Broom 370

In good economic times, every shipyard usually has a fan base that regularly orders new boats. However, when the global market becomes more turbulent, as has been the case since 2008, money is no longer so loose and competition becomes tougher. In times like these, it's not just the price and sailing characteristics that need to be right, but also the feel-good character and design. These are points that are particularly important to newcomers and younger generations. In order to be more competitive on the market, Broom, which otherwise tends to build very conservative boats, has therefore opted for a fresh design. Our test boat, the Broom 370, is one of the first models to follow this trend.

She still has her typical broom character from the outside, but when you enter the interior at the latest, a modern, contemporary design is revealed. This extends from the bow cabin for guests via the saloon to the owner's cabin in the stern. The panoramic windows in the stern wall are particularly ingenious in the latter, offering a wonderful view outside. Indirect lighting, plenty of mirrors, a television, ample storage space and the en-suite bathroom ensure comfortable living.

With so many amenities, however, it is incomprehensible that the shipyard has skimped on simple things such as upholstery ventilation. The same problem can be found in the bow cabin, which is one size simpler than the aft cabin. The associated wet room is installed in front and also serves as a day toilet. The designer placed the galley opposite it, which is connected to the bright saloon above via a staircase. Up there, the crew dine, chat, relax or read at a comfortable U-shaped sofa, stool and practical folding table. Numerous ceiling hatches and sliding windows guarantee a good "draught".

You can tell that Broom has experience with seaworthy boats by the longitudinal handrail that runs through the entire saloon and the handholds on the companionways, which provide the necessary safety in rough water. The deck is also safe with non-slip floor structures, wide side decks and solid railings. The bilge pump system with three electric pumps and one manual pump as well as the fire extinguishing system with extinguishing system in the engine compartment and three manual extinguishers are absolutely exemplary.

If there is ever trouble with the steering: no problem either! An emergency tiller and access to the steering gear with square head (for the tiller) can be found under the owner's berth. The normal rudder is located at a clearly arranged control station in the cockpit. This includes the fully legible instruments, easy-to-grip rocker switches and smooth-running double single-lever gearstick (electronic from Volvo Penta). The seat is a well-padded double bench seat, the backrest of which can be folded forwards, transforming the bench into a cockpit sofa. From up there, the driver has a perfect all-round view, which also applies when the soft top is up thanks to the large foil windows.

Such good visibility is just as important for mooring manoeuvres as the manoeuvrability of a boat, which our test Broom masters perfectly thanks to the bow thruster (extra) and the twin engine system.
With both engines running at 1250 rpm (7 knots), the hull moves steadily through the water without creating large waves. In addition, the bow continues to lift up to around 3000 rpm - the small planing speed (18 knots).

If you want to accelerate this transition phase from displacement to planing speed, you must use the trim tabs and limit the bow lift from around 2500 rpm and of course have better visibility than without using the tabs. At full throttle, it is advisable to raise the flaps again so that the Broom then runs more "light-footed".

When it comes to economy and cruising speed, 3250 rpm at 22.5 kn and a consumption of 4.17 l/sm emerges as a good speed. At full throttle at 24.5 knots, however, the two D4s consume only slightly more at 4.24 l/sm. However, at both speeds (209 nm at 3250 rpm and 206 nm at 3400 rpm) we are nowhere near the 270 nm we require for fast motor yachts. Only at a displacement speed of around 8 kn is the distance travelled with one tank of fuel plus 15% reserve more than 500 nm.

Fast gyroscopes can be turned smoothly with radii of around three boat lengths. The propeller always remains friction-locked, which, together with the smooth steering, makes driving out of the roundabout child's play. On the slalom course, the Broom rocks back and forth in a controlled and safe manner.

If you want to inspect the engine compartment, i.e. check the oil level and seawater filter, you have to lift the carpet in the saloon and open the hatches underneath. If more extensive work needs to be carried out, further floor panels can be lifted to access all engine corners. The fire extinguishing system, remarkable sound insulation and the water boxes on the side intake openings, which provide the two diesels with an excellent supply of fresh air, are particularly impressive.

If the two fuel filters also had an electrical alarm, the fuel system would also be perfect. The shipyard routes cables and hoses firmly and neatly in cable ducts and clamps. The manual emergency switches, which can be used to bypass the relays of the normal main switch unit if required, also receive praise.

If you look closely at the inside of the engine compartment and cavities, you will find cleanly painted surfaces and the cut-outs have been carefully deburred and sealed. The upholsterers and furniture makers deserve equal praise. The cleats and railings are solid.

Conclusion: The Broom 370 is a neatly finished boat with good handling characteristics and complete safety equipment. Its design has been fundamentally modernised in the interior, which appeals to us positively.

Data sheet: Broom

Shipyard: Broom

Type designation: Broom

CE category: B - Outside coastal waters

Material of hull and deck: Plastic

Length: 11,46 m

Width: 3,78 m

Displacement: 8,00 t

Price: 434.899,00 €