Boats from the Brazilian brand Fibrafort are not frequently seen in European harbours, although the shipyard has representatives in 43 countries. Among others, our test partner, Boote Pfister GmbH in Schwebheim, Franconia, looks after the boats from South America. The shipyard from Itajaí on the Atlantic coast is located around 600 kilometres south of São Paulo. According to its own information, the company, which was founded in 1990, is the largest manufacturer in South America in terms of unit numbers.
Trailerable typical day cruiser
The company currently produces eight models in the sports line between 5.50 and 8.58 metres, which includes the test boat, as well as seven cruisers between 9.52 and 12.40 metres. The 7.03 metre long Fibrafort 242 GTC is therefore one of the shipyard's smaller products. With a total weight of two tonnes, it is a typical day cruiser that is easy to trailer and can be ordered in versions with inboard or outboard engines - the latter can also be ordered as a twin system. Only the test engine in the form of a Mercruiser 4.5 L MPI 250 and the outboard version are available on the price list. The price with this engine and basic equipment is 114,520 euros. The outboard version without engines costs 71,800 euros. If you would prefer not to have the cabin installed in the GTC version, you can also order a bowrider with the 242 GTO, which is available without engines from 65,220 euros.
Layout on deck of the Fibrafort 242 GTC
The way on board is via the integrated bathing platform with standard bathing ladder and stainless steel grab handles. A stern shower is part of the standard equipment. If you don't want to take a seat on the variable stern bench seat, you can access the significantly lower cockpit via the passageway on the port side. The aft upholstered furniture, which also serves as a cover for the engine compartment, can be transformed from a seat into a 1.32 x 1.23 metre sun lounger with an angled backrest thanks to the swivelling backrest or alternatively used as a bench seat in both directions with a centre backrest. A small GRP table - also available in a teak version as an option - is mounted in front and an upholstered single seat at the side.
On the port side there is a combined bench seat with a reclining seat and backrest and a small washbasin with storage space next to the exit. There is no shortage of cup holders and grab handles. The targa bar has a solid stainless steel handrail at the rear and is part of the standard equipment. A bimini top, which can be fitted here, is on the options list. The helmsman can expect a swivelling and adjustable upholstered bucket seat with standing option and an instrument panel that can accommodate numerous instruments at a favourable reading angle. There is also space for a small plotter. The compass is missing from the standard equipment. However, the indispensable navigation instrument is on the list of accessories. Windscreen wipers, on the other hand, are not offered.
Next to the steering position, laminated steps lead through the centre segment of the glass windscreen to the foredeck, where, if ordered accordingly, there are additional cushions for sun worshippers, which, measuring 1.90 x 1.30 metres, offer enough space for two people. Although the bow railing cuts a fine figure at the front, it gets lower and lower towards the rear and ultimately ends in front of the windscreen.
What the crew can expect below deck
Below deck, the crew can expect a small cabin with a U-shaped seating area in the bow. A pump toilet is also fitted as standard. A table is also included, as well as insert cushions, which create a 1.90 metre long sleeping area. It's enough for one person, but it's quite cramped when occupied by two people. Ventilation is provided by a hatch with a diameter of 50 centimetres to the upper deck, which also serves as an emergency exit. Some safety-relevant elements are on the options list. These include, for example, a smoke detector and a stainless steel stern door. Fire extinguishers are sufficiently available with an extinguishing system in the engine compartment and two 1-kg extinguishers. A manual bilge pump is not offered in addition to the two electric versions fitted as standard. The four cleats are sufficient, a centre cleat is missing.
How the family boat sails
When it comes to motorisation, a lot is possible. The shipyard recommends inboards with 147 kW (200 hp) to 184 kW (250 hp), although the price list only includes the top-of-the-range Mercruiser 4.5 L MPI 250 engine with 184 kW (250 hp) fitted in the test boat. The outboard version can be fitted with single or twin systems. The lower limit here is one 135 or two 90s. A maximum of one 250 or two 115s can be bolted together. As expected, the motorisation in the test boat is sporty
The engine power is brought into the water via a Bravo-Three drive with counter-rotating twin propellers. Stable planing is achieved in six seconds at 3000 revolutions and 16 knots. It takes just 15 seconds to reach a top speed of 35 knots from a standing start. At the same time, we measure a noise level of a whopping 100 dB(A) at the helm. The cause is quickly identified, as there is no insulation in the engine compartment. If you want to make improvements here, you have to do it yourself or have the work done by a workshop. The unit is also well ventilated, because at an air temperature of 14 °C, the temperature in the engine compartment was only four degrees higher. In terms of efficiency, 3500 revolutions at 23 knots is the right speed. Then 35.5 litres flow out of the 140-litre aluminium tank every hour, which results in a somewhat meagre range of around 77 nautical miles if a reserve of 15 percent remains in the tank.
Manoeuvres with the Fibrafort 242 GTC
Manoeuvring works well in all directions with about two boat lengths forward and only one boat length astern. It takes four seconds to react when manoeuvring. Good manoeuvrability is also evident when making fast full circles with a diameter of 2.5 boat lengths in both directions. The boat has a pronounced tendency to lean into the bend. The deep V-hull with a 21-degree heel shows a considerable heel, as the waterline is almost level with the upper deck. For some, this may be an expression of sportiness, but sensitive crew members may find it a little too much. The steering does react, but does not cause any problems. During all fast manoeuvres, you are safely accommodated in the cockpit, which is characterised by high side walls. Thanks to the sporty motorisation, there are enough power reserves to pull wakeboarders, water skiers or inflatable fun sports equipment with the Fibrafort. Appropriate accessories are available on the options list. The overall workmanship is neat and the assembly of the components was also carried out cleanly.
Conclusion
The Fibrafort 242 GTC can be used very flexibly as a day cruiser both on inland waterways and on coastal waters. One limitation is the relatively short range. The standard equipment with a marine toilet is praised.
Advantages
- + Good running and rough water characteristics thanks to the deep V-hull
- + Sporty and dynamic driving behaviour
- + Still easy to trailer with a total weight of two tonnes
Technical data: Fibrafort 242 GTC
- CE category: C/8
- Length over everything: 7,03 m
- Width: 2,57 m
- Displacement: 2,0 t
- Draught (bottom drive): 0,57 m
- Fuel tank:140 l
- Water tank: 55 l
- Sleeping places: 1-2
- Test motorisation: Mercruiser 4.5 L MPI 50 with 184 kW (250 hp)
- Base price with test motorisation: 114 520 €
- Distribution test boat: bootepfister.com
