Although she is not the "first of the bunch", she is part of a newly launched line from Linssen. With the new "Classic Sturdy", boats based on plans for the "Ur-Linssen", "St.-Jozef-Vletten" and "Grand Sturdy" have been relaunched. The result is technically modern boats with classic lines, such as our test boat TNCS 42 AC (Royal Edition). The "AC" stands for Aft Cabin, and a sedan version - with a driving position in the saloon and only one wet room, four berths in the bow area and a low-lying cockpit - is also available.
Our AC has a cabin (owner's) aft with a double bed and its own heads. On the starboard side, Linssen accommodates the shower room with bench seat and good ventilation; the same applies to the toilet room (port side) with electric pump toilet and washbasin. In the foredeck, the arrangement is the other way round, but the equipment is almost identical. The only difference is that the toilet room is also accessible from the dinette and therefore also serves as a day toilet. The bow and stern cabins are generously proportioned and equipped with double berths, slatted frames and plenty of storage space; steps at the sides make it easier to get in and out of the berths.
dinette, which is located in front of the forward cabin. Opposite is the U-shaped galley with 3-burner gas hob, 110-litre refrigerator (integrated freezer compartment), a sink the size of a household sink, well-divided storage options and a nice work surface for preparing food and drinks on board. Fresh air is guaranteed by the porthole and the front window located directly above the galley.
One floor up is the saloon with a cosy L-shaped bench seat, armchair, large table and sideboard with TV (can be pulled out). Up another flight of stairs, you find yourself in the cockpit under a convertible top, which transforms the entire space into another "living room" protected from wind and rain.
On nice days, you can remove the side panels and roof and enjoy the sun on the U-shaped bench seat, which provides access to the bathing platform in the centre. A three-step staircase facilitates the descent to the teak deck platform, while a large stainless steel ladder, which is easier to use from the wet element than from the platform, makes the descent into the water easier.
The way on board is via the aft section described above and the side decks, which feature folding doors in the railing. A good idea: the doors open downwards and can therefore also be used as access ladders. The bow is accessed via a safety chain. There are suitable railings and handrails as well as non-slip floor structures for easy movement on board.
The boat is driven from the cockpit. There is a pilot's seat (adjustable in all directions) with armrests in front of the neatly organised dashboard. To operate the steering wheel (adjustable) and gearstick, the skipper has to lean forwards a little. With the soft top up, the 1.80 tall driver looks at the opaque top section buttoned to the windscreen. When seated, on the other hand, he has an unobstructed view through this folding windscreen in the sturdy frame. Large film windows to the rear and sides allow a good all-round view. Three windscreen wipers with washer systems are used in the event of rain and splash water.
However, neither occurred on our test trip. The barges on the Meuse only created small waves, and the weather was also extremely favourable on this day.
We reached a top speed of 8.5 knots in calm conditions and at a water depth of around 4.50 metres. It is clear that sailing in this position is not particularly economical. Expressed in figures: 3.31 l/sm consumption, which with the fuel supply of 820 l minus 15 % reserve results in a range of around 200 nm. If you reduce the speed by just 2 knots, you can easily achieve ranges of over 500 nm. At 4 knots, the fuel will even last for over 1200 nm.
No matter how fast you are travelling, the Linssen runs straight ahead and hardly needs to be corrected. After a turn, you can quickly find the centre again thanks to the rudder angle indicator. If you want to make things really easy for yourself, you can switch on the autopilot on our test boat and just have to monitor everything. To make this a pleasure, the shipyard goes to great lengths to keep "the language of the engine" as quiet as possible - and with a maximum of 75 dB/A at the helm, this has been achieved successfully.
The hull responds to tight bends by leaning towards the outside of the bend and gently rocking into its own wave. When turning into roundabout traffic, you have to apply a lot of force to the steering wheel; steering out is noticeably easier.
Slow manoeuvres are easy with the bow thruster and turning circles of around 1 ½ boat lengths forward when engaged. When reversing, the TNCS 42 has difficulty manoeuvring to port, but this can be easily corrected with the bow thruster.
The "heart of the boat" stands on solid foundations in the engine compartment, with access via hatches in the saloon floor and a three-step ladder. Down there, everything is clearly laid out and firmly in place, making it easy to access for servicing.
The fuelling system, which includes a solid bolted tank, remote-controlled stopcock and two diesel filters (1 x with drain cock, 1 x with e-alarm), also receives praise. In the electrical installations, easily accessible fuses and main switches (circuit breakers and relays) ensure operational safety.
Linssen relies exclusively on electric pumps for the "emergency issue" of bilge pumping - in our view, this is not sufficient; however, the fire extinguishing system in the engine compartment is exemplary.
A wieling protects the boat from scratches and dents in the event of a bump. The railing can be used as a fender attachment point to "cushion" the hull at the jetty and when locking. The boat is moored to sturdy cleats, which make just as good an impression as the overall finish.
Conclusion: The TNCS 42 is a typical "member of the Linssen family" that unquestionably guarantees a high standard of quality. The two heads compartments and separate cabins make the yacht ideal for longer trips with four people. The single engine is suitable; however, if you want a little more power in windy conditions and don't want to miss out on the safety of a second engine, you would be well advised to opt for a twin system.
Data sheet: Linssen TNCS 42 AC
Shipyard: Linssen Yachts B.V.
Type designation: Linssen TNCS 42 AC
CE category: B - Outside coastal waters
Length: 13,25 m
Width: 4,35 m
Displacement: 17,50 t
Price: 383.600,00 €
Ralf Marquard
Deputy Editor in Chief BOOTE
