Ockelbo B25 CAB Review: Scandinavian Toughness on Test

With the UK’s virtually insatiable appetite for planing wheelhouse boats, the arrival of the Ockelbo B25 CAB is one of many. However, this Swedish boat is different from the rank and file, as like its sister brand, Anytec – it is built from aluminium. Tougher than GRP, lighter, and virtually scratch proof, ‘ali boats’ make good sense, and the B25 CAB proves there is no price disadvantage. It is fair to say that this boat is in a minority status, and for no reason other than a lack of contemporary appearance. Down Under the Aussies and Kiwis love them, and in Scandinavia they build and drive them in droves – and in all weathers.

The first time I drove an aluminium boat I was smitten by its refusal to be abused – there were no creaks or groans, and the power-to-weight ratio makes for a fantastic drive. Providing the seating, your body, or your mind can handle it, you can push these boats harder than a GRP vessel.

In keeping with this unbreakable ethos the B25 CAB is constructed in a tough no-nonsense style, with a matrix of thick hull stringers. Access is easy via the long bathing platforms, or over forward gunwales into the foredeck area. Thick handrails sit just where you need them, and storage lockers run throughout the boat. In the cockpit you have access to key system elements, with stern anchor storage on the port quarter. Opposite a long locker provides storage space, and room for the diesel heater fuel tank. All lockers close with precision and are sealed with rubber gaskets. Enclosed by thick guard rails the cockpit has a compact fold-out table, which can also house a small cooker (the only cooking option). Under the forward section of the cockpit sits the fuel tank, which being u-shaped pushes some of the fuel weight forward under the wheel house. Behind the tank sits a deck hatch providing access to the batteries and bilge pumps.

A lot of thought has gone into every aspect of the wheelhouse. Headroom is outstanding thanks to a low deck, which of course benefits the centre of gravity. All round visibility is as good as it gets thanks to relatively narrow window mullions. The design pushes the wheelhouse out to the extremities of the beam so internal space is maximised. There is a wide double bed that fits across between the bench seats, you can spec a fridge under the port bench, and a 4kw diesel heater keeps everything cosy. Alternatively you can have the boat fitted with four shock mitigating seats, meaning you lose the bed. There is the option of a basic toilet setup, or a small heads compartment in the starboard aft corner of the wheel house, which would really expand the dimension of this capable cruiser.

Settling into the super-comfy shock mitigating seats, provides a great feeling of security. Even with the bolster up for that elevated position, the seat sides keep you firmly in place. Displacing just over two tonnes with the V8 Verado she is light, and even with the ‘sensible’ 300hp engine option, the power delivery is relentless. The boat hits 30 knots before you know it, and trimming the outboard out to 35% has you running at its near 44 knot top speed. It comes standard with Zipwake automatic trim tabs, which on the day I felt no need to use, but handy on a rough passage. The Ockelbo is quiet, much more so than you expect. Some of this is down to the soft internal cabin lining, but I am told she has under-deck airbags for sound insulation, which seem to do the trick. Up to 10 knots you can have the top section of the forward door open, which provides a well needed cooling breeze on a hot day.

With the recent launch of Mercury‘s new 425hp V10 Verado, this now tops the engine list. The base option is a 250hp V8 Verado, which weighing in at 272kgs, weighs the same as the 4.6l 300hp Verado. Both share the same block, so the lower powered engine has no advantage other than price, and should produce close to 40 knots. At like-for-like cruising speeds the 300hp Verado will have the edge in terms of fuel consumption, it is only when you open the tap for that extra power will you feel an extra thirst.

This is an exciting boat to drive, that makes pushing it in the rough less of a concern than with a GRP vessel. It is safe and practical with plenty of internal room for its size. It can punch above its weight in terms of offshore cruising – as it has proven in its home waters, with some 150 sold already. There are some powerful engine options, and inevitably plenty of optional extras. However what really makes this boat stand out, is that it can be bought in a well specified 50 knot form, for less than the price of an 8m family RIB.

The UK dealer, Nordbalt, are offering a fabulous sea trial experience, including staying over in a lovely country pub, enjoying a wonderful dinner and then a day’s sea trialing – so if you’re looking for the ultimate adventure craft, what better way to try her out!

Mercury fuel flow meter

Most economical speed: 20 knots at 3200rpm returning 3.5 nmpg.

43.8 knots (2 way average) sea conditions F2, crew 3, and fuel 20%.