Page 1 ● Article boat test ● 2013 www.boattrial.com ● www.boottest.be ● Copyright © Malot vzw & editors

Boat test Boattrial.com Technical specifications Hull • Material Hull GRP Tubes Neoprene - Hypalon • Length (LOA) 13,10 m • Width (WOA) 3,96 m • Depth 0,65 m • Total weight > 6500 kg • CE-category B/22 pers. Various sizes • Diameter tubes 0,65 m • Fuel tank 1000 liter • Water tank 230 liter • Wastewater tank 60 liter • Capacity fridge 2x50 liter • Capacity boiler 25 liter • Height living room 1,99 m • Height shower 1,8 m Engine (test boat) • Power 3 x 300 hp • Brand YAMAHA • Model F300 BETX • Screw RVS 21” (Salt Water)

Price (package price test boat) 298.302,00 EUR (ex. VAT)

Website manufacturers www.cantiercapelli.it www.yamaha-motor.eu

In the category of "Rigid Inflatable Boats" (short ribs), we have seen some remarkable changes in recent years, whereby well-known tough inflatable boats were transformed into stylish and comfortable pleasure boats. The Capelli TEMPEST 44 is a perfect example that can be described as a 'Rib Cruiser' of size. Hecan be equipped with up to three 350 hp outboards. The T44 is also the flagship of the Capelli ribs. At the time of our test it showed that it was even the largest Rib Cruiser in the Benelux. The T44 is a unique concept with a

Mediterranean appearance. The rib offers luxury and space to make multi-day cruises in perfect conditions. It really has all the comforts as you can find on board of a luxury yacht. Besides, its seaworthiness and good sailing performance are a guarantee for an optimal experience on the water. At the invitation of Brugge Marine Center and D'Ieteren Sport - Yamaha Marine BoatTrial could test this newly introduced rib.

The concept of this new Capelli rib is perfect for multi-day cruises in Mediterranean waters. Introduction 2013

‘Rib Cruiser’ of size

The Capelli shipyard The Italian Capelli shipyard was founded in 1974 by Davide Capelli. Together with his son Umberto he developed various crafts made from polyester. Around 1992 the yard launched its first inflatable boat with a polyester keel, better known as rib. Over the years Capelli designed a complete range of vessels, both for racing activities for professional and leisure use. Today the yard produces about 50 models, including some 15 polyester vessels and as many as 35 different ribs. Capelli is proud that all their products are of high quality. For this purpose they use the best materials. The tubes of the rib are manufactured in Neoprene Hypalon. The site claims that they use the most modern production technologies. A remarkable vision

of the yard is that it intends to give each vessel an attractive but timeless design. The Capelli rib range starts with a simple tender TEMPEST 220 and goes up to an extremely luxurious TEMPEST 44, a 'rib cruiser' version with a comfortable cabin. In the racing world Capelli stands his ground with the specially designed TEMPEST 'Raid' version. For the buyers of a new rib there is a very wide choice in function of the desired character and use, although mostly the budget will influence the choice.Recently, 4 new boats were added to the Capelli range. During our test runs we testedthe luxurious TEMPEST 44 and sporting TEMPEST 650, both with Yamaha outboard engines.

Text: Louis & Wim Vercauter Pictures: Wim Vercauter – Axel Wyffels (BMC)

Capelli Tempest 44

The Capelli TEMPEST 44 a ‘Rib Cruiser’ of size with clean and straight lines. (Picture Axel Wyffels)

Page 2 ● Article boat test ● 2013 www.boattrial.com ● www.boottest.be ● Copyright © Malot vzw & editors

A marine cooker is available just outside the cockpit. We count four floor levels and the mobility on board is good. Despite the high quality and good finish we notice that a sealing strip beneath the cabin door is not properly attached, a beginner's mistake that clearly will be adjusted in production. Above deck, the T44 has a quite traditional layout a bit similar to the TEMPEST 1000. Given the larger surface in the cockpit the T44 has a double table and a spacious sun deck with dimensions 2,25 x 1,85 m. Quite unique is the electrical operation of this sundeck, under which a storage space is hidden. In this same area are also various technical elementseasily accessible. A bimini top can be integrated into the edge of the sundeck. Surprisingly a navigation roll-bar is not standard. At the borders of the cockpit we see new build-in led-lights. In the cockpit itself 12 people can sit comfortably. The outdoor kitchen is equipped with a 50 liter refrigerator drawer, a gas stove and a sink. This outdoor kitchen is located behind the driver's seat and offers more facilities than the kitchen below deck. The layout and comfort on board are a perfect formula for a multiday stay and make this Capelli the ideal boat for a luxury weekend break.

