BOAT REPORT


The ease with which the Marex 310 transforms from open sun-soaked dayboat to winter dasher is one of its key charms


30-footers coming out of France and Germany but none of them can touch the Norwegian boat when it comes to quality. If you take more direct rivals like the Nimbus 305 Drophead and Aquador 30 ST, though they both have their own merits, neither compares to the 310 when it comes to accommodation and space. You might have thought that the weak


pound would make these a tough sell in the UK but dealer Wessex Marine sold three 310s during the Southampton Boat Show, proving that the pricing of this particular model is just as appealing as the boat itself. Unlike some 30ft craft, it doesn’t feel like


everything has been scaled down to fi t the required size and price. The quality still shines through and, along with the brilliant packaging


THE HELM VIEW


and smart design, makes it feel far bigger than it actually is. Honestly, if this is classed as a prototype, I would love to see what a production version looks like. The solid build and practical detailing also


ensure this is a boat that can be used all year round. The ease with which it transforms from open sun-soaked dayboat to well-protected winter dasher is one of its key charms. If you fancy a blast to the pub in January then keep the covers up, turn the key and go, but all of those covers peel back to unearth a brilliant warm-weather dayboat. That is, of course, if you’re happy to have sterndrives, but that argument is for another day. Contact Wessex Marine. Tel: +44 (0)1202 700702. Web: www.marex.no


Extremely thin mullions help to


keep the view forward as clear as possible


Flat, teak-laid decks look fantastic and


feel very safe when crewing on the bow


SEE THE VIDEO


It’s good to see these analogue


mby.com/marex310


dials for quick reference when you’re on the move


The helm is beautifully clear and


a joy to use. Not overly fl ash but it just works


PERFORMANCE


TEST ENGINES Volvo Penta D6 370. Single 370hp @ 3,500rpm. 6-cylinder, 5.5-litre diesels


FIGURES ECO


SOUND LEVELS dB(A) Helm


FAST MAX


RPM 1,300 2,000 2,400 2,600 2,800 3,000 3,200 3,440 Speed 7.9 12.6 20.3 25.3 25.3 29.4 31.7 35.1


66 71 74 76 77 78 85 86 Cockpit 74 75 82 87 87 89 89 90


Speed in knots. Calculated figures taken from on-board fuel gauges; your figures may vary considerably. No fuel figures available at the time of testing. F1 and calm seas for trial. All prices include VAT @ 20%


THE COSTS & OPTIONS Price from


Price as tested


Bow thruster Teak cockpit


Electric anchor winch Courtesy lights on deck


Sunpad cushions for fordeck Teak side decks Diesel heating


TV antenna and sockets


Niroxx grey upholstery in cockpit Netex grey dashboard


= Options on test boat


RIVALS


£199,950 £233,124


Std Std


£5,520 £576


£1,194 £7,140 £3,540 £738 £984 £936


Nimbus 305 Drophead Price from £186,023 Not as exciting to drive as the 310 but beautifully made with a safe semi-displacement hull. Buy the test: mby.com/dh


Aquador 30 ST Price from £209,684 A well-built and handsome boat with a raft of engine options. Not as spacious as the 310 but a talented performer.


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