This is the new house brand of our test partner Bootscenter Menken from Gersthofen near Augsburg, which is sold exclusively in Germany. The boats are laminated at the Sicilian Saver shipyard in Piraino at the foot of Mount Etna. Assembly is carried out by Michael Menken.
The Infinity 455 MC is the brand's debut model, and another, slightly larger model will be presented at Interboot 2023. The newcomer is a universal entry-level boat for water sports enthusiasts with a moderate budget, which can be great fun for the whole family as well as anglers. In addition to the basic price of 12,230 euros for the standard equipment, there are freight costs, an outboard motor with accessories and assembly costs. This adds up to 20,480 euros for the test boat with the new Mercury F30 EFI ELPT. However, indispensable options such as a tarpaulin, an anchor and other useful items are missing.
Tour on board and additional options
Things are clearly organised on board. The console is mounted asymmetrically, allowing wide access to the bow. The engine instrumentation is installed at an easy-to-read angle at the helm, but there is no compass. The desirable navigation lighting, a horn and an electric bilge pump are also among the options. Drink holders and a storage compartment are pleasing. Smaller navigation systems can also be ordered. The acrylic windscreen offers decent protection and is surrounded by a very sturdy stainless steel frame construction. The wide upholstered bench in the stern allows the skipper to be joined by other crew members. An exit on the port side leads to a solid swim ladder.
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A large upholstered seating area awaits in the front, which can be converted into a sun lounger with inserts. A table can also be ordered here. The sturdy railing is part of the basic equipment. There is a large storage space under the seat in front of the console, which can also be used for fishing rods or longer items. There is an anchor locker in the bow for the optional anchor installation. You also pay extra for a fresh water tank with stern shower and pressurised water pump, plastic teak or a bimini.
The test drive with the Infinity 455 MC
The brand new Mercury F30 EFI ELPT is bolted to the test boat. The entry-level engine is a licence-free 15. A maximum of 50 horsepower can be fitted. With two people on board, the stable planing speed is reached after 10 seconds, slightly before the most efficient cruising speed of just under 15 knots at 5000 rpm. Fuel consumption of six litres per hour can be expected here. This means that distances of up to 51 nautical miles are possible with the standard 24-litre tank after deducting the 15 percent reserve.
If you want more range, you can choose the optional 42-litre built-in tank. We reached a top speed of just under 21 knots at 6350 rpm. It should be noted here that the optimum propeller was not yet fitted and the maximum speed was slightly exceeded. Fast full circles are possible with two boat lengths in diameter, but due to the slightly higher and therefore more efficient mounting of the motor, they quickly lead to the propeller drawing air. A compromise that is easy to live with. There are no consequences if the rudder is torn. The Infinity 455 MC shows its best side during harbour manoeuvres. Those travelling with a small crew will be well served with our test motorisation, but more power is recommended for larger loads.
Technical data
The boat
- Shipyard: Infinity/I
- Type: 455 MC
- CE category: C/5 persons
- Hull and deck: Plastic
- Length over everything: 4,55 m
- Width: 2,00 m
- Draught (without drive): 0,24 m
- Unladen weight (empty without drive): 380 kg
- Fuel tank: 24 l opt. 42 l
- Freeboard: 0,10 m
- Cockpit side height inside: 0,55 m
- Railing height: 0,06 m
- Cockpit size: 0.40 m x 1.45 m
- Sunbed foredeck: 2.03 m x 1.21 m
- Max. motorisation: Outboard motor up to 36.8 kW (50 hp)
- Test motorisation: Mercury F30 EFI ELPT 22.1 kW (30 hp)
- Price (with test engine): 20.480 €
- Test partner: Menken boat centre, Röntgenstraße 32, 86368 Gersthofen, www.bootscenter-menken.de
The motor
- Manufacturer: Mercury
- Type: F30 EFI ELPT
- Performance: 22.1 kW/30 hp
- Full load speed: 5800-6200 rpm
- Cylinder: 3R
- cubic capacity: 500 cc
- Alternator: 12 V/16 A
- Fuel: Petrol
- Test propeller: 10,9" x 10"
Measurement results
Our test judgement on the Infinity 455 MC
Driving & manoeuvring
- good driving characteristics
- Very good manoeuvring
Processing & technology
- high processing quality
- Clean assembly of the components
Security
- Good railing and grab handles
- No compass and safety accessories
Comfort on board
- cosy cushions
- Variable sunbed in the bow
Conclusion
Infinity 455 MC is an enrichment for the market of inexpensive entry-level boats. The newcomer is characterised by good handling characteristics and a high level of quality, as well as universal application possibilities and easy trailerability. However, essential accessories must be included in the price.
The article first appeared in BOOTE 04/2023 and has been revised for this online version.
