"When form follows function and everything else that is unnecessary for the core purpose of boating is removed, you are where Rand Boats sees its design philosophy," says the shipyard. A Danish shipyard paired with the modern and Scandinavian design that has long been a favourite at home. The young team around owner and designer Carl Kai Rand emphasises simple lines, clear design language and avoids unnecessary features.
Of course, a certain amount of luxury is also included, so you can buy options such as an underwater light (1480 euros) or an upgrade to a Bang and Olufsen sound system (1990 euros) for an extra charge. Once you have added both, however, the extras list looks empty. The boat already has two 7-inch displays at the shipyard, on which the plotter and all engine data can be read, and is otherwise well equipped from the outset. The only thing that stands out here is that there is no flagpole or options for attaching a country flag. If you want this extra, you have to choose it as an option for 290 euros. For our test, we misused the plug-in top light as a flagpole. In our opinion, however, it is not a permanent solution.
The Spirit can be driven as a petrol, diesel or even with an electric motor
Our test boat was provided by Gründl Bootsimport from Hamburg, and we were able to get an impression of the Rand Spirit 25 on the Elbe. The Rand is optionally available as an outboard version with a Mercury F150, while a Mercruiser 4.5-litre petrol engine with 250 hp or a 6.2-litre petrol engine with 300 hp are available as inboard versions. If you would like a diesel engine, which makes refuelling easier, especially on the Baltic Sea, you can also choose a Mercury Bravo 3 with 270 hp as an inboard. It is also possible to equip the 7.5 metre long boat with an electric motor. This then delivers 170 kW, which is roughly equivalent to 230 hp.
Our test boat was fitted with the most powerful engine with 300 hp and 6 cylinders. The 300 hp accelerates the boat to a maximum speed of 44.2 knots without any major visual obstructions. The boat consumes around 2.01 litres per nautical mile. Economic planing speed is then reached at around 25.7 knots. At this speed, the boat has a range of 140 nm and a consumption of 1.20 litres per nm. The tank capacity is 198 litres minus 15% reserve.
The boat sits well on the rudder during fast manoeuvres and does what the skipper wants it to do. In tight and fast circles, it quickly starts to rock in cruising trim. With the power trim down, the Test-Rand performs noticeably better. At a slow displacement speed of 600 rpm, the boat yaws a little. It swings back and forth on its own. The only thing that helps is to let it do it. If you want to equalise, you will quickly steer too far and make things even worse. At a faster displacement speed of just under 1050 rpm, the yawing becomes less.
Modern design, modern concept
The helm station is very tidy and clearly organised. The two 7-inch Raymarine displays, the controls for the Lewmar bow thruster and the Mercruiser controls for starting the engine and the gearstick are installed. The electric gearstick is comfortable to hold and works perfectly. The trim can also be adjusted on the lever with a rocker switch. The large leather steering wheel with three spokes fits in very well with the appearance and emphasises the modern design.
The Fusion music system is installed on the backboard. It powers the Bang and Olufsen loudspeakers selected as an option on our test boat. In our opinion, these have a good sound and fit in well with the concept of the open dayboat. The driver and co-driver sit together on a wide bench seat. It can accommodate up to three people. It is pleasantly hard, but still cosy. The only thing missing is lateral support and an easily accessible handle for the co-driver.
The bench seat can be folded forwards so that up to six people can sit at the table behind it. There is a sleeping area in the rear. This is approx. 1.53 m wide and 1.50 m long, offers enough space for two people and is ideal for enjoying a cosy sundowner. The back cushion can be folded down, extending the length of the reclining area to 1.70 metres. Here too, the cream-coloured cushions are pleasantly firm and go well with the grey hull.
Measurement results
If you want to go for a swim, you can use the large bathing ladder, which allows you to easily get back from the water to the spacious bathing platform, where the stern shower is also installed. A 70-litre fresh water tank is installed, the display is in the cockpit. There is plenty of storage space. The entire bow area is covered with a teak deck, under which the electronics are installed in a huge storage space.
Unfortunately, there is no partition to the electronics compartment and no way of securing the stowed items. In plain language, this means that anything stored there can slide around on a wave or when travelling at speed. The cables for the electronics are laid very neatly and the two 110 Ah batteries are stowed in boxes with lashing straps. The main switches are electronically controlled. The relays can be switched at the helm using buttons. However, reaching the foredeck is somewhat difficult. As there is no passageway, you have to climb past the windscreen. You can only hold on to the low windscreen itself.
The engine compartment deserves special mention. A GRP surround is built around the engine, which is clad with sound insulation and prevents anything from reaching the moving parts of the engine. The large storage space can therefore be fully utilised without stress. All cables and hoses are neatly and tidily routed and tied to the side wall with cable brackets. The engine compartment insulation is also properly fitted and no expense has been spared on insulation. There is also a fire extinguishing system for the engine compartment. We like that a lot.
The only thing that bothers us about the finish is the glued-in windscreen. The sealing seam there is not beautifully finished. In addition, the boat has little to no options for holding on comfortably, as the handles are difficult to reach. One positive point is that the Spirit is already very well equipped out of the box. We would only wish for a flagpole as part of the basic equipment.
The Spirit 25 has an electric and a manual bilge pump. If you like water skiing, you will need to book a tow bar as an option.
Conclusion
The Rand Spirit 25 is a stylish, no-frills boat that is ideal as a day boat - especially for swimming, waterskiing and simply enjoying the weather. We were impressed by its handling characteristics and quality.
Our test judgement
DRIVING & MANOEUVRING
- +Very good driving characteristics
PROCESSING & TECHNOLOGY
- +Very good processing quality, clean installations
- -The windscreen is unattractively sealed
SAFETY
- +Electric and manual bilge pump
COMFORT ON BOARD
- +Impressive amount of storage space
Technical data Rand Spirit 25
The boat
- Shipyard:Edge/DK
- Type: Open Day-Boat
- CE category:C/9 persons
- Hull and deck: GRP
- Length over everything:7,5 m
- Width:2,55 m
- Unladen weight (o. M.):1250 kg
- Draught (m. M.):about 0.35 m
- Clearance height:1,25 m
- Fuel tank:198 l
- Freeboard:0,98 m
- Cockpit side height inside:0,81 m
- Sun lounger rear:1.55 x 1.7 m
- Max. motorisation:220 kW (300 hp)
- List price (with test engine on the website):131.890 €
- Distribution:Gründl boat imports, www.gruendl.de
The motor
- Manufacturer:Mercuiser
- Type:Bravo 3
- Performance:220 kW (300 hp)
- Full load speed:4800 rpm
- Cylinder:6
- cubic capacity:6200 cc
- Fuel:Petrol
