If you look at the product range of DaVinci the classic retro lines are unmistakable. The model variations start with theDutch shipyard just under 30 feet and go up to the flagship 38 Classic. We drovewith the second largest model, the DaVinci 35 E.
The shipyard manufactures the hull and deck from fibreglass-reinforced plastic. The fact that the boat buildersgood work Our test boat shows how well the interior of the boat performs: This includes cleanly painted interior sides, high-gloss gelcoat surfaces and carefully deburred and sealed edges.In the same quality the upholsterers and furniture makers do their work.
Who is interested inthe motors If you want to raise the rear bench. Before this is possible, however, the side cushions of the rear bench have to be removed and the rear soft top frame folded forwards. The engine compartment cover is held open by two gas pressure dampers. Underneath, the service technician on our test boat findstwo 170-hp Volvo Penta dieselsand plenty of space for handling.
Cables and hoses are firmly and neatly secured in clamps or laid in empty conduit. Apart from a few fuel hose connections, which were only secured with a screw clamp, the diesel and electrical systems make a professional impression. At the owner's request, the engine compartment is fitted witha special stern thruster. In other words, a jet pump draws in water, which is then forced through a pipe system to the thruster outlets.
Together with the conventional bow thruster, the DaVinci can thus bePrecise targeting of jetty and sheet piling manoeuvrability. The twin engines, which allow the test boat to turn on the spot with the gears engaged in opposite directions, also contribute to the good manoeuvrability. If you push both levers slightly forwards, the gears engage smoothly and the boat moves straight ahead at around 4 knots as if pulled by a string. Even waves from the side can hardly influence this good course stability. If you push the levers even further forwards, you should stop at 1250 rpm when travelling in the canal so that the stern wave does not reach a height that threatens the shore.
The boat starts to glide at just under 2500 rpm and makes good, fast progress from around 2800 rpm. Using the trim tabs in this phase means that the nose does not rise quite as high as without them, but the trim aids are not really necessary. If you push the bow down too far with the trim tabs during normal planing, you will notice that the boat moves sluggishly across the transverse axis.
Another special feature at full throttle: you can use the power trim to bring the boat into the right floating position, but if you overdo it here, you will increase the engine speed again, but the boat will not get any faster, just louder.
It's also worth mentioning that at full throttle (just under 30 knots), the rated speed of 4000 rpm is nowhere near being reached, and what does the DaVinci do in fast bends? It does its laps smoothly without hooking or rocking, even with a choppy ride.
In general, the hull performs well in waves: it always starts smoothly and stays on course. Further praise goes to the steering, which is child's play to turn and responds directly.
The skipper does this using a ship-like wooden steering wheel, which is easy to reach both standing and sitting. The same applies to the double single-lever control next to the rudder on the starboard side. The control lever for the bow and stern thruster is located on the other side; it is shaped like a boat and allows beginners in particular to quickly get to grips with the controls. The driver's bench is also comfortable.
It is generously designed for one person, can be folded up in the front seat area and pushed forwards and backwards. Not quite as comfortable, but still good, is the one-person bucket seat for the front passenger. A support in the footwell provides the necessary stability, and a recessed grip is integrated into the storage compartment for holding on. The rest of the carpool has space on a cosy U-shaped seating area with a wooden table.
Whoever wants to go from the cockpit to theBathing platform The best way to access the foredeck is via this seating area and the adjoining aft deck. The way to the foredeck is via the side decks (easily accessible from the cockpit via steps) with a suitable width and solid railing.
Anyone using the companionway must be careful not to bump their head on the upper frame. The headroom in the saloon is 1.93 metres and 1.73 metres directly above the table. The seating area (which can be converted into a bunk if required) offers plenty of space for two to three people, but is rather cramped for four travellers. The underfloor bunk is accessible directly next to the seating area, the size and access are ideal for children or grandchildren, but for adults it is cramped on our test version, especially at the foot end.
The owner's cabin naturally has the most space with a double berth (without ventilation) and side steps for easier entry and exit. A wet room with washbasin and marine toilet as well as shower facilities with pull-out hose and floor drain is there for personal hygiene. However, the headroom is only about
1.77 m, which is a little too low for the tester (1.80 m).
The well-equipped galley is a special feature worth mentioning: It was important to the owner that two people of different sizes could get along at the galley block. For this reason, a step was installed directly in front of the block for a smaller person, while the taller person stands slightly lower to the floor.
The safety equipment, such as fire extinguishing and drainage equipment, has been carefully selected.
CONCLUSION
The DaVinci 35E has beautiful retro lines and is particularly suitable for travelling as a couple in our test configuration. The underfloor cabin, which is open to the saloon, is ideal for children or grandchildren. The cruising area is both inland and on coastal waters, where island hopping, for example, is ideal.
You can read this test in the May issue 2019 from BOOTE.
Ralf Marquard
Deputy Editor in Chief BOOTE
