"It has everything a full-grown day cruiser needs," wrote Ralf Marquard when he discovered the Atlantic Marine 720 DC tested. At that time, the boat was powered by a Mercury Verado with 250 hp. It has remained at 250 hp, but this time with a Honda outboard. But let's start from the beginning: We tested the Atlantic Marine 720 DC extensively back in 2018. Nevertheless, we wanted to drive it again to see whether it is still relevant for the 2024 boat market and whether the boat is still competitive.
According to the German yacht dealer Tony Pilipenko from Schwerin, a few small things have changed, such as improved build quality and better materials, but these are not really worth mentioning and are not immediately obvious to the average consumer.
Layout on board the Atlantic Marine 720 DC
The layout of the boat has remained the same. In the cabin, two additional wooden boards can be used to create a large berth measuring 2.05 x 1.90 metres at shoulder height. This provides enough space for two adults for a short trip. A chemical toilet (extra) is also available and is pushed under the cockpit. If you want a proper marine toilet, you can also order this as an extra. However, there is no separate room for either - a typical day cruiser that values plenty of living space outside the cabin.
An L-shaped bench seat is also installed in the cockpit, which can be converted into a lounger using shelves and an extra cushion. Although these shelves are not lightweight, they offer good stability but are not included in the basic equipment. This increases the lying surface to 2.15 x 1.76 metres. If you want to cool off, the two-part bathing platform with ladder makes it easy to get in and out of the water. After bathing, a stern shower ensures salt-free skin.
Trimming unit from Zipwake
The cockpit is equipped with two displays: The left-hand one is used for navigation and is from Garmin. The one on the right is used exclusively for displaying all engine data. The latter is a Honda proprietary panel. All controls are easy to reach, and the steering wheel and gearstick are electric. We really like this and it is pleasantly smooth-running. One of the accessories on our test boat is the automatic trim unit from Zipwake, which controls the trim tabs. Typically, this works very well.
A brief explanation: Zipwakes are installed on almost all modern motorboats and have become indispensable. The zipwake is a system of vertical flaps that are attached directly to the stern of a motorboat. Regardless of the type of drive (sterndrive, outboard motor, IPS or shaft), the zipwake flap deflects the water flow to change the trim position. These flaps are located on both sides of the boat and are independent of each other. They make it possible to eliminate lateral trim, also known as heeling, and to hold the nose of the hull when accelerating. For the latter, both flaps are extended. Anyone who finds the system interesting can watch numerous videos on the subject on YouTube. At boat shows, the manufacturer also demonstrates the system live in a glass box with water and a throttle lever.
In our opinion, the built-in sound package from Fusion with four speakers, a 10-inch subwoofer and a digital amplifier belongs on the boat's must-have options list. Let's be honest, the two letters DC stand for "Day Cruiser", so a proper sound system is simply a must in 2024.
Optimisations to the model since 2018
But a boat also needs to be driven. In the 2018 test, we criticised the thin upholstery of the driver's seat. This point has been rectified and the sports seats installed are more comfortably upholstered and offer good lateral support. If you want to drive standing up, you should push the seat all the way back. This gives you enough room to steer. The seat can then be reclined again when seated. If you are around 1.84 metres tall, you can look ahead easily. Even when accelerating, the nose does not rise too much (Zipwake switched on and off).
The Atlantic Marine completes harbour manoeuvres and the slow displacement speed of around 6 knots unerringly and without lurching. Even when planing and slowly gliding along at around 12 knots, she sails straight ahead without any problems.
The test drive
If you push the lever forwards, the 250 hp will take you forward quickly; we would not wish for a larger engine, but it would be possible. The shipyard specifies a maximum engine power of 300 hp. During our test, we reached a top speed of 37.8 knots at 6460 revolutions per minute. This means that the boat is anything but slow, but it is in fact a whole seven knots slower than when we tested it with the Mercury (44.8 knots). Wind, current, waves and the choice of propeller all make a difference, of course, but it is fair to say that the Verado was faster. However, at 91 dB(A), it was also around three decibels louder, which is definitely perceptible. Nevertheless, the boat can be steered well and calmly even at this speed. The Polish hull cuts through smaller waves well or jumps over them.
Diving is smooth and without disc prolapse. If you move the boat in the normal range, you can achieve an economical planing speed of 17.4 knots. The engine turns at 3500 revolutions per minute and draws 1.26 litres from the 207-litre tank. With a 15 per cent reserve, we achieve a range of 139 nautical miles. The Mercury was not so good at that. The economical planing speed at that time was between 4000 and 4500 rpm at 26.8 to 32.2 knots. Fuel consumption was 1.52 litres per nautical mile with a range of 116 miles. The tank capacity of the various years of construction remained the same. It can therefore be said that the Honda engine is quieter and more economical in this case. The latter is particularly pleasing and fits in well with today's petrol prices of around two euros per litre (boat filling station).
When the Atlantic goes into the fast carousel, the hull with the outboard engine trimmed turns its laps without a murmur until the propeller draws air. Then it's time to take the throttle off briefly and carry on. Without trim, it gets tighter and the boat tips over into its own wave. Slalom courses can be sailed just as safely with or without trim as the "rudder tear" manoeuvre. On slow courses, such as in the harbour or in small canals, you should stay below 6 knots so that the stern wave does not reach a height that threatens the shore.
Safety on board the revised Atlantic Marine
On the subject of "safety", we were already missing a manual drainage pump in the standard version that also works in the event of a power failure. An electric pump, which also runs when the main switch is switched off, is of course available. Special feature: A second, switchable pump is also fitted as standard. Access to the foredeck is via the centre access hatch in the windscreen, which can be reached via pleasantly wide, non-slip steps.
The shipyard offers four sufficiently large cleats for mooring. The centre cleat, which could be particularly useful for single-handed locking, is on the accessories list. The same applies to all types of tarpaulins and convertible tops, then as now.
In terms of the installations, we were impressed by the fuel system with the firmly bolted tank, the stopcock and the fuel filter - especially the electric water detector. The lines and hoses are expertly bundled and fastened.
The overall workmanship and build quality are of a high standard. This includes, for example, the sealed plastic edges, the white protective coating even in places that are not normally visible, but also all add-on parts such as the cleats or the real glass windscreen.
We can answer the initial question of whether the boat is still up to date six years after the first boote boat test and can keep up with sports boats from 2024 with a resounding yes. Neither the handling characteristics nor the compatibility with newer engines and new systems such as electronic steering are impaired. So you are still buying a modern boat, even if the crack is a little older.
Technical data
- CE category: C/8
- Length over everything: 7,47 m
- Width: 2,45 m
- Displacement without motor: 1200 kg
- Draught (top drive): 0,50 m
- Water tank: 47 l
- Fuel tank: 207 l
- Max. motorisation: 220 kW (300 hp)
- Test motorisation: Honda BF250
- Shank length: XL
- Price from: 75.000 €
- Further information: atlanticmarine.com
Measurement results
Conclusion
The Atlantic Marine 720 DC was and still is a successful boat from Poland. The build quality leaves nothing to be desired and is impressive. Sporty owners will get their money's worth with the 720, as will people looking for a day boat for swimming. The boat is also suitable for water sports and can be trailered.
Advantages
- + second electric bilge pump
- + sporty driving characteristics
Disadvantage
- - Hand bilge pump is not standard
Jan-Ole Puls
Editor Test & Technology
