In a world of expanding beams and towering superstructures the DaVinci 30 cuts a welcome dash. Nick Burnham takes it for a spin
DaVinci 30 first look
It’s all about interior volume right now – living space, cabins, sheltered helm stations and an abundance
of headroom. It’s what the market expects and the marketing boys demand – if your boat isn’t the biggest 30-footer on the market you’re in trouble.
But in amongst the space race, there must be room in the market for a traditional simple old-school motor boat for those that aren’t after the last inch of cedar-lined and illuminated closet space, surely?
I think there is. Dutch builder DaVinci thinks so too, and this new 30-footer is its rage against the marketing machine.
Stepping out of the space race allows focus to fall on the looks instead, which is why this boat is drop-dead gorgeous.
From the low-profile cabin roof with stainless-bezelled oval portholes to the sweep of wooden transom, it’s a boat that makes you stop and stare.
It’s practical too – side decks are low and wide, chunky pulpit and cabin toprails are confidence inspiring and steps on either side lead down into the deep well of the cockpit.
Simply laid out with a horseshoe of seating aft and twin and single helm seats forward, there might be no clever flip-over backrests, but do you need them on this boat?
However, don’t make the mistake of thinking that simple means basic, because the detailing is as exquisite as the looks.