The Viper is associated with speed, but with the word "Toxxic", the shipyard goes one better and raises the 223 with the double X out of the range. - The boat offers two berths below the foredeck and seven seats in the cockpit if you move a little closer together. The sun lounger is also the engine compartment lid; depending on your choice, a petrol engine from MerCruiser or Volvo Penta with 190 to a "toxic" 380 hp works underneath.
The overall workmanship of the boat, which was built entirely in Germany, gives almost no cause for criticism. The shipyard is therefore at a high level and gives the 223 an upscale quality through the use of high-quality materials.
When travelling slowly, the turning circles are a maximum of one and a half boat lengths in both forward and reverse gear. This is manoeuvrable and simplifies mooring and casting off manoeuvres. On the other hand, course correction is required when travelling forwards and backwards over longer distances in the harbour; if someone in the boat changes their position, this affects the course and heel. This improves from 1200 rpm or 6 knots, which should be maintained on slow passages in order to minimise the waves generated by the hull.
Without trimming too much, the test boat quickly switches from displacement to planing speed from 2000 rpm and accelerates to a top speed of 44 knots. The engine turns 100 rpm more than permitted by the manufacturer, which nevertheless speaks in favour of the right choice of propeller in view of the low load. We measured the lowest glide speed at 18 kn at 2500 rpm, the most economical glide speed is at 3000 rpm (23 kn). One tank of petrol is theoretically enough for 193 nm at slow speed, 143 nm at economical cruising speed and 82 nm at full throttle, plus 15% reserve in each case. This means that the test boat fulfils our minimum requirement, which we rate as "good". We rate the sound pressure figures as "still good", as the 85 dB/A limit is only exceeded by 2 dB/A at full throttle and due to 100 rpm too much.
We were impressed by the Toxxic's handling characteristics; it did not disappoint in any way during the extreme manoeuvres performed at top speed. In the increasingly tight bends, the test boat leans slightly towards the centre of the bend and brakes slightly on its own. The Toxxic follows its course without rocking or hooking the hull - whether with the drive fully trimmed or in cruising trim. When trimmed, the propeller ventilates a little at the narrowest point (about three boat lengths in diameter). This diminishes when you trim the drive or steer out of the bend.
The 223 completes the 180° turns in the tightest of spaces in one go within just under three boat lengths. If the trim remains in the optimum position, the propellers lose their grip and you have to start again. On the slalom course, the Toxxic can be made to oscillate safely along its longitudinal axis - if the rudder is lost, it follows the chosen course unperturbed. While the driver and co-driver sit comfortably in their adjustable bucket seats and the co-driver has a suitably mounted grab handle, rear passengers have to make do with one on each side of the cockpit. Waves of commercial shipping on the Rhine: here you have to drive in an adapted manner - or "at full gallop" over them. If you take off, the landing is safe.
The helm station is clearly laid out and pragmatically designed; apart from the switches, everything is easy to see and operate. Compass and depth sounder cost extra, there is no windscreen wiper. Visibility to the front is good, but reflections from the light background on the windscreen and the chrome windscreen frame are distracting.
Engine, tank, electrics
A 5.0 MPI MerCruiser with optional catalytic converters powers the test boat, making both boats suitable for Lake Constance. The power reaches the water via a Bravo III drive with two stainless steel propellers. The sunbed engine compartment lid has to be opened by hand to reveal a neatly finished engine compartment with a mounted battery and automatic fire extinguisher; the engine is easily accessible for inspection and servicing right up to the front. The fuel tank is not sealed off from the engine compartment under the cockpit floor; the engine manufacturer is relied upon to clean the fuel.
A main battery switch with fuel tap is easily accessible in the storage compartment of the cockpit bench seat, the associated fuses can be found after opening a flap in the rear wall of the cab under the driving position. The layout of the electrics is pleasing, but the untreated cut edges on the driving position and in the engine compartment bulkhead, where cables run through, are less so. We therefore rate the technical installations lower. We found it okay that the electric cables for an electric anchor winch have already been laid.
Security
This is where the Toxxic scores with good sailing characteristics. The dimensions of the cockpit interior height and freeboard are just right. In the rear, the handles and windscreen frame provide support - which is provided by two handrails on the foredeck. The cockpit drains into the bilge; only one electric and no hand bilge pump is not enough for us, especially in this case.
Living, cockpit and equipment
Under the foredeck, the V-shaped bench seat can be converted into a full-length lounger for two by inserting cushions. Sitting on it is easy at the entrance with folding plastic door and cover. Light enters the cabin via two ceiling hatches. You enter the boat via the foredeck or from the bathing platform, where you can remove one cushion each on the sunbed and the stern bench; walk-on surfaces are equipped with an anti-slip structure. Stowage is either under the stern bench, the cockpit floor or in the stanchions. The boat is equipped ready to go and has an anchor locker at the bow, towing eyes fore and aft, water ski hooks and six mooring cleats as well as a bathing ladder with an integrated grab handle in the bathing platform. Certified navigation lights cost extra.
The shipyard says...
The Viper 223 Toxxic is a racy sports boat with an exclusive level of quality. Engine outputs of up to 380 hp enable speeds of over 50 knots. The equipment is extensive; the large waterline width and low centre of gravity contribute to excellent handling. The stainless steel frame of the windscreen and extra-wide handrails at the stern ensure a high level of safety.
BOOTE says...
"Racy and safe at high speed and material level" ranks far ahead. We don't know how the 223 performs with more powerful engines, but the test boat was excellent, safe and fast with the 260. The windscreen frame is stable and the handrails provide support on the stern lounger and bench.
Data sheet: Viper 223 Toxxic
Shipyard: Viper
Type designation: Viper 223 Toxxic
CE category: C - Coastal waters
Material of hull and deck: Plastic
Length: 6,80 m
Width: 2,55 m
Displacement: 1,70 t
Price: 55.900,00 €
