Gala brand boats have been produced since 2015. Dominic Stockmann and his Performance RIBs GmbH have been responsible for sales in Germany since 2020. Gala's rigid-hull inflatable boats have very robust aluminium hulls. For the hoses, there is a choice between Valmex brand PVC and the much more weather-resistant Orca, a current variant of the better-known Hypalon brand. The Gala Atlantis A330Q is the second smallest of the Q models with an aluminium hull and Aquahelm steering console. A maximum of five people can be on board. This makes it cramped, but is acceptable for short journeys from the anchorage to the shore.
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Also suitable as a coastal runabout
However, the RIB is by no means only suitable for transporting people on larger yachts. The compact dimensions, CE category C approval in conjunction with the powder-coated deep V hull with double cockpit floor and keel protection and the unladen weight of just 103 kilograms also make the boat a very compact coastal runabout for general use. Three air chambers ensure safety. In principle, the boat can be equipped with outboards up to 22.1 kW (30 hp). The price for the basic equipment without engine is 6,950 euros.
Console modified, more lying surface possible
The variant for the electric drive has been available since 2024. The control console has been modified for this variant. It is connected directly to the substructure of the rear seat and consists of a robust tubular construction to accommodate the steering and the controls for the drive. The double bench seat has a full-length backrest for the driver and front passenger. There is storage space under the upholstery. When fully occupied, one person must sit on the 44 centimetre diameter tubes, which are fitted with numerous loops to hold on to.
With the modified console, the tender also has a significantly larger storage space in the bow with an upholstered cushion. This creates a mini sun lounger measuring 88 x 71 centimetres, which serves as a seat for two people. A GRP step can be ordered for the bow, and a head cushion closes the gap between the step and the anchor locker.
The motorisation
In terms of motorisation, the shipyard recommends combustion engines with 11 kW (15 hp), which enables licence-free operation in many German waters. The electric version tested is fitted with a Torqeedo Cruise 6.0, which, according to the manufacturer, is comparable to a 10 hp outboard in terms of propulsion power and even a 15 hp outboard in terms of thrust. The drive power of 6 kW can also be reduced so that it can be operated without a licence on waters with correspondingly lower limits. The electric motor is powered by a lithium-ion battery that delivers 5,000 watt hours at a nominal voltage of 44.4 volts. The energy storage unit weighs 36.5 kilograms, plus around 22 kilograms for the motor. In total, this is roughly equivalent to a 15 hp outboard motor with a small amount of fuel.
How the electric version drives
We determine the driving performance with two people on board. The engine is equipped with the standard B 12.5 x 17 HSP propeller. If you are satisfied with four knots, you have to reckon with a power consumption of 1.2 kW. In purely mathematical terms, this means that a good 3.5 hours of sailing is possible if you factor in a 15 per cent reserve. However, this quickly changes if you only add one knot, leaving only 1.2 hours. The maximum we can manage is seven knots, whereby 5.1 kW is already being consumed by the motor. For the sake of comparison, we also check with just one person on board. The difference is huge. At around 13.8 knots, the engine then draws 6 kW. Manoeuvres in the harbour work excellently thanks to the fine dosing options. Overall, the handling is flawless and the workmanship is good.
Driving performance Gala Atlantis A330Q-E
Conclusion
For a tender, the electric drive is practical for getting from the anchorage to the shore. If you want to cover longer distances with several people, where currents and waves may also come into play, you should opt for a petrol outboard motor.
Technical data Gala Atlantis A330Q-E
- CE category C/5
- Overall length 3.30 m
- Width 1.70 m
- Displacement 103 kg
- Hose diameter 0.44 m
- Air chambers 3
- Torqeedo Power 48-5000 battery
- Max. Motorisation 22.1 kW (30 hp)
- Test motorisation Torqeedo Cruise 6.0 with 6 kW
