The Italian shipyard Tuccoli can look back on 70 years of boatbuilding history. The shipyard initially focussed on robust workboats for professional fishermen. Over the decades, the company has developed into a manufacturer that produces both workboats and leisure boats. Tuccoli Marine produces in Italy and carries out all steps from planning to production in-house. The shipyard uses computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to develop optimised hull shapes. This takes particular account of the wave conditions in the Mediterranean, which differ from ocean waves due to shorter distances and steeper flanks.
The boats utilise a length-to-width ratio that is designed to improve stability in rough seas. In addition, the V-shaped hull form is pronounced from bow to stern. The weight distribution is designed in such a way that trim tabs or stabilisers are used less.
Tuccoli Marine divides its range into three model series with boats between around 7 and 13.5 metres in length. The boats can be equipped for various purposes: Anglers receive containers, rod holders and work surfaces. Leisure users can choose sunbeds, water-repellent cushions and pantries, and the shipyard also offers different deck layouts and interior fittings.
Our test boat, the T295 SF Montecristo, belongs to the SAV series (Sport Activity Vessel) and is a ten-metre cruiser that is equipped for tours with the family. It is also ideal for exploring and fishing with friends. Those who attach great importance to fishing are well advised to opt for the sister model, the T295 VM, which offers a huge storage space amidships with a locker for fishing equipment. This space can not only be accessed from the inside, but also from the cockpit. The cockpit was equipped with special fishing equipment on the VM exhibition version. Below deck, Tuccoli installed a convertible seat/berth unit on the VM version. In contrast, our test boat, the SF version, has an angled double berth measuring 1.75 by 2.22 metres. Another double berth is located in an underfloor cabin roughly amidships. It is located where the Fishing version has a large storage space.
The wet room is identical on both boats. It is equipped with a washbasin, a shower and an electrically operated toilet. There is plenty of legroom when sitting on the toilet. The room also offers sufficient space overall and is ventilated via a porthole. There is a large cupboard opposite the wet room, as well as further storage space in shelves.
There is no separation between the underfloor cabin and the rest of the lower deck area - i.e. neither a wall nor a curtain. The route from the cabins to the deck is via a sufficiently large staircase.
In the cockpit, the driving position is installed to starboard. On the other side is the dinette, which can be converted into a single berth - practical as an emergency berth for guests. A good solution: the seats can be pulled out to the side, providing enough space for four people to eat. The galley is located behind the driver's seat and offers a gas-fuelled cooker, a refrigerator and a sink as standard. A hardtop with hatches at the front extends above everything.
The shipyard installed benches at the rear of our test boat. However, the entire cockpit can be equipped modularly - the shipyard refers to this as the Tuccoli Modular Deck - with various equipment options.
On the starboard side, a passageway with door leads to the bathing platform. The platform is non-slip, there is a solid ladder and a stern shower. If you want to go from the cockpit to the foredeck, take the safe route via a step onto the side decks, which are equipped with plenty of handholds and a railing. There is a wide, comfortable lounger on the foredeck - ideal for sunbathers.
Tuccoli offers outboards from Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha for motorisation, each as a twin pack with 250 hp or 300 hp engines. We travelled with two 300 hp outboards from Suzuki.
The shipyard has installed a comfortable sports seat at the driving position, from which the steering, gearstick and other controls can be easily reached and the monitors can be read without restriction. The installation of an analogue compass deserves special praise.
At displacement speed, the test boat runs true to track and hardly needs to be corrected. The transition from displacement to planing is between around 2,500 and 3,700 revolutions per minute. Although the bow lifts, the view forwards remains unproblematic. At around 4,000 revolutions per minute, the Tuccoli reaches around 22 knots at a good planing speed; this is also the most economical way of travelling. In this situation, the range is around 157 nautical miles plus 15 per cent reserve, and the noise level is around 81 dB. We reached a top speed of 37 knots with our test rig. The course stability is good over the entire sailing range, and when cornering at speed, the boat does not lean over excessively, but instead makes its rounds safely. The steering ratio takes some getting used to: around 9.5 turns of the steering wheel are required from stop to stop. This requires a lot of turns when changing direction, but also ensures safe behaviour when slaloming and when the steering is twisted. On the test day, we only had moderate waves, which the T295 SF travelled through dry and smoothly. The harbour manoeuvre test revealed tight turning circles and very direct steering behaviour (reaction time around one to two seconds).
