The Gala brand of rigid inflatable boats has only been on the market since 2020 and is therefore still little known. However, as Dominic Stockmann's Performance RIBs GmbH in Constance has taken over sales for Germany, this is likely to change soon. The boats are manufactured in Ukraine by the Gelex Global Group, which also has the Galaxy, Gelex and Riverday brands in addition to Gala. Gala brand boats are manufactured in several product lines. In addition to the different variants of the Atlantis series with tiller and console steering, there is also the luxurious Viking series. The Gala Viking 650 is the flagship of this line.
Special features of the boats
The boats are based on a very robust aluminium hull with additional impact protection on the keel. The entire construction is powder-coated. For the hoses, there is a choice between Valmex PVC from Mehler Texnologies and Orca from Pennel & Flipo, known under its old trade name Hypalon. The Gala Viking 650 is available from 28,350 euros, those who want Orca hoses have to pay an additional 8,105 euros. In addition, there is the engine with installation and ancillary costs. The price for the test boat with engine and all its options is therefore 55,679 euros. A second variant, which is in the programme as the Gala Viking 650 Fishing, only offers two single seats in the stern and offshore seats on a different console. There is no seating in the front deck area.
Thanks to their four millimetre thick aluminium hull with double cockpit floor, the boats not only have very high mechanical stability, but also boast a relatively low weight. The unladen weight of the test boat is 525 kilograms plus engine and accessories. This makes the boats very easy to trailer with many towing vehicles. The deep V-hull, which remains remarkably stable when the weight is shifted, means that good rough water characteristics can be expected, which was confirmed in the test. The Gala Viking 650 has a CE category C licence for up to 14 people and is therefore also very suitable for coastal cruising with a large crew at a holiday destination.
Of the total length of 6.50 metres and width of 2.50 metres, the 60 centimetre thick tubes leave an interior space of 5.40 x 1.30 metres. Five air chambers and many handholds offer a high level of safety. An electric bilge pump is only available on board on request. There is no fire extinguisher or stopcock to the tank. In the tested version, there is a rear bench across the entire width.
Sitting on the Gala Viking 650
The seat construction in front offers two seats facing the centre console for the driver and a front passenger, as well as upholstered seats facing the rear. If the optional table is fitted, this provides a seating area for five people. The rear-mounted equipment carrier with water-ski towing eye is just as much an option as the T-top at the helm station. The bathing ladder is part of the standard equipment. The steering position has enough space for engine instruments or a plotter, but there is no compass. Hydraulic steering can be found on the options list. In the front area of the console there is another seat on the storage box and in the bow opposite there is also a seat cushion with backrest. The GRP step in the bow is an extra. An insert that creates a sun lounger measuring 1.58 x 1.10 metres can be ordered.
A jump into the water
Two GRP steps on the tubes are also listed as optional extras. These not only provide additional seating, they can also be used as a springboard into the water. A pressurised water system with stern shower can also be ordered. The workmanship and assembly of the components are of a high standard. The test boat is fitted with the engine recommended by the shipyard in the form of a Mercury F150 with a 14" x 19" 3-blade stainless steel propeller. A maximum outboard motor with 129 kW (175 hp) can be bolted on. After accelerating for just three seconds, we reach planing speed at 2500 rpm and 13.7 knots. It takes a total of 20 seconds to reach the top speed of 35.2 knots. We determine the highest efficiency at 3000 rpm with 18.9 knots, whereby 15.1 litres flow hourly from the 200-litre built-in tank, which is only fitted for an additional charge. This means that ranges of 213 nautical miles can be achieved if 15 per cent of the tank capacity remains as a reserve.
Fast full circles can be made with high tilt stability and a moderate lean angle with a boat length of 2.5 metres. However, slight cavitation occurs as the boat-motor combination is designed for efficiency and the outboard motor is mounted slightly higher than intended. Manoeuvring works with 1.5 boat lengths forwards and 1.3 boat lengths backwards with a reaction time of one second when reversing. The directional stability is flawless. There are no consequences if the steering is jolted. The overall level of safety is high.
Technical data of the Gala Viking 650
- CE category: C/14
- Length over everything: 6,50 m
- Width: 2,50 m
- Unladen weight: 525 kg
- Hose diameter: 0,60 m
- Clearance height (with T-top): 2,05 m
- Fuel tank: 200 l
- Max. motorisation: 129 kW (175 hp)
- Test motorisation: Mercury F150 with 110 kW (150 hp)
- Price from (without motor): 28 350 €
- Further information: performance-ribs.com
Measurement results
Conclusion
The Gala Viking 650 is a very robust rigid-hull inflatable boat with plenty of space, good trailerability and pleasant rough water characteristics. If Orca tubes are chosen, a very long service life is guaranteed.
Advantages
- + Very robust construction
- + High tilt stability
- + Good driving characteristics
