Williams new MX range of Turbojet tenders are claimed to be lighter, faster and better value than ever...
hat do you do when every boat big enough to need a tender already has one and the market for new craft that might need one is still spluttering along in the slow lane? It’s a problem that has been vexing Williams for a while. Its range of Turbojet tenders has become so popular that almost every 40-70ft boat has one.
The answer is to give owners a strong enough reason to upgrade to a new one. That reason is the new MX range. Lighter, faster and – crucially – cheaper than the rest of the Turbojet range as well as the competition, the new MX models have a lot going for them.
But to really understand why people will want to buy one, you need to drive them, which explains why I’ve been invited to sea trial them ahead of their public launch at Cannes and Southampton.
The 320’s extra length is all forward of the helm and engine box. It allows for an extra passenger and a bow locker
Double the trouble
The MX range consists of two models, the 280 and 320. The 280 is a straight replacement for the Minijet. It uses the same 2.79m (9ft 2in) hull and 60hp Rotax engine, but the beam is 3cm wider due to slightly wider tubes.
There’s also a new ride plate and sponson design to improve performance and handling as well as new upholstery, tube colours and steering wheel. It weighs the same 227kg as before and has a capacity of three adults and a child.
It’s a great little tender that is indecently quick for something its size (around 35 knots) and feels a little more planted than the previous Minijet. Despite this, the new MX280 is actually £700 cheaper than the Minijet thanks to some hard negotiating with its suppliers.
Compact 899cc engine delivers a mighty punch
The big news, however, is the MX 320.
With an LOA of 3.19m (10ft 5in), the more powerful 90hp Rotax engine and the capacity to carry four adults and one child, it is much closer in size to the 325 Turbojet, but with one crucial difference – at just 240kg it is 85kg lighter. On something that small, the difference is enormous, giving the 320 MX a power-to-
weight ratio of 375hp per tonne.
To put that in perspective, the Tecnomar Lamborghini 63 has a power-to-weight ratio of 167hp per tonne. Try dropping that into conversation with Lambo 63 owner Conor McGregor the next time he drops into your local for a pint. On second thoughts, maybe don’t!
Removable wheel is an option on both models
Twice the fun
The point is, it’s a lot so when I straddle the jockeyseat of the MX 320, attach the kill cord, turn the key and press the starter button, I have a pretty good idea of what to expect.
At least I thought I did. The 899cc engine barks into life and settles down to a rather gruff and urgent idle. It may be a naturally aspirated four-stroke but it’s a far cry from the gentle hum of most modern outboards.
There is no true neutral, just a double-scoop shaped bucket that partially drops over the outlet to balance forward and reverse thrust when the throttle is locked in neutral.
Waterjet outlet and ride plate on the transom
In fact, Williams deliberately builds in a small amount of forward creep to make docking easier but there’s nothing it can do about the brain-scrambling effect of steering in the opposite direction to normal when going astern. Like reversing with a trailer, you do eventually get the hang of it but it takes practice.
Not that you’ll be worrying about that for long because the moment you push the throttle forward your brain will be far too busy trying to figure out what just happened.
There is no gradual transition from displacement to planing – one second you’re burbling along at 3 knots, the next you’re doing 30. It really is that instantaneous. Whether you’re brave enough to keep on going is up to you. I bottled out at 40 knots when even relatively small ripples had the water intake sucking air as it skipped across the surface like a well-aimed skimming stone.
Verdict
For something so small and fast, the 320 actually handles remarkably well. The ride plate stops the bow trying to pull a wheelie under power, and short fins on each of the tubes add directional stability.
The steering is hilariously quick and direct; less than a single turn lock to lock, so it behaves more like a go-kart than a boat. Provided you’re gentle with it you can generate a surprising amount of G-force through a turn.
The 320’s bow locker is bigger than it looks
Of course with no outdrive leg or rudder protruding below the surface, it’s still possible to overwhelm the hull’s grip on the water and deliberately push it into
a spin, but no harm should come of it if you’re hanging on tight. And that ultimately is the limiting factor because you, and more importantly your passengers, will reach their limits long before the MX 320 does.
Go easy on the throttle (or limit the power by locking it in learner mode) and the MX 320 remains a perfectly civilised and practical little tender. It’s a bit narrower than a 325 Turbojet and it lacks some of that model’s customisation and features, such as the rotating backrests, moulded steps, bathing platform, stainless steel grab rails and spray-deflecting rubbing strakes, but the basics are there, including a small bow locker, lifting points and towing eyes for watersports.
You can also add an optional bathing ladder, storage bags and removable helm (for added security and a lower air draft). However the real kicker is the price, at just £19,995 inc VAT it’s a massive £8,375 cheaper than a 325 Turbojet.
In fact, for pure driving thrills I reckon it’s the most fun boat you can buy new for under £20,000. And if that’s not reason enough to upgrade your old tender, nothing is.
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