Gala boats are still little known on the German market, but are now part of the range at Performance RIBs GmbH in Constance. The shipyard's roots go back to 1995. The Ukrainian company originally launched with inflatable boats under the Kolibri brand. Due to structural changes, this became the Gelex Global Group with its Gala, Galaxy, Gelex and Riverday brands in spring 2020. Gala boats are available in six sizes in the "Atlantis Tender" line, including several variants with tiller or console steering, "Atlantis" (centre console RIBs) and "Viking" (deluxe RIBs). The brand is characterised by rock-solid aluminium hulls with a robust powder coating in all versions and the option of choosing Hypalon as well as PVC hulls. The Gala Viking 580 is the brand's second largest boat and is available from 24,530 euros. Hypalon hoses cost an additional 6540 euros. The desired motorisation with installation and additional costs must be added to this.
In addition to its light metal construction, which results in an unladen weight of just 462 kilograms, the hull has a few special features worth mentioning. The high chine ensures smooth immersion in waves and qualifies the boat for use in rough water. The stern is pulled far back next to the recess for the outboard motor, which extends the waterline. The keel is completely fitted with impact protection to prevent damage from ground contact.
Inflatable boat with plenty of space on board
The Viking 580 offers plenty of space on deck. Thanks to the hoses measuring up to 50 centimetres with five air chambers, 4.80 metres in length and 1.30 metres in width remain of the total length inside. Enough space for the crew to move around comfortably on deck. There are small steps on the optional equipment carrier with water ski towing eye. The easy way out of the water is via the swim ladder. Shortcoming: This safety-relevant component is only available at extra cost. The bench seat in the stern offers space for three people. A double bench seat is bolted behind the centre console. In the front area of the console, there is another seat cushion with backrest on the storage box.
There is also a cushioned seat in the bow for up to two people. The cushions in the bow can be converted into a 1.47 x 1.13 metre sun lounger using inserts. Two GRP steps are optionally available on the tubes, which can be used as additional seating or as a springboard into the refreshing water. The GRP bow step with anchor roller and cleat is also part of the accessories, as is the T-top, which narrows the passage to the front slightly. Further accessories: a stern table, a shower with pressurised water system, the seadeck covering for the cockpit and the steps. The steering position accommodates the engine instruments and other accessories. Compass? No compass.
How the Gala Viking 580 drives
The Viking 580 can be equipped with a maximum outboard motor of up to 110.3 kW (150 hp). The shipyard recommends motorisation with 88 kW (120 hp). In the test boat, which is used on Lake Constance, the maximum motorisation permitted there was fitted in the form of a Yamaha F100 LB. However, with acceleration from a standstill to a top speed of a good 29 knots in around 10 seconds, this combination also proved to be quite fast. With the 106-litre built-in tank, which is also on the options list, ranges of 135 nautical miles are possible at a cruising speed of 15.4 knots, taking into account the 15 percent reserve. The driving behaviour showed a high level of safety in all driving conditions. Overall, the high tilt stability is remarkable. Fast bends could be mastered with three boat lengths in diameter. The workmanship and assembly of the components are also of a high standard.
Measurement results
Conclusion
The Gala Viking 580 is an extremely robust design with low weight and very good handling characteristics, even in rough water. Component assembly is flawless. If Hypalon tubes are chosen, durability is also guaranteed.
Advantages
- + High lateral stability
- + Easy manoeuvring
- + Very robust construction
Technical data
The boat
- Shipyard: Gala/UA
- Type: Viking 580
- CE category: C/12 persons
- Hull and deck: Aluminium/PVC (opt. Hypalon)
- Length over everything: 5,80 m
- Inside length: 4,70 m
- Width: 2,50 m
- Inside width: 1,30 m
- Hose diameter (max): 0,50 m
- Air chambers: 5
- Displacement (empty without motor): 462 kg
- Depth: 0,33 m
- Clearance height: 1,98 m
- Fuel tank: 106 litres (opt.)
- Water tank: 45 litres (opt.)
- Sun lounger: Foredeck 1.47 m x 1.15 m
- Interior cockpit side height: 0,48 m
- Turning circles (boat lengths): forwards tr. 1.5 bb. 1.3; backwards tr. 1.5, bb. 1.5
- Change course: from Stb. to Bb 2 s; from Bb. to Stb 2 s
- Motorisation: Outboard motor up to 110.3 kW (150 hp)
- Test motorisation: Yamaha F100 LB 73.5 kW (100 hp)
- Price (standard boat without motor): 24 530 €
- Test partner: www.performance-ribs.de
The motor
- Manufacturer: Yamaha
- Type: F100 LB
- Performance: 73.5 kW/100 hp
- Full load speed: 5000 - 6000 rpm
- Cylinder: 4R, 16 V, SOHC
- cubic capacity: 1832 cc
- Fuel: Petrol
- Cooling: Water/single circle
- Generator: 12 V/35 A
- Gear ratio: 2,15:1
- Test propeller: 13.1/8" x 17" 3-blade aluminium
