BOAT TEST
Storebro 435 Commander
Given how speedy this boat is – 33 knots fl at
out – fi nding saloon and fl ybridge sound
levels under 70dB(A) is remarkable
Good practical detailing on deck – note cleats on bathing
platform for fenders or crossed stern-to mooring lines.
More unusual is their red-light system in the pilothouse. Where many Passage-making types will love the 435’s lower helm. With its pair of chart
boats settle for a simple bi-colour red/white light on a stalk over the chart tables and two double bench seats, everybody can enjoy the ride. And there are
table, Storebro have fi tted an overhead array of red LED lights stretching across plenty of other details that make the 435 a good cruising boat too. The bathing
the pilothouse. The roll-away galley doors, the impressive ventilation and the platform is deep enough to accommodate a large tender or a speedy PWC,
particularly effi cient red-light system are all examples of an attention to leaving the lazarette free for the inevitable cruising paraphernalia. Having a
practical cruising detail that rises well above the norm. large separate lazarette is a boon on a cruising boat. The rubber matting
damps down noise and provides an excellent soft non-slip surface to clamber
Life on board around on. However, the lazarette needs much more lighting to counter its
It’s enlightening to hear about the typical speeds that boat owners cruise at. It’s gloomy interior, and the engineroom would also benefi t if its minimal
often way lower than the nominal cruising RPM that the engines would be lighting was doubled.
happy with. Economy probably plays a part, but how many pick their cruising Storebro’s cockpit canopies are superb. Designed to roll up around the
speed because of the racket their engines make at higher RPM? Fortunately, fl ybridge overhang so they don’t have to be stowed below, they incorporate an
this 435 will not hold you back here: Storebro consistently build the quietest electric sliding framework, which tensions the fabric, so long-term stretch and
boats in their class, and the 435 is no exception. Given how speedy this boat is fl apping canopies are a thing of the past. If cruising the inland waterways
– 33 knots fl at out – fi nding saloon and fl ybridge sound levels under 70dB(A) appeals, the sturdy stainless steel mast can be quickly hinged down, reducing
is remarkable. Even in the cockpit, we only recorded 75dB(A) cruising at 27 air draught to 11ft 1in (3.38m). The fl ybridge isn’t huge, but it’s deep and
knots. To put that achievement into perspective, a quality boat like the Ferretti secure, and the L-shaped seating converts to a sunbed.
510 is around 10dB(A) noisier at similar speeds in the same places. In other Just about the only aspect of the boat’s cruising attributes I struggled with
words, the 435 produces half the noise that the 510 does. was engineroom access. It’s not all bad: there’s not enough room to get through
The skipper’s lot is a happy one. Manoeuvring around Lymington Yacht the engineroom/lazarette hatch and between the engines, so Storebro have
Haven marina, I found the boat positive and easy to handle, and the view from sensibly shifted the fuel fi lters and the raw-water strainers into the lazarette for
the pilothouse or the fl ybridge is very clear, either standing or sitting. Out in easy access and checking. However, there’s no avoiding the daily wrestle with
open water, the 435 Commander steers positively enough, and it’s free of vices, the heavy saloon carpet before the offset hatch in the saloon fl oor can be
although it doesn’t slice through chop in the same extraordinarily smooth way opened and the daily oil and water checks carried out. It’s far from unworkable,
that, say, Princesses and Fairline’s cruisers do. All told, it’s competent rather but it’s certainly not something you will relish. This aside, there’s very little
than outstanding. to complain about.
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