Test: Viper V 233 - Day cruiser impresses with handling characteristics for water sports enthusiasts
Ralf Marquard
· 16.05.2023
The Viper V 233 is the smallest model in the V-Line from Europe Marine. Like its sisters, it is manufactured entirely in Germany. Its typical American lines are recognisable at first glance. The accommodation for two people in a cabin with a V-berth and the motorisation with an inboard engine also suit this type of boat. The same applies to the cockpit, foredeck and bathing platform. This means that the Viper is suitable for a wide range of leisure activities. It can be used for simple discovery tours, extended swimming excursions or travelling with the option of spending the night on the boat. Of course, we must not forget the water sports enthusiasts, who are keen on all kinds of activities behind the boat. To put it bluntly, this is easily possible with the engine power.
Positive features of the Viper V 233
The standard extension of the bathing platform is a particularly positive feature of the equipment. Several people can sit on it at the same time. Another plus: the drive is covered by the platform, which minimises the risk of injury. A three-step bathing ladder makes it easier to get out of the water, and there is a grab handle in front of the ladder. The sun lounger on the engine compartment lid is attached to the front and its cushions are very sturdy. The cushions on the starboard side can be conveniently removed to prevent feet getting dirty on the upholstery when entering the cockpit. In the cockpit there is a U-shaped rear bench with a wooden table in front of it and a driver's and co-driver's seat. The latter two are swivelling and can therefore be integrated into the seating area. There is a large storage space under the cockpit floor and cup holders in the side compartments. If the sun lounger in the stern is not enough for you, you can order an additional sun cushion - as on our test boat - for the foredeck. This place in the sun is accessed via steps integrated into the cabin door.
If you open the door, you will find a typical V-shaped lying surface behind it. The upholstery lies on a tubular frame in the centre and on plastic surfaces at the sides and front, under which storage compartments are incorporated. There are storage compartments behind the backrests. Those planning longer non-stop tours can order a chemical toilet on the floor of the cab for an extra charge. The rear shower is also on the list of accessories: it costs a good 1,000 euros extra and is installed together with a 47-litre fresh water tank.
How the Viper V 233 drives
For driving: Here we do our laps on the Rhine in the Heidenfahrt area. A good section for the measurements, as the fairway is quite calm and we record the speeds with and against the current. We reach a maximum of almost 43 knots, in this situation 1.73 l/sm of petrol runs through the fuel line. With the 185-litre tank installed, this gives us a range of 89 nm plus 15% reserve. The most economical speed is 22.4 kn (3000 rpm). The consumption is just under 1 litre per second and we calculate a range of 161 nm. But even at 2500 rpm and 3500 rpm, the consumption is quite economical, so that at least 151 nm can be achieved with one tank of fuel plus 15% reserve. A value that is quite respectable for the size of the boat. At slow speeds (around 4.5 knots), the range is roughly the same. At displacement speed, the boat yaws like a glider, so you should keep calm and only counter-steer a little, if at all. If you push the throttle forwards, you will go from displacement to planing speed between around 1500 rpm and 2500 rpm. Seated drivers have a brief view of the bow, while standing skippers enjoy a completely unobstructed view. Up onto the slalom course: the Viper swings safely from side to side and responds directly to the smooth steering. If you jerk the rudder hard, you won't experience any unpleasant surprises either. The boat does not oscillate, but continues on its straight course after the swerve. In fast bends with power trim down, the Viper pulls around sportily, brakes automatically and the propeller grabs air at the end. If you drive the gyro with power trim (about 5 on the display), the fuselage reacts a little more sensitively.
Measurement results
We had sports boat waves and waves from inland vessels available for the rough water test. The Viper V 233 skips over these waves smoothly and dryly at an economical planing speed. That leaves the harbour manoeuvres: Here, turning circles between about 1 and 1 1/2 boat lengths are typical diameters for a sports boat with sterndrive. When reversing, the bow swings round after about 4 seconds.