The Capelli TEMPEST 44 has clean and straight lines that provide a challenging and timeless appearance. The T44 was developed in collaboration with Roberto Curto Design. The large volume of the hull and slightly elevated foredeck gave the possibility to provide a very comfortable living space below deck. In the living room we actually measure a height of 1,99 m, even in the shower we measure a height of 1,8 m. Below deck we find a kitchen, a cozy living room that can be adapted to a bedroom for 2 people and a wet room with shower and toilet. Under the cockpit floor the rib has a separate sleeping area (under sleeper). This mid cabin for 2 people has a limited height but does have a king size bed. The finish on board is very good and stylish. The ceiling and the upper part of the side walls in the living areas are finished in white gel coat, which gives a good luminance of light. The color combinations of the interior are appropriate and inviting. There are two interior versions. The kitchen is integrated in the living room, has a stylish design and is equipped with a sink that has a striking and well-designed water tap. A very durable worksheet that is made of artificial marble has a width of 1 m. We also see a built-in refrigerator with a capacity of 50 liters.

On board of the TEMPEST 44

Good walkable 27 cm wide side deck, with a railing and LED lighting.

Left top: luxurious outdoor kitchen with cooker, sinks and a handy fridge.

Right top: Wet cell with shower and toilet with a comfortable height.

Left bottom: comfortable living room below deck.

Creative and stylish built-in led-light integrated into the edge of the cockpit.

Handy access door to the cabin, with an additional safety lock in the open position.

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Test results

rpm knots l/h 600 4,1 - 1200 7,0 - 1800 9,4 31 2000 10,9 - 2200 12,7 46 2500 14,4 – 15,0 70 2800 16,6 - 3000 21,1 87 3500 25,0 90 4000 27,7 148 4500 35 204 5000 41,6 288 5200 43 294 5500 45,6 300

Our test run conditions Persons on board 3 Capacity fuel tank 50% Wind speed 1-2 Bf Wave height 0 m

Testing location Baudewijn canal, Bruges (Belgium), in co-operation with Bruges Marine Center and D’Ieteren Yamaha-Marine. Website BMC (dealer Belgium): www.bruggemarinecenter.com

Performance and impression

Our test boat has three 300 hp Yamaha V6 four stroke engines of the type F300 BETX. The engines are equipped with an SDS switching mechanism, a system by which you hardly feel and hear the shift of theengines. When we sit behind the trendy and sporty steering console we see a clear dashboard. The dashboard has a dark coating to absorb the sunlight. The standard steering wheel doesn't really suit with this boat, but that's a personal opinion. The throttles are ergonomically placed and the skipper has a footrest. The sitting position and comfort of the sofa is perfect. Behind the steering console there is place for two people and there are enough handholds provided for the crew. Our trial takes place on the Baudewijn Canal in Bruges (Belgium). With the engines on idle we reach a speed of 4,1 knots, a practical speed to enter a port. When we open the throttle, we reach

planing speed after about 6 seconds at a speed of 15 knots. With a 900 hp engine equipment, the acceleration is impressive when we consider that this boat has a weight of more than 6500 kg. After a few seconds we reach 5500 rpm with a top speed of 45,6 knots. The maximum consumption is about 300 liters/h. A recommended economic cruising speed is at 3500 rpm (25 knots) with a consumption of about 90 liters/h. This theoretically means we can travel more than 275 nautical miles with a full fuel tank. The maneuvering goes fluent and the turning circle is quitesmall. The hull has a deep V-shape and the 1000 liter fuel tank was placed in the middle as ballast. When breaking waves we feel the sturdy character of a rib. The Capelli TEMPEST 44 is a seaworthy rib you can use in open waters to reach far destinations in a short time.

Design

Appreciation BoatTrial

Advantages Space and height below deck Large mid-cabin Perfect seating position for the skipper Large storage capacity beneath sundeck Standard fender holders Disadvantages No marine cooker below deck Standard no navigation-roll bar present No shelter in luxurious cockpit (Bimini top optional) Higher price category

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Layout / comfort

Finish / Quality

Impression sea trial

Our conclusion

The design of the new Capelli TEMPEST 44 can be described as timeless and challenging. The model is definitely an asset in the top series of Capelli. Its length and voluminous hull certainly give him the status of being a Rib Cruiser of size. The layout and the presence of a comfortable living space, with the comfort comparable to that of a luxury yacht, you can feel free to make longer trips with this rib. The Mediterranean concept of the TEMPEST 44 is made to live on board in the cockpit. His performance and good handling characteristics make it possible to navigate quickly to far and sunny destinations, making the TEMPEST 44 most appropriate to use in open waters.

Theoretical range of more than 275 nautical miles at a speed of 25 knots

TEMPEST 44 equipped with 3 YAMAHA 300 HP V6 4-stroke outboard engines.

Standard equipment