The Fiart Mare shipyard has been around for over six decades. The first boat was named Conchita (3.60 metres long), it was built from plastic and launched in 1960. The first Seawalker version, Seawalker 33, was presented in 2011. Our test boat is the Seawalker 35, which we sailed in the Mediterranean off Palma de Mallorca at the beginning of May this year. The test boat dealer is ME Yachting, which cooperates with Yates Mallorca in Palma.
On deck you have a choice
I board the test boat in the harbour of Mallorca and have Matthias Ebert, CEO of ME Yachting, explain the details of the boat to me. On deck, you can choose between different seating and lounging options: On our boat, a large sun lounger is installed at the front, while two benches with two tables in the centre face each other in the cockpit. This unit can be transformed into a huge sun lounger. Alternatively, there is a layout with a large upholstered lounger in the cockpit and a seating unit with a table (adjustable) on the foredeck. If you want to increase the comfort in the cockpit, you can order side walls that can be lowered to create a terrace on each side. The bathing platform on our test boat can be raised and lowered electro-hydraulically. When lowered all the way down, a kind of staircase is created, making it easy to get in and out of the water. However, the platform can also be raised so far that the outboard motors can be tilted far with the power trim-tilt device.
There is a galley behind the driver's seat for drinks and snacks. Access below deck is via a companionway with stairs and good holding facilities. Once down below, there is a cupboard on the port side in which the 230 V switch panel is installed. In the bow there is a double berth (1.58 x 2.03 m). Large windows are integrated into the ship's side all round, letting in plenty of daylight. Aft, behind the stairs, there is an underfloor cabin with two single berths on the test boat. The wet room is level with the sideboard and is well equipped with a marine toilet, washbasin and separate shower (with door). Ventilation is via a porthole.
Comfort at the driver's cab
The comfort of the driver and front passenger is ensured by two sports seats with firm upholstery, whose front seat cushions can be folded up for a comfortable ride while standing. A support is provided in the footwell so that seated drivers can adopt a comfortable position. There is a sturdy grab handle for the co-pilot to hold on to. The driver and co-pilot are protected by a safety glass windscreen. The only drawback is the lack of a windscreen wiper. The installation of an easy-to-read compass deserves praise. The other Suzuki instruments and the Garmin monitor are also easy to read. The 12 V consumers are switched via pushbuttons on the left and right of the dashboard. For the steering, the shipyard installed a hydraulic steering unit "Masterdrive Power Steering" from Ultraflex. The special feature here is the Ultraflex control unit, on which three different steering modes (Master, Cruising and Fishing) can be selected, which changes the resistance of the steering. Shifting and accelerating is done via a Suzuki double-lever gearstick, which can be operated just as easily as the steering - regardless of whether you are standing or sitting. A T-top sits enthroned above the driving position and the galley.
We untie the lines and cast off safely with the two Suzuki outboards (350 hp) and the optional bow thruster. Then we chug along to the harbour exit and let the test boat continue at a fast, course-stable displacement speed. Then we push the levers forwards quickly, the test Seawalker lifts the bow only moderately, and the foresight remains good. From around 20 knots, the Fiart makes a good, course-stable planing run. At full throttle we reach just under 39 knots and the fuel consumption is 5.70 litres per nautical mile. The boat-engine combination glides economically at 4,500 rpm (25.6 knots), which, with a consumption of 4.69 litres per nautical mile and a fuel supply of 760 litres minus 15 percent reserve, gives us a range of 138 nautical miles. The further out we go, the choppier the sea becomes. The hull navigates these waves smoothly, safely and with a stable course. Even in fast bends, the Seawalker makes its rounds softly and dryly with a normal lean angle. Slalom courses can also be steered safely and directly. The same applies to abrupt steering movements.
Manoeuvring
This leaves normal manoeuvring without a bow thruster: with the steering fully engaged, the 35 Seawalker shows turning circles of 1.5 boat lengths forward when engaged and one boat length astern when engaged. When reversing, the bow swings round to either side after about three seconds, demonstrating direct manoeuvring. If you want to make things even easier, you can have a joystick system installed for an extra charge. In the case of our test boat, this would be a system from Suzuki, but outboards from Mercury are also available, which can also be ordered with an optional joystick. The smallest outboard motorisation is 2 x 300 hp (both suppliers), and goes through the test boat performance of 2 x 350 hp (both companies) to the maximum motorisation of 2 x 400 hp (Mercury only). However, there are other options: Diesel inboard engines from Volvo Penta with an output of 2 x 221 kW/300 hp (D4-300 DPI) or 2 x 235 kW/ 320 hp (D4-320 DPI).
Where the two inboard engines are usually located, we have a huge storage space on our test boat, which also contains the technology. Wires and cables are neatly and securely laid in this space - which can be accessed via a hatch under the two cockpit tables. If you want to carry out work on the outboard engines or just want to carry out a quick visual inspection, you can do this from the bathing platform, which runs completely around the engines on our test boat. A walkaround solution, so to speak. For safety, the shipyard provides fuel filters (in the large stowage box mentioned above). There is also a fire extinguishing system; two manual fire extinguishers and electric bilge pumps are also part of the standard equipment. The 12 V electrical supply is provided by three 140 Ah batteries. A 230 V shore connection is also installed. If you want to be even more independent, you can order generators (3.5 or 5 kW) or a 1,500 watt inverter.
A 12,000 BTU air conditioning system and a hot water boiler ensure comfortable living on the test boat. Those wishing to upgrade further can choose from a range of electronic options. These include an autopilot, radar, AIS system and trim tabs. The gangway is available, as are a wide variety of deck coverings (wooden deck or synthetic teak).
Technical data
- Length over everything: 11,56 m
- Width: 3,82 m
- Displacement: 5,5 t
- Fuel tank: 760 l
- Test motorisation: 2 x Suzuki outboard engines with 257 kW (350 hp) each
- Price test boat ex shipyard: 642.124€
- Distribution test boat: yates-mallorca.com
Conclusion
The Fiart 35 Seawalker has a great design and a stylish interior. It offers comfortable seating and lounging units on deck and easy access to the water thanks to the electro-hydraulic bathing platform. With its four berths, it is ideal for longer trips, while the wet room and galley offer additional living comfort. With the two 350 hp outboards, she is well motorised and makes a safe journey.
Advantages
Good driving and manoeuvring characteristics
Comfortable seating and sunbathing areas in the open-air area
Below deck you will find a friendly, bright ambience
