RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) are becoming increasingly popular - you don't just see them more often in the Mediterranean, but also here in Germany. Over the years, their dimensions have increased significantly. Today, inflatable boats with a rigid hull of around 30 feet are no longer a rarity.
At 23 feet, our BWA 23 test boat is noticeably smaller, but at 6.89 m x 2.85 m it still offers plenty of comfort for families and outings with friends. The boat is well suited for swimming and sunbathing trips or activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding and tubing, for which you need sufficient power for starting and a flat stern wave. Requirements that the plastic hull, together with the 225 hp Honda outboard engine, fulfils in full.
The six-cylinder engine gets the 900 kg BWA planing in around 3 seconds. The foresight remains perfect with the outboard engine trimmed completely to the transom. The motor-boat combination reaches its lowest planing speed at just under 3000 rpm at around 18 knots. To prevent the outboard (anti-cavitation plate) from creating an annoying fountain of spray water, the engine should be raised with the power trim as soon as possible at low planing speed. The stern wave remains nice and flat up to the maximum speed of 45 knots. Shortcoming: We reached a full throttle speed of 6200 rpm. This means that the engine turns 200 rpm more than permitted.
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Ralf Marquard
Deputy Editor in Chief BOOTE
