GROUPTEST


Lots of classy details such as this bow ladder


The open bow and sociable cockpit make this the party boat of choice


The heads compartment is small but very handy


The faster you go the grippier it feels, staying comparatively fl at in the turns and sticking to its course like a short track speed skater


SPEC UP Our pick of the


must-have options


300HP ENGINE + TEAK DECK + ANCHOR


WINDLASS + COLOURED GEL-COAT+ SOUND SYSTEM


In many ways it’s also an easier, less demanding boat to drive. Where the XO’s and Axopar’s super swift steering demand constant attention to keep the bow on track, the Draco’s fi ve turns lock-to- lock gearing and unfl appable hull just blast along unfl ustered. The faster you go the grippier it feels, staying comparatively fl at in the turns and sticking to its course like a short track speed skater. Only when you try to turn too sharply at slower speeds does the prop struggle to put its power down cleanly.


UNFLAPPABLE PERFORMANCE By the time we reach the Needles, I’m starting to think the Draco could be the ultimate all-rounder, but fi rst I need to see how it copes in the rough stuff. Bow-riders are not my normal tool of choice for tackling tidal races, having taken one too many green ones over the nose of my old Sea Ray 180 in a former life, but I needn’t have worried. The Draco takes everything in its stride, sending sheets of spray in every direction other than on board and never once threatening to submerge its bow into the back of the next wave. It’s not quite as knife-like as the XO or as resolute as the Paragon (very little is) but it never felt out of its depth. The only sign of distress was the occasional shake and rattle from the frameless glass door and stainless steel grating separating the bow area from the cockpit, both of which have since been upgraded with quieter, stiffer replacements.


The punchy V6 gives plenty of welly before topping out at 42 knots


A lip has also been added to the deck moulding to lift the windscreen higher and send the air fl ow over the helmsman’s head. We didn’t have time for a lazy lunch at anchor but I’d bet my last


smoked salmon sandwich that the Draco is where everyone would have congregated. It’s an easy boat to move around with masses of comfortable seating, fl at decks and a folding teak table that can slot in at either end. There’s a large dry storage area under the helm and a small heads compartment opposite. Both the bow and stern seats have storage underneath, and both can rapidly be converted into sunpads. There’s even an optional bow tent and a through-hull electric anchor system. So while you might not have quite so much fun getting to that remote sheltered cove as you would in the XO or Axopar, or feel quite so inclined to head off across Channel as in the Paragon, once you get there you’ll be very happy you plumped for the Draco. Hugo Contact Berthon. Tel: +44 (0)1590 679222 Web: www.berthon.co.uk


THE PRICE


SPECIFICATIONS PRICE FROM inc UK VAT YAMAHA 225hp YAMAHA 250hp YAMAHA 300hp


ANCHOR SYSTEM


£88,776 std


£91,576 £92,376


£3,499


TEAK DECKING IN COCKPIT £3,250 COLOURED GEL-COAT


£1,176


TOILET, SINK & WATER TANK £2,037 BOW THRUSTER


GARMIN E70S PLOTTER SOUND SYSTEM


£1,800 £1,150 £1,015


MAY2015 57


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