Unrestricted operation of the steering wheel
Our test boat is steered using a height-adjustable steering system, which is equipped with an optional Gussi steering wheel. Whether seated or standing, the steering wheel can be operated without restriction in all positions. The same applies to the mechanical single-lever gearstick. There are only minor reflections on the windscreen, and the same applies to the view of the instruments. Our criticism of the latter is that the compass costs extra. The standard bucket seats for the driver and front passenger provide excellent lateral support and have sporty, firm upholstery. The front passenger can hold on to a sufficiently large stainless steel handle mounted on the side. He places his feet on the floor.
Motorisation of the Viper V 233
The engine is located under the aforementioned stern sunbed. If you fold it up, you will find a MerCruiser petrol inboard engine (250 hp) in a spacious engine compartment on our test boat. The service technician has plenty of space for maintenance work and will find carefully laid lines. A ventilation hose with fan leads into the bilge and there is also an electric bilge pump and a Talamex manual bilge pump. The fire extinguishing system installed in the engine compartment and the sprinkler tap in the fuel line also receive praise. The electrical system is designed with an easily accessible main switch and plug-in fuse box. The workmanship of the upholstery and plastic makes a good impression and the attachment points are expertly reinforced. Of course, this also applies to the cleats to which the Viper V 233 is securely fastened.
Technical data
The boat
- Shipyard: Viper/D
- Type: V 233
- CE category:C/6
- Hull and deck:Plastic
- Length over everything:6,95 m
- Width:2,55 m
- Displacement: from 1530 kg
- Depth: max. 0.91 m
- Fuel tank: 185 l
- Water tank: 47 l
- Cabins: 1
- Berths:2
- Berth dimensions:1.82 m x 1.72 m
- Standing height/seating height: Cabin 0.73 m, under bimini approx. 1.85 m
- Cockpit size: 2.43 m x 2.19 m
- Wide centre passage: 0,62 m
- Sun lounger: Stern 1.08 m x 2.10 m, foredeck 1.42 m x 1.42 m
- Freeboard: about 0.92 m
- Interior cockpit side height: 1,13 m
- Test motorisation: MerCruiser 4.5 L - 250 with Alpha One 184 kW (250 hp)
- Price (test boat including options):80 900 €
- Distribution:Europe Marine GmbH, Budenheimer Parkallee 2, 55257 Budenheim, www.europe-marine.com
The motor
- Manufacturer: MerCruiser
- Type: 4,5 L - 250
- Performance: 184 kW (250 hp)
- Full load speed: 4800-5200 rpm
- Cylinder: V6
- cubic capacity: 4500 cm³
- Fuel: Petrol
- Cooling:Water/single circle
- Generator:12 V/70 A
- Gear ratio:Alpha One 1.62 : 1
- Test propeller: 3 x 14 1/2" x 19"
Standard equipment
Power steering; gearstick; driver's and co-driver's seat; berths; aft seating area; table; aft sunbed; bathing ladder; bathing platform; centre passage; handrails; railing; water ski towing eyelet; cockpit cover; escape hatch, fire extinguishing system, electric bilge pump; hand bilge pump; stowage boxes; shelves; anchor locker; cleats; eyelets (1 x forward, 2 x aft); electrical system; main switch; battery; fuse panel; navigation lights; fuel tank; engine control displays (Smart Craft).
Our test judgement
DRIVING & MANOEUVRING
- +Stable, safe driving behaviour
- +Good range
PROCESSING & TECHNOLOGY
- +Clean processing
- +Permanently installed cables
SAFETY
- +Fire extinguishing system on board
- -Compass is not standard
COMFORT ON BOARD
- +Comfortable seating and reclining areas
- +the attached bathing platform is part of the standard equipment
Conclusion
The Viper V 233 is a sports boat that is agile and safe when travelling. Thanks to its dimensions and weight, the boat is easy to trailer and can therefore be taken to a wide variety of sailing areas. These can be inland waters as well as cruises on "coastal waters" (CE category C). The plastic work and installations have been carried out carefully and professionally.
The competitors
