Navan by Quicksilver is a young brand and, like Bayliner and Sea Ray, is part of the Brunswick Group. Navan currently builds two models in the 10-metre class: the S30 and C30. We tested the S30 sports version, which, unlike its sister C30, does not have an enclosed cab but is designed as a centre console boat and can be fitted with an optional T-top.
The S30 is a modern, stylish all-rounder and offers plenty of fun and enjoyment for the carpool. It is ideal for discovery or relaxation tours, as a bathing, fun or travelling boat (for two people). She can be motorised with outboards from Mercury. The equipment list includes single engines (300-400 hp) as well as twin systems with 2 x 225 hp, 2 x 250 hp or 2 x 300 hp. We travelled with two 250 hp outboard engines.
The test drive with the Navan S30
This also makes the Navan S30 well suited as a towing boat, as the two engines bring the test boat into planing speed in no time at all. In the acceleration phase between around 1800 and 2800 rpm, the foresight always remains good, and two automatic trim systems ensure the optimum boat position. On the test boat, these are Mercury's "Active Trim" (automatic power trim setting) and a "Zipwake System". The latter works with interceptors that are installed in the lower area of the transom.
They change the trim angle (pitch) and can compensate for rolling and heeling. In automatic mode, we achieved a good 47.0 knots at 6000 rpm. Planing starts at around 3000 rpm; if the two Mercury engines are turned 500 rpm higher, our test rig glides most economically. In this situation, 2.11 litres per nautical mile run through the fuel lines and the 400 litres of fuel minus 15 percent reserve will take you a good 160 nautical miles at 25.1 knots - a suitable value for this type of boat. At full throttle, the range is just under 100 nautical miles.
As we had fairly calm seas, we had to use the stern waves of commercial vessels for the rough water test, which the hull skips over smoothly and dryly. In fast bends, the Navan pulls round sportily and on the slalom course it can be "steered" safely and directly. Tight turning circles, direct steering behaviour and the optional bow thruster on our test boat ensure unproblematic harbour manoeuvres. If you want even more security, order the joystick system from Mercury.
The layout of our test boat
The driver sits on a well-shaped sports seat and can place their feet on a support under the driving position. The front part of the seat cushion can be folded up for a relaxed ride in a standing position.
The skipper has unrestricted control of the gears and steering (height-adjustable) and a good view of the monitors. The carpool is protected by a windscreen made of safety glass, which sits in a solid frame. The reflections in the windscreen are minimal due to the grey paintwork of the dashboard, and a windscreen wiper was not installed. A T-top (with recessed, tinted windows) sits enthroned above the test boat driving position, providing protection from strong sunlight and rain.
A galley (with sink, double hob from Wallas and cool box) in a console is located aft on our test boat. A folding bench is positioned on the galley block, which can be used while travelling with a view forwards or can be folded aft and integrated into the seating area to "open up" the galley. The seating area in the rear also includes a bench and a folding table. In addition to the stern bench, two entrances (with doors) lead to the split bathing platform with stern shower and bathing ladder. Another open-air area can be found on the foredeck, where the shipyard has installed a large sun lounger.
Below deck of the Navan S30
The entrance below deck is via a sliding door. The wet room (headroom 1.34 metres) is located on the port side and is well equipped with a washbasin, pull-out shower hose, opening porthole and toilet. Overnight accommodation is in a large double berth (2.00 x 2.10 metres) in the bow. The cabin (headroom 1.54 metres) is illuminated by LED light strips and plenty of daylight comes in through the side windows and skylight. There is plenty of stowage space below deck and on deck.
The two Mercury outboards are mounted on a solid transom; visual inspections and minor work on the engines can be easily carried out from the split bathing platform. The cables from the outboard engines to the on-board outlets are safely routed in protective hoses. In the large stowage box under the cockpit floor, the cables are firmly routed in cable ducts or clamps. The batteries (in trays with retaining straps) are also secured there. The batteries are switched via relays (with emergency function), fuses can also be found here as well as in the footwell of the driver's cab and in a box (230 V) next to the companionway. The petrol tank is located under the cockpit floor, and the fuel system also includes a ball valve in the intake manifold and a fuel filter.
Safety on board
Non-slip flooring from GatorStep ensures safe movement, while solid handrails, railings and T-top rods are available to hold on to. The bilge system includes a self-bailing cockpit and two electric bilge pumps; a hand pump was not installed. Fire extinguisher? In the stowage box under the galley. There are six cleats for mooring the Navan; on our test boat there are retractable models on the accessories list.
The shipyard offers a range of accessories to customise the boat. These include, for example: Smart Edition package (with shore connection, cool box, hot water system, teak cockpit table, mooring kit and cabin curtains), electric anchor winches (bow or stern), bowsprit, chart plotter (Simrad), TV set, underwater lighting, covers, camper top. Air conditioning/heating systems or diesel heating. The galley equipment can be ordered not only in the package mentioned, but also in versions with sink, electric grill (only via shore power) or the sink and electric grill package including inverter system.
The workmanship on the test boat is good, starting with the solidly bolted cleats and fittings, continuing with the neat plastic workmanship with smooth surfaces and sealed edges on the cut-outs, through to the clean upholstery work and perfectly fitting fittings.
Conclusion
The Navan S30 is a boat that offers many water sports options. Two people can easily stay overnight and there is plenty of space for guests on deck. With its two 250 hp outboards, it is well motorised and has sporty handling characteristics. The workmanship and installations are carefully executed.
Technical data
- Length: 10,23 m
- Width: 2,99 m
- CE category: B/10
- Weight (without motor): 3270 kg
- Depth: 0,62 m
- Clearance height: 1,80 m
- Interior cockpit side height: 0,80 m
- Freeboard: 1,1 m
- Fuel tank: 400 l
- Water tank: 80 l
- Holding tank: 45 l
- Sleeping places: 2
- Bunk dimension: 2.00 x 2.10 m
- Standing heights: Cabin 1.54 m, WC compartment 1.34 m, under hardtop 2.00 m
- Maximum motorisation: 2 x outboard engines with 221 kW (300 hp) each
- Test motorisation: 2 x Mercury Verado V8 250, 184 kW (250 hp)
- Price: from 169 237 Euro
- Distribution (test boat): bootscenter-kiel.de
