They love to work atWind force 4out on the Baltic Sea? Then you might want to reconsider the subject of bowriders. The likelihood that you willwet feet is, to put it casually, a given. Nevertheless, stories in which the "riders" regularly drown on this occasion undoubtedly belong in the category of "sailor's tales".
It is true that bowriders like theLarson LX 225Sas documented in the CE design category, toRivers and lakes and near the coastfeel most comfortable. Those who enjoyWater skiing and swimming tripsand want to feel the wind blowing around their nose, should place the Larson high up on their wish list. It is 2.54 metres wide and with theTest engine 1406 kg "light" and therefore easy to trailer. Provided the "tractor" is allowed to pull 1800 kg or more.
In favour of the Larson LX 225S are fair price,sporty and yetSafe driving characteristics andneat workmanship. The gelcoat is flawless and the laminate is deburred and sealed at the interfaces. The fact that the finalProtective coating is not completely comprehensive and the installations of the technology in terms ofOptics "room for improvement" you have to get over. That's America.
The joy of driving is the order of the day. And that starts in the harbour with smallTurning circlesdirect redirection, lsmooth-running power steering (power steering) and a precise single-lever control for throttle and gearbox. Push the lever forwards quickly and the integrated trim switch to Down and the fun begins. The220 hp injection engine accelerates the boat effortlessly and withoutObstructed view when gliding. The situation can only become opaque because of the missing windscreen wiper.
If you choose the right propeller (3 x 14 ½" x 19" aluminium) and trim it correctly (¼ on indicator), you will reach the maximum speed of 4800 rpm.Optimum full load speed. This makes the LX 225S38.6 kn fast. Respect! Compliments also for the handling characteristics. The hull brakes in fast roundaboutsWithout rocking and hookingin a normal lean angle by itself. Too much trim alone (drive too high) causes thePropeller gasping for air and turns the transition from displacement to gliding speed into an upward movement of the bow for a few seconds.Blind flight.
The "pilot" and his co-pilot sit in well-padded seats.Bucket seats. Ergonomically shaped, adjustable and equipped with reclining seats and armrests (driver only), the seats offer excellent comfort and lateral support. The seats installed in frontInstruments for engine and navigation (log and echo sounder) are almost complete (a compass is missing!) and easy to read, the windscreen, which can be opened in the centre, is glued to a wide frame and the non-slipSports steering wheel height adjustable. Remains asPoint of criticism only the typical glide characteristic of stronglyYawin slow displacement travel.Advantage of the deep V-frame: it sets softly in rough water.
Although it is anything but a rough fellow, theOperating noise of the MerCruiser 4.3 MPIunpleasantly loud in the upper speed range. The reason: there is no sound insulation. The measured engine compartment temperature and the fuel consumption values of the injector, which consumes exactly 1.16 litres per second at cruising speeds between 24.1 and 28.6 knots, are pleasing because they are more than moderate.Range of 100 nautical miles guaranteed - plus reserve, of course.
TheTank made of plastic is located under the cockpit floor, the battery is well supported in the engine compartment. A conveniently accessibleMain switch is just as much a standard feature as circuit breakers, cables laid somewhat confusingly in protective hoses and a fuel filter without a water separator.
Is it about theSecurityThe LX 225S scores with its handling characteristics, safe movement, bathing platform with ladder, solid handrails, blower and automatic fire extinguisher.NegativeFuel shut-off valve and manual bilge pump, not only required by BOOTE, are missing.
What counts in the double cockpit Comfortable cushions, lightweight, custom-fit tarpaulins, bimini top, carpeted floor, a small table, storage space for water skis, fenders & co and the sun loungers in the bow and above the engine compartment are among the plus points. If you also want to convert the rear bench seat into a "deckchair", you literally have to put a lot of effort into it (padded inserts and standpipes). It remains to be said that tarpaulins, table, carpet, top and the retractable cleat at the bow are accessories.
The four solidly attached mooring cleats are available at no extra charge.Problems are inevitable, if fender lines are also to be attached to the mooring lines. The only solution is to use larger cleats or fender eyes. And how do you solve the problem with theunauthorised "USA lights"? Quite simple: with position lights with BSH certificate. The crux of the matter is that, unlike the stable rubbing strake and the self-draining anchor locker, you have to pay extra for this.
Conclusion
If you don't mind petrol engines and are looking for a trailerable water ski and bathing boat that not only looks fast, but is also fast and has good handling characteristics, the Larson LX 225S is the right choice. There is a lot of catching up to do in terms of safety and standard equipment.
