THE COSTS


THE COSTS & OPTIONS Price from


Price as tested Bow thruster


Teak table for foredeck Alcantara upholstery Dark blue moulded hull Roof hatch in wheelhouse Teak tops on bow seating Electric anchor winch pack Volvo glass cockpit 15in MFD Garmin GMR HD radar


The aft window is a useful way to talk to those in the cockpit


We extract the table from its neat storage void in the bow and set it up in the aft cockpit, which actually transforms into a useable and reasonably comfortable socialising space. It has nothing on a similarly sized sportscruiser but it’s not bad and a few cushions here and there would make sitting on the hard bench tops that bit more palatable. Being able to switch the table from cockpit to bow is quite useful, too.


A BUMPY RIDE Lunch over, it was time to head back to Poole and with the tide having turned and breeze increasing, a lively trip was on the cards. The fl ybridge (if you can call it that) is standard fi t on the 30.1 but you can request not to have one if you truly think you’ll never use it. Unless you really want to keep the air draught to a minimum then having the outdoor helm position is a useful addition. Apart from allowing you to escape the shelter of the wheelhouse in good weather, it’s a great place to berth the boat from as you can so easily see all four corners and, if you are coming into an unfamiliar harbour, then the raised position and unencumbered view will be of real benefi t. Driving from the fl ybridge reveals a totally different side to the 30.1’s


character, too. As opposed to downstairs where the total protection of the wheelhouse makes for quiet, refi ned progress the exposure of the


With the table in place it’s easy to host lunches in the cockpit


Garmin 7in MFD on flybridge = Options on test boat


£216,000 (single 330hp) £302,772 (twin 300hp) std std


£370


£2,720 £1,120 £1,540 £3,980 £5,630 £1,730 £1,360


raised driving position creates a far more visceral experience. The breeze howls over you and you can hear the water rushing past the hull. It’s engaging and exciting – it feels like you’ve grabbed the helm of a totally different boat. The unfl appable agility that you feel at the lower helm is suddenly a little more precarious as the height of the raised helm comes into play. Of course the boat is no less secure in the water but the lean is far more exaggerated from up top so you think twice before being quite so enthusiastic with the wheel. Chuck in a few lock-to-lock turns, though, and confi dence is restored. Throw the boat into a turn, brace, then embrace its tenacity as you power out the other side. It’s great fun and a brilliant spot to drive the boat from in the heaving following sea that has sprung up to wash us back to Poole. The helm position isn’t as ergonomically sound as its counterpart


in the wheelhouse, the wheel and throttles are more of a stretch from the helm seat, which lacks the adjustment of the one below. I stand to give myself the best view and better control of the throttles, which need constant adjustment to allow the fastest progress through the crests. We’re pulling nearly 28 knots, which is staggering given the conditions. We’re taking a bit of a soaking for our trouble but it really doesn’t matter – the feeling of a boat relishing such rough conditions is more than enough to counter some damp clothing.


The double berth is a good size and there’s a handy pipe berth too


Storage space is limited in the forward cabin but headroom is good


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