Yamarin 80 DC

Bristling with sensible features, this tough Scandinavian craft from Yamarin also has an Italian side.

This new day cruiser appears, at a glance, to be a typical Scandinavian day boat. And in many ways it is, but its Nordic/Italian design team of Yamarin, Northern Works and Italian boat designer Marco Casali has created a level of innovation not normally found in an 8m boat.

Casali brought new ideas to the table and challenged the traditional Nordic day cruiser design philosophy. In particular, he combined the positive aspects of a walk-around boat with those of a day cruiser. This made it possible to substantially utilise the forward deck area without compromising the forward cabin, while maintaining the protection of a full-beam windscreen. The concept is simple – a recessed side deck on the port side, which, sitting lower than the foredeck, is easily accessed via a step, grab posts and a windscreen gate. Unlike on a typical day cruiser that requires somebody to clamber up central steps to an elevated gate in the windscreen, deck access is much easier, and the nearby guard rail provides extra security. The flat foredeck area is typically Finnish and covered in thick synthetic Soft-Deck decking, providing good footing all the way to its wide Scandinavian pulpit. Beach landing is a popular aspect of Finnish boating, so the logic of providing a telescopic bow ladder located in the forepeak anchor locker has not been lost on Yamarin – though it is an extra.

Drop-in table provides dining for four.

The galley is big for an 8m boat.

Aft of the foredeck, the 80 DC has a more Mediterranean persona, no doubt thanks to the input from Marco Casali – in particular, the generous wet bar/galley on the port side, which enjoys no fewer than two sinks, a ceramic hob, a large drawer fridge and storage. At the galley forward end, what serves as a folding galley cover folds out to provide a large worktop extension. For an 8m boat, the galley is generous, providing not only for large family days out but also cruising weekends where dockside restaurants are few and far between. The social area of the cockpit has been realistically designed for eight. This is a large number of people for this size of boat, and it is made possible by the reversible helm seat, whose backrest can be tilted forward, making this seat face aft. This creates a U-shaped seating arrangement, which, with the drop-in table, can be used as a dining area.

The cockpit can comfortably seat eight with the helm seat reversed.

The recessed side deck makes forward deck access a lot easier.

In addition to easy access from the bow, the boat also provides unobstructed access from the stern. The swimming platforms, like the foredeck, are covered in Soft-Deck non-slip synthetic teak, with the port-side platform housing a hidden bathing ladder, while on the starboard side sits the traditional Scandinavian stern anchor. It appears, in fact, that a bow anchor is not standard fitment. In front of the outboard, there is a large storage space into which the boat’s bimini cover and frame can be folded when not in use. Yamarin have become very good at designing discreet storage for biminis, which can be easily erected when needed. The transom bench seat under which the bimini is stored can be folded flat to provide a sunbed.

A well-equipped dash layout.

Comfy helm seating with good helm ergonomics.

The double-seat helm design is focused on two 16in all-singing, all-dancing Wi-Fi-enabled Q smart MFDs. Aside from charts and sonar, the Yamarin Q system provides a wealth of information, including engine data, local weather, boating manuals and instructional videos, as well as DAB radio. It is driven by a 1GHz quad-core processor, and not surprisingly is complemented by a Yamarin app. However, in standard spec you only get one display. The second MFD is an extra, which you will likely fork out for – for no other reason than the dash looks pretty empty with just one in a wide section of GRP. That said, the helm set-up is typically well laid out, with primary switches either side of the wheel and the engine joystick to the right, while the bow thruster and Bennett trim tab mini-joysticks sit to the left. A recessed section designed to keep things like mobile phones safe also has a cup holder – but only one. The throttle lever has the benefit of an armrest behind it – perfect for resting your elbow when working the engine up and down over a wave pattern. Crucially, the seat has twin bolsters and an angled footboard, so you can create a comfortable standing position for that perfect ‘over-bow view’.

Plenty of natural light below.

A recliner sits opposite the heads.

Below, you will be surprised to find two cabins. I say this because there is no external indication of a mid cabin under the cockpit, apart from a small window under the helm seat. However, when you step below, if you fold up the companionway step, you will see an opening to a low double cabin. You certainly can’t stand, but you can sit comfortably and the double bed is a good size. A heads compartment is located on the starboard side and comes with an electric toilet as standard, as well as a sink and shower. The large double bed in the forepeak has quite a bit of storage beneath, while the long window line and deck hatch provide plenty of natural light. As is to be expected, standing headroom is limited at the foot of the bed and in the heads.

An impressive heads.

For an 8m sports boat, the 80 DC is pretty comprehensive. It can sleep four adults below, while providing reasonable galley facilities into the bargain. It has plenty of safe foredeck space, and a good degree of cockpit comfort to boot. And without a doubt, it will also provide that driving experience and rock-steady ride for which this brand has become renowned.