Finnboat 2012

Watch the video to see some of the best boats at Finnboat 2012.

Click on the models below to read a detailed review complete with links to online galleries.

Castello 613HT

My first helm of the day is a classic Finnish cuddy hardtop with an outboard engine. This type of boat probably puts more Finns afloat than any other, and it's clear to see why - it just works. The helm and navigator's seats swivel to face a U-shaped seating area behind. There's also a seating area within the shelter of the cuddy itself, complete with fold down step to allow egress through the opening screen onto the foredeck, which is perfect for Finland's favoured bow-in berthing method. Our boat has an Evinrude 130hp E-Tec engine, making a lovely authentic two-stroke purr, providing a mid 30-knot top end speed, but I'm told that the majority of these boats go to Finland and Norway, where they're fitted with a more prosaic 75hp for a sub 30-knot performance and cruising in the mid 20s. For practical runabout purposes, this boat makes perfect sense. Click here to see photos of the Castello 613HT.

Price from: £24,162 LOA: 20ft (6.11m) Beam: 7ft 5in (2.25m) Engine: Evinrude E-Tec 130hp petrol outboard Max speed: 36 knots Enquiries: www.castelloboats.fi Aquador 35

The helm seat sums up the Aquador 35 perfectly. A big, high-backed armchair in which to relax and soak up the day as the boat soaks up the miles. Behind it a comfortable saloon puts the galley opposite a large dinette, the forward section of which flips to provide forward seating next to the helm. Down below two big cabins provide double berths for four, and the toilet and shower compartments are separated either side of the lobby. A side door next to the helm gives access to semi walkaround decks. The fit and finish is exemplary; the gloss to the woodwork is so deep it almost looks like you could swim in it. But as ever, what really impresses is the way this boat moves across the water. A single D6-400 aft is almost inaudible at an easy 3000rpm and 26 knots. The noise levels in the saloon reaching 76db - the quietest I've ever recorded on a boat at planing speeds - allowing the helmsman to sit back and relax in that big comfy armchair and cruise all day long. Click here to see more photos of the Aquador 35C .

Price from: £190,800 LOA: 35ft 0in (10.68m) Beam: 11ft 4in (3.45m) Engine: Volvo Penta D6-400 diesel sterndrive Max speed: 33 knots Enquiries: www.mgmboats.com Botnia Targa 32

Much has been written about Botnia Targa by MBM but, until now, none of them have been by me and I've never quite got the Targa bug. This Finnish boat is solid, sturdy, practical and capable, you don't even need to leave dock to know this boat will be epic in a rough sea. Bulwarked walkaround decks, sliding wheelhouse side doors, reverse sheer windscreens and a perfect helm position - the feel is almost commercial but the fitout is pure quality. Underway I finally discover for myself what all the fuss is about as the Targa eats up the miles effortlessly, the twin D4-300 diesels murmuring away back aft. The helm is comfortable and the view wonderful. Now I get it... Price from: £169,916 LOA: 35ft 4in (10.78m) Beam: 11ft 1in (3.37m) Engines: Twin Volvo Penta D4-300 diesel sterndrive Max speed: 38 knots Enquiries: www.wessexmarine.co.uk XO 270RS Cabin

With a slender deep-vee aluminium hull, vertical stem, bolt upright wheelhouse and heavily curved screen, the 270RS looks like a boat from the future. On board the wheelhouse is very practical. A central door forward gives access to the starboard helm position, the dinette lies aft to port and converts to a double berth to augment the single berth running forward under the cockpit seating. Large sliding overhead deck hatches, a sliding cockpit door aft and a panoramic curved screen add light and air, while the D4-300 under the flat aft deck adds plenty of power. On the move it feels unstoppable, the aluminium hull proving both extremely quiet and very capable, almost to the point of sensory deprivation as it eats up the miles at a steady 30 knots. Marketed as a fast transport or commuting boat, it has a sense of purposefulness that few can match. Click here to see more photos of the XO 270RS Cabin .

