Gone are the days when the deckhouse was nothing more than a steering position with a roof over your head: more and more boatyards are offering boats where the pilothouse has a cosy character and becomes a pleasant retreat on board in the cold, wind and rain. As the open, spacious cockpit plays a major role in a multi-purpose boat, how much space is left for these "four walls" depends on the length of the hull.
Finnmaster has therefore extended its 2013 Pilot 7.0 model by around 1.50 metres. The result is the Pilot 8.0 with a length of 8.40 metres. Steering positions inside and outside, as well as sliding doors to starboard and aft, promise maximum flexibility when sailing. There is also a folding table with two benches, whereby the front bench with movable backrest also serves as a seat for the co-driver. The galley with fridge, hob and sink is located behind the driver's seat.
Daylight comes in through the panoramic glazing all round and through the two sliding skylights in the roof. Speaking of windows: below deck, the V-berth in the foredeck, the separate underfloor double berth on the port side and the wet cell on the starboard side also benefit from window elements set into the side of the boat, which emphasise the bright ambience.
The manufacturer Finn-Marin in Kokkola, central Finland, plans to motorise the 3000 kg Category C boat with outboards between 200 and 300 hp, for example in combination with two 150 hp engines.
Christian Tiedt
Editor Travel
