The engine wakes up, the gearstick clicks, reverse gear is engaged. The Silver Raptor ST quietly pushes out of the berth in Finland. After the first few metres, it becomes clear: this boat wants to be driven and is built precisely for this place. The heating is running, the water shimmers in the archipelago and the boat glides calmly out.
Silver, a brand with Nordic roots and known for high-quality aluminium boat construction, shows with the Raptor ST that its boats can be sporty and functional at the same time. Unlike many of the shipyard's models, the Raptor series relies on a modern GRP hull, which is designed to enable dynamics, precise handling and high top speeds. The lines are sharp, the appearance is self-confident, yet the DNA is unmistakable - safe, controlled and consistently focussed on the driver, but not disregarding the passengers. Positioned between a sports boat and an all-rounder, the Raptor ST is not only suitable for fast passages to the holiday home, fishing trips, sunbathing or water sports, but also combines driving pleasure without sacrificing suitability for everyday use, according to the shipyard's marketing speak.
Location of the Silver Raptor ST
The robust rubber section on the bow immediately catches the eye and makes mooring and boarding much easier. The driver can carefully press the nose against the jetty without damaging the boat. This can be particularly helpful when crossing ashore. As the boats are built for the needs of Sweden, Norway and Finland, among others, and trips to islands are commonplace here, this is a useful feature that can't hurt in our waters either. After all, we've all hit the jetty at some point. But usually unintentionally. An optional bow light from Zaurac and a towing eye for towing are also integrated. The two-part pulpit is high, sturdily bolted and gives a secure feeling right from the first contact. Even when pulled hard, nothing wobbles. If you buy the Silver as a used boat, you should take a closer look here. If it is often pulled hard, hairline cracks could appear in the gelcoat. On our test boat, however, it feels absolutely solid.
The integrated anchor locker is self-draining. The only drawback is the overhanging anchor, which can be slightly in the way when climbing aboard - for less mobile people, it might be advisable to remove it beforehand. Practical: A bow ladder is permanently installed here, which makes it easier to climb on board. The hull has a modern look and is characterised by forward-sloping lines. It is slightly retracted from the bow to the start of the windscreen. As a result, water is channelled away to the side and no spray flies over the boat. We were able to confirm this during our test drive. Even the stern waves of larger boats, such as the XO Explorer 44 with an estimated height of one metre, pose no problem. Neither the waves themselves nor the resulting jump and landing cause any difficulties. The Raptor hull has two steps positioned far back in the stern. The large outboard motor makes the boat somewhat stern-heavy when travelling, so steps in the front or midship area would make little sense. Another striking feature is the long overhang, which makes the boat look more aggressive and shortens the waterline. This reduces the hull speed slightly, but allows the planing phase to begin earlier. Advantage in winter storage: Less antifouling to paint. Disadvantage: More polishing.
The rear of the Silver Raptor ST
When we enter the boat from the stern, we immediately notice the large bathing platforms. Plural, because there is one on starboard and one on port. These are separated from each other, so you have to walk through the cockpit to get from one side to the other. It is possible to pass through the aft hull, but this requires a large step or a deep descent. If you are sporty, you will probably prefer the big step. However, this should be carefully considered when mooring, with the engine running or in choppy seas.
A water ski bracket can be installed if required. This stainless steel bracket differs from the usual brackets. Unlike a simple bar, it runs once around the outboard motor. This provides additional protection for the motor and the water ski line can neither run over the motor nor get caught in the propeller. This is a very practical and well thought-out solution. The bracket costs just as much as the bow light (990 euros), but definitely provides more fun. With an outboard motor of this size, you should definitely not do without this accessory. For us, it is an absolute must on the equipment list.
Cockpit and driver's cab
The cockpit is enclosed, which protects against wind and spray, and offers seating on three sides, grab handles, large storage compartments and the option to set up a cockpit table. If this is lowered, a sunbathing area for two people is created. The storage lockers on board are lockable and sufficiently large. The galley has a two-burner gas hob, a sink with electric water pump, storage space and an optional pull-out refrigerator from Dometic. Everything is functionally and clearly organised.