Price from: £97,500 LOA: 27ft 6in (8.37m) Beam: 8ft 6in (2.59m) Engine: Volvo Penta D4-300 diesel sterndrive Max speed: 36 knots Enquiries: www.wessexmarine.co.uk Grandezza 27 Day Cruiser

We tested Grandezza's first boat, the 27OC, last year and were mightily impressed by its combination of clever layout and practical detailing. This is the exact same boat but with the hardtop sliced off andour boat is fitted with a 300hp Volvo PentaV8 in place of the more commonly found diesel. While the solid stainless steel framed windscreen looks fine, the boat doesn't wear it as well as its hardtop counterpart and, for me, its exactly at eye level when sat at the helm. A layout that puts only the berths and toilet downstairs with all the living space in the cockpit, seems to work better under a solid roof too. The 8.1 litre V8 sounds great on start up but strangely starts to get a bit strained and thrashy at higher revs. It just proves how far diesels have come when the petrol option is no longer the silky smooth alternative to a diesel. Factor in a top speed only 1 knot higher for the petrol, and fuel consumption of an eye watering 87lph flat out and 50lph at cruise, and it's clear Grandezza had it right the first time. Click here to see more photos of the Grandezza 27DC .

Price from: £97,500 LOA: 27ft 3in (8.30m) Beam: 9ft 4in (2.85m) Engine: Volvo Penta 8.1 GiCE 300hp petrol sterndrive Max speed: 35 knots Enquiries: www.bosuns.co.uk Flipper 670ST

This new take of an old favourite, the 630ST, is longer, leaner, sleeker and packed with clever ideas. The aft canopy and framework folds beneath the back seat as before but now the compartment lid lifts out the way on gas struts. Once the canopy is raised it self-supports on further gas struts while the lid is shut, making it a single-handed operation. The cuddy cushions lift against the trailing edge of the hardtop to provide a little privacy for the sea toilet installed under a berth, and that hardtop retracts to open the cuddy up to the elements. Even the ladder in the cuddy allowing access to the foredeck drops to create the double berth base. But the real stand out feature of this boat isn't what it does, it's how it goes. With a 200hp Mercury Verado you'd expect it to be quick and it is, but the hull is a revelation. At 30 knots we blast through the turbulent confused chop of the fleet like an arrow through smoke. With more and more throttle applied the hull just soaks it up, giving such a poised and confidence inspiring ride that I end up on the throttle stop at 39 knots, skimming effortlessly across everything we throw at it like an aquaplaning race car, 22° of deadrise flattening the water. It is a truly phenomenal hull. Click here to see more photos of the Flipper 670ST .

Price from: £33,041 LOA: 21ft 10in (6.66m) Beam: 8ft 2in (2.48m) Engine: Mercury Verado 200hp petrol outboard Max speed: 39 knots Enquiries: www.tlharveymarine.com Flipper 670DC

Given how good the Flipper 670ST is, what happens if you put a sportsboat deck on it and give it another 50hp? It turns into my perfect boat! The below foredeck cuddy sleeps two and contains a sea toilet, losing the day space and visibility of the ST in return for the utterly gorgeous sleek lines of the bigger 760DC (on the water you need to look for the badge to tell them apart). The thick substantial windscreen frame mildly obscures vision, but elevate yourself slightly by lifting the bolster and wedging yourself against the angled footplate for the perfect driving position to really indulge yourself. The extra horsepower over the ST ratchets the performance up to 11, and that fabulous hull handles it with ease. Topping out past 40 knots, it's actually possible to cruise in the high 30s, even across a fairly choppy sea. Without doubt the most capable weekender of this size I've ever driven. Click here to see more photos of the Flipper 670DC .

