The boat should primarily fulfil the wishes of sport fishermen and offer all the comfort they need to feel at home on board. Trailer captains require a towing vehicle that can take at least 3 tonnes on the hook and a special permit for overwidth up to 3 m, which is not a problem in Germany.
In terms of finish, the test boat leaves a generally positive impression. The shipyard uses high-gloss gelcoat on the exterior, while the interior surfaces in the visible areas are coated with protective paint; in some places (such as the cabin) a smooth inner shell is used. The fact that the plastic cut edges are either untreated or too angular (wheelhouse roof) is criticised. The untreated cut edges at bulkhead openings are also criticised, which leads to a devaluation for installations.
As far as can be seen, there is almost nothing wrong with the technical and electrical installations. The Alpi mahogany wood finish is perfect and the upholstery gives little cause for criticism. You have to be careful with your fingers when closing the sliding doors in the wheelhouse so that you don't pinch your hand during this process.
The locking mechanism of the driver's seat, which can be moved lengthways and is designed to prevent it from folding forwards while driving, is problematic. The system does not hold if you push the seat forwards, sit down in the front area of the seat and drive quickly through waves.
Driving and manoeuvring
In the harbour, the engine should turn at least 1000 rpm so that the propeller generates some thrust. We measured a speed of 2 knots at 600 rpm. RPMs between 1000/min and 1300/min are ideal for manoeuvres. The boat then reacts almost directly both forwards and backwards and can be driven forwards and backwards without any problems. The turning circles are a maximum of two boat lengths.
We sail the slow passages at a speed of 6 knots at 1500 rpm. If someone changes places in the boat, this only has a minor effect on the course and heeling. With low trim, the test boat goes into planing speed from 2800 rpm, which still favours good foresight. With the 17" stainless steel propeller, the engine reaches a maximum speed of 5400 rpm (a maximum of 5500 rpm is permitted) and enables a top speed of 34.6 knots with the boat, which is not particularly loaded.
After analysing our measured values, we determine the economic planing speed at 18 kn (3500 rpm). With a tank of 200 litres of petrol, a theoretical range of just under 190 nm is possible at slow speed before the 15 % reserve is reached. With an economical driving style, the fuel is sufficient for a non-stop journey of around 141 nm plus reserve; at full throttle, refuelling is required after 86 nm. This means that the test boat only just misses our requirement of 150 nm plus reserve. Just about good. We also rate the sound pressure level as good, which does not exceed 83 dB/A in the wheelhouse at maximum speed and with the stern window open.
The Barracuda cuts a fine figure during all extreme manoeuvres performed at top speed. In the increasingly tighter bends, it leans slightly towards the centre of the bend and follows its course while the speed decreases slightly. If the curve diameter is narrower than about four boat lengths, the propeller starts to ventilate even with the engine fully trimmed; this usually means "restarting".
Because the steering requires constant effort to operate despite the hydraulics and the full turn from one side to the other is almost five revolutions, and the propeller also reaches into the void during tight turns, the 180° turns are moderate. If you manage it quickly enough, the boat will whizz round the corner in about two to three lengths without rocking or hooking.
A new approach is required after the manoeuvre. We measured the centrifugal forces at 0.8 g, although waves also played their part. On the imaginary slalom course, we get the test boat to sway safely over its longitudinal axis, and when the rudder is pulled away, it follows the course once set without complaint.
During the rough water test on the Mediterranean, in the bay of Palma, we really let it rip and swept over waves that built up to a height of one metre in front of the bow in places. Even if you take off, the landing is safe. We measured a maximum of 2.4 g at the control stand. The two windscreen wipers, only one of which is part of the basic equipment, are important. Shortcoming: they do not run synchronised.
The driver and co-driver sit with their backs against the wall of the wheelhouse and can leave it through a sliding door on each side. It can be closed to a small gap for ventilation. While the driver has good lateral support on the bucket seat described above, the co-driver sits at the same height on the bench seat next to it and can find lateral support both on the driver's seat and on the port side of the wheelhouse. The bench seat offers space for two people if you are not afraid of contact. Part of the seat can be folded up so that you can also drive standing up. This should also be at the top if you want to enter the wheelhouse via the starboard door. Visibility is excellent on all sides.
