Hydrohulls is new to the German market, and the shipyard is also still young. The company was only founded in 2019, but the people behind the new brand can look back on decades of experience in the high-performance inflatable boat segment at Technohull. Extensive knowledge in this segment is therefore available.
The RIB specialist currently has three models on offer. It started with the 4.60 metre long HH5, followed by the HH6 and HH8. The HH7 is currently under development and will probably be available from 2025. There is even talk of a cabin version. Competitor Technohull has little to offer below the 10 metre limit and is increasingly concentrating on larger units. Hydrohulls is therefore focussing on this market segment and wants to close this gap in the range of smaller units. Udo Wagenhäuser and his Valentina boat service on Lake Constance have obviously also recognised this, as he is responsible for the distribution of Hydrohulls in Germany.
Aim of the high-performance inflatable boats
The shipyard's standards are high. The aim is to produce high-performance inflatable boats with a rigid hull that also fulfil high requirements in terms of seaworthiness as well as material quality, durability and workmanship. For this reason, the hoses of all boats are always manufactured using the chlorosulphonated polyethylene (CSM) known as Hypalon, which is known and valued for its resistance to weathering and ageing. As an alternative to the standard material, Orca 1670 from Pennel & Flipo with an even more stable fabric is available on the options list for a good 700 euros extra. The basic version of the boat itself costs 35,640 euros. The desired outboard motor, including installation and ancillary costs, is also included. Thanks to the moderate weight of around 550 kilograms plus engine, accessories and trailer, the RIB can be easily towed.
The boat has a seaworthiness rating in CE category C, meaning it is suitable for operation in coastal waters up to six Beaufort. A total of seven people can be transported, all of whom can be seated on board. In the bow there is a seat cushion for two people with storage space underneath, which can be converted into a 1.95 x 1.10 metre sun lounger using an optional insert. This is followed by the central steering position. This is equipped with the relevant engine instruments as standard. Multifunction displays can also be installed as an option. Unfortunately, there is no manual compass. The acrylic glass windscreen is very flat and provides little protection from the wind. A solid bracket ensures a secure hold. There is also some storage space in the console.
Helpful installations
The hydraulic steering installed in the test boat is one of the options. The bench seat for two people including substructure is standard equipment. This is followed by an upholstered bench seat that offers space for three people. The seating can also be converted into a 1.43 x 0.83 metre sun lounger. The small bathing platforms next to the outboard motor are practical. The integrated bathing ladder on the port side is also helpful. Two stainless steel cleats are mounted in the laminate.
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The comfort on board can be further improved with useful accessories. For example, a fresh water shower system with a 50-litre water tank or an electric anchor winch are listed here. The programme also includes an additional bilge pump for the deck, a T-top, biminis for the bow and stern, additional batteries, shore connection or deck and underwater lighting. Although refrigerators, ice boxes or the water ski mast in the test boat are not on the price list, they can certainly be fitted and are available from accessory dealers.
The motor of the Hydrohulls HH6
The Hydrohulls HH6 can be motorised with outboards up to 103 kW (140 hp). The shipyard recommends motorisation with 73.6 kW (100 hp). This was also fitted to the test boat in the form of a Suzuki DF100C. It should be noted here that the engine has a four-cylinder with a displacement of two litres instead of the 1.5-litre engine of the DF100B, which is also available. The increase in torque naturally also adds around 30 kilograms to the weight. As the series with the two-litre block at Suzuki extends up to the DF140, there would be no difference in weight even with the maximum permissible power.
We reach stable planing speed after five seconds of acceleration at 3000 rpm and 13.3 knots. The maximum speed of 38 knots is reached with the 14'' x 23'' three-blade stainless steel propeller after 21 seconds at 6150 rpm. This is slightly above the rated speed of 6000 rpm. An efficient cruising speed is reached at 4000 rpm. Here, the boat glides at 23.3 knots and consumes 15.6 litres of fuel per hour from the tank. This consists of two tanks, each with 65 litres and separate filler necks. This demonstrates the Greeks' experience with poor petrol quality. On the islands, petrol is usually filled from tanker trucks. This can sometimes lead to problems. That's why two reservoirs are welcome there.
The Hydrohulls in their element
If you never fill your two tanks from the same source, you will be able to get back to them if you have problems. After deducting a 15 per cent reserve, the total supply gives you a range of 165 nautical miles. If you're in a hurry, you have to find a refuelling point after 87 nautical miles. The mixed weather during our test drives on Lake Constance has the advantage that we also have choppy water. The Hydrohulls is in its element here, and you notice that immediately. The hull goes through the waves like butter, even at full throttle, and the directional stability is flawless. Full circles at high speed are mastered with three boat lengths in diameter in both directions. When the steering is twisted, everything remains easy to control. Manoeuvring also works very well with a diameter of the circles of 1.5 boat lengths each.
Two boat lengths are only required when reversing to starboard. When reversing, it only takes a second to react. Although the permissible engine power is far from exhausted with the test motorisation, there is already a lot of fun to be had here. If you still want more, you can always add more power, which the hull can easily cope with. In terms of safety, there is nothing to complain about in terms of driving stability and behaviour in waves. The Hydrohulls HH6 is ideally suited for island hopping on the coast and always conveys the much-cited "good feeling".
Technical data
- CE category: C 7
- Length over everything: 6,00 m
- Width: 2,20 m
- Displacement: 550 kg
- Hose diameter: 38-48 cm
- Air chambers: 6
- Fuel tank: 2 x 65 litres
- Max. motorisation: 103 kW (140 hp)
- Test motorisation: Suzuki DF100C with 73.6 kW (100 hp)
- Price without motor: from € 35,640
- Further information: valentina-boatservice.com
Measurement results
Conclusion on the Hydrohulls HH6
In addition to its high level of quality, the Hydrohulls HH6 has very good rough water characteristics and, even with the test motorisation, has very sporty handling characteristics.
Advantages
Very good roughening properties
High-quality and durable materials
Good workmanship, flexible use
