines: 300hp Yamaha outboard
Top speed: 45 knots
Starting price: £110,321 (inc. VAT)

UK Dealer: boatpoint
Tel: +44 (0) 2382 120000
Web: www.quarken.com

First published in the August 2022 MBY Sportsboat supplement, supported by Quarken.

This article Quarken sportsboats: Everything you need to know appeared first on Motor Boat & Yachting.

In terms of the ownership experience, the fact that XO’s crossover approach combines slick fibreglass topsides with military-grade aluminium hulls helps remove a great deal of the stress and doubt from a day on the water.

Tough, lightweight, easy to maintain and simple to mend, XO’s famously robust aluminium deep-V hulls mean that, as polished and refined as they might look, XO boats are also brilliant for the rough stuff – for nosing onto rocky beaches, for rafting up at busy berths, or for the knockabout rigours of offshore passages and everyday family recreation.

The XO range

There are four 8.6m models and four 9.4m models in the current XO fleet, each organised into one of three distinct product lines.

At the upper end of the range, XO’s four-season EXPLR Series offers five versatile cabin-equipped pilothouse models in both 9m and 10m variants, with flexible overnighting facilities and a range of inboard and outboard options.

Article continues below…

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Beneath that, the DSCVR Series is all about the bow-rider-style 9 model in either Open or T-Top variants.

Designed for the full range of day boating activities, it features an eight-person cockpit, an enclosed heads in the port console, a convertible bow space big enough for five, and a skipper’s impact mitigation seat as standard.

If you’re looking for a fast, multi-purpose offshore sportsboat for a four-season cocktail of open and closed boating adventure, the XO DFNDR 9 is impossible to ignore.

Our pick

The tough and innovative new DFNDR 9 is a seriously attractive boat. It uses XO’s soft-riding deep-V hull with 8mm reinforcements at the keel and a honeycomb internal structure for increased strength and reduced noise.

It also uses a pioneering ‘inside-outside’ pilothouse design that enables you to embrace the open boating experience or to tuck yourself away from the elements in a climate-controlled cocoon with outstanding all-round visibility. But while it’s clearly perfect for high-octane sport fishing, it also offers plenty of potential for decadent days at sea.

The comfortable two-berth cabin is accessible from both the bow deck and the helm console, the separate heads compartment adds extra day boating convenience and there’s also lots of space for convertible sunbeds fore and aft.

Secure in the rough, beautifully styled and easy to customise, the XO DFNDR 9 is one of the most complete sports boats out there.

XO DFNDR 9 specifications

LOA: 8.57m
Beam: 2.57m
Engines: Twin Mercury 225hp outboards
Top speed: 45 knots
Starting price: £200,000 (inc. VAT)

UK dealer: Ribeye Boats & Tenders
Tel: +44 (0)1803 832060
Web: www.xoboats.com

First published in the August 2022 MBY Sportsboat supplement, supported by XO Boats.

This article XO sportsboats: Everything you need to know appeared first on Motor Boat & Yachting.

The company’s core ethos is to marry capable, seagoing hulls with high-quality construction and to bring its boats to market at remarkably accessible and reasonable prices.

It also makes a point of leveraging feedback from its customers to bring fresh models and design ideas to market each and every year.

And with a global reach that now encompasses 80 dealers in more than 35 countries around the world, it’s clearly an approach that works.

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The Parker range

Parker’s current line-up features 23 models from 6.3 to 11.2m in length, in every kind of boating configuration you can imagine.  At the pinnacle of the fleet, the elegant Tony Castro-designed 37-foot Monaco is available in both coupé and flybridge variants.

Lower down the range, there are plenty of fishing-ready Pilothouse craft, as well as weekending models that are keenly optimised for internal space and cruising comfort.

But for an authentic sportsboat experience, Parker’s range of fast open day boats from 6.3 to 8.5m delivers everything from dynamic weekenders to mature mid-sized bow riders and ultra-versatile open-decked runabouts.

Our pick

While the Parker 920 Explorer Max is a fine choice for sociable day fishing or cruising with a dash of weekend use, the style, agility and sheer recreational flexibility of the Parker 850 Voyager sets it apart.

First launched in 2018, it features a vast cockpit with configurable deck furniture, twin sun loungers, a fully featured outdoor galley and ample space for as many as ten people. A twin-stepped hull with outboards of up to 350hp puts 47-knot performance well within reach.

And whether you favour long days at sea or weekends away, its six-berth potential and private heads are very valuable assets.

Parker 850 Voyager specifications

LOA: 8.74m
Beam: 2.8m
Engines: 200-350hp outboard
Top speed: 47 knots
Starting price: £111,652.79 (inc. VAT)

UK dealer: Boats.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1702 258885
Builder: www.parkerpoland.eu

First published in the August 2022 MBY Sportsboat supplement, supported by Parker Poland.

This article Parker sportsboats: Everything you need to know appeared first on Motor Boat & Yachting.

You take a ferociously capable Alan Burnard racing hull, you make it stiff and light with modern building techniques and you pair it with proven inboard engines and premium-grade components.

Throughout the process, you pay rigorous attention to optimal weight distribution and you finish it with unstinting respect for the smallest detail.

Handcrafted to order by the Northshore Shipyard in Chichester, Supermarine’s elegant sportsboats are, without doubt, some of the most distinct and affecting you will ever witness.

The Supermarine range

The current lynchpin of the Supermarine fleet is the Spearfish 32 – a low-slung, two-berth 35-footer with delectable looks.

Article continues below…

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Available as an Open or Hard Top model with a range of power options, including V-drives, it drives like the race-derived thoroughbred it so plainly is.

Also due for release soon are the larger Swordfish 36 and 42. Each will employ a proven Alan Burnard hull for pin-sharp handling and performance.

And each will combine four-berth facilities with a mixture of cockpit dining and lounging zones and a sleek composite hardtop with carbon reinforcements.

Our pick

In the Spearfish 32, Supermarine has used Fairey’s original race-winning hull to create one of the most evocative and desirable sportsboats in the world.

With its narrow beam and low-slung foredeck, the forward cabin isn’t vast by modern standards but the styling is wonderfully elegant, the fit-out and finish is a delight, the cockpit is deep and secure, and the sheer sporting ability is on another level.

With the standard twin V8 Yanmar 370hp diesels, this ultra-stylish and superbly balanced weekender delivers a combination of pace, control, grip and ride quality you won’t forget in a hurry.

Supermarine Spearfish 32 specifications

LOA: 10.95m
Beam: 2.95m
Engines: 500-860hp inboards
Top speed: 48 knots
Starting price: £468,200 (inc. VAT)

UK Dealer: Supermarine Motor Yachts
Tel: +44 (0)1243 512611
Web: www.supermarine.co.uk

First published in the August 2022 MBY Sportsboat supplement, supported by Supermarine.

This article Supermarine sportsboats: Everything you need to know appeared first on Motor Boat & Yachting.