This brand from the makers of Hydrolift has been making waves in Scandinavia so we put the Cormate T27 Supermarine to the test from its new UK base in Poole
We set an MBY record with the Cormate T27 Supermarine, that being the quickest time from seeing a boat for the first time to taking it out for a test.
To be precise, it was five days between seeing the boat on Fine Design’s stand at the London Boat Show and moving off the pontoon down in Poole.
Why the haste to test it? Well just look at it, that’s a pretty good reason. Sleek, taught, wonderful proportions with sumptuous retro touches like the round ports and (slightly vulnerable) teak inserts around its pert rump.
A single sterndrive makes for superb handling
Then there is what lies beneath the skin, that being a 24-degree, single step hull with a sterndrive and 6.2 litre 350hp Mercruiser V8 firing it through the water.
That equates to a top speed of 50 knots on the nose and the ability to cruise comfortably from anywhere between 18 and 45 knots.
Poole bay dished up a cauldron of nasty seas for our trial combing a rolling swell with prickly spikes of chop and deep troughs.
As boat tests go it couldn’t have been much more testing but the Cormate was absolutely in its element, bounding from crest to crest with laughable ease.
It’s the mark of a good hull when you brace for enormous impact and it doesn’t happen and the Cormate landed softly and without fuss no matter what I threw at it.
It became a perverse challenge to get the hull to slam but no matter how fast I catapulted the boat off the back of a wave, or how far into a trough we landed, the hull never grumbled.
Power to the petrol
Part of what makes helming the T27 in these conditions so enjoyable is the fact that it has a naturally aspirated petrol engine with almost no lag between inputs on the throttle and an increase in speed.
For heaving the boat out of troughs the immediacy of the V8 is hugely advantageous – and it sounds terrific as it does it.
The helm looks good and fits the skipper like a glove
This storming performance aside, there are plenty of other strings to the Cormate’s bow.
Like a beautifully finished and cleverly laid out cockpit with plenty of space to relax and dine and below decks is a comfortable double berth with a proper toilet and sink.
Okay, you’re not going to want to spend a week on board but for the odd overnight or to shelter from the weather it is great to have, especially if you are changing up from a centre console boat or a RIB.
The cabin is more than comfortable enough for a couple of nights on board
It’s a beautifully made bit of kit, too, with lashings of teak and timber on the bulwarks and helm station, chunky stainless steel and pop-up cleats all round.
It’s not a cheap boat but then again it feels reassuringly expensive, and when you consider that the rivals come from Windy, Chris-Craft and Goldfish it has to.
You can read our full report on the Cormate T27 Supermarine in the April 2016 issue of Motor Boat & Yachting.
More information: Fine Design Marine. Tel: +44 (0)1202 465327 Web: www.cormate.co.uk
Pros
- Sensational looks
- Excellent hull
- Storming performance
- High quality finish and detailing
Cons
- It's on the pricey side
Price as reviewed:
£126,261.00 as tested
Verdict
The name may be unfamiliar on these shores but it won't be for long. The T27 combines gorgeous lines with a fearsome hull and huge performance to deliver one of the surprise packages of the year... and it's only February.
Details
Length: 27ft 8in (8.46m)
Beam: 8ft 4in (2.56m)
Test engine: Single Mercruiser 350hp
Top speed on trial: 49.5 knots
Top speed: 70 knots (single 600hp)
Fuel capacity: 44 imp gal (200 litres)
Water capacity: 8.8 imp gal (40 litres)
Price from: £119,214 inc VAT
