Test / Sterk 31 RC: A supersportboat combining speed, style and cruising comfort

The first model from the MS Marine shipyard, the Sterk 31 RC displays the color and DNA of the shipyard as intended by its founder. A sporty boat, with a meticulous design and high performance, to go fast while enjoying a family anchorage, which we discover in this 1st part of our test.

Sterk: A range with a colourful name

The Sterk 31 may be the first boat sold under the MS Marine name, but it's not the first for the shipyard, which has been active in the RIB sector for many years. When it launched its first model, 9.73 m long, it had a clear brief: a sporty rigid hull that could easily reach high speeds, while retaining on-board comfort.

The story of the Sterk 31's launch was one of continental Europe, with the destruction of the factory housing the boat's molds during the war in Ukraine. After a complete reorganization, production was relaunched in Germany. A further justification for the chosen name, Sterk, which in addition to being that of the shipyard's founder means "powerful, resilient, unaffected." Features that reflect the shipyard's history as much as its edgy design and speedy performance.

Speed at the heart of the program

Claiming its place in the supersportboat category, the Sterk 31 RC has been designed above all for speed. This begins with the hull design, entrusted to naval architect Sasha Vlad. It features a deep V and a slightly inverted bow. The Sterk 31's hydrodynamics are complemented by a wide redan and two steps, now essential features of performance-oriented boats.

The low-waterline styling and streamlined windscreen are further evidence of the company's commitment to aerodynamics. Careful fiberglass construction to maintain a limited displacement, with a weight excluding engine of 2,620 kilos, also contributes to performance.

Comfort and style at anchor

You don't buy a supersportboat to go unnoticed, either. Here too, the work of designer Carlos Vidal is successful. The shapes of the still lifes and the console reflect the sporty image we're aiming for, while the many polished stainless steel parts are sure to catch the eye when anchored in the Mediterranean.

In full view of the bay, the crew will be able to lounge in a comfortable layout, and provided they're not too claustrophobic, they'll be able to take advantage of an aft cabin for sleeping in the bay.

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