"I don't need such a big motor for my boat, I only go on the waters around Berlin and on Lake Schwerin or the Müritz - I'm not allowed to go fast here anyway."
These are statements that dealers often hear. When asked whether they might want to go sailing on the Baltic Sea from time to time, the answer is often "Yes, but ...". In this case, it is advisable to at least choose an engine size that allows you to glide without torment.
But what does that mean? At least for our test boat, the Atlantic Marine 630 Sun Cruiser, we have found a suitable engine: With Honda's BF 100, the Sun Cruiser, which weighs around 1100 kg, can still reach almost 30 knots.
Although this is not blazingly fast, it is perfectly adequate for normal cruising on fast-flowing rivers and coastal waters.
The most economical planing speed is at 4500 rpm at just under 20 knots, and almost as economical at 23.5 knots. At these speeds, the motorised boat and crew can travel 111 and 107 nm respectively plus 15% reserve, which is remarkable for this class of boat.
However, it is not only the speed that is important, but also the smooth transition from displacement to planing speed. If the engine power were too low, only the bow of the boat would lift, but the hull would not "get over the hill". The result: an ineffective driving style. However, our test boat has no problems with this. Although the bow lifts at around 2200 rpm, it lowers again automatically at just under 4000 rpm.
In the meantime, only a maximum of two to three seconds pass. The view from a seated position is still adequately maintained, and standing drivers are not restricted at all.
The Sun Cruiser offers impressive course stability when planing, and jumps over sports boat waves with a soft hull planing. However, if you overdo it with the power trim, you will feel it in the form of a rocking hull.
The tail wave is not overly powerful, so that even water ski beginners have a realistic chance. Tubes and bobsledders can also be towed just as easily with the rig.
If you want to make fun turns with the appendages, you should first set the power trim to down so that the propeller does not draw air so quickly. During our test round, the fuselage does not lean excessively on its side and turns its laps without rocking or hooking until the propeller finally draws air at the narrowest point, even with power trim down.
Then all you have to do is briefly take your foot off the accelerator, set the steering to straight and push the lever forwards again, and the journey starts again immediately.
When slaloming, the steering shows its exemplary side, as it works precisely and smoothly - so the skipper always has the boat under control. But even at slow speeds in the harbour, there is no panic, thanks to the tight turning circles and direct reversing behaviour in reverse. If you are travelling on the canal or close to the shore, you should not exceed 5.5 knots so that the stern wave remains as small as possible. The straight-ahead course only needs to be corrected slightly from time to time, and the same applies to weight shifts.
You sail from a clearly laid out helm station, which on our test boat is equipped with two engine instruments and a chart plotter (extra) as well as a compass (also at extra cost). All of them are easy to read and the inching switches with illuminated ring are also within easy reach.
The sports seats, which can be adjusted in all directions, are sportily shaped and provide good lateral support. The feet are placed on a pull-out tubular bar. The steering and single-lever gearstick are easy to reach. Only the distance between the lever and the instrument panel is too small at full throttle, but the German importer Tony Pillipenko wants to improve this.
The passenger and driver's seats can be integrated into the cockpit seating area. The folding tables integrated into the side walls are particularly practical here, as they do not have to be stored somewhere in a storage box like a centre table with a tube. The only downside is that they are on the accessories list. The rear of the boat features a split bathing platform, a wide bathing ladder and a handle. To rinse off after a quick bath, all you have to do is pull a shower head out of the side wall.
A toilet is also provided. The chemical toilet (extra charge) fits under the cockpit floor and can be pulled into the cabin footwell. However, if you want to use the cabin for sleeping, simply cover the footwell with inlay cushions to create a large double berth. With good firmness, the cushions offer pleasant comfort.
The ceiling has no panelling, just a protective coat of paint, but this is finished with splashes of colour to make it look friendlier. This was done just as flawlessly as the rest of the plastic work and sealed hatch cut-outs.
If you open the rear bench, you will find a tidy wiring system underneath and the 90 Ah battery firmly lashed down in a plastic box. The corresponding main switch is located under the open storage space to starboard. If you are looking for the fuses, you will find them under the control stand, which in turn is easily accessible from the cab via a buttoned cover.
The boat builders also did a good job here and laid the lines firmly and clearly. Plus points are also awarded for the fuel shut-off valve and fuel filter as well as the securing of the fuel lines with two screw clamps.
Non-slip floor structures and solid handles and handrails ensure safe movement. If you have to go onto the foredeck in rough seas, it is best to walk on all fours and hold on to the railing. The boat is moored to solid cleats. Fenders are attached to the railing and handrails. A tarpaulin costs extra, but the shipyard provides navigation lighting with a steering wheel licence as standard.
CONCLUSION
The Atlantic Marine 630 Sun Cruiser is a slip cabin boat for swimming, exploring and fun trips on which you can also stay overnight. It gets good marks for its workmanship and installations. With its 100 hp Honda engine, it has safe and good-natured handling characteristics. If you want something a little sportier, you will find the ideal motorisation at around 150 hp.
You can find this article in the January 2019 issue of BOOTE. Available here!
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