To minimise any confusion in advance, a few words about the name Linssen 530. When we sailed the boat in the summer, it was still called 52.9. However, on 1 September 2015, Linssen renamed and restructured its entire model range. Why? According to dealers:
"The variety of Linssen models has not exactly made it easy to get an overview. With the new streamlining, the aim is to provide customers with a clearer model range, better design options and individuality. Linssen is also hoping for more series-friendly production."
We drove our test version 52.9 Wheelhouse on the Ems between Emden and the North Sea. The latter is an area where the boat fits in well, because with CE category A (open sea) it is designed for long journeys.
On our test day, the Ems showed its calm side and we only had to deal with "simple" choppy waves, which the robust steel hull easily negotiated. For larger calibres, the Linssen has a stabilisation system (Rotorswing, see also BOOTE 07/15) on board, which costs a good 50,000 euros extra.
The 530 is driven from a tidy driving position on the port side. It is located in the wheelhouse (wheelhouse with sliding roof) together with a "sofa" installed lengthways to the direction of travel and an adjustable double driver's bench seat (backrest can be folded down), which offers good all-round visibility.
The view of the monitors is impeccable, with moderate reflections on the horizontally installed Volvo instruments. Consumers are switched via modern touch-screen displays. Should they fail, Linssen has installed exemplary emergency switches (behind the dinette).
The two Volvos are operated via an electronic EVC unit, whose levers are child's play to push. The steering wheel is turned smoothly and precisely, even when leaning back and relaxing. The driver only needs the steering wheel a little when manoeuvring, as the Linssen can be steered skilfully with two engines and the bow and stern thrusters.
This gives the skipper absolute safety when mooring. The 530 also cuts a fine figure during fast manoeuvres. The steel boat only leans a little on the outside of the bend and swings sedately into the self-generated wave. With the stabilisation system switched on, the hull is even softer than without it.
If you want to go the distance, it is best to switch on the autopilot and just watch the traffic. However, this is not to say that you can't sail straight ahead with the Linssen in manual mode. No matter what speed you are travelling at, only a few course corrections are necessary. The shipyard specifies the appropriate engine speed for long journeys at around 2000 rpm.
According to our measurements, the boat runs at just under 8 knots in this situation and, with one tank of fuel minus 15% reserve and a consumption of a good 3 litres per second, can cover around 600 nm. A range and speed that is entirely appropriate for this type of boat. It must be clear that full throttle (9.6 kn) should be avoided as far as possible, because then the two Volvos need more than twice as much diesel.
The engines are well encapsulated under the saloon floor. Water and oil are controlled via a flap in the saloon floor. Additional floor panels can be removed for major servicing work and even the cabin roof can be opened with moderate ease for a complete refit.
In the fuel system, the electrical alarm is missing from the otherwise professional filter system, and some of the diesel lines are only secured with a screw clamp.
The cable routing (mostly in cable ducts) is of a high standard. The same praise applies to the fire extinguishing system and the safety of movement. The shipyard only uses three electric pumps for the bilge system. Hand bilge pump? Not a thing.
The long bathing ladder on the large platform is a different story. Linssen provides this as standard, as well as the side steps leading to the cockpit. Up here, a U-shaped bench with a wooden table dominates, and a huge double door (with stopper) leads to the wheelhouse.
The credo below deck is "openness", which applies in particular to the connection between the wheelhouse and the saloon one floor below. This in turn is freely accessible to the aft galley. The cabins and wet rooms exude a cosy atmosphere with modern wall applications and high-quality furniture.
If our Wheelhouse test model doesn't quite appeal to you because it looks too "steel steamer-like", you should take a look at the plans for the Variotop version (CE category B only), which exudes a little more southern flair.
Data sheet: Linssen Grand Sturdy 530
Ralf Marquard
Deputy Editor in Chief BOOTE
