Would you like to get a taste of boating without getting a boating licence straight away? Then theGalia 440 Open with15 hp outboard motor a potential partner. And the best thing is that if you do decide to get your licence, you don't have to buy a new boat straight away, as the Galia can be extended to60 HP motorise. That means: take the old engine down and sell it, buy a new engine, bolt it to the rear and off you go with a sportier look.
Back to our 15 hp version:Motorised with a Honda long shaft outboard, we reached a maximum of14.5 kn. Our test combination achieves the most economical gliding speed at 5000 rpm (13.1 kn). However, the fuel consumption between 4500 and 5400 rpm is so close at 0.38 and 0.37 l/sm (5000 rpm) that it hardly matters whether you go full throttle or a little slower. The most important difference here lies in theVolumeat 4500 rpm you are still travelling at an acceptable 85 dB/A, and from 5000 rpm it is significantly louder at 87 and 89 dB/A respectively.
If you are travelling alone, you have the transition to theSliding drivewhere the nose only rises enough to maintain a reasonable view. Gliding is also possible with two adults, but the transition phase is then slightly longer (as you would expect). The fast ride is characterised byPrice stabilitygood visibility and safe sailing characteristics. For young water sports beginners (from 16 years), the fun is programmed in roundabouts. The "roundabout ride" is often so tight that you almost get dizzy after a while. Plus: there's no rocking or hooking, and it's easy to drive out thanks to the cable steering. You can't really go wrong on the slalom course either.
On "slow trips" between 2 and 4 knots, the hull runs perfectly straight ahead; weight shifts have only a moderate influence on the course, the boat then runs in the direction of the weight shift. Tight turning circles and direct reversing when travelling backwards allow the boat toPort manoeuvres simply succeed.
The skipper sits on the stern bench on a simple seat that matches the boat.Upholstery with back roll. To reach the steering and gearstick, he has to slide forwards a little. Guests either sit next to the driver, in front of the driving position (without upholstery) or on the front seat (with upholstery).
Sturdy handrails and railings are used to hold on to,Slip resistance anti-slip structures on the cockpit floor and bathing platforms. The shipyard integrated a two-step bathing ladder on the port platform and a handle on the outside of the stern. Given the size of the boat, it is clear that the ladder represents a compromise, as it is not possible to install much wider, longer ladders in this arrangement.
TheBilge pump is an electrical version, which isUnsinkability of the boat provides sufficient safety.Storage space is available in the bow and stern locker. Under the aft bench there is a safe and secure storage space for the tank and75 Ah battery(with main switch). The fuses for the navigation lights (some of which are not authorised in Germany) and bilge pump are located behind the switch panel, which has to be unscrewed to replace them. The cleats and robust rubbing strake, like the entireBoat processinga good figure.CriticismThe accessories list includes a tarpaulin, signal horn, fire extinguisher and compass.
Conclusion:
With the Galia motorised with 15 HP, young and old can go on a discovery tour safely, but still at an appealing speed.
Data sheet: Galia 440 open
Shipyard: Galia Boats
Type designation: Galia 440 open
CE category: C - Coastal waters
Length: 4,20 m
Width: 1,65 m
Displacement: 0,35 t
Price: 10.803,00 €
