We've driven some fantastic boats in our time, but these five are without a doubt the most impressive we've ever tested
When it comes to boats, we’ve certainly tested some fantastic ones, but these five craft have really put us through our paces. Whether it was because they were so incredibly powerful, enormous or the weather was inclement, we won’t forget these tests any time soon!
Safehaven Marine Barracuda SV11
Editor Hugo Andreae conducts the most extreme boat test that Motor Boat and Yachting has ever done, taking on 5m rollers over Daunt Rock off the southern tip of Ireland in the Safehaven Barracuda.
Type 23 Frigate HMS Sutherland
We’ve tested many boats over the years but this was the first time we had the chance to drive a full serving Royal Navy warship.
Hardy 65
Come rain or shine, we go the extra mile to test a boat. Even snow won’t stop us, as Jack Haines found out on a freezing morning at Gosport Marina, where he tested the Hardy 65 in rather cool conditions!
Rodman Patrol 55
Used by the police force, customs and harbour patrol, the powerful Rodman 55 was always going to be an exciting boat to test. An agile craft that at 48 knots feels, in Jack Haines’ words, like being on an airplane.
SEAir Flying RIB
Foiling is on everyone’s lips at the moment, so Jack Haines heads to SEAir’s HQ in France to test their SEAir Flying RIB and discovers what it’s like to get to grip with sensitive foils…
