Test / Capelli Stradivari 43, a semi-rigid boat built with the luxury of a Stradivarius

With the Stradivari 43, Capelli is aiming at a new target, that of elegance and luxury. Quality of construction and finishes characterize this 13 m semi-rigid. Associated with a comfortable and safe piloting, the Stradivari 43 aims at a demanding clientele.

Lines inspired by a violin

The Stradivari 43 is the latest addition to the Capelli factory, which was inspired by the craftsmanship of the violin making association in Cremona, the birthplace of Umberto Capelli, the founder of the factory, and the birthplace of Antonio Stradivari, one of the most famous violin makers in the world.

The Stradivari 43 takes its lines from a violin, with lines that widen from bow to stern. It takes the hull of the Tempest 44, extended by 1 m at the waterline. With this elegant and exclusive model, Capelli is targeting a more luxurious market. With a length of 13 m and approved in category B for 18 persons, the Stradivari 43 offers a deck plan that is suitable for both day cruising and vacations on the water.

Essai du Stradivari 43
Test of the Stradivari 43

A huge rear platform for relaxation

Its layout is dedicated to user-friendliness with this huge rear platform. The huge skirts frame the 2x425 hp Yamaha - maximum motorization recommended by the shipyard. The access to the sea is thus facilitated. The rear platform is entirely covered by an imposing sundeck, leaving nevertheless two side decks, secured by a polyester reinforcement with handrails, running up to the bow of the boat and almost hiding the hypalon floats on the front. A removable outdoor shower with carbon structure and shower head is fixed on the rear deck to rinse off after swimming.

La plateforme arrière avec bains de soleil et carré transformable
The rear platform with sunbathing area and convertible saloon
Grand coffre de rangement sous bain de soleil
Large storage box under the sunbed

A recessed cockpit and a large cockpit

The cockpit is central, well protected by the gangplank and accommodates a U-shaped bench seat on which at least 8 passengers can sit. The electric table is embedded in the floor.

Le carré avec la table relevée
The square with the table raised

The polyester block at the front houses a galley with a sink, a work surface, a refrigerator, storage and even a champagne bucket and a coffee machine. The handles are in leather finish and comfort the positioning of the boat. At the bow are the comfortable pilot and co-pilot seats, with a removable seat cushion. The dashboard is spacious with all the navigation instruments within easy reach, including two 16-inch touch screens, the joystick and the bow thruster. The piloting position is comfortable, either seated with the feet on the footrest or standing. The cockpit is protected by a windshield and equipped with a T-Top in carbon fiber and Kevlar.

La console de pilotage
The control console
Le meuble de cuisine
The kitchen furniture

Access to the foredeck is via a step and wide side decks. The bow is wide and offers an extended bench to sail facing the sea.

La plage avant qui accueille un deuxième bain de soleil
The front beach which welcomes a second sunbathing area

An elegant cabin for sleeping on board

Inside, the Stradivari 43 offers all the comforts expected of a RIB of this caliber. A cabin with a double berth in the bow, storage space and a side bench seat. A mid-cabin also offers two additional berths, in the center of the boat. A large bathroom completes the interior layout with a sink and storage on one side and a toilet and shower on the other.

La cabine avec son couchage avant
The cabin with its front bed
La mid-cabine sur l'arrière et le cabinet de toilette à tribord avec douche et toilette séparée
The mid-cabin aft and the starboard bathroom with shower and separate toilet

Few options and a nice quality finish

The shipyard has set the bar high for the equipment, fittings and finishes of the Stradivari 43. The details are meticulous, the upholstery of quality. The cabin has been fitted with upholstery and padding. To further the link with the violin, two lighted ports have been integrated into the bow of the boat. The color palette used, as well as the wooden floor, also recall the musical instrument.

Already very well equipped as standard, some options are in the catalog such as the sun and console cover, the bow thruster, the coffee machine or the wine cellar.

La machine à café, une option
The coffee machine, an option

A very good behaviour at sea

It is in Cannes that we had the opportunity to test the semi-rigid, with a light chop. For our test, we were 4 on board with half the tank full (total of 700 L). Our Stradivari was equipped with two Yamaha V8 5.6 L outboards with 425 hp and 19x16 5/8 propellers. The Stradivari gets out of the water quickly and reaches 20 knots in 5.3 seconds. It cruises at low speed - 3,000 rpm - at a speed of 18.5 knots and has a fuel consumption of 68 L/H. At top speed, the Stradivari 43 effortlessly reaches 44.4 knots with a fuel consumption of 298 L/h. A nice performance although pure speed is not the program of the boat. Its cruising speed is between 23 (3500 rpm/95L/h) and 27.9 knots (4000 rpm/118L/h).

Essai du Stradivari 43
Test of the Stradivari 43
Essai du Stradivari 43
Test of the Stradivari 43

At sea, the passage of the Stradivari 43 is irreproachable. Its hull passes the chop without hindrance or blow in the conditions encountered, not very engaging for a semi-rigid of this size. The acceleration is smooth and fast. In tight turns, its behavior is sound and the list, although a little pronounced, is not insecure. The Stradivari 43 responds perfectly to steering wheel tilts and quickly regains its trim once flat. In summary, the boat perfectly meets its comfort and relaxation program, with a healthy seaworthy behavior and a comfortable navigation. Although not designed for pure performance, it remains a fun boat to sail for those who want to have fun.

Price: 650,000 euros excluding tax

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