A daycruiser of 5.5 m long overall with a clever use of the onboard available spaces. The MB Eighteen is the last project by Phiequipe and it can be powered with both outboard and sterndrive engines
LUXURY TENDER? OPEN DAY BOAT FOR COASTAL CRUISING? Both of those, if we want. PHIEQUIPE’s new entry is the MB Eighteen, measuring only 5.5m overall, but with a carefully designed layout which optimises every centimetre and can be customised to suit the activity.
The details are exquisite, the slatted wood is a plus and the layout is not obligatory, as we said before – it can vary from Fisherman, with a smaller fore sundeck, Open Bow, with the fore area divided from the rest and a protective windscreen, Runabout, with closed prow in vintage motor boat style, or Daycruiser. For those wishing to go wild and stand out at sea or in port, there’s a wide range of colours for the walls, with matching chrome for the trim.
The maximum capacity is six people while the engine can be outboard, up to 115 hp, or sterndrive. The Daycruiser model we tested at the Circolo Velico di Antignano (LI) was powered by a Suzuki DF90 outboard. With the outboard engine, a couple of extra lockers are available behind the seating area, which can also be used as a sunpad. There are more lockers under the pilot and co-pilot’s seats and also under the cushions at the bow, giving maximum space for the crew.
The console is at one side and benefits from a cushion which turns the seating into a chaise longue. The windscreen is semi-wraparound but lacks a rail to hold onto; the wheel is in wood and steel. Optional extras include some gorgeous accessories, such as LED deck and interior lights and glass-holders, or the bow thruster and electric windlass.
We tested the MB 18 with Mistral wind, choppy sea and 5 people on board. After a little trouble planing, it was enjoyable and manoeuvreable for its size, although the wide hull is more susceptible to rolling. The ideal driving position is seated, which is more ergonomic, while the standing position is more exposed to wind, although it gives greater visibility in rough water. We reached 29 knots at 6000 revs, with the trim at no more than 40% of its potential. The hull deadrise is 16°, and features two runners on each planing surface.
Performances and details
Phiequipe S.r.l.
Via San Vittore, 11
10040 Rivalta di Torino (TO)
T. +39 011 19836558
www.phiequipe.it
Project Phiequipe
Hull Building material: Single Skin resin • LOA 5.5m • Beam 2.40m • Max people onboard 6 • Max power rated 115 hp (84 kW) outboard or 150 hp sterndrive • Towable • Fuel tank capacity 140 l
Engine Suzuki DF90A • Delivery system: Multi Point Sequential Electronic Fuel • 4 stroke, DOHC with 16 valves • 4 cylinders in line • Swept volume 1,502 cc • Bore&Stroke 75mm x 85 mm • Max power 90 kW (66.2 hp) at 5300/6300 rpm • Alternator 12V 27 A • Dry weigh 155 kg • Gear ratio 2.59:1
EC Certification CAT C
(MB Eighteen, what a lot of space! – Barchemagazine.com – June 2016)
