ΖΕΝ 40 – Twin 5.7L V10 400hp Verados
SEAFIGHTER SFR 48 – Twin V12 600hp Verados
ΖΕΝ 40 – Twin 5.7L V10 400hp Verados
SEAFIGHTER SFR 48 – Twin V12 600hp Verados
Focchi 620 – Suzuki DF150hp
The recycling of the economic recession and the permanent implementation of austerity programs in recent years have caused the gradual impoverishment of most of the European Union citizens, resulting in a dramatic reduction of purchasing power which is rapidly leading to a new period where small inflatable boats are the unique and appropriate choice for our exit to the sea. Inflatable boats of 5 to 7 meter are back in the limelight and it is time for shipyards to start focusing more on these categories.
Focchi 620 is a very good choice with an honest quality-price ratio, with its main features being its simplicity and clean design lines. It is an inflatable boat that can take us safely to nearby destinations while also being able to meet the needs of nautical camping lovers.
With an overall length of 6.20 meters and a beam of 2.54 meters, Focchi 620 runs on a seaworthy hull characterized by the presence of three spray rails, which end up to the boat's transom. The dihedral angle is formed into a pad, which starts approximately 1.80m from the bow entrance and reaches the transom where it has a maximum width of 15cm. The complete absence of chine characterizes most of the yard's models keeping the center of gravity low, which also contributes to its ride stability.
Its hull is made entirely of Kevlar, offering greater strength and rigidity while reducing weight by up to 20%.
The bow area is quite generous for the size of the boat, ensuring the necessary spaces for nautical camping enthusiasts. The sundeck, with an overall length of 1.90m and a maximum width of 1.36m, is located slightly lower than the air chambers thus increasing the useful space that reaches a maximum width of 1.90m, without the need of any addition to turn into a comfortable sunbed and relaxation. Under the bow cushions there are two individual storage spaces, the forward one that takes advantage of the entire depth of the hull and the aft one, whose floor is the deck itself, ideal for storing our luggage.
The console is centrally located, leaving comfortable passageways of 30cm to the right and left of it, while its front part has a large integrated seat located 72cm from the bow of the sundeck, ensuring great freedom of movement. Inside, there is a large single storage space, with access from both the front seat and the hatch on the back, ideal for the boat's batteries as well as the heavy items we carry.
It is characteristic that there is no helmsman's seat for saving space reasons, the role of which is taken over by the movable backrest of the stern sundeck. If we move the backrest completely forward, a comfortable sunbed with dimensions of 0.80m x 1.56m is created, which is slightly lower than the air chambers and thus gives us a much larger useful width that reaches almost 2 meters.
At sea
Our test Rib was equipped with a 2007 model 150hp Suzuki four-stroke engine, which with a maximum rpm range of 5,000 – 6,000 and a gear ratio of 2.50:1 was turning a 4-blade 14΄΄x 23΄΄ Solas stainless propeller.
With 100 liters of fuel, 2 people crew, all the boat's equipment and a 6hp auxiliary engine, we set out on the waters of Thermaikos gulf for a short winter ride.
Focchi 620 was standing on plane at 2700 rpm with 11 knots, accelerating to 30 knots in just 5 seconds and planning instantly in 2 seconds.
Throttle response and explosiveness were remarkable, as was the boat's stability even at full throttle. The feeling we had and the numbers we recorded testified to a very well set up boat and a very good combination of propeller and engine mounting height.
At 3000 rpm our speed was 18 knots, at 3500 rpm 22 knots and at 4000 rpm 25 knots. The slip values we recorded in this rpm range were very good, ranging from 20 to 17%.
At 4500 rpm we were cruising at 29 knots while at 5000 rpm we were running at 33 knots with the slip reduced to 12.5%.
At full throttle the engine reached 6100 rpm and the Rib 43 knots recording 6.5% slip, numbers that demonstrate a great set-up.
According to the numbers we recorded, in terms of explosiveness, slip values and the fact that the engine can reach its maximum rpm limit even when the boat is loaded, there is no doubt that we had a very good rigged boat on our hands that can handle bad weather conditions.
Manufacturer:
FOCCHI
Via Cesarea, 172 - 48121 Ravenna, Italy
Tel +39 0544 66471
www.gommonifocchi.com
info@focchi.com
Hellas’ dealer:
Delipoulios Marine
Thessalonikis-Peraias str - Thermi 57500
Tel.: 23920 92298
www.delipouliosmarine.gr
