Capelli Tempest 530: Driving fun with an Italian RIB - with video
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Cantieri Capelli has been manufacturing small and medium-sized pleasure craft since 1974. The company is based in the northern Italian municipality of Spinadesco, between Milan and Parma. In addition to the production of GRP boats up to 33 feet, the shipyard has been manufacturing an extensive range of rigid-hull inflatable boats with 47 versions in eight product lines since 1992. The Tempest 530 tested belongs to the particularly extensive "Top Line" with a total of 17 models. The boats are all based on fibreglass hull constructions. Only Orca - known by its old trade name Hypalon - from Pennel & Flipo is used for the hulls. The Tempest 530 is based on a high-strength 1100 Decitex fabric.
Thanks to the low unladen weight of 450 kilograms without engine and accessories, even when fully equipped, the total weight (approx. 800 kg plus trailer) can be easily mastered by many towing vehicles. The boat is therefore also ideal for holiday trips and use away from home. The entry-level price without engine is just under 21,500 euros. This includes freight, the engine, assembly and accessories. The test candidate also has extras such as the sun lounger in the bow, the equipment carrier, the bimini and the optional 86-litre fuel tank.
Asymmetrical console as a central point
The centre point on deck is the asymmetrically mounted console with the helm station. An acrylic glass panel provides some protection from the airstream. The all-round stainless steel handrail is solid. Engine instruments are standard at the skipper's workplace. There is also space for a small multifunction display. There is no manual compass, but the bilge pump and navigation lighting are standard. There is some storage space in the console. The driver and co-driver sit on a variable bench seat, which becomes a small upholstered lounger when the backrest is folded down, but is only suitable for children. This opens the way to the bathing ladder. The equipment carrier serves well here as a grab handle. Thanks to the asymmetrical console, there is a wide path to the foredeck. There is a cushioned seat directly in front of the console, with additional cushions on the stowage box in the bow. When the gap is closed (extra cushions), a 2.32 metre long and 1.20 metre wide sun lounger is created.
Motorisation of the Capelli TE 530
Engines up to 80.9 kW (110 hp) are permitted on the Capelli. The fitted Yamaha V MAX SHO 90 therefore does not fully utilise its potential. The high-torque four-valve engine accelerates the test boat to a stable planing speed in just three seconds, which is reached at 3500 rpm and 14.6 knots. The top speed of 30.2 knots is reached at 5900 rpm. The most efficient speed is at 4000 rpm and 18.8 knots; after deducting a 15 per cent reserve, distances of 96 nautical miles can be covered. Full circles are possible with three boat lengths in diameter, but quickly lead to cavitation. When manoeuvring slowly, the diameter is 1.5 boat lengths, and there is a reaction to rerouting after three seconds. Overall handling is good and problem-free.
Measurement results
Our test judgement
DRIVING & MANOEUVRING
- +Sporty driving characteristics
- +Good manoeuvrability
PROCESSING & TECHNOLOGY
- +Good material and workmanship quality
- +Clean assembly of the components
SAFETY
- +Handles, five air chambers
- -No compass
COMFORT ON BOARD
- +cosy cushions
- +Large sun lounger in the bow
Conclusion on the Capelli TE 530
The Capelli Tempest 530 is a rock-solid mid-range RIB that promises a long service life thanks to its good workmanship and high-quality materials. It can be used universally and the good trailerability allows easy transport to distant areas. The handling characteristics are also impressive.
Technical data
- Shipyard: Cantieri Capelli
- Type: Capelli Tempest 530
- CE category: C/9
- Hull and deck:GRP/Hypalon
- Length over everything:5,35 m
- Width: 2,26 m
- Depth: 0,33 m
- Clearance height: 1,60 m
- Unladen weight (o. M.): 450 kg
- Fuel tank: opt. 86 litres
- Water tank: opt. 45 l
- Maximum motorisation: Outboard motor with 80.9 kW (110 hp)
