Fjord boats have been around for over 50 years, and some of you may be familiar with the legendary Fjord Weekender: family boats that were absolutely in tune with the times and made a big impression. Since 2005, Fjord has been part of Hanse Yachts AG, which now builds a completely different kind of boat. The new Fjord boats have an absolutely modern design, Hanse Yachts itself calls them "a design icon". Our test boat, the 41 XL, has another highlight with its bold hull colour. It's not just in the harbour that you stand out with this blue. Our test harbour was the Ancora Marina in Neustadt. We were delighted as soon as we cast off, thanks to the joystick system and the new Z-drives from Volvo Penta - which engage and disengage as smooth as butter. This makes it easy to juggle out of even the tightest corners.
We then head towards the lake at crawl speed, the synchronised engines guaranteeing good directional stability. Then we also try out the emergency drive with only one engine: At a good 2000 rpm, the Fjord runs at around 10 knots and consumes 45 litres of diesel per hour.
Need more information? You can find the test of the Fjord 41 XL with technical data and more pictures in BOOTE issue 01/2021 at newsagents or online at Delius Klasing Shop.
Back to normal operation: Volvo Penta's BTS (Boat Trim System) and the appropriate optional automatic programme help in the transition phase from displacement to planing speed. This means that the foresight is always maintained and the boat switches to planing speed from around 2300 rpm. The Fjord also maintains a super position throughout the entire fast journey. Around 2750 rpm, the most economical speed is reached at around 23 knots. With a fuel consumption of 4.1 l/sm and a tank capacity of 900 litres less 15% reserve, the range is just under 190 nm, which is not particularly generous for the size of the boat. The range at full throttle (just under 39 knots) is only reduced by around 20 nm. And sailing at full steam is fun, because the boat runs super-smoothly, and in tight bends it pulls its course without hooking or rocking. If you cross your own wave, the "round trip" continues in a soft mode. On the slalom course, you hardly notice the steering deflections at all; if you grab the rudder more firmly, the boat tips onto its side before stabilising again in no time at all.
The skipper performs these manoeuvres from a kind of pilot's seat that leaves nothing to be desired. The driver adjusts the height at the touch of a button, and the fold-up seat cushion allows relaxed driving while standing or squatting. The non-slip sports steering wheel also contributes to optimum operating comfort, as it is well positioned, just like the gearstick, and is also height-adjustable. The view ahead is good, but there is one exception for the standard boat: rainy weather - because the windscreen wiper costs extra. Plus: The compass comes as standard. The test boat is also equipped with monitors, which can be ordered in accessory packages.
In general, the shipyard gives the owner plenty of opportunities to customise the boat to their liking. Fjord describes this as follows: "The new Fjord 41 XL combines iconic power yacht design with an incredible variety of customisation options." This applies to the cockpit and driving position with nine different layout variants and also to the extended bathing platform, which can also be lowered hydraulically on request. In this version, a comfortable "bathing step" even folds out.
The same variety can be found below deck: Here, the double berth is located in the foredeck, with a sofa and a wet room (with toilet, washbasin and shower) as standard. You can choose whether you would like to have an additional berth in the underfloor compartment. An additional double berth was installed on our test boat. However, it did not have a partition wall to the front cabin, which according to the boatyard should give the boat a loft feel. The light coming in through the many windows further emphasises the good feeling. A galley or day toilet can also be integrated.
The engine compartment has two access points, one via a hatch under the sunbed and the second with a ladder through the centre of the folded cockpit table. Everything in the engine room (headroom 1.25 m) is neatly laid out and firmly bolted. In terms of safety equipment, we particularly liked the fuel filter, stopcocks, fire extinguishing system and a bilge system with manual bilge and electric bilge pumps.
Conclusion: The Fjord 41 XL looks exciting and achieves good driving performance with the two diesel engines. It is really fun to be on the road with her. With the customised layout options, everyone can design their own Fjord. It is well built and has a good level of safety equipment.