Price from: £33,041 LOA: 21ft 10in (6.66m) Beam: 8ft 2in (2.48m) Engine: Mercury Verado 250hp petrol outboard Max speed: 42 knots Enquiries: www.tlharveymarine.com Yamarin 65 Day Cruiser

Sporty to look at, the Yamarin 65 Day Cruiser still has a strong practical identity running through it courtesy of the teak laid cockpit, teak foredeck walk through, and sheltered driving position, not to mention practical touches like well located grab handles, a canopy rail that folds behind the aft seat backrest, and even a proper pantograph wiper. With a very demanding home customer base, Finnish boats have to do more than look good, they have to work well too. The Finnish boating season may be short, but it's intense. Exported to the UK through Yamaha, the 65DC is a pretty little day boat, but one that's clearly not just about the looks. Click here to see more photos of the Yamarin 65 Day Cruiser .

Price from: £42,344 LOA: 20ft 8in (6.30m) Beam: 8ft 2in (2.5m) Engine: Yamaha F150 petrol outboard Max speed: 40 knots Enquiries: www.yamaha-motor.eu/ul

Yamarin 76 Day Cruiser

Bigger brother to the 65DC, the 76DC is a chunky yet still attractive cuddy cabin sportsboat. It features a semi-circular seating area at the rear of the cockpit, the forward section raised slightly and containing a useful little galley with a hob, sink and fridge. Just ahead is a neat little sideways seat facing the double helm. Down below the U-shaped seating area remains, but Yamarin has used the extra height in the profile to squeeze a small double under the cockpit. A whopping 4.2 litre V6 giving 300hp Yamaha outboard engine gives 300hp and turning in a predictably strong performance, achieving an easy 45 knots. Visibility at the helm is excellent through the deep curved screen, and the power steering is finger light at all speeds. While the handling isn't quite as pin sharp as the Flipper (what is?) it's a perfectly capable day cruiser, offering a useful bridge between the style and performance of a cuddy cabin and the ability and facilities of a small sportscruiser. Click here to see more photos of the Yamarin 76 Day Cruiser .

Price from: £66,410 LOA: 24ft 8in (7.52m) Beam: 8ft 6in (2.60m) Engine: Yamaha F300 300hp petrol outboard Max speed: 45 knots Enquiries: www.yamaha-motor.eu/ul Buster XL Pro SC

Not our usual MBM fodder but the Buster is just begging for a go. Made of unpainted aluminium with checker plate flooring, there's no helm seat but it does have 18 rod holders! This is definitely a man's boat - a red-blooded outdoor fisherman. This no-nonsense design feels as utilitarian as a 1960s Land Rover, and is just as tough, but with its 100hp outboard it cracks 35 knots and handles a choppy sea with ease. With this boat acting as Buster's ‘bread and butter' it's no wonder Finnish boats are so strong and capable. Click here to see more photos of the Buster XL Pro SC .

Price from: £29,000 LOA: 19ft 6in (5.94m) Beam: 7ft 1in (2.17m) Engine: Yamaha 100hp petrol outboard Max speed: 35 knots Enquiries: www.buster.fi Minor 36 Offshore

Sarins Boats has been around for many years making island hoppers and dayboats for the Scandinavian markets. However, it's now moving into the serious cruising market with its appropriately named Minor 36 Offshore. Tough commercial styling owes more than a nod to the Botnia Targa range, but on board it's a more contemporary beast. An aft door to the asymmetric wheelhouse supplements the two sliding side doors giving direct access from the high-sided cockpit. Inside, a long galley to port faces an L-shaped saloon dinette and further forwards a pair of serious-looking wraparound bucket seats face a solid slab of helm to starboard, with a matching third seat adjacent to port. The big wheel has a steering knob, the whole wheel and dash tilts depending on whether the helmsman wishes to sit or stand, and a massive sliding roof section opens this area up to the fresh air.

Forward and down, the day toilet has an en suite door linking it to the double berth in the forward cabin but the inevitable stroke of Finnish design genius is further aft. Lift the aft section of the dinette on its gas struts to reveal another set of stairs leading down to a surprisingly roomy aft cabin, complete with a single and a double berths and an en suite. At sea it feels as solid as it looks, and twin D6-370 sterndrive diesels give it a genuine 40-knot reach. But, as ever, it's not just what it does, it's the way that it does it. At 35 knots it's so quiet and capable it feels like it's doing half that speed. But then it's Finnish, and that's the norm over here.

