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Donato Conserva C.N. Shipyard
CD 190 SPEEDSTER
The Puglia-based Donato Conserva shipyard initially opened 25
years ago, in a discrete manner, with restoration and repair work.
Today it flaunts a considerable experience in shipbuilding, most
especially in the production of materials that use classical woods
and modern fiberglass combined with tough marine plywood subjected
to the resin and epoxy treatment heated at 140 F.
Savvy ancient craftsmanship combined with the marvels of modern
chemistry create an "armored" structure that we very much
appreciated in the splendid scenery of Brindisi's harbor during
the sea trials of Donato Conserva's most recent product: the CD
190 Speedster.
A fresh northerly breeze ripples the stretch of water protected by
the long jetty and big dark running clouds hide every now and then
the dim winter sun. In this dull setting, the flame-red small boat
stands out as a brilliant touch of joy, proudly sailing among the
short waves formed by the cold wind. The motorboat cuts small
rings in the water; she sails to and fro and waits for a breach of
light. A bigger motor yacht nears the small Speedster and from
above we can appreciate the excellent seakeeping ability of the
American-designer Robert W. Stephens project - he is from Maine
and is distinct from the renowned New York Studio.
I take the wheel and I try to do the "worst maneuvers". I suddenly
accelerate and stop, do small round turns on opposite sides. The
small boat is very agile, amusing and yet very safe. Although she
could be fitted with a maximum power of 140 hp, the 90hp engine
used during the sea trials is more than excellent. In fact, she
reaches planing speed in 10 seconds with four passengers on board.
The aft locker port may be opened either totally or partially; if
opened halfway, it may be blocked in position with a steel rod.
The aft locker is extremely large and it is ideal for the storing
of all mooring equipment and eventually, on request, even for the
stern drive.
Belowdecks, the two V-berths may be converted into a big double
bed by covering the flooring. The hanging locker is fitted
forward. This is the ideal boat for a small fast cruise.
 TECHNICAL DATA
Designer-waterlines: Robert W. Stephens (Maine, USA)
Designer- interiors and deck: Donato Conserva
Yard: Donato Conserva Costruzioni Nautiche; C.P. 67; Via
Mottola km 2; Zona Industriale; 74015 Marina Franca (Taranto,
Italy); tel. +39-80-4304531; fax +39-80-4834915
Italian VAT: 20%
LOA: 18'10"
Beam: 6'2"
Depth: 4'3"
Draft: 2'1"
Gross tonnage: 5,188 lbs.
Light displacement: 817 lbs.
Maximum passengers capacity: 5
Berths: 2
Power: 1 outboard engine, maximum power 140 hp (145hp Volvo Penta or Mercruiser stern drive may be fitted on request)
Test boat power: 87hp Johnson 90 TL
Engine weight (90hp): 303 lbs.
Total weight with 90hp engine: 1,148 lbs.
Maximum declared speed at 5,600 rpm's: 45 knots
Fuel capacity of fixed tank (optional): 24 gallons
Fuel consumption at cruising speed: 5-6 gallons/hr
Road transportation: 1,434 lbs. trailer
Standard fittings - On deck: complete cable connection
steering; 4 lifting rings; 3 mooring bitts; navigation lights; forward hatch
Belowdecks: full upholstery, cushioning, mirror, 2 halogen
lights, casing for fire extinguishers, electrical switchboard with
4 switches and horn, fuel gage, bilge pump.
Price of boat: Lit. 43,500,000 ex VAT
Price with equipment and test boat power: Lit. 55,000,000 ex VAT
Optional fittings: cover, Lit. 500,000; windshield Lit. 800,000; fixed stainless steel tank Lit. 650,000
Hull color: ice white, golden yellow, gray, dark blue,
ochre beige, metal gray (surcharge).
IMPRESSIONS
SEA AND WEATHER CONDITIONS DURING BOAT TESTING
Wind: 15 knots
Sea: slight undertow
PERFORMANCE
Time needed to reach planing speed: 5 seconds
Cruising speed at 4,400 rpm's: 36 knots
Maximum speed at 5,200 rpm's: 42 knots
EVALUATION OF COMFORT AND FUNCTIONALITY
Hull construction material: 5/6"-thick (on hull) and 1/4"-
thick (on topsides) marine plywood that respectively become 7/16"
and 5/6" after GRP and epoxy resin stratification; finishing and
interiors with polyurethane paint
Lockers - on deck: small forward locker and large aft
locker for storage of battery and safety equipment; two oars and
one boot hook are stored on aft locker cover. Cockpit sides are
fitted with practical object holders and with two recessed casings
for fire extinguishers.
Belowdecks: one long locker is fitted between the two V-berths;
a 3'3"-high and 1'3"-deep hanging locker is hidden behind the mirror
Helm station: the helm station is fitted to starboard, it
includes comfortable cushioned pilot seat, sporty steering wheel,
single throttle lever to one side, dashboard with electrical
control panel. In front of the passenger's seat there is a grab
rail and a practical locker with key. A moving panel is fitted for
installation of additional instrumentation. Log and rpm-counter
are standard supplied with the engine. Installation of the
optional windshield is suggested
Interiors - Characteristics and fittings: cabin access
between the two settees is closed by curtains; forward there is a
spacious V-berth with headroom for comfortable sitting
Deck - Characteristics and fittings: 1 forward mooring
bitt, 2 aft mooring bitts, 1 towing ring on the stempost, 4
lifting rings, anti-slipping material on deck an on the sides of
the cockpit.
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