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A dayboat from Germany that aims to outshine the competition. Striking and obtrusive, but not unappealing. Many shipyards have wanted to build a boat like this. The Sterk 31 RC is a hot contender for this title.
"The Sterk 31 RC was actually supposed to be built in one of the best boatbuilding nations in the world, Ukraine," says shipyard boss Milan Sterk. But after the Russian attack, production had to be completely relocated to Italy and Poland. Final production and delivery take place in Germany. Unfortunately, around 50 per cent of his moulds, tools and CNC machines were hit and destroyed at the beginning of the war, says the shipyard boss at the presentation in the north of Mallorca. It is therefore all the more astonishing that the small shipyard still managed to build something that is in no way inferior in terms of quality to many comparable series-produced boats. But more on that later. Together with boat manufacturer Milan Sterk, designer Carlos Vidal and naval architect Sasha Vlad, the boat was presented to us on the Balearic island. In perfect weather and almost perfect conditions, we were able to get a comprehensive picture of the Sterk 31 RC prototype. This much in advance: she is fast! The hull of the 31 was simulated using complex and expensive design programmes. It is equipped with two steps in the underwater area. The stem is inclined slightly aft, making it a modern dayboat. The rest of the hull is also anything but classic. The lines are clear and concise.
In the bow of the boat there is an anchor locker and a V-shaped sofa. The latter can be converted into a sunbathing area and then measures 1.75 metres x 1.91 metres. The additional panel, which is placed between the benches to enlarge them, also serves as a table. The steering position and a small wet room were installed amidships. The toilet room is sufficiently large, has a glass washbasin and enough windows for ventilation. The headroom here is around 1.50 metres. The helm station is equipped with a double plotter and a Yamaha control panel. The buttons are push-buttons and a zipwake system is also integrated. The throttle lever and quick stop are located on the starboard side. The joystick is located on the port side. Of course, mobile phones can also be charged here via induction charging. Another cool gimmick is the cup holder. It can cool or heat drinks. This keeps drinks at the desired temperature for a long time, even on hot days. The workmanship and installation of the devices are exemplary and professional. In the rear area, you have the choice between a wet bar with a U-shaped sofa or, as in our case, the version with a small cabin. The large sun lounger (1.95 x 1.91 metres) is located on the roof of the cabin. Although the cabin is small, it is equipped with everything you need for a short break for two or an overnight stay. The upholstery is neatly finished, a USB socket allows you to charge your mobile phone and awnings in the rear provide shade. Especially on hot days, you will be pleased that the boat does not heat up so quickly. There is no air conditioning. Thanks to the side windows, the interior is pleasantly bright even when the hatch is closed. There are two 52-litre fridges under the bench seat in the cockpit, which have been specially adapted to the boat. If you wish, you can also order the boat with a waketower or T-top.
But what would a motorboat be without an engine? The Sterk 31 has two. The 4.2-litre six-cylinder engines supplied by Yamaha, each with 300 hp, are perfectly matched to the boat. All functions, such as the staypoint function, i.e. keeping the
position via GPS, work without any problems and are a great feature. But the handling characteristics are also impressive. The Sterk 31 turns and circles without any problems. To call it unspectacular would not do the boat justice. If you put the lever on the table after the turn, you can reach up to 60 knots. Anyone who has ever travelled at this speed knows that this is not unspectacular. But it's not a problem either. The boat feels safe and stable at the maximum possible 55 knots on our test day. For beginners, however, the boat is quite fast and sporty. The economic planing speed is around 26 knots. The plotter then shows a fuel consumption of 56.6 litres per hour. During harbour manoeuvres, the standard Joy
stick control. The motors run separately, clutch differently or have different speeds. It sounds complicated at first, but once you get the hang of it and know what the boat does when you turn or tilt the stick, docking is child's play. Here too, good is not good enough. The two outboards are perfectly matched to the size and weight of the boat. Many hours have gone into adjusting and tuning them. In our opinion, it was worth it. You don't even miss the missing bow thruster, which wouldn't be very efficient due to the hull design. When you talk to Milan Sterk about what the Sterk 31 is to be used for, you quickly realise that it is not intended for beginners, but it doesn't have to be. It is a boat that you buy when you are a little more experienced and know what is important to you. Key points such as workmanship, but also fast and comfortable travelling should definitely be on your wish list.
Technical data
The boat
- Shipyard: Sterk/GER
- Type:31 RC
- CE category:C/9 persons
- Hull and deck: Plastic
- Length over everything: 9,73 m
- Width: 2,99 m
- Displacement (empty or motor):2620 kg
- Depth:about 0.84 m
- Clearance height: 1,87 m
- Fuel tank: 530 l
- Water tank: 73 l
- Holding tank: 83 l
- Berths: 2
- Bunk dimension:Aft cabin 1.45 x 1.90 m
- Standing height: WC room 1.43 m; aft cabin 0.70 m
- Sunbeds:Stern 1.95 m x 1.91 m; foredeck 1.75 m x 1.65 m; freeboard: 0.86 m
- Interior cockpit side height: 0,75 m
- Turning circles (boat lengths): forwards starboard 1 1/2, centre 1 1/2; backwards starboard 1, centre 1; reversing from starboard to centre about 3 s; from centre to starboard about 3 s
- Test motorisation: 2 x Yamaha 300hp V6, 220 kW (300 hp)
- Price (standard boat with test engine): from Worms: 239 399 €
- Distribution (test boat):KalterHundt GmbH, Bohlswarfer Weg 25, 26419 Schortens, www.buy-a-boat.de
The motor
- Manufacturer: Yamaha
- Type: 300hp V6
- Performance: 220 kW/300 hp
- Quantity:2
- Full load speed range: 5000-6000 rpm
- Cylinder: V6
- cubic capacity: 4169 cc
- Fuel: Petrol
- Generator: 12 V/70 A
- Gear ratio: 1,75 : 1
- Test propeller: 4 x 15" x 23"
Standard equipment
electric steering, electric gear shift, bow thruster, driver's seat, table, storage lockers, berth cushions, shower, electric toilet, washbasin, 2 x 52-litre refrigerator, bathing platform, bathing ladder, 530-litre fuel tank, 130-litre water tank, batteries, main switch, electric and manual bilge pump, cleats, railing, handrails, synthetic deck covering, sun awning in bow and stern, compass, 83-litre waste tank, darkened windows, navigation lighting, electric bilge pump, manual bilge pump, stowage, anchor locker, main switch, sound system, cup holder
Our test judgement
Driving & manoeuvring
- + easy manoeuvring
- + Safe driving characteristics in all situations
Processing & technology
- + professional installations
- + well-tuned motors
Security
- + complete bilge pump
- + high freeboard
Comfort on board
- + Joystick control
- + high-quality upholstery
Conclusion
The Sterk 31 RC is not a beginner's boat. With a total of 600 hp, which is fed into the water by the two Yamaha engines, it is very well motorised and very fast at almost 60 knots. It has many well thought-out details and useful gimmicks that make life on board and handling the boat easier.
