The trade fair appearance in Düsseldorf showed that Brig continues to do good work despite the current difficult conditions due to the location in north-east Ukraine. The shipyard produces 19 models from four lines. Our test boat belongs to the Navigator series, which has been completely revised in recent years and is currently limited to three sizes. The flagship, the Navigator 26, was launched in summer 2020 and the Navigator 24 at the end of 2021. Our test candidate, the Brig Navigator 22, was launched by the shipyard for the 2024 season. She is the new entry-level model in the range.
Features of the Navigator series
General features of the Navigator series are deep V-hulls, very robust frame constructions for the seat installations and the T-top, plenty of storage space below deck and lots of space on board. The boats are designed for coastal cruising, even in rough conditions. Whether fishing trips, diving excursions, board and fun sports or simply the daily adventure of exploring unknown areas, this is what the boats are built for.
Brig is easy to trailer
The test candidate is authorised for CE category C with up to seven people. With an unladen weight of 935 kilograms and the maximum engine in the form of a Mercury F225, the weight is around 1.2 tonnes. This means that the boat is easy to trailer with many vehicles and is therefore also suitable for use on holiday. The basic version of the ready-to-drive test boat costs 71,785 euros. However, this includes the high-quality and durable Orca hoses, which are better known under their old trade name Hypalon. For a reduced price, the boat is also available with PVC hoses of the HEYboat type from the German manufacturer HEYtex.
Optional equipment for the Brig Navigator 22
The base price with the same motorisation is then 66,458 euros. The 6.60 metre long rigid-hull inflatable boat has a tube diameter of 55 centimetres and has five air chambers. An electric bilge pump is also installed. The hull and deck are made of a GRP laminate and the deck has an anti-slip surface. The SeaDek floor covering glued to the test boat is an option that costs an additional €2,490. The extras also include the bathing platform with stainless steel bathing ladder for €1,500, which is indispensable for any activity in the water. A stern shower with a 39-litre tank is also on board our test boat.
The standard upholstered bench seat in the rear is mounted on a GRP storage box. The equipment carrier is one of the options. A similar, very robust stainless steel tube construction, which also serves as a grab handle, forms the basis for the seats in front of the steering console. Both are finished with a matt black powder coating. The same applies to the tubular construction that supports the GRP T-top. However, the practical shade dispenser is not part of the standard equipment. The instrument panel of the helm console is well orientated towards the skipper and can be fitted with multifunctional displays as well as engine instruments.
A manual compass is part of the basic equipment. Storage options and a footrest are also available. A high acrylic glass windscreen offers moderate weather protection. The support structure for the T-top restricts the passage to the bow somewhat. Once at the front, there is an upholstered seat on the anchor locker and a bollard as well as a large storage compartment flap in the driver's console. An electric anchor winch is on the options list. Further storage space can be found under the cover in the floor. Sun loungers or tables are not included.
The test drive
The shipyard recommends an engine with 147 kW (200 hp). The Mercury F225 with 166 kW (225 hp) fitted to the test boat corresponds to the maximum permitted. Stable planing is achieved after just three seconds at 3,000 rpm and 17.3 knots. If you want to drive with maximum efficiency, you have to increase the speed by 500 rpm and will then be travelling at 23.4 knots. The 191-litre built-in tank allows a range of 168 nautical miles with a 15% reserve. The top speed of 43.7 knots is reached at 5,500 rpm, which is exactly within the engine's permissible full load range. The test boat behaves uncritically during fast manoeuvres. Full circles when manoeuvring in the harbour work in both directions with 1.5 boat lengths in diameter in forward and reverse. When manoeuvring - with the hydraulic steering (optional) - the reaction time is two seconds. The workmanship, material quality and assembly of the components are of a high standard.
Technical data of the Brig Navigator 22
- CE category: C7
- Length over everything: 6,60 m
- Width: 2,70 m
- Displacement (without motor): 935 kg
- Hose diameter: 55 cm
- Air chambers: 5
- Fuel tank: 191 l
- Recommended motorisation: 147 kW (200 hp)
- Test motorisation: Mercury F225 with 166 kW (225 hp)
- Price test boat: from € 71,785
- Distribution test boat: performance-ribs.com
Measurement results
| Speed rpm | Speed kn | Reichwiete sm | Volume db(A) |
| 1.000 | 3,8 | 0,89 | 60 |
| 3.500 | 23,4 | 0,98 | 81 |
| 5.500 | 43,7 | 1,62 | 105 |
Conclusion
The Brig Navigator 22 is an all-rounder that copes well with rough conditions and offers a range of uses for a variety of water sports activities. Thanks to its dimensions and manageable weight, the boat is easy to transport and can be used in holiday destinations.
Advantages
Versatile in use
Good driving characteristics
Disadvantage
Swimming ladder option
