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One of the first models of the Italian shipyard
The Cayman 23 Sport from the Italian shipyard Ranieri International is one of the very first RIB models launched in the late 2010s. It also comes in a Sport Touring version (a larger console with WC) and a Dive version (diving). Until 2014, Ranieri only produced rigid hulls. Since then, the range has expanded with a dozen tires ranging in length from 19 to 38 feet. The shipyard will also launch a 44-foot Cayman in September 2022.
New console and leaning-post
The Cayman 23 Sport has evolved over the years and now has a new console and a new leaning post. Built in Italy in Soverato, the Cayman 23 Sport has floats in Orca neoprene hypalon with a diameter of 60 cm. It has a length of 7.10 m, a width of 2.80 m for a weight without engine of 700 kg. Two small bathing skirts (with bathing ladder) frame the engine block whose "bathtub" is of good size to facilitate handling.
A safe cockpit
Access to the cockpit is on the port side via a space between the polyester gunwales and the aft bench seat. The reinforcements are equipped with handrails on both sides and removable padding. The rear bench seat has a folding backrest and a good-sized storage compartment. It faces the leaning post (equipped, on our test model, with an optional folding table). The latter offers two wrap-around pilot seats with flip-up seats in the front. However, the space with the console is quite small for larger people.
Lots of storage space at the console
The cockpit is large enough to house all the on-board electronics, including a 12-inch screen. A tinted windshield with handrails makes it easy to navigate and move around the boat. The width of the gangways allows for unobstructed movement around the boat.
The console houses a large storage area for on-board items. A second storage area is hidden in front of the leaning-post. A seat in front of the console is also equipped with handrails. However, the seat lacks a little depth.
Extended sunbathing area as standard
The bow houses a sunbathing area that can be extended with an extension supplied as standard. There is a very large storage locker underneath, although the cushions must be removed to access it. The anchor locker is integrated in the fiberglass bow piece where the windlass is located (electric windlass optional).
Few options to add
Overall, the Ranieri 23 Sport is well equipped as standard, the options being mainly related to additional comfort: 45 L fresh water tank and hand shower (1,105 euros), stereo system (1,240 euros), stainless steel roll bar with integrated bimini (5,185 euros) âeuros¦ The colors of the floats or even the console and upholstery can also be modified as options.
A stable hull
Our test took place in the bay of Mèze, in the region of Sète, on the Etang de Thau. Relatively protected, the water level showed at the end of the day some wrinkles due to an east wind of 7 to 8 knots. We were able to test the Cayman 23 Sport with a Honda outboard engine of 250 hp, its maximum power. The shipyard advises a power of 200 hp. The fuel tank has a capacity of 205 L.
The Cayman 23 Sport lifts off almost immediately after 2.38 seconds. At 4000 rpm, it displays 26.7 knots for a fuel consumption of 36L/h. This last one goes up in arrow as one goes up in the revolutions: 54,7L/h at 35 nÅuds (5 000 rpm) and until 85L/h in maximum speed of 44,5 nÅuds (obtained with an important trim). In general, the Cayman 23 Sport needs to be well trimmed to gain speed. At maximum power, the autonomy is about 2h30.
Regarding the comfort of navigation, the boat goes very well at sea and is relatively stable. The navigation is comfortable, smooth, the heel when turning is not too pronounced and the boat does not stall at a speed of about 25 knots. Nevertheless, we should check these data with a rougher sea. The passage in rougher water (crossing a wake) remains comfortable, without too many jolts.
Tariff 2022
The Cayman 23 Sport bareboat is priced at 44,078 euros. The package boat plus Honda engine of 250 hp is 59 900 euros TTC (excluding assembly, preparation and options).
