The abbreviation G5 in the name of the high-performance RIB seaDNA 999 stands for thefifth generation - and in these aresignificant changes were incorporated.
For a speedster like this, the fuselage is thecrucial component. It was originally developed in collaboration with the British specialist Adam Younger. The result is one of theTidbits from the segment.
One of the modifications to the G5 is that the deck and stern area have been merged into one part. This bringsAdvantages in production and stability. The hulls are now only fitted withVinyl ester resin laminated, previously polyester was also available. The high-quality resin is also used for the stringers - now with foam cores. So they aremore elastic and withstand high loads better.
The resin Osmosis as it is based on epoxy molecules. Unlike epoxy, vinyl ester can be combined directly with a gelcoat, which makes maintenance easier. In addition, the G5thicker hoses (55 cm) made of Orca 866 with over 40 colours.
It is overallhigher than the original modelThis makes staying in the cockpit even safer, especially in rough conditions.
The tank mounting has also been changed. The reservoir is now located in a foam-padded plywood tray, whichDamage from impacts prevented.
The shipyard sees itself as a manufactory. Anyone can therefore buy a TechnohullBuild according to your own ideas can. The seaDNA 999 is based on a modular system consisting ofThree bow designs - "Cabin", "Delta" and "Open" - and theFour rear variants "Inboard", "Classic Sun Deck", "Straight" and "U-Shape" consists of. The test boat is based on the "Open" and "U-Shape" modules. The U-shaped seating area - optionally with a table - is located in front of the centre console.
Supplemented with additional elements, it also serves as a lying surface. There are storage spaces underneath. In the anchor locker, theremote control electric anchor winch as standard. There is a flap with an integrated seat in the front of the console, behind which there is a storage space.
This can be combined with aE-toilet and a tarpaulinand also serve as a changing room. The steering position is at the rear. The basic equipment - compass, engine instruments, switches and throttle - can be extended to include a multifunction display.
The T-top with transparent roof is an accessory. The following, shock-absorbing individual seats in one or optionally two rows of seats offer good lateral support and function as standing seats when the seat surface is folded down. Electrically adjustable versions are available as an option.
A U-shaped bench seat follows in the stern, which can also be converted into a sunbathing area using additional cushions. The fresh water stern shower is part of the standard equipment, as is the bathing ladder.
For the built-in engines, twin systems with Mercury 2.0L-170 diesels or a Mercury diesel TDI 4.2L-370 with Bravo-Three drives are listed. With two Mercury Verados, there is a choice of F400, F350 and F300, while a single Verado F400 Racing is available. If technically feasible, other makes are also fitted, as shown by the test boat's equipment with two Yamaha F300s.
Shorter BETX versions were chosen because, according to customers, the boat is better suited to fast cruising with low consumption and low swell; however, this leads to cavitation problems during sharp manoeuvres.
Only four seconds pass before we are gliding at 1700 rpm at a low 10 knots. Length runs smoothly. We reach our top speed of 58.9 knots after 22 seconds at 5500 rpm. This is exactly where the engine develops its full power. The ideal speed is 3300 rpm. This gives us a brisk 32 knots, and 58 litres per hour run through the two 4.2-litre V6s. With the 450-litre tank (minus 15 % reserve), a cruising speed of 211 nm is possible.
An additional tank of around 160 litres is installed in the test boat for emergencies. The deep V-hull with two steps offers excellent handling and smooth immersion in the waves.
Fast full circles at 25 knots are possible with three boat lengths in diameter. For slow circles, it is only 1.3 boat lengths in both directions. The boat responds to movements of the throttle or steering without delay.
To be able to enjoy so much fun, you need to save up 142,800 euros for the basic version of the seaDNA 999G5 tested. The counter-rotating engine pair on the test boat costs a further 62,455 euros. Assembly and accessories are also included.
Technohull Swiss AG from Tägerwilen on Lake Constance is responsible for importing the luxury inflatables from Alimos near Athens for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Behind this is the inflatable boat specialist Bernd Stockmann from Dömitz, who also acts as a dealer for the brand in Germany, as does Valentina Bootservice in Constance. The test boat is being chartered by RIBCruises Athens.
Conclusion:
The seaDNA 999G5 has excellent handling characteristics - even at high speeds a pleasant ride is possible. It is well built and, with a total weight of 2.6 tonnes, can even be trailered.
This test comes from BOOTE 9/2017
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