Jan-Erik Viitala, founder and mastermind of the Finnish Axopar shipyard, on whose boats the Brabus series is based, puts it in a nutshell: "We simply call the Shadow 1200 'The Beast'." And that is probably what it wants to radiate.
We drove both versions of the 45-foot boat. The closed Shadow 1200 Black OPS, which was exhibited for the first time at the Düsseldorf boat show, and the brand new open sun-top version.
Similarities between the two Brabus models
The first thing they both have in common is their hull. The almost 14 metre long and 4.11 metre wide plastic hull has two steps in the underwater area, which create an air cushion, reduce water resistance and thus make the boat fast. The V-shape with a 20-degree upturn ensures seaworthiness. This allows the hull to be inserted smoothly, even at high speeds. As a special feature, the Brabus boats also have an integrated G-force gauge that warns of excessive forces.
Three Mercury Racing V 10 engines with a total of 1200 hp provide more than enough speed. They accelerate the boat to more than 55 kn when required. We reach the lowest planing speed at around 15 knots and a good cruising speed at around 26 knots.
Also interesting:
The Brabus Shadow 1200 masters sharp bends
The handling characteristics of both models can be described as groundbreaking, which is also helped by the boat's low centre of gravity. Even at high speeds and in sharp bends, the hull behaves extremely safely, does not take on water and always gives the driver the much-cited "good feeling". The forces generated are moderate and waves are travelled through or skipped over smoothly. Despite the length of 45 feet, you have the feeling of sailing a sports boat. The feedback from the hull perceived by the driver is naturally more direct in the open version than in the closed cabin, where you can still have a relaxed conversation even at top speed.
Harbour manoeuvres are easy thanks to the joystick control and side-power bow thruster. Even without using the joystick control, turning circles of just under 2 boat lengths are possible.
The closed version is a fully-fledged cabin cruiser with two separate cabins, wet cells, galley and everything you need for longer trips. The aft cabin has a large panoramic window, while the forward cabin is accessed from the gangway via hinged doors. The large saloon can be opened almost completely in an instant if required. The side sliding doors can be moved in both directions (forwards and backwards) and the Webasto folding sunroof provides a view of the sky at the touch of a button. Both models also have fold-out side walls that can be converted into benches, significantly increasing the living space on deck. Large sunbathing areas in the bow and stern round off the space on offer.
Technical data
- Length (without motors): 13,91 m
- Width: 4,11 m
- Depth: 1,2 m
- Weight (without motors): 8000 kg
- Persons: B:12 - C:16
- Tank: 1,390 l
- Top speed: 50+ knots
- Power: 1,200 hp
- Motorisation: 3 x Mercury Racing V 10 400 hp
The prices
- BS 1200 Cross Cabin: approx. 1.33 million euros
- BS 1200 Sun Top: approx. 1.26 million euros
