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Article selected from
the large database of nearly 3000 navigation tests
performed by Nautica Magazine in more than 40 years
Please remember that the boat model described in this article
could be no more available and its price, if indicated, could be outdated
as it refers to the Nautica Magazine paper issue
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USED BOATS
YACHTING MOVIES
Text and photographs by Antonio Bignami
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CAMUFFO MOTORYACHT C45
It is never easy to pass judgment on old institutions whose roots
go back to 1438 supplying its products to glorious owners such as
Mohammed the Second, the Venetian Republic, Napoleon, the Asburg
Imperial and the Royal Italian navies and practically the entire
yachting world within this century. Very few can display such
clients portfolio. Throughout the time Camuffo's yachts have
been gradually adapted to the changing tastes, always offering
unique performance and shapes. The M/Y C45 FB is no exception to
the uninterrupted production spanning from 1438 to 1997 and can
revive the past craftsmanship. It is a boat extremely well
balanced based on a unique hull, purposely designed by Marco
Camuffo to offer superior performance.
The project result is clear
proof of the value of instinct and experience capabilities versus
today's computer aided design work. This is evident not only on
the product quality and the relevant building efficiency (much has
been said on the Camuffo's signature, its elegance, comfort,
the noise insulation of these yachts, very often branded as the
"sea Stradivarius") but and foremost on the performances, the
seakeeping capabilities and of the outstanding speed achieved with
relatively small propulsion plants adopted with consequent reduced
fuel consumption. The most immediate conclusion when inspecting
the C45 FB are the equilibrium between the traditional and very
accurate wooden construction which is extremely simple and
reliable (so that the entire boat and fittings can be virtually
disassembled with a screwdriver) and the outstanding futuristic
performances.
Want a proof? I boarded the boat in a hot and dump morning tired
and sweating and after a few minutes asked to switch off the air
conditioning only to be told the boat is not fitted with one! The
perfect insulation is the result of reinforced marine plywood,
teak wood and the best available wooden essences extensively used
throughout the boat. After casting off and on handling slowly the
throttles one can clearly feel the boat lifting lightly moving
through the water. In open waters the M/Y C45 FB takes an easy and
steady planning ride achieving the cruising speed of 30 knots at
2200 rpm and a consumption of 80 liters/hour about. At 2800 rpm a
40 knots top speed is easily achieved.
Concluding the yard's traditional philosophy capable of producing
unique and outstanding boats is again demonstrated on this C45 FB
which features are deservedly highly placed in the yachting world.
TECHNICAL DATA
Builder: Camuffo, via Zambaldi 33; 30023 Portogruaro (VE) Italy; tel +39-421/71419; fax +39-421/72890
Project by: Marco Camuffo
LOA: 14.70 mt
Hull length: 13.80 mt
Max. beam: 4 4.40 mt
GRT: 18 tons
Moulded depth: 2.45 mt
Max. draft: 1.15 mt
Light displacement: 16500 kg
Full load displacement: 18000 kg
Max. passengers capacity: 12 persons
Engines: 2x435 hp Caterpillar 3208 DITA
Total installed power: 870 hp
Light displacement to installed horsepower ratio: 18.96
Transmission: direct shaft line
Engines weight: 1886 kg (reduction gear included)
Top speed (declared): 40 knots
Cruise speed: 28 knots @ 2200 rpm
Fuel capacity: 1600 liters
Fresh water capacity: 600 liters
Berths: 6 in 3 cabins
Cruise speed range: 570 miles(cruise speed fuel consumption: 78 l/h)
Tested boat price: price to be defined according to owner's requirements
Note: Average miles range, at a given rpm, is obtained dividing the
total fuel capacity (1600 liters) for the "liters/mile"
corresponding to the entered rpm. Plotted fuel consumption is
declared by the engines' manufacturer: tuning of the engines,
weight of persons, stores, etc... on board, hull conditions and
propeller type can effect the real fuel consumption.
CONSTRUCTION PARTICULARS
Hull type: warped sections with 25Ý deadrise at LCG
Construction material: reinforced marine plywood
Deck and particulars material: solid teak deck
Fore deck: handrail, windlass, sun-lounge, hatch, 4 cleats
and fairleads, deck washing system, teak planking
Cockpit particulars: teak planking, aft settee with
lockers, shower, 2 side lockers
Swimming platform particulars: teak planking, hydraulic
gangway, ladder
Superstructure windows material: aluminum and stainless
steel frames with toughened glass
Flying-bridge particulars: second steering station, pilot
and co-pilot seats, radar arch, teak planking
INTERIORS
Lay-out and main features: one double bed cabin and two
single bed guest cabins, lockers, two complete toilets, main
saloon with steering station, dinette with table, wet-bar area,
fully hidden galley, "khaya ivorenis" and exotic wood essences
furniture, wide range choice upholstery.
Steering station: helm, magnetic compass, complete engine
gauge, indicators, VHF (double station), autopilot with repeater
on flying-bridge, 48 miles range Furuno radar, depth sounder,
Navionics Micronav plus GPS/pan navigator, 220/24 v inverter,
internal / external intercom, chart table to the dashboard's port side.
Galley: fully hidden, two stainless steel sinks, working
top, cooking stove with two gas and one electrical ranges (oven
and dishwasher are optional), 120 liters refrigerators.
ACCESSORIES
Standard equipment: electric / hydraulic trim tabs,
meteofax, stereo system in all cabins and waterproof loudspeaker
in the cockpit and flying-bridge, 5 kw gen.-set, boiler
TRIAL RESULTS
SEA AND WEATHER CONDITIONS AT TRIAL TIME
wind: calm
sea state: low swell
OBSERVED PERFORMANCES
Planning time: 7" @ 1800 rpm
Minimum planning speed: 18 knots @ 1800 rpm
Top speed: 40 knots @ 2800 rpm
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Seakeeping: testing Camuffo boats is always challenging
because of its well known excellence in performances, seakeeping
and noise insulation. The yard's tradition and experience renowned
throughout the centuries are once again confirmed by the
outstanding observed performances.
Rudder and trim tabs response: very precise and effective
Visibility: always perfect, both from the main saloon and
the flying-bridge
Docking capabilities: excellent, fast hull response to the
propeller input; the hull remains light also in restricted spaces and low rpm
COMFORT AND FUNCTIONALLY EVALUATION
Deck: easy and safe to walk with nice teak planking
Flying-bridge: traditional. We would appreciate some
additional fittings such as a wet-bar and a dinette
Interiors: outstanding comfort and joiner work. very good
noise insulation and lining
Passengers comfort: boarding a Camuffo with its 500 years
old tradition is guarantee for a luxurious and unrivaled relaxing ride
Steering comfort: both very good; the flying-bridge
steering station could be improved with an ergonomic pilot chair
Chart table: very good
Galley: well placed and with an elegant joiner work
Bathrooms: spacious and comfortable
Engine room space: excellent
Electrical plant and main electrical control board: very
well built and placed
WHAT WE LIKED MOST
Camuffo boats are and remain a "one off" ensemble of
careful project work and beautiful craftsmanship. With relatively
low installed power and consumption, performance is always
excellent, giving the unique sensation of rising above waters with
a hull built on purpose |
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WHAT WE LIKED LESS
remarks on Camuffo boats are uncommon. The long yard
tradition ensures a very well balanced product but, just in case,
a more equipped flying-bridge could be the final touch. |
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