Ayros XA 22 test: Versatile trailer boat that combines comfort and sportiness
Jan-Ole Puls
· 26.04.2026
It is grey, rainy and foggy. It's hard to say whether "dreary" is the right word for it; it probably wouldn't do justice to the idyllic location either. We are in Altrip in the Rhineland-Palatinate to test the Ayros XA 22. The weather is not playing ball, but on the Boats & more premises this does not dampen our spirits. And a day like this somehow fits the bill. No fair-weather boating, but an honest test under conditions that owners experience, even though they could actually choose the area and therefore the weather with this type of boat. Because this is a real trailer boat.
That is also interesting:
The Ayros XA 22 is an Italian motorboat in the centre-console segment with a length of 6.40 metres and a width of 2.55 metres. This positions it in the 20-foot range, where it aims to be a versatile all-rounder. Its strengths lie in day trips, coastal cruises and, with restrictions, an overnight stay on board. The boat is manufactured by GPA S.r.l. in Sicily, marketed under the Ayros brand and distributed in Germany by general importer Alex Solz.
The shipyard favours modern, functional design with an Italian signature. As we all know, the first impression is made with the eye. The XA 22 has a rather high-sided hull and clear lines. The deck has a tidy, almost minimalist appearance, which lends the boat a certain practicality. At the same time, the high freeboard conveys a feeling of safety, especially for families or less experienced crew members.
Flexible concept
The "ponte di prua", or foredeck in Italian, is designed as a large sun deck and is easily accessible via steps at the side. The area is generously dimensioned and invites you to relax on the deck. The flexible concept continues at the stern. There is a bench seat for three people, which can be converted into a sun lounger in a few simple steps. A feature that is now almost expected in this class and is a decisive argument for many buyers. The two large bathing platforms to the left and right of the outboard motor are particularly successful. They each have their own bathing ladder. This is not only visually appealing, but also extremely useful in practice. Anyone travelling with several people or children will quickly appreciate a second ladder. Discussions, especially with younger guests, about who gets out of the water first, are a thing of the past.
Measurement results of the Ayros XA 22 test
The externally mounted cleats at the rear are also striking. They have clear advantages, but also entail a certain amount of risk. The main positive aspect is the issue of trailering and mooring. The external points can be used to secure the boat to the trailer, and the cockpit remains free of tripping hazards in the harbour. Even barefoot, you won't get caught anywhere. The disadvantage is when manoeuvring tightly alongside dolphins or other boats. If you get too close here, you can get stuck with the cleats. In an unfavourable situation, the all-round rubbing strake in the stern area is then only effective to a limited extent. However, this does not detract from the overall impression and function, but is rather a design feature that should be recognised.
A small galley with cooker and washbasin is located behind the helm seat at the central driving position. A refrigerator is integrated on the port side and there is also a folding table that can be used quickly if required. The seats are comfortable, albeit with limited lateral support.
Construction and processing
The workmanship and seams are clean and the padding makes a good impression. The foam tends to be harder, which we personally find pleasant. Upholstery loses firmness over time anyway. You can ride both sitting and standing. The throttle, instruments and switches are easy to reach in both positions. A footrest provides support when seated. We give the steering a solid seven on a scale of one to ten. It works smoothly and precisely, even at higher speeds. The quality matches the boat and the price range. The ergonomics when standing are particularly positive. Our tester, who is 1.85 metres tall, had a good overview at all times. Smaller people should check whether the relatively high dashboard restricts the view to the front.
Two steps to port and starboard provide access to the foredeck. The sunbathing area measures 1.57 by 2.01 metres and offers enough space for two people - or three if you like. The 25-centimetre-high railing in the bow area conveys a certain feeling of safety without detracting from the overall appearance of the boat.
Below deck
Below the foredeck, the Ayros XA 22 surprises with a fully usable cabin, although the boat is officially categorised as a day boat, and by us as well. The sunbathing area measures 1.20 by 1.90 metres. This is sufficient for one night, even if you shouldn't expect a luxury of space here. Ventilation is provided by a deck hatch and two small portholes. The interior is covered with a carpet attached with press studs, which makes cleaning easier.
A toilet is available, but without a separate room. For typical use as a day boat, it is likely to be used in most cases as an emergency solution to avoid having to leave the anchorage all the time. Then you simply close the sliding door to the outside area and have a large toilet room at your disposal. We rate the overall workmanship as solid to good. It clearly matches the price-performance ratio but does not claim to be top class. A few gaps are out of line and the flap for the anchor locker only closes with a little force, but this is acceptable. All in all, the Ayros offers a harmonious overall package.
One crucial point is the trailerability. With an unladen weight of around 1,200 kilograms without the engine and a width of 2.55 metres, the boat remains within the usual limits for permit-free road transport in the EU. This makes the XA 22 interesting for owners who want to move flexibly between sailing areas.
On a test drive
For our test, the Ayros XA 22 was equipped with a Suzuki DF 250 SP. The 250 hp is propelled into the water by a three-bladed stainless steel propeller measuring 15 x 19 inches. Under full load, we reached 48.4 knots as measured by GPS. Mind you, this is with the current. Still, for a 22-foot boat, that's quite an achievement. The boat is surprisingly smooth and stable. In fast bends, it becomes apparent that the engine could possibly be mounted one hole lower. This would further optimise the cornering, but at the expense of top speed.
Even now, the performance is anything but worthy of criticism. The boat handles full turn-in at around 40 knots with ease. It almost seems as if it is demanding even more. However, the driver must be able to control the lateral forces that occur. The XA 22 implements spontaneous steering movements directly. In slalom manoeuvres, a limited steering stop is noticeable, which we consider to be positive. It prevents exaggerated manoeuvres and reduces the risk for inexperienced skippers.