The two fuel tanks - each with its own fuel filter and a remote-controlled shut-off valve - are located under the cockpit floor. The associated flap is made of carbon fibre so that it is not too heavy to lift. Overall, the installations make a careful impression. The batteries are also housed under the cockpit floor, each in boxes and secured with straps. The technical components on the control stand, including monitors, are state of the art. The metalwork (handrails, fittings and cleats) makes a good impression. The only point of criticism: the centre cleats - particularly practical for locking and mooring (for single-handed boaters) - are on the accessories list. There are a couple of unclean areas in the workmanship, but these should no longer occur in future models. Otherwise, the workmanship is good.
The self-draining anchor locker comes as standard, but there is an extra charge for the electric anchor winch. A solid rubbing strake protects against small bumps. The solid railing and cleats are ideal for attaching fenders. Air conditioning/heating, 3 kW inverter, solar panels, hot water boiler, seakeeper and canopy/cover can be ordered as options.
The Tuccoli T295 SF Montecristo is a solid boat that is ideal for travelling with family and friends. The modular cockpit and large foredeck offer plenty of space for open-air enjoyment. The manoeuvrability and handling characteristics with the two Suzuki DF 300 engines are good and safe.
Solid hull construction
Partly carbon fibre for a low centre of gravity
Good cornering characteristics
Tight manoeuvring behaviour
Two double berths
Pantry block in the outdoor area
Fully equipped wet room with 1.89 metre headroom
Railing and handrails solid
Two electric bilge pumps and a hand bilge pump are standard
Centre cleat not standard
| Speed rpm | Speed kn | Speed km/h | Consumption l/h | Range sm | Range km | Volume dB (A) |
| 650 | 3,1 | 5,7 | 4,2 | 365 | 676 | 53 |
| 1.000 | 4,9 | 9,1 | 8,1 | 302 | 560 | 60 |
| 2.000 | 8,2 | 15,2 | 20,6 | 198 | 368 | 71 |
| 2.500 | 9,5 | 17,6 | 33,5 | 141 | 262 | 72 |
| 3.000 | 12,1 | 22,4 | 45,0 | 134 | 248 | 76 |
| 3.500 | 16,9 | 31,3 | 54,1 | 156 | 288 | 78 |
| 4.000* | 22,2 | 41,1 | 70,3 | 157 | 291 | 81 |
| 4.500 | 28,3 | 52,4 | 103 | 137 | 253 | 85 |
| 5.000 | 33,0 | 61,1 | 135 | 122 | 225 | 87 |
| 5.850 | 37,2 | 68,9 | 190 | 98 | 181 | 92 |
* The most economical range here is a good planing speed. Measured during our test with four people on board, light swell and wind. 45 per cent diesel in the tank, 20 per cent water.
Whilst cruising at 4,000 rpm and 22.2 knots, the boat showed an average noise level of 81 dB(A) at the helm.
Driver's seat - Rear bench - Hardtop - Railing - Handles for bathing ladder - Galley block with gas cooker, sink, refrigerator - Wet cells with electric toilet (with F-tank), washbasin and shower - Fresh water system - 3 x 100 Ah batteries - Navigation lights - Compass - Horn
The Tuccoli is partly made of carbon fibre, including the roof (to improve the centre of gravity) and the floor flaps (to make it easier to open). The fuselage has a so-called Tuccoli Double Structure for reinforcement.
The list of accessories includes a bow thruster for easier manoeuvring. During the test, however, the Tuccoli proved to be quite manoeuvrable even with the two outboards.
Our boat is equipped with a comfortable driver's seat. The controls are within easy reach and visibility in all directions is good.
The Tuccoli can be equipped with two outboards (250 or 300 hp each). Engines from Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha are available.
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Deputy Editor in Chief BOOTE