From the point of view of the German shipyard Europe Marine, the concept of the Viper Toxic series - to which our test boat belongs - is to produce a trailerable, sporty and highly motorisable boat with good rough water characteristics. With a length of 8.65 metres, the 283 (test boat) is the top of the range.
To keep them trailerable, you have to "take a step back" when ordering.
In other words, the weight of 2645 kg specified by the shipyard applies with empty tanks and the smallest single engine. However, the maximum number of passengers of five or a payload of up to 475 kg can be "approved" without restrictions. The sailing area has been certified as "C" (coastal waters) within the framework of the CE, which is also appropriate.
The safest way to get on board the Viper 283 Toxxic is via the bathing platform, which has an anti-slip structure throughout. The stern sun lounger and bench seat can be accessed by removing the cushions in the centre to create a small passageway, also with an anti-slip structure.
In the cockpit, the crew can either take a seat directly on the stern bench or go further forward below deck. If you opt for the latter, you can pass through the tinted Plexiglas sliding hatch directly into the cabin with a large double V-berth, separate toilet room and galley block with sink and fridge.
You really realise that the focus of the boat is on sailing and less on "living on it" when you look at the toilet. Although everything is there, clean, high-quality and well-made, a standing height of 1.17 metres in the cramped-looking space is only enough for the bare essentials and causes beads of sweat to form on your forehead even before you get there. The sanitary room is ventilated together with the rest of the cabin via the two roof and sliding hatches.
Back in the cockpit of the Viper, everyone immediately notices the two imposing seats/offshore supports.
The only disadvantage is that they are not as comfortable for a "wide" skipper as he would like. However, with an average build and a length of 1.86 metres, everything (steering wheel distance, seat height, footrest, armrest) fits well.
As an alternative, the shipyard also offers conventional seats - albeit with correspondingly less lateral support when standing. - When it comes to the Viper 283 Toxxic's engine, there is a choice between single and twin installations, with up to 640 hp permitted.
In our case, the boat builders fitted the most powerful single engine. This is the Mercury 8.2 MAG H.O. This V8 petrol engine draws its power of 430 hp from 8.2 litres of displacement and transfers it to a Bravo III-Z drive with DuoProp system. The manufacturer has tuned the 283 Toxxic with Mercury Marine stainless steel propellers, which have a pitch of 30".
We logged the maximum speed reached at 5000 rpm, with the GPS showing a speed of just under 50 knots. The full-load speed range between 4600 and 5000 rpm recommended by the engine manufacturer shows how well the propeller selection fits.
The standard trim tabs are best used so that you don't let the rising bow obstruct your view while accelerating from displacement to planing speed, even when seated. This way you can forget to trim the power trim from the cruising position back to the transom before returning to planing speed.
However, you should never forget to trim the drive all the way to the transom before turning and travelling in circles at top speed. This is the only way to prevent the hull from rocking, possibly hooking and tilting over the longitudinal axis. Incidentally, the 283 Toxxic is extremely stable when planing and is not fazed by waves from either pleasure craft or inland waterways.
The tests on manoeuvrability at low speed can be summarised in two words: "all normal"
Turning circles forwards are 1 1/2 boat lengths and astern only 1 boat length in diameter. Turning in reverse takes 10 seconds from starboard to port and only 8 seconds in reverse.
The 283 starts to glide at just over 2000 rpm. You are travelling economically at 2500 rpm (23 knots). As already mentioned, the top speed is 50 knots, with around 3.07 l/sm of petrol being forced through the injection nozzles into the intake area of the engine. Underway like this, the 365 litre stainless steel tank is empty after just 101 nm except for the 15% reserve.
You can go much further, namely 194 nm, in the economic range (2500 rpm).
In this situation, the noise level remains below the BOOTE comfort limit (80 dB/A). At full load, the noise level then climbs to 89 dB/A,
a value that is perfectly acceptable for such a sports boat. All the installations and GRP work that can be seen in the engine compartment, behind the service hatches and in the storage compartments are of a high standard. The same applies to the stainless steel handrails and handles.
The upholstery in the cabin, rear bench seat and bow sunbed is firm and remains comfortable even on longer trips. The standard harbour cover made of sturdy fabric deserves further praise for its good fit and fastening with numerous press studs.
In terms of safety equipment, the Viper 283 Toxxic has strengths and weaknesses. There is no manual bilge pump on board, for example, and the railing on the bow is probably more of an ornamental feature, as you have to be on all fours to get a hold of it. Safety-related strengths include numerous stable and well-positioned grab handles in the cockpit as well as the fuel shut-off valve, a continuous anti-slip structure and high cockpit interior sides.
Our conclusion: The Viper 283 Toxxic delivers what the shipyard promises - even if you have to accept limitations in terms of trailerability. On the other hand, the hull shines in terms of handling and driving characteristics at high speeds as well as in terms of workmanship and installation.
