The term "home-style cooking" is loosely interpreted as "simple, well-made food at a fair price".
This meaning also corresponds to the overall impression of the SBM 600 we tested, with its large cockpit, cabin and separate toilet room. A solid boat that is completely manufactured and assembled in Germany. The factory where every SBM is completed is located in Waren an der Müritz, one of the most popular recreational areas for water sports enthusiasts.
If you want to enjoy a dip in the sun on the SBM, you can convert the well-padded rear bench seat into a large sun lounger. Friends of bathing culture will find a platform with an extendable 4-step ladder at the stern. With dimensions of 6.60 x 2.20 m and a dead weight of 980 kg, the boat is easy to trailer. Fully equipped, however, the weight quickly increases to more than 1300 kg. A braked trailer in the 1800 kg class and a suitable towing vehicle are then required.
Driving and manoeuvring
Long-shaft outboards up to a maximum of 115 hp are permitted on the solid transom. Our test boat was powered by a 70 hp Suzuki. The four-stroke four-cylinder engine accelerates the SBM to just under 26 knots with a driving noise of 86 dB/A. The rev counter shows exactly 5500 rpm. This value is exactly in the centre of the maximum speed range specified by the manufacturer. A sign that the 3-blade 15" propeller is a good fit.
At full throttle, 0.95 l/sm of fuel runs through the injection nozzles. With a tank capacity of 110 litres minus 15% reserve, this results in a range of 98 nm. The SBM exceeds the 100 nm required by BOOTE for this boat category by 20 nm in economic planing mode. In this sailing situation, the engine turns 4000 rpm and the boat moves through the water at just under 16 knots. At 76 dB/A, the noise level remains 4 dB/A below the comfort limit.
Our test boat shows good balance during the transition from displacement to planing speed, which takes place between 2800 rpm and 3500 rpm. The nose rises only slightly, so that the view ahead is not obstructed at any time. The windscreen is attached to a thin stainless steel frame that does not restrict the field of vision of riders 1.85 metres tall. It keeps the wind away from the driver and front passenger. One point of criticism is the lack of a windscreen wiper (which is also not available at extra cost). It should be fitted on a touring boat like the SBM 600.
Our test boat deserves praise for its good, safe and stable ride over the entire glide range. A small, gently sloping stern wave makes water skiing or tubing fun. The hull completes fast manoeuvres, such as increasingly tight circles, without hooking or rocking.
The motor should be trimmed all the way to the mirror so that the ride is not immediately ended by an air-snapping propeller. If you are travelling on the imaginary slalom course in this way, every steering command is implemented directly and without rocking or tilting. If you drive the slalom course in cruising trim, the propeller briefly draws air when turning in, but quickly regains power after steering back and accelerates the boat.
At displacement speed at a good 4 kn and 1500 rpm, the engine is barely audible at 62 dB/A. This speed is well suited as a harbour speed; the stern wave and swell are small. When heading straight ahead, you rarely have to make corrections at the helm. Weight shifts between starboard and port have no noticeable effect on the course.
Safe mooring is guaranteed thanks to tight turning circles and direct reversing behaviour. The steering wheel and single-lever gearstick can be operated easily and "well controlled" across all ranges. The driver's seat can be adjusted in all directions until the optimum seating position is found. Points are deducted for lateral support, but the upholstery is firm enough to prevent sagging on longer trips. The pantry block fitted under the passenger seat on the test boat is an extra (€830).
Engine, tank, electrics
For engine checks and minor work on the solidly bolted outboard motor, it is best to stand on the split bathing platform; for major service work, the boat must be taken ashore. The lines and cables between the outboard engine and the bellows on the through-hull are protected from UV radiation by a corrugated hose. In the large storage space under the stern bench seat, the technicians worked neatly with cable ties.
The SBM has a 70 Ah battery as standard, but the shipyard can also supply a double battery system with 2 x 70 Ah marine batteries and a changeover switch for the energy storage units for an additional charge. The electrical system at the helm station is accessed via a service hatch in the toilet room. Behind this, the boat builders have also installed everything neatly and tidily.
SBM installs the fuel tank in the centre of the boat under the cockpit floor in order to achieve a balanced weight ratio between the bow and stern. It is made of stainless steel and fastened with screws. A large filter cartridge with water separator and drain cock is used to clean the fuel in an exemplary manner. The petrol tap, secure fuel filler cap and professionally screwed hose connections also deserve praise.
Security
A teak floor in the cockpit, which has an anti-slip effect wet and dry, ensures safe movement on board the SBM. In addition to the anti-slip structure, the 600 has two small railings at the stern. To access the bow from the stern, you climb forwards via the narrow side gangway. You can hold on to the grab handle on the cabin roof. The bow itself is surrounded by a well-dimensioned railing and, like the stern, also has an anti-slip structure. The safety equipment includes a 2 kg portable fire extinguisher as standard.
Living and cockpit
Below deck in the cabin you will find suitable stowage facilities and a V-shaped double berth. The latter offers plenty of space for two adults. The lack of ventilation under the cushions quickly leads to thick air on board if not ventilated regularly. The wooden table, which is used both below deck and in the cockpit, is also part of the bunk floor. Practical: it can be stowed away in the toilet compartment. A chemical toilet is fitted there as standard.
Opposite the toilet room, the SBM technicians install a cupboard as storage space for bulky items. There are further options for stowing equipment under the bow seating area. From the latter, you have a good view through the tinted glass panes set in aluminium frames. If you want to ventilate, this is only possible via the cabin door or via a ventilation hatch (at extra cost). Cooking on the SBM 600 is possible on a cockpit galley block on the port side, which is equipped with a stainless steel gas cooker. In the future, there will be a refrigerator compartment in the galley block (extra charge) for food storage.
Equipment
The standard electrical equipment includes an echo sounder, signal horn and four navigation lights with BSH approval in accordance with regulations. The shipyard provides each boat with a convertible top with large foil windows. When rolled up, it can be easily stowed behind the stern bench seat. The SBM 600 is moored to its six well-dimensioned mooring cleats. Fenders are attached to the bow and stern railing as well as to the centre cleat or the canopy frame. The anchor is located in the matching, self-draining anchor locker in the bow. A towing eye is only available at the bow.
THE WERFT SAYS
The SBM 600 is a
is a rough water cabin cruiser with a spacious cabin, separate toilet room and large cockpit. In the latter, the bench seat can be extended to form a stern sunbed. Thanks to the high freeboard, the 600 never feels unsafe, even in high waves.
WE SAY
The handling characteristics of the SBM 600 in combination with the 70 hp Suzuki engine are consistently "good-natured". When used as a touring boat, the crew should not have more than two members. There is nothing to criticise in the workmanship of the gelcoat, wood and stainless steel. The same applies to the installation work on the electrics, fuel system and engine. The design is getting on in years, but has many fans.
Data sheet: SBM 600
Shipyard: SBM Boats & Motors
Type designation: SBM 600
CE category: C - Coastal waters
Material of hull and deck: Plastic
Length: 6,60 m
Width: 2,20 m
Displacement: 0,98 t
Price: 29.460,00 €
