NAUTICALweb - Colombo

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remember that the boat model described in this article could be no more available and its price, if indicated, could be outdated as it refers to the Nautica Magazine paper issue

For possible updated information on the model tested in this article and on all other models builded by this shipyard please search our YACHTING CATALOGUE

Search also the
online archives
USED BOATS
YACHTING MOVIES

COLOMBO - ATLANTIC 38

On Como Lake we had the opportunity of testing the new Atlantic 38' of the Giacomo Colombo shipyard. This new 37'5" sport cabin motor yacht surprised us for her aggressive yet elegant line, so widely appreciated by those who love "smooth" sailing, resulting from the long-standing experience of the yard. The Atlantic 38 showed excellent seakeeping capabilities coupled with great comfort and superior interior arrangement. The interior layout was designed with great care, the materials reflect a simple and functional construction philosophy: practicality and elegance.

The cockpit has a special design and is enriched by the elegant and refined walnut-root helm station. Even the useful GRP roll bar seems to perfectly fit in the outside line of the boat. The tested boat was powered by two turbo diesel stern drives with counter- rotating propellers. Optional gasoline engines may be fitted with total power varying between 560 and 730 hp and diesels power may be between 400 and 540 hp.

TECHNICAL DATA

Designer: Giacomo Colombo
Yard: ; Via dei Cipressi 8; 22017 Menaggio (Como, Italy); tel. +39-344-32176, fax +39-344-32304

Italian VAT: 20%
LOA: 37'5"
Beam: 10'6"
Displacement with test power: 14,349 lbs.
Maximum passengers capacity: 10
Berths: 4 in 2 cabins
Test boat power: 2x243 (260) hp Volvo Penta KAD 44 DPX
Total installed power: 486 hp

Total engines and reduction gears weight: 2 x 1,196 lbs.
Light displacement/installed power ratio: 13.37
Type of transmission: stern drive leg
Maximum declared speed: 40 knots
Cruising speed: 27.8 knots
Declared fuel consumption at cruising speed: 17.2 gallons/hr
Range at cruising speed: approx. 290 miles
Fuel capacity: 2x90 gallons
Freshwater capacity: 2x60 gallons
Road transportation: exceptional cargo
Price with standard equipment and test boat power: Lit. 397,000,000 (ex VAT, RINA and registry).

CONSTRUCTION CHARACTERISTICS

Hull: deep V-hull with longitudinal trim tabs
Hull construction material: stratified and hand-reinforced fiberglass; GRP-molded deck; surrounding windshield with steel frame, connected to deck aft, sink/range cabinet on deck
Deck materials and characteristics: ample deck with stainless steel side pulpits; cockpit includes dinette convertible in sunning area
Bow area: large rectangular hatch, anchor windlass and anchor chain roller arrangement, stainless steel mooring bitts, anti-slipping surface
Characteristics of the aft platform: large and well connected to the hull; central teak grid, aft shower and recessed ladder; inflatable raft locker on aft transom and stainless steel grab rail for getting on board from the water.

INTERIORS

Layout and characteristics: access to the dinette is through a GRP sliding door fitted with stainless steel knob; to starboard and to port, the dinette includes two convertible settees, a stretching table may be fitted in the center. To port of the companionway there is a cabinet with incorporated sink and a marine-type refrigerator. The range is in the cockpit. To starboard, there is the practical and simple bathroom with a small teak grid on the flooring of the small shower. Forward there is the comfortable master stateroom. It is fitted with several cabinets and lockers
Helm station in cockpit: very comfortable and of adequate size. The dashboard is quite large, refined and well integrated. The stainless steel grab-rail on the side of the driving wheel is very useful
Chart table: to the side of the helm station or on the table of the dinette
Galley: it is fully fitted; outside, galley does not include worktop. The panels used to hide the sink are a very elegant solution.

FITTINGS

Standard fittings: electrical anchor windlass, shower on deck, anti-slipping surface, aft platform with swimming ladder, gas extractor in engine room, hydro-electric opening of the engine room hatch, light, battery charger, bilge electrical pumps, water heater, recess for hi-fi installation, batteries for engines and auxiliary systems, hydraulic power assisted driving wheel
Optional fittings: anti-fouling treatment, inflatable raft, barometer and clock, dodger, Bimini top, electronic steering controls, digital echo-sounder, GPS, spare propellers, automatic fire extinguishers, portable light, generator, hi-fi stereo, CD player, rudder angle indicator, cradle, chrome-plated letters on the hull, forward deck sunning cushions, name on hull, hydraulic gangway, anatomic aft platform, VHF, aft terry sunning cushioning, sunshade.

IMPRESSIONS

SEA AND WEATHER CONDITIONS DURING BOAT TESTING
Wind: none
Lake: calm

PERFORMANCE
Time needed to reach planing speed: 3.5 seconds
Maximum speed at 3,800 rpm's: 40.3 knots
Cruising speed at 3,000 rpm's: 27.8 knots

EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE

Seakeeping ability, turning and behavior on waves: the boat is safe, aggressive and maneuverability is good in all sea conditions even at high speeds
Wheel and flap response: reaction to the wheel is progressive and well proportionate to the size of the boat.
Helm station: it is very comfortable and well protected by the wind thanks to the ample windshield. Wheel and throttle levers are suitably positioned.
Docking maneuverability: reversing gear levers and throttle levers are in casing, hydraulic-type steering wheel and excellent visibility.

EVALUATION OF COMFORT AND FUNCTIONALITY

Deck: elegant and practical arrangement solutions. Comfortable cockpit fitted with convertible settees. The ample dinette includes settee and table. The aft sunning area is extremely comfortable and relaxing. Materials and gelcoat are of excellent quality
Interiors: very high finishing level. Forward cabin is suitably arranged. Salon is refined and comfortable, it is fitted with top quality wood paneling, upholstery and linings; the bathroom includes shower, sink, socket, electrical toilet with cover, cabinets and mirrors
Passengers' comfort: excellent underway at sea both on deck as well as belowdecks. Adequate engine noise insulation
Helm station: it is suitably positioned and very comfortable.
Chart table: on one side of the dashboard; it is a bit too tight.
Galley: essential yet very practical. It is divided into two separated areas. Standard fittings include all households appliances needed for life on board
Engine room: access is from the cockpit through the hydroelectric port
Electrical switchboard and plants: switchboard is complete. Main switches are highlighted and fitted with high quality electric wiring.

Copyright (C) 1995-2008 Nautica Editrice S.r.l.. Via Tevere, 44 - 00198 Roma (Italy) - Phone +39 06 8413060 - Fax +39 06 8543653
PI 00904971009 - Registration no. 620 19/12/1995 and no. 302 7/07/2003 in the Court of Rome's Press Register.
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without publisher's written permission.
Design: Paolo Ciraci. Other sites: nautica | scubaweb | pescaweb | pagine azzurre | euroweather | eurometeo mobile | meteomed | olympic
Homepage
Site search
Our advertisers
Contacts


Copyright (C) 1995-2008 Nautica Editrice S.r.l.. Via Tevere, 44 - 00198 Roma (Italy) - Phone +39 06 8413060 - Fax +39 06 8543653 PI 00904971009 - Registration no. 620 19/12/1995 and no. 302 7/07/2003 in the Court of Rome's Press Register. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without publisher's written permission. Design: Paolo Ciraci. Other sites: nautica \| scubaweb \| pescaweb \| pagine azzurre \| euroweather \| eurometeo mobile \| meteomed \| olympic		Homepage Site search Our advertisers Contacts