Focus Motor Yachts is a Dutch company based in Amsterdam. In BOOTE 11/2019, we had already tested the little sister Focus Power 33. The latest masterpiece is the Focus Power 36, which is the revised version of the former Elan 35 (production has been discontinued) and continues to bear the signature of designer Tony Castro.
The new model is a modern cruiser that is just as suitable for longer trips as it is for sporty weekend and swimming excursions. With four full berths, a galley, a seating area in the saloon and a complete wet room, she offers the crew just the right amount of travelling comfort.
Let's start in the bow: There is a slightly different layout and arrangement of the double berth. The designer has integrated two steps on the starboard side to make it easier to climb into bed. The cushions are comfortably firm and are ventilated via holes in the stowage box lids. A door next to the cabin entrance leads the owner directly into the wet room. The other passengers enter this room directly from the saloon. The "care area" has a porthole that can be opened, an electric marine toilet, a washbasin and a pull-out shower head - the necessary floor drain is located under a grating. At 1.80 metres tall, I have to tilt my head slightly, but otherwise I have good freedom of movement. I can stand upright in the entrance area of the underfloor cubicle; the height above the comfortable and ventilated cushions, on the other hand, is significantly lower due to the design. Practical: the ventilation option. The portholes can be opened on both sides (at right angles to the direction of travel).
Need more information? You can find the test of the Focus Power 36 with technical data and further images in BOOTE issue 08/2021, available from newsagents from 21 July 2021 or online at Delius Klasing Shop.
The way into the underfloor cabin leads through a galley in the centre of the saloon. One galley block is equipped with a cooker, the other with a sink. There is plenty of storage space, which incidentally applies to the entire boat. Opposite the galley is a bench seat (which can also be used as an emergency berth) with a folding table. This seating area offers enough space for three people - four people are also possible, but then it gets cramped at the table.
The main seating area is located in the cockpit and has a U-shaped design to encourage socialising. Opposite it is a wet bar, whose appliances (refrigerator, electric grill, electric cooker) can be found on the accessories list. The hardtop sits enthroned above everything, its tarpaulin side panels and foil windows transforming the cockpit into a weatherproof living room. For sun worshippers, there is a spacious sun lounger in the stern and on the foredeck. Those wishing to access the bathing platform can do so via the stern exit on the port side (with an exemplary door). The stern shower is located right next to the door. Focus has installed a long and wide bathing ladder to get into and out of the water safely.
Now back to the cockpit, or to be more precise, to the driver's seat. There the skipper finds a technically well-equipped driving position. Apart from slight reflections, the instruments are easy to read and the steering and gearstick positions leave little to be desired. The seat offers excellent lateral support and, together with the firm upholstery, lives up to the name "sports seat". The skipper probably often rides with the seat folded up. He then stands on the footrest (placed on two tubular frames) and looks out of the open folding roof - the fresh airflow around his nose is then free of charge.
For sailing: The two Z-drives and the bow thruster (accessory) make the casting off manoeuvre precise and safe. Now we set off at a slow speed, with the hull running straight ahead, on the Rhine near Worms, where our boat dealer (Allegro Boote) has its headquarters. On the test day, there is quite a lot of rush-hour traffic, which creates a decent choppy wave, and the wind does the rest, freshening up quite a bit in thunderstorm gusts. In any case, the hull takes the choppy sea in its stride and skips over it smoothly. If you are still making tight, fast turns in this situation, you need to hold on tightly, which is only possible on the rear seats at the table or on the backrests, as there are no handrails directly in the seating area on our test boat. Slalom courses can be steered safely and precisely, and when the smooth steering is torn, the stern comes in softly.
Need more information? You can find the test of the Focus Power 36 with technical data and further images in BOOTE issue 08/2021, available from newsagents from 21 July 2021 or online at Delius Klasing Shop.
We bring the Focus 36 into the right trim position with the power trim device and the optional trim tabs. The latter are particularly advantageous in the transition phase from displacement to planing speed, because then the bow remains noticeably lower and you can look forwards without restriction. When the Focus 36 reaches just under 22 knots, the diesel engines turn 2500 rpm and you are travelling economically. With a fuel consumption of 2.46 l/sm, this results in a range of 190 nm plus 15% reserve, which is a sufficient value for this size of boat. The noise level remains quite moderate at 78 dB/A. At full throttle
(43.5 knots) it becomes noticeably louder and the range drops to less than 130 nm.
We achieve these measured values with the most powerful engine, two 370 hp TDI diesels from Mercury, which deliver high-torque power to the water via Bravo III drives and twin propellers. If you want to access the two engines, you have to remove some cushions from the seat bench and open the hatches underneath.
open the hatches underneath. Another access point leads directly from the cockpit footwell to the front of the engine compartment. The technician working on the port engine in particular has to make himself very thin.
The installations are well executed, starting with the permanently installed lines and hoses, continuing with additional diesel filters, remote-controlled fuel taps, well-mounted batteries, electronically controlled main switches, easily accessible circuit breakers and the permanently anchored built-in tanks. What bothers us about the latter is that the faeces tank is on the options list.
Need more information? You can find the test of the Focus Power 36 with technical data and further images in BOOTE issue 08/2021, available from newsagents from 21 July 2021 or online at Delius Klasing Shop.
We like the complete bilge and fire extinguishing systems, and the solid railing and stable cleats are also impressive, which also applies to the overall workmanship with only a few exceptions. The anchor gear also deserves praise, as the anchor itself is just as standard as the electric anchor winch, chain and bow roller. Those who want an all-weather solution will find air conditioning and heating on the accessories list.
Conclusion
The Focus Power 36 is a cruiser that is great for travelling with the family and is also a lot of fun with several people on swimming trips and short trips. It has a great cockpit and, with its two Mercury diesel engines, also offers a sporty but always pleasant ride. She is expertly finished and has good safety equipment.