Engine, tank, electrics
Our test boat is powered by a four-stroke, four-cylinder Yamaha with 200 hp, more power is not permitted on the boat. The engine is neatly bolted to the stern. Its supply lines are located in a well-sealed empty pipe in the engine sump.
The plastic fuel tank is located under the cockpit floor and can be viewed from the storage compartment in front of it, where a separate fuel filter with water separator and fuel tap is also accessible. Two batteries, one for the boat and engine and one for the electric anchor winch (extra) are well stored in plastic boxes in the starboard cockpit floor stowage compartment. The shipyard has hidden the associated main switches and fuses behind a flap under the driver's seat for easy access. When looking into the storage compartment behind it, we criticise the exposed connections of the main switches: something metallic should not be allowed in here.
Security
The Bénéteau Barracuda 7 scores with its good handling characteristics. The cockpit side height inside is correct, but you have to get used to the fact that the side deck on the port side is 5 cm narrower than on the opposite side. Strategically positioned handholds, handrails and the low bow railing provide support. The cockpit is self-draining outboard, and anti-slip structures prevent slipping on all accessible surfaces, unless they are covered with wood. The edges on the roof of the wheelhouse and at the entrance to the slip cabin are too angular for us. The manual bilge pump in the cockpit is commendable, as is the electric pump.
Living, cockpit and equipment
The boat is equipped with a slip cabin, in which one person has room to lie down, but it is cramped for two. The thin upholstered mattresses cost extra, as the cabin is more storage space than living space, simply because of the limited headroom. There are further storage spaces under the seat/berth area. In front of the steering position, the shipyard has added a separate room as standard, which becomes a lockable toilet room with an optional toilet. In the wheelhouse, the co-driver's bench seat acts as a loose cover for the galley below with sink and refrigerator (each extra) plus a small work surface. The seat backrest is also removable so that it does not get in the way.
One of the Barracuda 7's plus points is the cockpit. In front of the aft bathing platform with folding ladder is a top-accessible flushing tank for the catch (extra), which is also part of the starboard bench seat. The centre section of the stern bench seat can be folded forward so that the engine does not bump when the boat is tilted, and the seat on the port side can be removed so that anglers can stand well in the corner. There are three stowage compartments under the cockpit floor.
The stern bench plus folding bench seat behind the wheelhouse and the insertable cockpit table invite you to sit down. It is also cosy in front of the wheelhouse, where the roof of the slip cabin plus two seats at the bow invite you to linger. Clever: an extendable bimini has been integrated into the roof handrails to provide shade for the entire stern. No less cleverly, a net can be inserted in the bow area, which can be used as a sun lounger for a maximum load of 100 kg. Like the outer cushions, both cost extra, which we devalue.
Bénéteau delivers the Barracuda 7 ready to go and offers everything that is conducive to comfort in the "Avantage", "Elegance" and "Nordic" equipment packages. Standard features include, for example, six cleats, non-attested navigation lights, driver's and co-driver's seats, electric and manual bilge pump, self-draining anchor locker at the front and a windscreen wiper
THE SHIPYARD SAYS...
The Barracuda has a unique concept aimed at lovers of short holidays at sea. The exterior and interior design enables all water sports activities such as sport fishing, diving or going on an excursion. The Barracuda is at home on all the seas of the world.
WE SAY...
Short holidays at sea are possible for two people. The boat's strength lies in its outdoor use, which makes a day trip with several people possible. A larger toilet would be desirable in the toilet room. Thanks to its good sailing characteristics, the boat is suitable for the world's coastal waters.
Data sheet: Bénéteau Barracuda 7
Shipyard: Bénéteau
Type designation: Bénéteau Barracuda 7
CE category: C - Coastal waters
Material of hull and deck: Plastic
Length: 7,14 m
Width: 2,72 m
Displacement: 2,05 t
Price: 50.081,00 €
