Displacement boats have the disadvantage that they hardly travel faster than the theoretical hull speed, which makes travelling against the current a game of patience, especially on fast-flowing rivers.
The rule for displacement boats is that the longer the waterline, the higher the theoretical hull speed.
For our test boat, the Boarncruiser 1300 Elegance Express Edition, this results in a hull speed of just under 9 knots. The slow cruising speed is then around 7 knots, which with one tank of petrol plus a reserve will take you well over the 370 nm we require (about twice as much).
However, our express version has the advantage of being able to increase speed considerably. De Boarnstream achieves this with two powerful engines (2 x 220 hp) and an aluminium superstructure, which makes the boat lighter.
Such a semi-glider not only has great advantages on fast-flowing waters, but also at sea, for example if you want to reach a calm harbour before a bad weather front approaches.
With our fully equipped test boat cruiser, the top speed was just under 16 knots.
It's clear that plenty of diesel runs through the fuel lines at this speed. In figures, around 6 l/sm, which results in a range of 145 nm. At 12.3 knots, the nozzles spray around 5 litres per second into the combustion chambers of the two Volvo Penta diesel engines, and 4 litres per second at 10.4 knots.
There are no unpleasant surprises for those who take fast turns in turbo gear. The Boarncruiser gyrates unerringly and swings easily into its own wave.
It is just as easy on the slalom course and when tearing the rudder. Oh yes, of course it can also go straight ahead, regardless of whether you are travelling fast or slow. It even stays true to its line in choppy water. Depending on the direction of travel, water sometimes splashes onto the windscreen, which the two double-arm windscreen wipers (with washer nozzles) have no problem clearing away.
It is in the nature of this type of boat that the bow rises with increasing speed. Trim tabs can be used to counteract this, but the skipper has the best view at high speed when standing up. Sitting down, he has to make a long neck. However, there are a variety of solutions in this respect, "because every owner can customise the driver's seat as they wish," says Eric Huis in 't Veld from De Boarnstream.
The driver can reach the rudder and switch box just as easily as the control unit for the bow and stern thruster. This allows the berth in the box and at the jetty to be controlled safely and precisely. The horizontally installed rev counter and the Volvo display are best read while standing. The remaining instruments and the chart plotter are clearly visible from all driving positions.
A large hatch in the cockpit floor provides a good view into the engine compartment, and a ladder provides a safe way down. Down there, the service technician finds a generator in the centre and the two diesels on the sides. There is enough space to carry out maintenance and repair work, and the shipyard technicians have laid the cables and hoses neatly and securely.
"Good work" also stands for the battery mounting with bolted shells and ratchet retaining straps. Apart from the missing e-alarm, the fuel system with double filters also deserves praise. There are further plus points for the fire extinguishing system in the engine compartment.
ShipyardDe Boarnstream / NetherlandsTypeBoarncruiser Elegance 1300 Express EditionCE categoryHull and deckSteel / aluminiumLength overall13.60 mWidth4.55 mDisplacement17 tDraft approx. 0.95 mClearance height3.10 mFuel tank1000 lWater tank600 lFaeces tank240 lCabins3 + saloonBerths6Engines2 x built-in diesels each 162-320 kW (220-435 hp) Test engines2 x Volvo Penta D3 220, 162 kW (220 hp)Price (with standard equipment)617 372 €
From technology to life on board: the Elegance 1300 has plenty to offer: Let's start aft on the bathing platform. A ladder, which can also be operated from the water, is located on the starboard side. On the same side, a little further forward, you will find the stern shower so that you can shower off immediately after your bath. The platform is large enough to accommodate free-standing chairs or, as on our test boat, the dinghy can be secured using special brackets.
The cockpit is easily accessed from aft via a half-height door on the port side. Here, sun worshippers can lounge on a comfortable L-shaped bench seat with a large lowerable wooden table in front of it. You can also enjoy the sun on the foredeck, which can be easily reached via the wide side deck with solid railing.
A particularly large living space is created when you open the wide rear door and combine the cockpit with the saloon.
The only drawback: the stern door on our test boat has very sharp corners. The rounded fixtures and door handles show that it can also be done safely and without risk of injury.
In the saloon, the designer accommodated a seating area and a galley open to the aft. A special feature of the saloon table: to widen the passageway, you can fold down about ⅓ of the table top. The good all-round view and the huge sunroof also give a good feeling of living here.
One floor below are the two bathrooms with shower, toilet and washbasin. Both rooms are well laid out and equipped.
The owner has a double bed with a special mattress which, like the rest of the berth cushions, also offers ventilation. With two additional underfloor cabins, the E 1300 Express is particularly family-friendly, as it can easily accommodate four people with all their luggage. On our test boat, the owner wanted four single berths, but two double berths are also easily possible when ordering.
CONCLUSION
The Boarncruiser Elegance 1300 Express Edition is a semi-glider that allows six people to travel comfortably on sea and inland waterways. It is also possible to shift into turbo gear, which may cost more fuel, but the time saved or the extra distance travelled is often worth a lot.
This test originally appeared inBoats 02/2018
