A trial to test the hull
Cannes is not necessarily synonymous with heat... During our test of the DB/37, the 5 knots of wind and the wrinkled sea are not conducive to lounging in a cockpit, but are good conditions for testing the speed of the DB/37's hull. Comfortably warm in the cockpit, we appreciate the tarpaulin that closes the side decks and protects us from the wind.
Full throttle for lift-off
There are 4 of us on board, and the 2x 360-liter fuel tanks are 30% full. Our model is powered by two Volvo D4 engines, each rated at 320 hp, with a Z-Drive DPI Duo Prop transmission. Our model, with all options, is a little heavy and tends to sail with the nose up before coming out of the water. To counter this effect, we're advised to go full throttle and reduce speed once the DB/37 is in line. Lift-off is reached in 9.47 seconds, and 20 knots in about the same time.
Good sea passage and stable navigation
Despite a slightly bumpy passage through the waves, the DB/37 is stable underway and offers rather good sea passage. It's primarily designed for family cruising in fine weather, as evidenced by the cockpit's relaxing layout. The heel is a little pronounced when cornering, but sailing remains comfortable, especially when snug in the three seats in the cockpit.
Cruising speed for great range
Top speed of 36.2 knots is achieved at 3600 rpm, with fuel consumption of 127.3 liters per hour. At cruising speed, between 3,000 and 3,200 rpm, consumption is quite similar. In the first case, at 24 knots, we consume 82.4 liters per hour, or 3.4 l/mile. In the second case, at 27.9 knots, consumption is 89 litres/hour, or 3.1 litres/mile. At cruising speed, this gives a range of around 200 to 230 miles.
