XO 250


Split screen (to left of chartplotter) gives access the foredeck


PRICE £68,490 TOP SPEED 44.2 KNOTS 0-30 KNOTS 10.7 SECS


despite the approaching bumps neither of us backs off one iota. We hit the fi rst few waves, and the XO 250’s suspension seats


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effortlessly soak up the bumps. Further into the narrows and the waves grow taller – now the tough aluminium hull is having to work its magic too. Punching our way through these seas once again dispels the myth that alloy hulls are noisier than glassfi bre structures, and all we hear is a muted thump as the metal hull and its substantial internal stiffening forces the water aside. We’re beyond the narrows now, but owing to a tide in full fl ood


the seas are actually becoming taller and more confused. However, thanks to its narrow form (only 7.5ft/2.28m) and an uncommonly deep-vee transom deadrise of 24°, the XO 250 cleaves through the waves so capably that my suspension seat hasn’t bottomed out yet. Closer to the Needles the seas become worse still, and now we can


hear our propeller spinning wildly as it leaves the water time and again. While it performs these aerobatics, the XO 250 never once waves its nose in the air, and nor does it quiver alarmingly from side


e’re fl at out now at around 45 knots, chasing the Axopar through the Solent. It’s been smooth so far, but we’re approaching Hurst Narrows, and the tide is kicking up a nasty chop on top of the underlying swell. Of course, we’re not racing, no sir. Yet


Photos: Paul Plumb


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