For a few years now, the Dutch boat builders have been developing aModern and fresh steel boat linethat the Coupé feeling should bring across. This type of boat also includes our test boat, the Aquanaut Majestic 1300 OC. In addition to the design, we are particularly struck by the large ceiling floodlights, which allow plenty of daylight into the lower deck area, and themodern furniture design on.
The cabin layout is classic for this boat category. There is an owner's cabin with a double bed in the bow and two guest cabins in the centre, each with two single berths. There are humidity-regulating ventilation holes under the berths and the cushions have a comfortable degree of firmness.
The two underfloor cabins have Suitable storage options and a standing height of 1.93 m in the entrance area. After that, it goes down in steps to 1.20 m. In the forward cabin (headroom 1.92 m) there are shelves around the double bed, storage space under the bunk and two cupboards.
MoreStorage options offer cupboards in the vestibule to the cabins. From here you can also access theGuest wet roomwhich also serves as a day toilet. It houses a toilet and washbasin with a pull-out shower hose.
A drain is installed in the floor and a shower curtain protects the entrance door. The owner has hisown wet area with separate shower and toilet room. As is usually the case, both are only accessible from the forward cabin.
ThePremises are a suitable size, but in the toilet room the flush button, which is positioned halfway up, i.e. right in the user's back area, is annoying. One floor higher, theSalon with driving position, seating area and galley. The U-shaped seating area cannot beBunk which is not really necessary in view of the four guest berths.
MoreSeating surfaces on the driver and passenger bench. Cooking is done at a well-equipped and organised galley behind the driver's seat. Large windows with blinds allow plenty of daylight into the saloon from the sides and ceiling.
About aTwo-part rear door, from which the port door can be slid to the side, you can get into theCockpitwhere an L-shaped bench (which can be equipped with a free-standing table) invites you to linger. To get further aft onto the sufficiently deep bathing platform, the route leads through a stern passage on the port side.
ShortcomingThere is no door or chain for the safety of children in particular. A long ladder on the platform makes it easy to get in and out of the water. If you want to take a quick shower after your swim, there is an outdoor shower installed in the stern wall. Sun-seekers will find their place on the foredeck, but the cushions cost extra.
The Aquanaut is driven from a driving position on the port side. The corner bench is unusual here, as you don't sit directly in front of the rudder, but "leaned into" it (see photo above). According to shipyard manager Mark Bakker, this seating position is intended to promote communication between the driver and crew.
In any case, he sits exactly opposite the co-driver, as he has an identical bench on the starboard side. To the Steering wheel and gear leveryou come sittingpassable ran. If you want to drive standing up, you must stand offset to the side (towards the centre of the boat), as otherwise there is not enough headroom. One foot is in the passageway and the other on the driving platform.
This means that the steering and gearstick (electronic lever gearstick) are easy to operate. The view towards the front is through a moderately grey tintedSafety glass pane with three solid windscreen wipers. The view directly to the side is also good, while the galley and the TV unit with its wide pillars restrict the view to the corners aft.
If you push the lever of the smooth-running shifter all the way forwards, we reach exactly the recommendedFull load speed of 2500 rpm and aMaximum speed of 9.4 knots, which is slightly above the theoretical hull speed.
The consumption: 3.52 l/sm. With the 800-litre tank, this gives a range of just under 200 nm plus 15% reserve. When cruising at around 7 knots, things look quite different with a consumption of a good 1 l/sm. This results in a respectable 650 nm. At 5 kn it is even almost 1400 nm.
The fact that travelling can also be quiet is proven by the maximumVolume level of 73 db/A. There is also no hectic rush when travelling straight ahead, as the Majestic pulls its course like a string. In fast bends, the test boat lies on the outside of the bend, as is typical of displacement boats, and swings easily into its own wave.
When turning in, the skipper has to give the boat a good grip, which he can do on aFour-spoke sports steering wheel done. There is a tiller in the engine compartment for emergency operation. The latter can be reached via a hatch (with gas damper) in the cockpit floor. There is plenty of room to work in the engine room and everything is professionally installed.
With a few exceptions, theProcessing makes a good impression. In terms of safety equipment, the bilge pump, fire extinguishing system, non-slip floor structures and solid handrails score plus points.
Conclusion:
The Aquanaut Majestic 1300 OC has a modern design and interior. It is just as suitable for inland waterways as it is for sea areas. The range and sailing characteristics are good, as are the installations and workmanship.
This text comes from BOOTE 12/17.