The driving position of the Raptor ST impresses with a slightly raised seating position that allows a good view to the front. The backrest can be folded down so that you can look either forwards or to the rear. An electronic throttle lever ensures precise power metering and is controlled hydraulically. A trim system from Zipwake can be installed as an option, which we tested both activated and deactivated. The differences were barely noticeable on smooth water, the boat is stable when travelling straight ahead and weight shifts by individual passengers hardly affect the ride. If you wish, you can install an anchor windlass with radio remote control at the helm. A 9-inch plotter is fitted as standard, but an upgrade to 12 inches is possible.
Layout below deck
Solid workmanship and plenty of natural light through the hull windows are noticeable below deck. There is generous storage space under the forward berth, the mattress support is held in place by gas struts, making loading and unloading easy. The front bunk is large enough for one or two adults, while the underfloor cabin is more suitable for children, who can enjoy a cosy cave feeling here. Nevertheless, it is large enough for one night. A Webasto heater is optionally available on the equipment list. The small toilet compartment is functional, albeit compact.
The test drive
As already mentioned, most of the weight is in the stern of the boat. This can also be felt during the journey, which is meant to be completely non-judgemental. On smooth water, the boat is very pleasant to drive, without rocking or bobbing at the bow. Waves are easily skipped over, take-off and landing are soft and comfortable without causing back pain. This should not cause any problems even in wavy waters.
The controls are comfortable and precise. The electronic throttle lever allows the required power to be controlled very well. The boat masters bends, slaloms and tight turns with ease. The latter are even very sporty when the motor is trimmed all the way down. The numerous handholds ensure that guests are also safe.
From a sailing point of view, the boat is therefore ideal for beginners, but at the same time not boring for advanced sailors. On a straight course, the boat reaches a maximum speed of 47.8 knots. In small waves, the boat becomes noticeably more susceptible and a little more unsteady. However, with optimal and more manoeuvrable power trim, you can still reach around 45 knots at 6,000 rpm. The boat is then more comfortable to drive if you don't want to maximise your speed. This is definitely fast enough for an eight-metre-long boat. The fuel consumption of 133.4 litres at a maximum of 6,200 revolutions per minute is also acceptable. Mounted on the transom is a Honda BF350 XDU with a stainless steel propeller with three blades measuring 16 by 18 inches. The most economical speed for the boat is around 3,500 revolutions per minute, which corresponds to a speed of 24.3 knots according to the GPS.
The construction of our test boat
The boat is built using the so-called spray-up lamination technique. This involves applying liquid resin and short-cut glass fibres simultaneously into a mould using a spray gun. The fibres usually come from glass fibre rovings and are automatically cut to the desired length in the gun. This technique has advantages and disadvantages. It is cheaper and significantly faster for the shipyard. However, the laminate has to be thicker and is heavier, as the fibres are irregular and cannot absorb any specific forces. Nevertheless, the technique is widely used to build boats. The time saving compared to the hand lay-up method is estimated at 40 to 60 per cent.
Incidentally, the "ST" in the name stands for "Sport Top". The roof is the only difference to the normal Raptor version, but makes it more suitable for everyday use.
The Silver Raptor ST in detail
Technical data
- CE design category: C/10
- Total length: 8,05 m
- Width: 2,76 m
- Top draft drive: 0,50 m
- Clearance height: 2,75 m
- Weight with motor: 2,900 kg
- Motorisation: min. 250 hp
- Motorisation max: 350 HP
- Fuel tank: 260 l
- Water tank: 45 l
- Holding tank: 30 l
- Hot water: without
- Battery: 115 Ah
- Berths: 4
- kilograms per hp: 8,28
- Cooling volume refrigerator: 38,5 l
- Price: from € 119,900 (Further details on the comfort price)
- Distribution test boat: boatsolutions.com
- Shipyard: silverboats.fi
Engine
- Manufacturer: Honda type BF350
- Quantity: 1
- Performance: 350 HP
- Full load speed: 6,000 rpm
- Cylinder: 60° V8 SOHC
- cubic capacity: 5,000 cm³
- Fuel: Petrol
Further equipment features of the Silver Raptor ST
Standard equipment
4G router - Abloy locks - anti-frost system for windscreen - bow thruster - bow fender - cabins with mattresses and carpet - electric bilge pump and seawater toilet - fire extinguisher - hydraulic steering - navigation lights - nautical charts for plotter
Construction method
The boat is built using the injection moulding process. In spray-up lamination, liquid resin and short-cut glass fibres are applied simultaneously in a mould using a spray gun.
