The Invictus boat brand first appeared at boat shows around five years ago. Since then, designer Christian Grande and the boat builders have really stepped on the gas and developed a total of six model series, starting with the smallest 190 FX and ending with the flagship Invictus 370 GT. Our test boat belongs to the CX series, which comprises four models, two with outboards and two with inboards. We are sailing the smaller inboard model, the 250 CX.
Need more information? You can find the test of the Invictus 259 CX with technical data and further images in BOOTE issue 05/2020 or online at Delius Klasing Shop.
It is equipped with a spacious deck area and a cabin with double berth and vacuum toilet. The latter costs extra and can be ordered in two versions: either in a box in the cabin or separately in an extra room right next to the entrance on the starboard side. Although this variant is about twice as expensive as the simple cabin version at a good 3,000 euros, it makes perfect sense for reasons of privacy. This room is not huge, but it's still suitable for the 1.80 metre tall person. A washbasin can also be ordered for the cupboard opposite the companionway. And a fridge (2100 euros) can also be integrated into this.
The bunks are firmly upholstered and, as is usual with boats of this type, are not ventilated. The cabin is ventilated via side windows and the entrance with a lockable sliding door. The cockpit features a comfortable seat/lounger unit. A round table fits in front of the corner bench seat, and the driver's bench can be converted into a couch using the folding backrest. A bimini sits enthroned above everything, which practically disappears into a storage compartment when not in use - when folded forwards.
The biggest highlight for sun worshippers can be found on the foredeck, as the shipyard supplies a huge sun cushion as standard. Not forgetting water rats and water ski or wakeboard enthusiasts. They will all enjoy the full-length bathing platform with a long ladder, which is covered by a hatch. Both can be easily operated from the water. The boatyard has installed a stern shower behind a cover on the side wall to the stern entrance so that you can take a quick shower after your swim.
The driver and co-driver sit on the aforementioned double bench, while the skipper places his feet on a raised step on the driving position. A non-slip cockpit floor and a solid handrail around the driving position provide the necessary support for the co-driver. The height-adjustable steering wheel is easy to operate in all driving positions. Drivers who are seated can hardly miss their course, as the compass is directly in their field of vision. Standing drivers can look over the windscreen and get the fresh air blown right into their face.
The shipyard recommends an inboard engine with 240 hp or more to ensure a good performance. We cruise across Lake Constance with exactly this power, a Volvo Penta V6-240-C with duoprop provides the necessary propulsion. The boat is brought into the right position with trim tabs and power trim. If both are set to down, the test boat glides effortlessly with unrestricted foresight. A good planing speed is already evident from 3500 rpm, which reaches its economic point at 4000 rpm. 168 nm plus 15% reserve is then possible with one tank of fuel - not bad. In theory, you could easily drive from Barcelona to Palma.
Back to our test area, Lake Constance: the hull copes well with the waves generated by winds of around 4 Bft. In fast bends and on slalom courses, the boat stays well on track despite the choppy sea, with only the wind occasionally causing a light spray on the windscreen. In a calm harbour, the tight turning circles are impressive, and on windy days in particular, the optional bow thruster helps to make final manoeuvre corrections quickly.
The smooth and precise electronic gearstick from Volvo Penta is also an advantage here. It gives its "commands" to a V6 petrol engine that is built on solid foundations. In general, the installations make a professional impression with firmly and cleanly laid cables. The fire extinguishing system, remote-controlled petrol tap, fuel filter with drain plug, firmly lashed batteries and easily accessible main switches and fuses (accessible from the cabin or toilet room) are also particularly pleasing.
To make it as easy as possible for the service technicians, it is best to stand in the engine compartment, which is opened up by a large hatch (rear couch). In terms of safety equipment, we lack the powerful manual bilge pump. However, there are plenty of electric pumps in the bilge - the cockpit drains itself. If you want to get safely from the cockpit to the foredeck, it is better to do this via the port side, as the side deck is noticeably wider here than on the starboard side. The handrail and railing provide the necessary support.
We are missing a stern door at the passage to the bathing platform. We searched in vain for the centre cleat for mooring and especially for one-man sluicing. If you want to drop anchor, it's best to order the complete anchor package with electric winch, chain and anchor for a good 2,000 euros. If you also want to be out and about in rainy weather, you will also have to go to the accessories list, as the camper cover is on the list, as are the full tarpaulin or bonnets for the driving position, driver's seat and rear bench, as well as shore power, music system and plotter. Of course, a suitable trailer is also needed, because the good thing about this boat size is that it can be towed without any problems (2400 kg boat weight and a boat width of 2.50 m). This gives the owner with a suitable towing vehicle, such as an SUV and the like, a huge selection of accessible areas. Ralf Marquard
Conclusion:The Invictus 250 CX is an elegant day cruiser that is both sporty and safe when travelling. It is suitable for relaxed bathing trips and voyages of discovery, which can also be longer with a toilet on board. If you don't necessarily want to call at your home port, you can also spend the night on board. The boat can still be trailered without any problems and is therefore very flexible when it comes to choosing sailing areas.
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