With the new Viper V263, Europe Marine has taken a step up in the day cruiser segment and further closed the gap between the V243 and its big sister, the V323. It was important to the boat builder from Budenheim that his new model remains easy to trailer. For our test boat, this means a total weight of 2250 kg (with the smallest engine) plus trailer of around 3000 kg. If you want to be on the safe side, you can order a 3500 kg trailer and then also order the right accessories and have petrol in the tank without a guilty conscience.
One guarantee that the boat will not be much heavier than specified is that it is produced in the shipyard's own plastics factory in Schwerin. The weight differences from boat to boat should only be a few kilograms. That's great! The rest of the workmanship, such as the metalwork, upholstery and installations, receives the same judgement. This finishing takes place in the Europe Marine workshops in Budenheim. We travelled with build number one.
Our test area was the Rhine, which is right on our doorstep. Here you can also check how well a boat takes the waves, because the choppy water created by commercial shipping is a tough act to follow. A discipline that the stepped hull of our V263 copes well with. At around 30 knots, the boat skips the stern water of inland vessels smoothly and dryly, and the hull also keeps its track well in bends.
If you perform these manoeuvres very quickly and tightly, you have to hold on tightly, because the hull moves around in a really sporty manner and tends to luff at the very end. Slalom manoeuvres are a little softer with the drive trimmed than with the drive down. When the steering is torn, the stern sets in noticeably, but still remarkably soft for the speed of over 45 knots. And what does the steering do in all manoeuvres? It can be operated smoothly and precisely on the height-adjustable sports steering wheel.
Need more information? You can find the test of the Viper V 263 with technical data and more pictures in BOOTE issue 07/2020 or online at Delius Klasing Shop.
The fast acceleration phase (approx. 2 seconds) with the installed V8 petrol engine shows that wakeboarders and the like also find the right place behind the boat. The bow is only briefly visible to the seated rider. The height of the stern wave is a good compromise for water skiers, tube riders and wakeboarders.
If you want to explore the coastal strip or river, cruise across the lake or hop over to the neighbouring island, it's best to do this between 19 and 25 knots, because at this speed the consumption is around 1.20 l/sm. With a tank capacity of 275 litres minus 15% reserve, this results in a decent range of over 190 nm.
Of course, it is also possible to slow down, you just have to correct the course a little from time to time. In port, the V263 manoeuvres normally. If you want to be more comfortable here, order the optional bow thruster. The skipper can operate the steering wheel (height-adjustable) and gearstick from a sitting or standing position without any restrictions. This is ensured, among other things, by the sliding and swivelling driver's seat, whose tightly upholstered seat can be folded up at the front. Raised cushions also ensure good lateral support. The co-pilot has the same seat at his side, which is well supported by a handle attached to the side. Both are protected by a split windscreen made of safety glass.
One drawback: the windscreen wiper is missing. Another criticism is the lack of a compass (a good 150 euros extra). An optional chart plotter was installed on our test boat, which not only shows the way, but also provides information about the operating status of the engine. The latter can be found under the seat/berth combination in the stern.
The V8 is securely bolted underneath, and a fire extinguishing system protects the room in the event of a fire. The pipes are neatly laid in loops and clamps. The securely fastened stainless steel tank, stopcock and the hose connections, which are crimped or secured with two clamps, are pleasing to the eye. The batteries are in plastic boxes with safety straps. They are switched via an easily accessible selector switch (behind the flap at the rear entrance). Consumers are switched via modern inching switches with illuminated ring and labelling. The associated fuses can be replaced without any problems.
Life on board: The cockpit is undoubtedly the main place to spend time, with a convertible, comfortable bench at the rear and a bench seat at the front that is arranged lengthways to the direction of travel. The seating area can be equipped with a table. Opposite it is the wet bar, which can be completed with a cooker and fridge. A sun cushion is available for the foredeck for an extra charge, while bathers and wakeboarders can meet on the spacious bathing platform with a long ladder (also easy to use from the water).
Tired heads will find their place in the cabin with its asymmetrical sleeping area. The reason for this is the toilet room on the starboard side with washbasin and chemical toilet (a marine toilet with faeces tank and suction system is also available for an extra charge). Large side windows and modern lighting make it bright and cosy below deck.
Need more information? You can find the test of the Viper V 263 with technical data and more pictures in BOOTE issue 07/2020 or online at Delius Klasing Shop.