Click here to see the gallery of the Minor 36 Offshore

Price from £230,800

LOA 38ft 9in (11.8m)

Beam 11ft 10in (3.6m)

Engine twin Volvo Penta D6-370 370hp sterndrive diesels

Max speed 40 knots

Enquiries www.marcomarine.co.uk

Flipper 760DC

As soon as I step aboard the low sleek 760 DC, its skipper immediately demonstrates the full extent of its performance - and with a 300hp supercharged Mercury Verado outboard, there is a lot to demonstrate. Like The Stig, this helmsman knows only two speeds, flat out and flat out, as we charge through the confused and bumpy wake of the Finnboat fleet like a missile. But no matter how hard he tries to kill us, the 760 just soaks it up. We go completely airborne at 45 knots, and the landing is soft and confident, while tight turns at insane speeds simply stand the boat on its ear. When I eventually wrest the wheel, I find the same comfortable helm position and fine ergonomics that are becoming a theme across the boats here.

The 760 is packed with clever touches. The small but well-appointed cuddy features a sea toilet that pulls out on a track from under the steps, there's an electric retracting galley area ahead of the navigator, and the pulpit rails extend along the sides to give somewhere to hang the fenders. It's clearly a boat designed to work on the water, not just look pretty in the brochure.

Click here to see the Flipper 760DC gallery

Price from £45,550

LOA 24ft 10in (7.58m)

Beam 8ft 7in (2.61m)

Engine Mercury Verado 300hp petrol outboard

Max speed 46 knots

Enquiries www.tlharveymarine.com

Marino ABP 27 Tender

Marino wowed us with its left-field cruiser a few years ago. With novel features, such as an aft bulkhead that slid below the cockpit floor at the push of a button, it was futuristic and slightly mad. Now it has lopped the top off it completely, fitted it with a high carbon-fibre-look windscreen frame and a massive pantograph wiper, slotted a neat two-berth cuddy under the walkaround deck and installed a minimalist 2+2 centre cockpit. Of course, the trademark clever touches are still there. The front double seat is on a track in order to slide fore and aft, and both seat backrests reverse to create two facing seats or extend the sunpad over the well-insulated engine; at 28 knots the water rushing past is louder than the noise of the motor.

You can't move for teak, it adorns the cockpit sole, side decks, gunwale cappings, even the steering wheel. The look is futuristic and minimalist, if there had been boats in ‘Blade runner', they would have looked like this. However, a four-person 27-footer is perhaps a touch extravagant, especially as you would never be short of friends with a boat like this.

Click here to see the gallery of the Marino

Price from £99,950

LOA 26ft 11in (8.2m)

Beam 9ft 6in (2.9m)

Engine Volvo Penta D4-260 diesel sterndrive

Max speed 36 knots

Enquiries www.wessexmarine.co.uk

Bella 9000

The Bella 9000 is as sensible as the APB (above right) is wacky. An aft-cabin 30ft cruiser, the 9000 boasts a central cockpit that doubles as the saloon with a neat galley opposite the dinette. In the forward cabin the berth cunningly ‘jigsaws' between two singles or a central double, while back aft there's a double and a single berth. A sliding door next to the helm allows easy access to the side deck and, in conjunction with a huge opening sunroof and an open back, the wheelhouse feels as fresh as could be. A single Yanmar 180hp diesel sterndrive delivers a 20-knot cruise at 33 litres an hour and the handling is safe, planted and predictable. There can be few boats of this length that offer the space, accommodation and cruising ability going on here.

Click here to see the gallery of the Bella 9000

Price from £107,500 ex VAT

LOA 29ft 11in (9.12m)

Beam 10ft 10in (3.30m)

Engine Yanmar 4BY2-180

Max speed 22 knots

Enquiries www.tlharveymarine.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yr143QY85xc

XO 270RS Cabin

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