In BOOTE 9/15, we pitted the two big sisters Drago 29 with and without a wide-beam hull and petrol versus diesel engine against each other. Among other things, the petrol engine was judged to have rather tired acceleration characteristics. In contrast, our new test boat, the Drago 23 Yachtline Wide Beam, is extremely sporty or even "snappy" in the acceleration phase with Volvo's new V6 petrol engine and its 240 hp.
Everyone can imagine that the transition phase from displacement to planing speed causes no problems, but what happens when the boat is travelling at around 20 knots and the lever is then pushed all the way forwards?
The fuselage makes a "rocket start" and the carpool is clearly pressed into the seats.
This continues until the top speed of over 38 knots is reached. The only drawback: according to Volvo, the 5000 rpm at full throttle are at least 400 rpm too low. This means that the propeller tuning still needs to be worked on.
We trimmed the Drago by hand, but it's easier for the owner with the installed automatic trim system, which automatically controls the power trim depending on the speed.
If you enter fast turns with optimum trim (about +3 on the display), you must not turn too tightly so that the propeller does not draw air. It's better with the Z-drive fully trimmed to the transom, then the fuselage turns tightly without snatching air, doesn't rock, but there are clearly noticeable lateral forces and the motto is "hold on tight".
The same applies when the steering wheel is turned and on slalom courses, where the hull does not buck but the physical forces simply take effect. With its smooth steering, the Drago is always precise and easy to control We cannot objectively say how the wide-beam hull performs in choppy water due to the small waves on Lake Constance. In any case, the hull passed through the stern of the commercial vessels without any problems.
When it comes to economical driving, 3500 rpm (25 knots) is the target for our test combination.
In this situation, 1.16 l/sm of fuel runs through the pipe, which, with a tank capacity of 170 litres, still gives a range of 124 nm plus 15% reserve and underlines the Drago's suitability for long-distance cruising. Plus-minus: The volume meter shows only 80 dB/A at cruising speed and 82 dB/A at full throttle. The foam sound insulation responsible for this can be easily ignited with a lighter and then continues to burn brightly.
On slow routes, the rider has to compensate for the course from time to time, even if one person shifts their weight. The Drago 23 Wide Beam is easy to manoeuvre, thanks to its tight turning circles and responsive handling. It is steered using a non-slip, well-positioned sports steering wheel and shifted using Volvo's smooth-running EVC gearstick.
The driver sits on a bucket seat, the seat cushion of which can be folded up for travelling in a standing position, otherwise the seat offers no adjustment options. The upholstery is firm, but you have to get used to the bulging centre backrest cushion. The other controls of the driving position are well distributed on the dashboard, but we miss the compass. We also searched in vain for the windscreen wiper on the slightly tinted windscreen. The reason is easy to find: The windscreen is made of Plexiglas, which the windscreen wiper would scratch in no time at all. Florian Öchsner adds:
"On request, we offer a special coating for the windscreen that causes water droplets to bead up and makes the windscreen wiper superfluous."
Volvo's new petrol engine is positioned under the sun lounger, which can be conveniently folded down using two gas pressure dampers. The service technician has plenty of room to work in the engine compartment. What the compartment lacks is good ventilation, because at full throttle the engine compartment temperature is only just below the maximum limit of 45° C - and that with air and water temperatures of just 16° C. The fuel and electrical systems are of a good standard. Apart from a few bumpy silicone seams, this also applies to the overall finish.
In terms of safety equipment, Drago relies on two electric bilge pumps and a loose hand bilge pump. However, the equipment with just a 1 kg fire extinguisher and fire port access in the engine compartment is not enough for us; we demand a fire extinguishing system for built-in petrol engines. The railing and suitably installed handrails provide support on board, but the side deck is less comfortable as it is just 11 cm wide.
To moor the boat, the shipyard installs four cleats as standard. The centre cleat, for easy single-handed slipping, costs extra. These cleats as well as the pressurised water system, deluxe cockpit table, LED ceiling lights, 12 V socket and sunroof are available in a so-called touring package (€4940). You also pay extra for navigation lighting that is approved throughout Germany. Öchsner, on the other hand, provides the complete anchor harness as standard.
Our conclusion
The Drago Yachtline 23 is an easily trailerable cabin cruiser. Two people can travel comfortably, and exploring with friends is also possible. The standard version lacks some equipment, but the workmanship and installations are impressive.
Data sheet: Drago 23 Yachtline Wide Beam
Shipyard: Drago
Type designation: Drago 23 Yachtline Wide Beam
CE category: C - Coastal waters
Material of hull and deck: Plastic
Length: 7,29 m
Width: 2,48 m
Displacement: 1,69 t
Price: 59.330,00 €