- Running deck: There is no running deck. The foredeck is accessed via a staircase between the windscreens.
- Sound pressure: It was not possible to measure the sound pressure during our test. However, purely subjectively, no abnormalities could be detected.
Manoeuvring aids
The Side-Power SE 30/125 S bow thruster with its remote control is fitted as standard to help with harbour manoeuvres.
Control seat
The double bench seat can be folded down. This allows two more people to sit at the table in the rear. They are also very cosy.
Pantry
The galley is well equipped for a weekend cruise with a two-burner hob and a sink with cold water. There is also sufficient storage space for the boat.
Surcharge for comfort equipment
- Auto-trim system: 2.900 €
- Electric windlass: 4.490 €
- Refrigerator: 1.790 €
- Cockpit coating: incl.
- Soft top: incl.
- VHF radio: incl.
- Chartplotter: incl.
- Charger: incl.
- Land connection: 2.490 €
- 12-volt socket: incl.
- Heating: 3.449 €
- Pressurised water system: incl.
- Outdoor shower: incl.
- Compass: 250 €
- Power steering: 3.500 €
- Horn: 240 €
- Comfort price: 139.009 €
Measurement results
| Speed rpm | Speed kn | Speed km/h | Consumption l/h | Range sm | Range km |
| 660 | 2,9 | 5,5 | 2,4 | 272 | 503 |
| 1.000 | 4,3 | 8,0 | 4,8 | 200 | 371 |
| 1.500 | 6,2 | 11,4 | 9,4 | 147 | 271 |
| 2.000 | 7,5 | 13,8 | 15,3 | 108 | 201 |
| 2.500 | 9,1 | 16,8 | 24,6 | 82 | 151 |
| 3.000 | 16,2 | 30,0 | 29,7 | 121 | 223 |
| 3.500* | 24,3 | 45,0 | 33,0 | 163 | 301 |
| 4.000 | 29,5 | 54,7 | 47,35 | 138 | 255 |
| 6.000 | 45,0 | 83,3 | 115,0 | 86 | 160 |
| 6.200 | 47,8 | 88,51 | 134,0 | 79 | 146 |
* The most economical range here is a good planing speed. Measured during our test with three people on board, light swell and ten knots of wind. Tanks: 40 per cent petrol and 10 per cent water.
BOOTE rating
The Silver Raptor ST is a versatile all-rounder that skilfully combines fun, comfort and suitability for everyday use. The boat is sporty, precise and safe. It masters waves with ease and is easy to control for both beginners and experienced skippers. Any minor weaknesses are more than compensated for by numerous plus points. A good boat for almost any purpose. Especially for the Baltic Sea.
Design and concept
Modern GRP hull
Heavy construction
Anchor can interfere
Driving and steering
Sporty and precise
Good all-round performance
Living and finishing quality
Construction quality
Well ventilated
Rear tub quite low, side change difficult
Equipment and technology
Powerful motorisation even in the minimum version
Cards for the plotter incl.
Fire extinguisher as standard
The competition on the market
Silver Raptor DC
The ST's open sister boat without a sports top roof, but with a similar concept: day cruiser with cabin, galley and WC. The two models share the hull. Price: € 105,900.
Yanmarin 80 DC
The 80 DC combines the advantages of a day cruiser with those of a walk-around boat: Large, well-lit cabin with sleeping berths, separate WC, galley and seating area. Price: 130,000 €.
Quicksilver Activ 805 Cruiser
The Quicksilver Activ 805 Cruiser is a cabin cruiser/day cruiser with a comfortable interior, designed for family and leisure use. Price: 90,900 €. You can find the BOOTE test here.
Jan-Ole Puls
Editor Test & Technology
