Hellwig Boote has over sixty years of boatbuilding tradition. We have already published several articles on the shipyard and boats. For example, we compared an old Marathon V515 with a new Marathon V485 - with interesting results (BOOTE 5/2017). Now the latest flagship from Hellwig Boote, a Vido V790 Cabin IB, is on our programme. The shipyard has also remained true to its name and has chosen a Greek island. The latest model is available as a cabin version or as an open (bow with seating/reclining area). The buyer also has the choice between an outboard or inboard model. We drove the cabin cruiser with an inboard engine. And not with a petrol engine, but with the most powerful diesel version - a Mercury diesel 3.0L-270, which in turn is a representative of the latest diesel generation from the engine manufacturer. In order to transfer the diesel power and torque into the water as effectively as possible, the engine is equipped with a Bravo III-Z drive and twin propeller.
The engine and gearbox are operated via an electronic gearshift box, whose lever is child's play to push and shifts precisely. The same applies to the power steering, which is operated via a handy sports steering wheel. The driver sits or crouches (with the seat cushion folded up) on a well-padded bucket seat that can be adjusted in all directions. He places his feet on a slightly angled support and has a good view through the safety windscreen. This is ensured by low reflections and a standard windscreen wiper. The view of the instruments is also unclouded. Further praise: the compass is just as standard as the engine instruments. The engine data on our test boat can also be read on the chart plotter (extra and with NMEA 2000 interface). The good news is that the fuel consumption is also easy to read and we were able to record our test chart without any problems.
We are travelling on the fast track near Roermond, the home and yard track of shipyard boss Michael Hammermeister. We start with the slow speeds, at which the hull yaws a little (independent swivelling back and forth), which is not unusual for the pronounced V-hull. Weight shifts by one person have little influence on the course. Naturally, the bow rises during the transition phase from displacement to planing speed (approx. 1300 rpm-2350 rpm), which somewhat restricts the foresight of the seated driver for a good 2 seconds. If, on the other hand, you are sitting or standing on the seat, your vision is not impaired at all. Good gliding begins at 2500 rpm. The most economical ride is also calculated precisely at this value.
And this is where the advantage of the diesel engine becomes apparent: the test boat travelled 225 nm on one tank of fuel minus the obligatory 15% reserve. This is an exceptionally high value, which roughly reflects our requirements for 35-foot boats. Even at full throttle, the tank capacity is still sufficient for 149 nm.
If you steer the Vido hard into a turn at this speed and have the trim set to "down", you have to hold on tightly, because the fuselage pulls around tightly. With the propulsion trimmed, everything is a little more relaxed, as the propeller grabs air, but not fully, as it always remains somewhat force-locked. On slalom courses, the hull swings easily from one side to the other, and when the rudder is torn away, the stern sets in softly. We didn't encounter any rough water on the route and can only say that sports boat waves are easy to jump over. Water sports enthusiasts who like to hang behind boats are guaranteed to have fun with the engine power and the somewhat stronger stern wave typical of the Bravo III drive.
Back in the harbour: the test boat is easy to moor with the optional bow thruster and can be manoeuvred safely into even the most difficult corners.
Need more information? The test of the Hellwig Vido V790 Cabin IB with all technical data, further measurement results and full evaluation can be found in BOOTE issue 11/2020 from 21 October 2020 at newsstands or online at Delius Klasing Shop.
For living: You sleep on a double berth, on which you lie at a slight angle to the direction of travel. The advantage of this arrangement is that there is space for a toilet room, so the toilet is not in the cabin but discreetly behind a hinged door. And the good thing about this is that you don't have to go to the trouble of removing a cushion at night, but can easily open the door as it is. There is a chemical toilet in the wet room as standard; the marine toilet with tank installed on our test boat costs a good 1800 euros extra. There is also a washbasin in the room, which is best used sitting on the toilet.
Open-air fun can be enjoyed on a comfortable U-shaped bench seat with table, which can be converted into a sun lounger for an extra charge. A standard sunbed can be found in the stern, where there is a huge bathing platform equipped with a long ladder, stern shower, handrail running around the platform and non-slip structures. The cushions on the starboard side can be folded up or removed completely to make it easier to walk between the platform and the cockpit, and above all without stepping onto the cushions. Those who also want to cook will find what they are looking for on the accessories list: The galley block including cooker, sink and compressor refrigerator costs a good 2400 euros extra. You also pay extra for an anchor windlass, shore connection, inverter (1200 watts), flat screen with DVD player and DVBT 2 aerial as well as design packages and any kind of tarpaulin.
The standard safety features include a complete bilge and fire extinguishing system as well as a diesel filter and sprit tap. To get to the heart of the boat, you have to fold up the sunbed and the centre section of the rear bench. If you want to carry out larger jobs, you can use additional hatches to make access easier. The electrical system is equipped with firmly lashed batteries and easily accessible main switches and circuit breakers.
As usual with Hellwig, the workmanship on the test boat is also of a high standard. This starts with the high-gloss gelcoat surfaces, continues with the firmly screwed fittings and ends with the neatly sewn, comfortable upholstery.
Need more information? The test of the Hellwig Vido V790 Cabin IB with all technical data, further measurement results and full evaluation can be found in BOOTE issue 11/2020 from 21 October 2020 at newsstands or online at Delius Klasing Shop.
