Nordkapp Airborne 5.4 and 6.3 review: two compact family RIBs tested in Norway
The two smallest RIBs in Nordkapp's four-boat Airborne range, the 5.4 and the 6.3, put through their paces on the…
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The new Atlantic Marine 730 Sun Cruiser is a walk-around cabin boat that offers a very generous dose of performance. Fitted with a 350hp Mercury Verado outboard, this craft is good for a genuine 50 knots. Its high, flat foredeck design means plenty of cabin space for a boat that is just 7.7m long, and on top of this, it packs a proper separate heads compartment, and a galley.
Despite being a practical family cruiser, it has all the crucial ingredients for a hot day afloat: the wide foredeck has acres of sunbathing space, while in the cockpit you will find a large aft bench seat, which has the ability to convert into a second sunbathing area with the use of cockpit infill cushions. The two bolstered and height-adjustable helm seats lock you securely when driving this boat to its full potential. The enclosed cockpit design, in conjunction with a tall helm console, provides plenty of weather protection, with easy port-side foredeck access due to the asymmetrical foredeck design.
Built with a deep-V hull, the sharp forefoot is quite noticeable as it sits between wide chines, which carry their full width forward of amidships in order to provide greater internal cabin space. It is a case of having the best of both worlds – a sharp entry for a soft ride and a wide beam for accommodation.
Down below, the 730’s twin-berth cabin with separate galley unit and enclosed toilet compartment is quite impressive, all things considered. There is nearly full standing headroom in the cabin doorway, while elsewhere below it is a case of sitting, as is to be expected.
This boat comes with the following fitted options as standard: coloured hull package, swivel captain’s helm seats, bimini cover, cockpit camper cover, bow thruster, tonneau cover, stainless steel hardware package, shore power, stereo system, refrigerator, ski pole, teak decking, trim tabs and an electric anchor windlass, among other things.
Atlantic have not held back in specifying this 6.3m boat – including sleeping accommodation.
The 730’s smaller sister, the 630 Sun Cruiser, does a pretty good job of imitating its bigger sibling, and at just over half the price. Power options are 115hp to 150hp, both providing a lively ride. You can actually sleep below, though it does not have quite the same appeal as the 730 in this department, as it lacks a galley. Remarkably, it is claimed to have a separate heads compartment, which will be fitted with a Porta Potti. Realistically, this is a day boat, albeit a well-equipped one. Like the 730, it has a generous standard specification list, including, notably: teak decking, blue hull, covers, power windlass, bimini, cockpit table and seating for seven.
£89,500 (inc. VAT)
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