Who doesn't know the beautiful pictures and films whenthe stars on the Cote D'Azur take their boat tripsmake. Beaming with joy, they thunder in their open boats and V-8 engines about theMediterranean Sea and have a good time. Fun that all of us boaters probably understand.
If the directors or film stars were looking for a boat right now, they would probably not be able to avoid our test boat, the Chris Craft Corsair 30. A boat withelegant appearance and fine materials results in the film-ready day cruiser.
A quick look under the bonnet shows that it's just as good under the bonnet.two V-8 enginesnot only because of theirPerformance promise fun, but also with theirSound.
Anyone who sits down at the driving position of our test boat immediately feels at ease, as the seat offers a comfortableSeat adjustments in longitudinal direction, firm upholstery and a sloping footrest. Driving standing up? No problem either, as the height of the steering wheel can be adjusted, while the Gearstick easily accessible remains.
The view of the instruments is unrestricted and the toggle switches next to the steering wheel convey the feeling of a helicopter cockpit. Reflections on the lower part of the windscreen are a nuisance, and there is no windscreen wiper for driving in the rain.
We have a helper on board for casting off from the harbour: our test boat is equipped with the Axius joystick system (almost 20,000 euros extra) from MerCruiser. Simply push or turn the lever and the boat moves in the desired direction.
It's not quite as simple, but still great, with the engines and bow thruster engaged in opposite directions into the pits and onto the jetty. At displacement speed (around 3-6 knots), the driver also remains relaxed thanks to the good directional stability of the hull, which is tilted up by 20 degrees.
We couldn't really test the rough water behaviour, as we only had self-generated waves or those from other pleasure craft at our disposal on the Meuse. In any case, these are easy to jump over with fast planing.
The two V-8 petrol engines accelerate the boat effortlessly from displacement to planing speed. Apart from a brief obstruction to visibility due to the rising bow, the view forwards remains good. The lowest planing speed is around 2600 rpm, and it is advisable to use the trim tabs to bring the boat into a slightly better position.
From 3000 rpm, the flaps are raised again and the power trim is used (max. just under ½ on the display). The Chris Craft glides light-footed and stable over the water. The generated stern wave is quite powerful and not necessarily something for water ski beginners.
To give wakeboarders or water skiers the right amount of fun, it is best to make fast turns with the drive down. Then the twin propellers always retain their grip, and the hull can do its laps smoothly.
With the drives trimmed to the maximum, the hull tends to rock a little. The slalom courses and rudder twisting are fun, which is also due to the steering, as it can always be operated precisely and smoothly. If you just want to get from the harbour to the nearby anchorage quickly, put the lever on the table and cruise across the water at 41.6 knots.
The shipyard has recognised that the two V-8s also need the corresponding amount of fuel and has equipped the Corsair 30 with a tank capacity of over 500 litres. This is enough for 168 nm plus the obligatory 15% reserve at an economical cruising speed of 22 knots.
Engine, tank, electrics
The fact that you don't have to bend your back to reach the engine compartment is a matter of course with Chris Craft. The electric drive raises the tailgate with sunbed at the touch of a button. If the batteries are empty or have been removed, a terminal point next to the panel allows the boat to be bridged with an auxiliary battery.
The engine compartment offers plenty of space for handling, lines are firmly and clearly laid out. The fuel hoses are crimped at the connections in an exemplary manner, and filter cartridges on the engines take care of fuel cleaning. The batteries are firmly and securely stored in bolted plastic boxes with retaining straps.
The corresponding fuses are well positioned on the main switch panel and under the switches on the driver's platform. Next to the latter is the access to the centre passageway, which, however, is only equipped with a small step in the lower area. It becomes particularly difficult when the sliding door is open. On the foredeck, a bar deck and handrails ensure safe movement.
Living and cockpit
Clearly, the highlight is the cockpit area with its elegant furniture. Here, or on the large area above the engine compartment, the stars and starlets can loll around on sun loungers. A cool dip can be taken from the bathing platform, which is easily reached via the centre passageway at the stern lounger.
To rinse the salt water from your skin immediately after bathing, you can quickly pull the hose out of the side wall and shower off with cold or warm water. There is a cool box in the cockpit under the seat bench for cool drinks.
If you need to go to the toilet on longer trips, there is a marine toilet in the cabin under the centre cushion (which costs extra). There is a chemical toilet as standard. Sitting comfortably on the cushions in the cabin is not possible for the 1.80 metre tall skipper, he always bumps his head against the ceiling.
So if you want to take a break, you have to do so lying down. The bunk also offers sufficient comfort for occasional overnight stays, the cushions are pleasantly firm. The cabin has a small washbasin and the necessary storage space for a day trip or even a weekend trip.
Conclusion
The Chris Craft Corsair 30 is a successful day cruiser that is a joy to ride. It is well made and offers plenty of space in the cockpit. This means that nothing stands in the way of splashing and swimming trips with friends. However, the price for the fun tends to be right at the top of the scale.
This test comes from BOOTE 1/2018.