At lower speeds, the good course stability is impressive. Even when transitioning to planing, which takes place at around 3,000 revolutions per minute, the boat remains calm and sits firmly in the water. It does not rock excessively, even when smaller waves are coming from different directions.
The consumption
A look at the fuel consumption figures completes the picture. At full throttle and 6,200 revolutions per minute, the six-cylinder engine consumes 91.1 litres per hour. This means that the engine speed is around 100 revolutions above the range recommended by the manufacturer, which is a further indication of the possible optimisation of the engine height. In practice, however, this plays a subordinate role, as hardly anyone drives at full throttle all the time.
The most economical gliding speed is in the medium speed range, where fuel consumption remains absolutely acceptable for this performance class. After all, power comes from fuel. Expressed in figures, the range is 3,500 revolutions per minute and a consumption of 24.6 litres per hour. The log shows a speed of 23.7 knots.
Back in the harbour, the pleasant course stability is once again evident, which also helps when manoeuvring onto the trailer and in front of it through the full harbour basin. This is exactly what you expect from a trailer boat.
The Ayros XA 22 in detail
Technical data of the Ayros XA 22
- CE design category: C/8
- Total length: 6,40 m
- Width: 2,55 m
- Depth: 0,45 m
- Clearance height: 2,25 m
- Weight: 1,700 kg
- Motorisation min: 150 HP
- Motorisation max: 250 HP
- Fuel tank: 140 l
- Water tank: 39 l
- Holding tank: 398 l
- Hot water without batteries: 2 x 110 Ah
- Berths: 2
- kilograms per hp: 6,8
Motor data
- Manufacturer: Suzuki
- Type: DF 250 AP
- Quantity: 1
- Performance: 250 HP
- Full load speed: 6,100 rpm
- Cylinder: 55° V6
- cubic capacity: 4,028 cm³
- Fuel: Petrol
Rear dimensions
- Length: 2,80 m
- Width: 2,35 m
- Height: 2,12 m
Running deck
- Side deck: 0.32 m height
- Railing: 0,25 m
- Deck covering: Anti-slip
Sound pressure
At a good planing speed of 3,000 revolutions per minute and a speed of 15.2 knots, the boat is loud on average. 72 decibels were measurable at the driving position and at the driver's ear.
Equipment and prices
- Price: from € 83,000
- Surcharge for comfort equipment: Trim system € 1,990; Electric anchor winch € 1,850; Hydraulic steering € 1,850; Cockpit cover € 3,050; Canopy € 4,500; VHF radio n.a.; Music system € 1,450; Chart plotter incl.Bimini € 1,950; Gas cooker € 590; 230-volt socket € 1,700; Heating n.a.; Pressurised water system incl.; Hot water boiler n.a.; Underwater lights € 1,350; Outdoor shower € 1,050
- Comfort price: 104.330 €
Standard equipment
Waterproof cushions - Two bathing ladders - Sports steering wheel - Footrest - 140-litre petrol tank - Automatic bilge pump - Electric horn - LED navigation light - Self-draining cockpit - Anchor locker - Stainless steel railing - Windscreen - Anchor locker - Water tank - Black water tank
Construction method
The Ayros XA22 is made of polyester resin. The hand lay-up process creates a particularly even and robust structure, which gives it good mechanical properties.
Manoeuvring aids
The boat is manoeuvred using the steering wheel and the engine. A bow thruster was not installed on our boat and is not available. But you don't need one thanks to the directional stability.
Trailer friendly
With an unladen weight of 1,200 kilograms and compact dimensions, the XA 22 can be easily trailered, quickly slipped in and out and used flexibly even without a fixed berth. This is practical and cost-saving.
Extra list
Many of the things you want on a day boat are on the extra list. This should be taken into account when buying.
Sales test boat
Shipyard
BOOTE review of the Ayros XA 22
The Ayros XA 22 impresses as a versatile trailer boat: spacious decks, practical cabin and superior handling, paired with a powerful 250 hp engine. Small compromises in dashboard height and gap dimensions do not change the fact that it convincingly combines comfort, sportiness and versatility.
Design and concept
Trailerable with suitable towing vehicle
Modern design
Dashboard height
Driving and steering
On track
Sporty and fast
Living and finishing quality
Small pantry
Good overall impression
Gap dimensions sometimes not perfect
Equipment and technology
At 250 hp, the engine is good, but not too powerful
Reduced to the minimum when driving
Alternatives on the market
Infinity 575 MC
The Infinity 575 MC is a modern and perfectly trailerable entry-level boat for use on inland and coastal waters. It is also suitable for universal use. Read the test here.
Atlantic Marine Sun Cruiser 690
The Atlantic Marine Sun Cruiser 690 is visually similar to the Ayros. In our test, the boat was also equipped with a 250 hp outboard motor - guaranteeing fun on the water.
Quicksilver Activ 675 Weekender
The Quicksilver Activ 675 Weekender is a 6.75 metre long dayboat/weekender with a deep V-hull. It offers a compact cabin, functional deck layout and storage options. Test cabin cruiser - Quicksilver Activ 675 Weekend
ADVERTISEMENT
Insure your Ayros XA 22 from 590.78 euros per year* - third party liability and comprehensive cover. Many options available, for example: trailer insurance included! Simply calculate online and take out insurance: www.yachting24.de
* Yachting24 offer valid for a sum insured of EUR 76,000 (with current value cover), excess of EUR 500, liability cover of EUR 8 million.
Jan-Ole Puls
Editor Test & Technology
