In addition to the development of new boats, the continuous further development of the various boat types is of course also one of the tasks of a shipyard. This was also the case with our test boat, a Sun Cruiser 730 from Atlantic Marine. For example, the Polish shipyard has updated the side windows and portholes; the cockpit has also been enlarged compared to the previous model (BOOTE 10/14) and a U-shaped bench (with side folding cushions) has been added. The power range has also been increased: a 350 hp Mercury can now be installed instead of the previously permitted maximum 300 hp outboard.
We drive the Sun Cruiser 730 with a 250 hp Honda. It sits firmly bolted to the solid transom and accelerates the test boat to a maximum of 40 knots. In the acceleration phase between displacement and planing speed (from 2000 to a good 3000 rpm), the team only needs a few seconds, the bow lifts up - but visibility is still quite good. The test boat glides well from around 3500 rpm. According to our test results, this is also the most economical planing speed. With a consumption of 1.52 l/sm, this results in a range of 145 nm plus 15% reserve. A value that corresponds to the BOOTE standard. Full-throttle pilots theoretically have a range of 106 nm before the reserve is needed.
The boat
- Shipyard: Atlantic Marine/PL
- Type: Sun Cruiser 730
- CE category: C/9
- Hull and deck: plastic
- Overall length: 7.29 m
- Width: 2.51 m
- Displacement (without motors): 1680 kg
- Draught: approx. 0.85 m
- Clearance height: 1.82 m
- Fuel tank: 260 litres
- Water tank: 70 litres
- Faeces tank: Chemical toilet
- Cabins: 1
- Berths: 2
- Berth dimensions: 1.91 m x 2.19 m
- Standing height/seat height: Cabin 1.51 m/1.10 m/0.83 m; toilet compartment 1.36 m; 0.84 m above toilet; under convertible 2.04 m
- Cockpit size: 2.33 m x 2.05 m
- Width side deck: 0.27 m port 0.14 m starboard
- Sunbed: stern 1.98 m x 0.92 m; foredeck 2.20 m x 2.15 m
- Freeboard: approx. 0.70 m Hedge entrance
- Interior cockpit side height: 0.76 m
- Max. motorisation: outboard (XL shaft) 258 kW (350 hp)
- Test motorisation: Honda outboard engine, 184 kW 250 hp
- Price (standard boat with test engine): from € 75,000
- Distribution: Atlantic Marine Germany, Rudolf-Diesel-Straße 2 I, 19061 Schwerin, www.atlanticmarine.info
The test area was the Baltic Sea, which presented itself with small choppy waves on the test day. The hull "irons" these away at full throttle without any problems, the boat starts softly and spray water is repelled far away. If you take a tight, fast turn (power trim down), the hull tracks its laps faithfully and shows no signs of hooking or rocking. The air-snapping propeller then ends the journey, which happens noticeably sooner with the outboard engine trimmed. Then the motto is: take the throttle off briefly and restart. On the slalom course, the test boat swings safely and always controllably over the longitudinal axis. In the event of abrupt steering movements, the stern comes in smoothly and the Sun Cruiser continues on its course without swinging. The hydraulic steering does a good job in all situations. Ergo: very safe and good handling characteristics.
The Atlantic Marine Sun Cruiser 730 from the outside
The engine power of 250 hp is also suitable for fun behind the boat, such as wakeboarding. Practical: There is an optional water ski tow bar on our test boat for attaching the tow line. When it comes to the canal or other slow-moving areas, the hull runs quite straight and the course only needs to be corrected slightly. Weight shifts by one person only have a moderate effect on the course stability. Harbour manoeuvres? Direct turning behaviour and tight turning circles guarantee good manoeuvrability.
The motor
- Manufacturer: Honda
- Type: BF250D XDU
- Power: 184 kW/250 hp
- Full load speed: 5300-6300 rpm
- Cylinder: V6
- Displacement: 3.6 litres
- Fuel: petrol Cooling: water/single circuit
- Generator: 12 V/90 A
- Dry weight: 287 kg
- Gear ratio: 2:1
- Test propeller: Stainless steel 3x 15 1/2" x 17"
The optional bow thruster provides further assistance and safety on our test boat. The steering consists of a sports steering wheel and smooth-running hydraulic unit. Also smooth and precise: the electronic gearstick from Honda. The German importer installed a Honda display, fuel gauge and a Garmin plotter (extra charge) as instrumentation on the test boat. The electrical consumers are switched via well-positioned pushbuttons with illuminated ring (control function).
The carpool is protected by a lightly tinted plastic windscreen framed by a handrail. The driver sits on a well-padded bucket seat that offers excellent lateral support. It can be adjusted in all directions and offers the skipper every opportunity to find a good sitting position. The front part of the seat can be folded down, making it possible to ride comfortably while standing - or squatting on the cushion. The front passenger has an identical sports seat on his side. Both seats can be easily integrated into the seating area in the cockpit thanks to their swivelling design.
The Atlantic Marine Sun Cruiser 730 from the inside
Another solution (standard version): Instead of the two sports seats, a leaning post is installed, under which there is a small galley. It is equipped with a sink, 1-burner hob and storage space. An optional refrigerator can be accommodated in the large cupboard in the cabin (right in the entrance area). Opposite is a wet room, which is well equipped with a chemical toilet (a marine toilet is available as an option), washbasin and shower hose as well as a floor drain. The headroom in the entrance area is around 1.36 metres and around 0.84 metres above the toilet. The room is ventilated via a porthole. The same ventilation option is available on both sides in the forward cabin, whose seating unit can be converted into a double berth with the help of the lowerable table and an insert cushion.
The crew spends time outdoors in the spacious cockpit or on the comfortable king-size sun lounger on the foredeck. As already mentioned, a sunbed can also be installed in the stern. The passageway to the split bathing platform is on the port side. The seat cushion of the bench can be folded up in no time at all so that you don't always have to step on the cushion when getting on and off. The stern shower is also recessed into the side wall in the passageway area, and at the end of the platform is the 4-step bathing ladder, which can be easily folded out from the water. To access the foredeck safely, it is best to use the port side, as the side deck is noticeably wider there than on the other side. Non-slip floor structures, handrails and railings ensure safe movement on board. The standard safety equipment includes fire extinguishers (recessed into the side wall) and two electric bilge pumps. However, the hand bilge pump and analogue compass are not part of the standard equipment. The fuelling system with fuel filter and stopcock makes just as good an impression as the electrical components with protected but easily accessible fuse box, selector switch (in a recessed box on the rear bench) and the well-lashed batteries in plastic boxes under the rear bench. The boat builders demonstrate the same expertise in the use of plastics, upholstery and furniture.
The competitors
Conclusion
The Atlantic Marine Sun Cruiser 730 shows balanced handling characteristics with the test motorisation. It can easily accommodate two people. The cockpit and the fully upholstered foredeck are ideal for cosy times in the fresh air with family or friends.
