Sargo, formerly known as Minor, is a Finnish shipyard specialising in robust all-weather sports boats. Founded in 1967, the company builds boats between 25 and 45 feet, which are very popular not only on the Finnish coast but also beyond. The boats are characterised by their exceptional seaworthiness, especially in changeable weather, and are considered ideal companions for rough conditions.
The centre of the Sargo spectrum
That sounds promising to us and of course we had to ride one ourselves. When it came to choosing the right model, however, we were faced with the question: "Which one is best suited?" The brand new 31-footer would have been an obvious choice - and we will certainly be testing it soon - but this time we opt for the middle of the spectrum: the Sargo 36. What's particularly interesting about this test is that we get the opportunity to drive an owner's boat. This allowed us to ask the owners for their opinion, but also to form our own impression. So off we went to Kiel, the state capital of Schleswig-Holstein, more precisely to Strande on the northern shore of the Kiel Fjord.
A light grey hull awaits us at jetty 7, which in our eyes goes very well with the white superstructure and the black anodised railing. The forward-positioned roof is also striking. This places the windows at a positive angle, allowing more space in the interior, but also better water drainage from the windows. Features that are not only an advantage in the foul weather of northern Europe.
We go on board via the standard Sargo bow steps and marvel at the height of the bulwark. We later measure 80 centimetres. With a width of around 40 centimetres, the gangway is ideal for moving around. You immediately feel safe. We enter the spacious deckhouse through the port door. The decor is in oak, which makes the interior pleasantly light and airy. Teak is also available as an option.
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A helm station for two people is installed on the starboard side. Everything needed to navigate the ship is located here. Two air-suspended seats are also installed. These are comfortable and worked well during the subsequent test drive. However, it takes some getting used to that they move when there are waves. Additional displays are fitted at the transition from the windscreen to the roof.
Almost 360-degree all-round view
Behind the steering position is a raised seating area with table. This can be lowered and converted into an additional sleeping area. The galley with sink, cooker and plenty of storage space is located on the entire port side. A third seat can be optionally selected here. On this boat, however, the storage space was favoured. "We are usually only travelling as a couple anyway, so the extra space is more important than another seat," says owner Mrs Schmidt, commenting on the choice of options. The floor is covered with artificial teak. Otherwise, the cockpit is airy and flooded with light. All-round visibility is almost 360 degrees. The roof can also be opened.
Layout below deck
The owner's cabin is located one floor below in the foredeck. The bed is 1.70 x 2.00 metres wide and there is ample storage space in cupboards and under the bed in the form of drawers. Two small portholes provide fresh air, as does a deck hatch. The adjoining bathroom is equipped with a toilet, washbasin and shower. There is space to store towels and toiletries in the washbasin or behind the mirror. The fuse box is located behind it. It is easily accessible and yet protected from moisture.
The guest cabin is located under the cockpit. It is equipped with either two single beds or an additional cushion to form a large double bed. You can also choose between a large wardrobe or a small toilet. The latter ensures more peace and quiet for visitors on board.
The aft deck
If you step out of the underfloor cabin into the fresh air, you come out onto the large aft deck with bench seat. The 36 can also be ordered as a flybridge version, which was not desired for our test boat. From the boatyard, you can also opt for a roof extension and a canopy. There is also a bathing platform at the very stern.
Why you should opt for a Sargo
But of course the boat also has to pass the BOOTE test criteria. So we untie the lines and reverse out of the berth. Mr Schmidt moves the joystick and the Sargo turns on the spot. "One of my favourite functions on board," he says. We slowly steer out of Strand harbour, past the sailors from Schilksee. The swell from the last few days is still in the bay and we are hoping for fewer waves as we head towards Laboe.
We bridge the short crossing with a chat and ask the owners why they decided in favour of the Sargo. "Well, we came from a sporty sailing boat, but over time we realised that we were no longer up to it. Before something happened, we wanted to switch. But leaving the water completely was not an option," says Mr Schmidt. "We then looked at a lot of boats in our search for the right one," adds his wife. We looked at everything from the Sealine to the Nimbus. The Sargo 36 was finally chosen. "It was also important to me that the boat had good seaworthiness," he explains. "It shouldn't be a steel displacement boat for inland waters and a bit of power is also okay," he adds with a grin.
The test drive with the Sargo 36
But now back to the real test: before we cast off, we take a look into the spacious engine compartment. It houses two Volvo Penta engines, which are conveniently located under a large engine compartment hatch on the aft deck. The two D6 engines each produce 340 hp. The routing of the hoses and cables is expertly executed. Even the sound insulation, which is sometimes rather neglected on other boats, remains without complaint. A Webasto parking heater has also found a place here. It has a heating output of 5.5 kW.
Before Laboe, we accelerate outside the speed limit. We quickly exceed the hull speed and start to glide. The hull settles softly into the wave and lifts slightly. You can tell that the Sargo is suitable for offshore sailing. The
Cornering is good, not too sporty, not too conservative. If you were to compare it to a car, you'd think it was an SUV. And to be honest, that's what it is, just on the water.
It also behaves sportily when slaloming. It rocks a little, but as soon as you return to travelling straight ahead, this movement stops immediately. At no time does it feel unsafe or uncontrolled.
If you put the lever on the table, we reach 36.1 knots at 3480 revolutions per minute with a 50 centimetre wave and a holiday load. The shipyard states a maximum speed of 36.1 knots with the same engines. She therefore achieves her specified values. A more relaxed and, above all, more economical planing speed is 3000 rpm and 29.1 knots. The directional stability is excellent at this speed, you could let go of the steering wheel. After around 20 nautical miles of testing, we have gained a comprehensive impression and return to our berth in Strande.
Technical data
- CE category: B/12
- Length over everything: 11,80 m
- Width: 3,65 m
- Displacement: 8400 kg
- Draught (bottom drive): 1,10 m
- Clearance height: 4,85 m
- Fuel tank: 860 l
- Max. motorisation: 2 x 324 kW (440 hp)
- Test motorisation: Volvo Penta D6-340
- Price including test engine: from € 530,651
- Further information: mittelmannswerft.de
Measurement results
Conclusion
In terms of quality, the Sargo 36 is in a high league. Everything is neatly laid out and the interior fittings are also of high quality. The ride quality and the typical Scandinavian design are impressive. If you are looking for a cruising boat for virtually any area, the 36 is the right choice.
Handling
Seaworthiness
Customisability
Modern look
Jan-Ole Puls
Editor Test & Technology
