The FIM (Fabbrica Italiana Motoscafi) shipyard was founded in 2019 by Corrado Piccinelli and his wife, Manuela Barcella. Since then, the shipyard has steadily expanded its production and currently has six boat models in its portfolio. These include the Contessa series (flybridge yachts) with two models and the Regina series with four open versions. Our test boat, the 440 Regina, is the second smallest model and was launched in 2023 (world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival). The exterior design was created by Alessandro Lottici and the interior was designed by the LDI Design Studio.
The layout on board the FIM 440 Regina
Our test boat is located on the Baltic Sea in Neustadt in Holstein. The German dealer Levien Sales & Drive GmbH has a sales office there and in Boltenhagen. The easiest way to get into the boat is via the bathing platform. In the cockpit - which can be enlarged with lowerable side walls for an extra charge - there is a sunbed aft, under which there is a huge storage space.
At the front is a large seating unit with two benches facing each other and a table in the centre. The table can be lowered and, together with the benches and the aforementioned sun lounger, extended into a huge sunbathing area. Sun worshippers will also find additional comfortable sun pads on the foredeck of the test boat and a bench seat in the bow. Those who prefer to take a dip can do so on a large platform with a ladder and stern shower.
Read also:
To cater for the carpool, the shipyard has installed a wet bar between the cockpit seating area and the driver's bench, which is equipped with an induction hob, sink and waste bin as standard. A refrigerator and grill (cooker upgrade) are on the options list.
Below deck
Below deck, there is a wide companionway with good handholds. The electrical switchboard is located in this entrance area. Once down below, there is a galley with sink, 225-litre refrigerator, storage space and worktop on the port side. To the front is the open area with a seating area with table that can be converted into a berth (1.80 x 2.45 metres). Access to the owner's cabin (roughly amidships) is via an entrance that is level with the galley. The cabin extends across the entire width of the boat and has a comfortable chaise longue, a double bed (1.50 x 2.00 metres) and suitable storage space. The owner has direct access to his toilet room, which is well organised.
A special feature: a door leads from the toilet into a shower room. This shower area can also be accessed from the other side via another door (guest toilet room). This means two toilets with a shared shower in the centre.
Equipment for the driver
Back to the cockpit, or more precisely to the driving position, which on our test boat is under a hardtop with an electric sliding roof and louvres. The latter can be opened and closed depending on the amount of sunlight required. The driver is seated on a nicely upholstered three-seater bench. The shipyard has installed a folding footrest for relaxed sitting. The front seat cushion can be folded up for travelling in a standing position. In both positions, he has a good grip on the gearstick, joystick, bow thruster and steering wheel. The skipper has a good view of the monitors and can operate the pushbuttons with illuminated rings without restriction.
The test drive with the FIM 440 Regina
The test boat is launched with a joystick system (extra charge) from Volvo Penta, which controls the sterndrives and engines. To guarantee even more safety on windy days, the test FIM is equipped with an optional bow thruster. Volvo's double-lever control box is installed for normal operation. The displacement range is between around four and eight knots. On the Baltic Sea, we push the levers forwards, the bow rises from 1,600 rpm and planing begins at a good 2,500 rpm. During this transition phase, it becomes apparent that the nose remains noticeably lower when using the Zipwake trim system (standard).
We also performed all other driving manoeuvres in automatic mode. At around 2,800 revolutions per minute, the 440 Regina glides well and is also economical when travelling. The speed is then just under 24 knots and consumption is 3.86 litres per nautical mile, giving a suitable range of 265 nautical miles. At 80 dB(A), the noise level is within an acceptable range; this is also the case at full throttle at 38 knots and 83 dB(A).
On the test day, the Baltic Sea was calm and the rough water test had to be cancelled. This made it all the easier for us to take the fast turns without being affected by the swell. Fully turned in, the FIM easily completed its fairly large laps with a stable lateral position. It also rides safely on slalom courses and does not lean excessively on its side. When the control system is torn away, the tail comes in softly and the fuselage then continues to drive stubbornly straight ahead. The two D6-440 Volvo engines are securely bolted under the cockpit floor.
Access to the engine compartment is via a hatch in the floor, where you will find clean installations, double fuel filter systems and a fire extinguishing system. The latter, like the stopcocks, can be operated in the side wall by the driver. The electrical supply on our test boat is provided by a total of ten batteries (main switch can be switched remotely), 230-volt shore connection with battery charger, generator (optional) and inverter (accessory). Air conditioning and four underwater lights are also on the list of accessories.
The FIM 440 Regina is moored to six cleats that match the boat, fenders are attached to the cleat at the stern and to the solid railing at the centre and front. A stainless steel rubbing strake is installed for all-round protection.
Technical data of the FIM 440 Regina
- CE category: B/14
- Length over everything: 13,60 m
- Width: 4,00 m
- Displacement (unloaded): 12 t
- Depth: 0,71 m
- Fuel tank: 2 x 600 litres
- Fresh water tank: 350 l
- Max. motorisation: 2 x 324 kW (440 hp)
- Test motorisation: 2 x Volvo Penta D6-440 DPI with 324 kW (440 hp)
- Base price ex shipyard with test motorisation: 799.918 €
- Distribution test boat: levien-boats.com
Measurement results
| Speed rpm | Speed kn | Consumption l/sm | Range sm | Volume dB(A) |
| 1.000 | 6,3 | 1,46 | 700 | 65 |
| 2.800 | 23,6 | 3,86 | 265 | 80 |
| 3.750 | 38,0 | 4,73 | 215 | 83 |
Conclusion
The FIM 440 Regina is a stylish boat that can easily sleep four people. The outdoor area with its wet bar, together with the comfortable seating/reclining units, offers a large area to feel at home. With its two Volvo Penta D6 440 DPI engines, the FIM is a safe and pleasant cruise.
Advantages
Safe manoeuvring with the joystick system
Good installations in the engine compartment
High-quality interior design with lots of comfort
