Boatworld Cruiser 380

[chipko]

Ok we have on test the new for this year Boatworld Cruiser 380, a closed bow catamaran sib in the style of the Elling KB350’s, Takacat ‘s’ series and TrueKit Navigators, but bigger. Large diameter tubes, hp air deck, mahoosive thick glassfibre transom, 3.8m long, 1.8m beam and rated up to 30hp…this is one big sib.

Demo boat came without a manual but nonetheless a straightforward inflation and assembly with heavy duty transom wheels fitted as an extra. Fairly unusual problem being the transom is so thick we struggled to fit our motors. The Yamaha 15 two stroke wouldn’t but the Tohatsu 9.8 just slid on.
I understand Boatworld are sourcing thinner transom pads to address this on production models.

First run out today in big’ish seas with a vicious on shore chop, short wavelength swell and only 9.8hp. Fairly challenging launch in the surf break. Took on a fair bit of water in the shallows firing up the motor, but once going the big tubes easily punched through the surf and the deck drained quickly. Even in these challenging conditions, the boat immediately provided a confidence inspiring ride.

Today we ran the motor sat directly on the transom and trimmed out on pin 3 of 6. No ventilation but lots of splashing so looking at raising motor 25 to 30mm next time out. One up only saw 17 knots so room for improvement I think.

Initial impressions….rides and tracks well like all tunnel hull sibcats, stable and roomy with a 1.8m beam and a dry ride with those big tubes. Not sure on the two tone green livery but that’s just a personal thing.

Keen to try it with the 9.8 raised and also our Yam 15, hopefully in better conditions, where we can get in some full chat runs.

[Steve509926]

Hi chipko, it looks huge! I assume you will be trying it with your Merc 20hp efi?
I'm with you re: 2 tone green.
Looking forward to your trials and write-up.

[Fenlander]

As usual great review Chipko. There is no doubt Boatworld have a great range now, a one stop shop for anyone wanting a SIB.

I'm not usually that fussy about colour but would actually not buy that model due to the colour even if it otherwise was perfect.

Looks and sounds a good chunky boat though... at 25% heavier than the same length Aerotec it must have some build strength in there.

I do have to wonder if the keel free design is all about performance as in speed for a given HP... or perhaps construction costs are lower as a significant factor.

[chipko]

Steve….sadly not got the 20efi up here so it’ll be just the 9.8 and 15.

Mr F….In Boatworld’s defence think the colour is aimed more at the freshwater fishing market. Closed bow sibcat design is more their take on the Elling design which is now unobtainable due to troubles. Also agree the tunnel hull design does promote good performance with lower horse power. Gut feel a 6hp will get this 3.8 planing lightly loaded.

Hopefully get out on the water later today with the 15.

[Fenlander]

Yes I bet it would make a great fishing platform. I thought when using the Elling on the river how nice it was to have all that extra room and a totally flat floor compared to my usual ride.

[willk]

Originally Posted by chipko

In Boatworld’s defence think the colour is aimed more at the freshwater fishing market

Makes sense. Green boats - I shudder when I see one.

Traditionally associated with bad luck, green was often not allowed to be seen onboard, never mind paint the damn thing green.

[User name]

Agreed on the colour, particularly that lighter shade. It's not a very attractive boat to look at.

Internally it seems quite shallow as a result of that hull and air floor, despite the larger tubes. That would make it less attractive as a fishing boat, imo.

[chipko]

Blessed with much better sea conditions today once the fret lifted, with a light onshore breeze, no chop, a lazy swell and super calm inside the reefs. Whipped off inner transom plate to accept the Yam 15, fitted 25mm of packers, and strapped motor well down. Time to go boating.

Fairly impressed yesterday with its heavy weather prowess and not disappointed today. Really came alive with the 15 one up…bit of a hooligan if honest despite sombre styling. Saw a very creditable 23 knots at full chat (pulling 5550revs on a 11” prop) into wind with bows channeling enough air to seriously smooth out the ride. Stays on the plane as low as 10/11 knots and will cruise all day at 4500rpm nudging 20 knots….impressive. Still a bit of splash from motor when pushing on with no ventilation even in tight power turns so reckon it could go up even further, at least another 10mm. Gut feel this boat will still plane with a 6hp lightly loaded one up. They are very efficient hulls

If the styling/colour appeals then I’d rate one of these performance wise and decent quality at this price point, and all from an established UK based ‘bricks and mortar’ dealer with great after sales service and reputation.

[Max...]

That’s some serious performance (23kts) with a 15! Must feel a little flighty?

[Steve509926]

Agree, that is fast for such a big sib.

I've looked at the website but I presume it's wrong as it states that the floor is 2 piece. Is it a single removable airmat chipko? and does 54kg seem about right?

[willk]

Originally Posted by chipko

If the styling/colour appeals then I’d rate one of these performance wise and decent quality at this price point, and all from an established UK based ‘bricks and mortar’ dealer with great after sales service and reputation.

Very promising boat - don't mind the Green haters - we just need something to knock. IMO they gave you green to be sure they'd get it back.

[Fenlander]

My favourite car colour is a dark metallic green. Dad's last motorsailer was a lovely high gloss dark green hull... and I've worn mid green socks through today without incident.

So I reckon it's the larger areas of light green that aren't suiting me.

Edit: But since this thread was started something more specific about the colour has been niggling me and only just come to mind... my first car was just this colour combo. I must have blanked out the memory due to chassis parts dissolving with rust and the odd spin backwards into the scenery.

Just like this one...

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by willk

Makes sense. Green boats - I shudder when I see one.

Traditionally associated with bad luck, green was often not allowed to be seen onboard, never mind paint the damn thing green.

The last green boat I saw was a hideous Blig in Dun Laoghaire marina. I still have flashbacks

[chipko]

Originally Posted by Steve509926

Agree, that is fast for such a big sib.

I've looked at the website but I presume it's wrong as it states that the floor is 2 piece. Is it a single removable airmat chipko? and does 54kg seem about right?

Floor is a flat one piece drop stitch high pressure air mat….no pressure recommendations stamped on it (no manual with demo boat either) so have been running it at a fairly low 0.65 bar and all feels fine. 54kg feels about right although I’ve not weighed it.

[Tonus]

Just saw this Chipko - thanks for the review and all the information.
Looking at your picture taken from the bow - there seem to be trim tabs of a sort at the bottom of the transom... or a king of mirroring of the webbed corners that are at the top between the tubes and the transom... am I right about these? If so did they get in the way of the launching wheels?

I'm interested in this boat but would want to fit wheels that went straight down and curved under the transom, but locked up at a decent distance from the engine...

[chipko]

Hi Tonus,
No trim tabs on the Cruiser although there are corner webbed anti splash inserts top and bottom. Shouldn’t really interfere with transom wheels as fairly flexible and you could even trim them down if a real problem.

[Tonus]

That's good to know Chipko, thanks!

[Tonus]

Thanks for the pic too

[smallribber]

I looked at this at the Southampton show I was told that it is in effect a replacement for the elling but bigger. I have to say I liked it and was tempted

[Steve509926]

....... but the colour......