Euro
1200 sea trials
Thursday 8Th May
2003.
We gladly accepted the
opportunity to be on board the Bruce
Roberts Euro 1200 built by Kregting
Jacht services on the 8th of May at Jirnsum in the heart of Holland’s
cruising paradise, the province of Friesland for some sea trials.
Upon arrival, our first
look at the “live” Euro 1200 gave us a very pleasant impression of the real
thing. Moored sideways, her beautiful lines and the dark blue hull with white saloon and
flybridge ensure an eye-catching effect second to none.
We boarded the ship all
at the same time from the same side and to our surprise she did not roll at all, the
builder commented “How’s that for stability?” We were welcomed by the owner / builder in the
spacious aft cockpit, easily accommodating the group of 8 persons.
The next pleasant
surprise was the size of the saloon, enhanced by the cockpit on the same level as well as
the size of the front windows, creates an atmosphere of space and light which is unusual
for a boat of this size. All facilities like inside steering position, kitchen, shower /
toilet and master bedroom, all with build-in storage lockers were completed by the owner
to a high standard.
The engine compartment
is accessed by a hatch in the saloon floor and is well laid out and professionally done
with a refurbished DAF engine (120HP) water lubricated propeller shaft, batteries, boiler,
tanks, electric converter and there is still sufficient space for a generator or
additional fuel- and or water tanks.
Two 3-step stairs on
either side of the aft cockpit give access to the side decks and a third staircase with
very nicely shaped steps leads you to the flybridge which is somewhat uncommon for
Northern Europe, but what a pleasant feature to have, providing the best possible view for
the captain as well as the passengers and the perfect place to be under good weather
conditions. You really feel to be a King (or Queen) on the water.
As we left the docks for
our trial voyage we noticed the ship’s smooth response to the throttle and the
rudder, as well as the absence of any vibration and hardly any engine noise, in spite of
the non-insulated engine compartment and the reputation of refurbished DAF engines being
noisy.
We were motoring at the
relaxed speed of some 8 knots at 1800 rpm at 25% throttle along the canal towards one of
the many lakes in Friesland. Our next stop being a waterside terrace at the
lake brought along a fair number of spectators, asking the question about the material of
the hull, assuming this being GRP judging from the rounded shapes and lines. Our answer of
a steel hull & deck always prompted them to knock the hull in verification.
Some inclement weather
during our return voyage prompted us to use the inside steering position which offers good
visibility view all around for both passengers and captain on the slightly raised steering
position. The spacious saloon comfortably accommodates 10 persons, 6 seats on the
build in bench along the starboard side and 3 separate chairs behind the steering position
at port side.
We challenged the
captain to demonstrate the full forward to full reverse capabilities. At a speed of 12
knots it takes less than half the ships length to stop which is an excellent achievement.
We returned to the
marina and mooring the Euro 1200 in reverse alongside proved to be as easy as can be, with
some assistance from the bow thruster. The ship responds well to the rudder in reverse
mode, again without any noticeable vibration or noise. This concluded a truly remarkable
experience on the Euro 1200, thanks to the favourable weather conditions.
All in all a most
enjoyable and enlightening experience, the Euro 12 is all you claimed she would be –
and more! Thanks for a great experience,
Yours, Edgar |
![Bruce[2].jpg (4158 bytes)](images/Bruce[2].jpg)
![AL-1200-03[1].gif (19469 bytes)](images/AL-1200-03[1].gif)
