MAR.CO e-Motion 36 – 3 x 400hp 2.6L Verados
RIBCO 100 G2 X – Twin DF300AP Suzuki’s
Stingher 28 GT – 2x225hp V6 Mercury
It may not have the purebred aggressive lines and is more of a pleasure boat, but the acceleration of this particular set-up could make even a racing inflatable boat envious.
Stingher 28 is the latest version of the GT series and represents a turning point for new construction technologies and innovative solutions.
The hull is a new concept, an evolution of the well-known 27 GT one, that has a much deeper V with variable angles that guarantees a dry and smooth ride even in bad weather conditions.
With 56 degrees in the area of the bow, it is characterized by the presence of three spray rails of which only the highest ends up to the boat's transom, delimiting the level of navigation.
In the stern area, it ends in a dihedral angle which, according to the manufacturer, reaches 24 degrees.
On deck
The brand new Stingher 28 GT stands out for its redesigned console, the greater width of the stern and of course its larger spaces, improvements that ensure the most comfortable and quality living at sea.
The bow sundeck is wide with a maximum width of 1.70 meters, while its length is 1.77 meters. Further forward is the locker which accommodates the windlass while the anchor nestles at the entrance of the bow without disturbing or being an obstacle when we enter or leave the boat.
The central part of the cushions is removable to ensure comfortable access to the bow, while underneath there is a large 1.72m x 2.10m locker that can accommodate all the necessary boat equipment and much of our luggage.
The console, redesigned with modern lines, is centrally located, leaving comfortable passageways to the port and starboard of it, with a maximum width of 39 cm, for our unhindered back and forth movement.
The instrument panel is large enough to accommodate even large navigation devices as well as the entire electronic equipment of the boat.
The steering wheel is placed on the left, the engine controls in the center while a small glove box on the right is particularly useful for placing useful small items.
But what we especially liked is that the console has a large width and height, as does the windshield, offering ideal protection to both the captain and the co-pilot from wind and spray, without at the same time sacrificing the visibility towards the bow which is wonderful.
It is remarkable that whether we drive in a semi-upright position or sit in the comfortable bucket seats, the view to the bow and the horizon is exemplary.
On the front surface of the console there is a large door, with an integrated single seat, which leads to the toilet area which, with dimensions of 90cm x 106cm x 225cm, provides great freedom of movement.
What we encountered for the first time, and liked, is that the entire front of the console, along with the windshield, is raised, giving a lot of height to the interior of the toilet, but this poses some risks when someone is behind the pilot station or when there are things on the flat surface of the console.
The helm seats are independent and recline allowing for a sitting or standing driving position, and have the ideal height in relation to the console and the level of the bow’s hard nose.
Behind the seats is the outdoor galley with a sink, gas hob and a drawer fridge on its left side.
A U-shaped sofa is formed in the stern, which can be converted into a dining area for 5 people or a large sundeck with the corresponding addition. There are two very useful and independent storage spaces on both sides, while in the center is the large aft storage space.
The backrest of the aft sofa is removable, thus increasing the sundeck space while at the same time offering particularly comfortable access to the engines’ area.
At the end of the polyester gunwales we can see two very cleverly designed storage areas. The hatches may be small, but when we lift them, the narrow but very long spaces will be revealed, ideal for storing paddles or fishing guns.
At sea
It is the first time that the Stingher 28 GT has two 225 hp engines on its transom and it really impressed us with its performance. Without a doubt it is a great set-up and a great proposition from Delipoulios – marine without the need for any intervention at all.
With winds’ speed between 14 and 17 knots and strong short swell, the Stingher 28 GT had absolutely no problem in any wave direction and at any speed.
We were able to nail the throttles forward with the same ease as we were travelling along at cruising speeds.
In any case the Rib were riding very well and safely, maintaining an excellent cruising attitude, giving us very smooth navigation whilst keeping the spray off the deck. Its construction proved to be very sturdy even when we pushed it to its limits and no annoying noise reached our ears.
It is characteristic that we could travel even at 2800 rpm, enjoying the sea and the wind, while the engines were working effortlessly. It is especially important to be able to maintain low cruising speeds which allow us to approach distant destinations with great ease.
We had in our hands an excellent set-up with enormous power and really explosive accelerations. It only took a light touch of the throttles to keep us glued to the backrests of the helm seats.
With 160 liters of fuel, three people on board and all the necessary equipment, the Rib was standing on plane at 2500 rpm maintaining a speed of 13 knots.
The planing time was less than 3 seconds while it was accelerating to 30 knots in 5 seconds.
At 3000 rpm we were riding with 19 knots burning 1.58 liters per nautical mile, while at 3500 rpm our speed was 25 knots with the fuel consumption remaining constant at 1.6 liters per mile and having an enjoyable and relaxing cruise.
But even when we were running at 30 knots at 4000 rpm, the fuel consumption remained almost the same at 1.66 liters per mile.
We can therefore maintain cruising speeds between 23 and 30 knots, depending on weather conditions, keeping consumption low and increasing our range which reaches 100 nautical miles when we have just 160 liters of fuel in our tanks.
At 4500 rpm the Stingher 28 GT was travelling at 34 knots and the engines were asking for more fuel with the fuel consumption reaching 1.88 liters per nautical mile, while at 5000 rpm we were running at 38.5 knots burning 2.07 liters per mile.
At full throttle we reached 48.7 knots with the engines revving to 6080 rpm, just over the manufacturer's recommended maximum rpm.
The detailed numbers we recorded can be seen in the table below:
Taking a close look at the slip values in the table above we will see the excellent numbers that the Enertia propellers give us, remaining very low after 3500 rpm to reach the wonderful figure of 0% at 4500 rpm.
Lifting up the port engine we tested the performance of this particular set-up using only the starboard engine.
With a small but normal lag in plane mode, we could ride very comfortably at 3500 rpm with 19 knots burning 1.4 liters per mile, while at 4000 rpm we were running with 23.5 knots burning 1.53 liters per nautical mile.
Stats that can prove to be very important for our safety,especially in an emergency case we need to return with just one engine to our shelter.
Italboats s.l.r.
Main factory & Head office
Zona Industriale SP 79 Presicce-Alessano, 73054 Presicce (LE)
Italy
Tel: +39 (0)833 722 553
www.italboats.com
Αντιπρόσωπος Ελλάδος:
Delipoulios Marine
Θεσσαλονίκης-Περαίας 21 - Θέρμη 57500
Τηλ.: 23920 92298
www.delipouliosmarine.gr
