When we received the test offer for the Antaris sloops, the German importer Jens Goericke told us that his visually appealing boats should also be fast on the water. We were initially sceptical about the latter.
But my colleague Manfred Welkamer was already enthusiastic when we were preparing for the BOOTE women's boating training - for which Jens Goericke provided us with the Sixty6. "You can chug along normally with the boat, but you can also give it some steam," he explained to me.
Not only the Sixty6, but also her sister Fifty5 appeared for the test date on the Elbe; basically the same type of boat and layout. The little one weighs around 100 kg, is 0.70 metres shorter and exactly 0.10 metres narrower. The latter is particularly important for trailer captains; because at 2.60 m, you need an overwidth permit to transport the Sixty6, whereas with the 2.50 m, the Fifty5 rolls along the roads on a 1.7 t trailer without the hassle of dealing with the authorities.
So everything on the Fifty5 is one size smaller - including the engine. It is powered by a 42 hp Vetus diesel, while its sister also has a Vetus, but with 10 hp more. This extra power does not play a noticeable role in chugging along (around 6 knots). The test duo are also close together in terms of fuel consumption, and thus also the respectable ranges of just under 150 nm.
At full throttle - where both boats easily reach 12.5 knots - the large Antaris consumes around 90 ml/sm more, which corresponds to four and a half glasses of schnapps. This means that the range for the large Antaris is 6 nm less with the same tank capacity (43 litres).
However, a larger tank (70 litres) is on the accessories list for the Sixty6, which suits fast tourers. Good cruising starts with the boats around 2500 rpm, then they easily run at 10 knots and show a pleasant water break at the stern. Only the Fifty5 achieves the 60 nm we require straight away; with the Sixty6, you have to select the aforementioned refuelling option.
When trimmed, both show the typical semi-planing behaviour: Above the theoretical hull speed, they raise the bow and do not lower it again even later in fast speed. On the Fifty5, you look over the sprayhood when standing, which works without any problems even at high speed. On the "relative", on the other hand, the raised canopy is fully in view for the 1.80 metre tall driver.
Smaller people can look through the foil window, which can also be rolled up as required. When seated, visibility is only maintained if the test boats remain in displacement. In addition, the skipper has to lean to the side and look past the sprayhood and bow.
Both boats can easily hold their course, whether travelling at slow or fast speed. Even when travelling in waves on the Elbe in front of the Hamburg marina in Wedel, the sloops stay on track and rock safely and dryly into the waves like fishing boats. The ride also feels great in fast bends: the hulls are as flat as a flatiron as they do their laps.
The resulting lateral forces are well sustained, and the swinging into its own shaft is also unspectacular. The steering, each with a large wooden rim wheel, works smoothly and precisely during all manoeuvres. A feature that is particularly advantageous in the harbour. Despite the conventional shaft and rudder system, the duo shows its flexible side here. Even when travelling in reverse, the turning circles are only a maximum of 2 ½ boat lengths. When reversing, the boats are somewhat slower to starboard than in the other direction, the "chocolate side". However, intercepting with a short throttle stroke ahead helps here.
The skippers do the latter on conventional single-lever shifters with cables. The driver operates these just as smoothly and unrestrictedly as the rocker switches. Identical Vetus instrument panels provide information about the engine status. We looked in vain for the all-important compass on the boats, which shows the way even in poor visibility and coastal navigation.
The engines, on the other hand, are easy to find: As is usual for sloops, they are located under a cover in the centre of the boat. Well insulated and with a seal, they keep the engine noise well in check. The ventilation of the compartments works a lot better on the Sixty6 than on the Fifty5, which, with an engine compartment temperature of 38 °C, is 8 °C higher and "eats" engine power.
The technician can carry out service work standing or kneeling next to the engines without being disturbed; the Dutch boat builders have attached cables and lines firmly and clearly. The seawater filter, quick-closing valve and fuel filter under the stern bench are easy to reach.
The manual bilge pump and the 2 kg fire extinguisher are further safety features. Stable deck floors provide the necessary stability, you have to hold on to the coaming, and there is only one handle each on the driving position and bathing platform. The latter has sufficient depth and long bathing ladders. If you prefer to enjoy the sun, you can lie down on the firmly but comfortably upholstered bow benches (which can be converted into loungers with inlay cushions). If you use these to sit on, you will immediately feel the comfort offered by the high upholstered backrests.
The workmanship receives further praise: this starts with the precisely fitting covers and extends to the solid bollard fastening and the cleanly painted plastic interior. Sturdy rubbing strakes protect the side walls in the event of knocks. The navigation lanterns are located at the front in the extension (extra, looks good, but is prone to breakage). Fenders are attached to small cleats on the coaming.
CONCLUSION
Whether with family or friends - everyone has fun on the small "excursion steamers". Areas that are slow to navigate, such as the waters in and around Berlin, are just as much a part of their itinerary as the Lower Elbe, where the "fast troop" conquers the tidal current.
Data sheet: Anataris Fifty5
Shipyard: Antaris
Type designation: Anataris Fifty5
CE category: C - Coastal waters
Material of hull and deck: Plastic
Length: 5,90 m
Width: 2,50 m
Displacement: 1,10 t
Price: 37.250,00 €
Data sheet: Antaris Sixty6
Shipyard: Antaris
Type designation: Antaris Sixty6
CE category: C - Coastal waters
Material of hull and deck: Plastic
Length: 6,60 m
Width: 2,60 m
Displacement: 1,20 t
Price: 0,00 €
