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NAUTICA MAGAZINE
NAVIGATION TEST

Article selected from thousand boat trials performed by Nautica in nearly 50 years

Navigation trials

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that the boat model described in this article could be no more available and its price, if indicated, could be outdated as it refers to the Nautica Magazine paper issue

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Text and photographs by Roberto Moneda

DELFINO YARD PLAZA 23 OPEN

Cantiere Delfino, Plaza 23 Open

Even if this version bears the term "open" compared with the previous Plaza 23, actually she is a new boat, with a completely new deck arrangement intended for fishermen. The boat was designed with a comfortable living space amidships that can be protected with a bimini top, which can completely change her overall aspect. This cabin motorboat, with the right proportions and clearly defined arrangements, was designed for the traditional fisherman who demands not only high performance capabilities but also a classical layout carried out by skilled workmanship as is in the tradition of yards along the coast near Leghorn (Italy).

We tested the boat just outside the marina of Cecina, which unfortunately has a very poor entry and exit channel. At sea, she was aggressive with good seakeeping abilities and good speed performance, reaching 27 knots with three passengers on board. Belowdecks, there is a simple cabin. The helm station, when fitted with the bimini top (see photograph) offers a protected and comfortable living space during daytime.

TECHNICAL DATA

Designer: Ciaravino Giuseppe
Yard: Cantiere Navale Delfino; Via Aurelia Sud Vallescaia 2/b; 57023 Cecina (Leghorn, Italy), tel./fax +39-586-681735.
LOA: 23'
Beam: 8'2"
Depth: 5'5"
Draft: 1'9"
Light displacement: approx. 2,980 lbs.
Maximum passengers capacity: 7
Total number of berths: 2 + 1 in the same cabin
Power: one VM 692 HI 9 Turbo Diesel 170 HP engine
Total installed power: 170 hp
Type of transmission: stern drive
Total engines and reduction gears weight: 883 lbs.
Maximum declared speed: 28 knots
Fuel capacity: 34.34 gallons
Freshwater capacity: 15.85 gallons
Road transportation: on trailer
Standard equipment: aft swimming platform, bow platform, GRP bow pulpit, navigation lights, compass, horn, mechanical steering, spare tiller, stainless steel rudder with rope protecting guard
Optional fittings: interior cushions, deck sunning cushions, refrigerator, electrical windlass, electrically pivoting search light, spare battery, shower and tank kit, anchor arrangement, stove, rotating fishing rod-holders, windscreen wipers, echo-sounder, GPS, VHF, radio, auxiliary diesel engine, anti-fouling
Price with test power: Lit. 72,000,000 ex VAT

IMPRESSIONS

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

PERFORMANCE
Time needed to reach planing speed: 3.8 seconds
Maximum speed: 27.1 knots at 3,800 rpm
Cruising speed: 20 knots at 3,000 rpm
Noise reading at maximum speed: 86.2 db at pilot's seat; 80.5 db inside the cabin; 91 db in the aft cockpit

EVALUATION OF COMFORT AND FUNCTIONALITY

Construction material and particulars: hand-stratified and reinforced GRP hull; deck mold with applied aft platform; bow pulpit with stainless steel stanchions and GRP grabrails, three- panel windshield that can be connected to the bimini top and to the GRP roll-bar
Lockers: 3+3 in the cockpit, several lockers belowdecks and 1 forward
Helm station: to starboard with simple dashboard. The steering wheel is in stainless steel and tilted. The helm station is lower than the living space amidships. Comfortable pilot's seat but with little position adjustment. Single-lever throttle in casing on the side
Interiors layout and arrangement: sliding access door to the central cabin. V-berth with chemical toilet hidden in the central locker. Large forward hatch.
Deck layout and fittings: 2 forward mooring bitts, 2 on the sides of the aft transom; forward sunning area; sheltered cockpit with access door to the aft platform; comfortable side steps on side gunwales.