Test / Sea trial: an invigorating RIB off Bonifacio

© Maxime Leriche

It was off the Bouches de Bonifacio that we were able to put the Filanciu 650 to the test. Powered by the Honda BF150, this semi-rigid showed an energetic temperament, reassuring stability and very sound seaworthiness.

Immediate action

From the very first turns of the propeller, the Filanciu 650 reveals its character. Lift-off is brisk: just 3.5 seconds to reach a stable sailing attitude. Acceleration is then straightforward, and 30 knots are reached in less than 6 seconds. This dynamic performance is due in no small part to the Honda BF150 engine, which is perfectly suited to the task, despite its power, which some may consider to be oversized for a 6.50 m unit. In reality, the boat can cope without flinching, transforming this reserve of power into a comfortable ride.

An efficient hull in choppy waters

The Bouches de Bonifacio are notoriously demanding, with the wind picking up quickly and the tight chop putting hulls to the test. In these conditions, the Filanciu 650 showed great ease. Its fine water inlets allow it to cut through the waves without slamming too hard, and its pronounced chine cushions impacts and provides extra stability. In heavy seas, the semi-rigid maintains a precise and reassuring trajectory, confirming its program oriented towards committed sailing, beyond simple summer coastal cruising.

Stability and safety when cornering

When cornering, the Filanciu relies on its wide floats to heel progressively and in a controlled manner. The support is firm, and the trajectory remains under control, even when the helm is pushed hard. This stability is appreciated by passengers, who retain a sense of security. The deep cockpit plays its protective role, preventing water splashes and keeping occupants well braced.

Cockpit comfort

At the helm, the rider benefits from well-thought-out ergonomics. The narrow console allows good lateral circulation, and the steering wheel is positioned so as not to interfere with Honda's electronic controls. When navigating in a standing position, the single-seater seat is comfortable for maintaining an active posture, essential in choppy waters. Visibility is excellent, whether you're sitting or leaning, and controls fall naturally to hand. The boat's balance minimizes pilot fatigue, a welcome feature on long outings.

A useful power reserve

With 150 horsepower available, the Filanciu 650 boasts a top speed of 37 knots at 6,000 rpm. But it's above all at cruising speed, around 4,000 rpm, that the boat expresses its best compromise. At this speed, the boat stabilizes at 22.7 knots, with fuel consumption of 19 liters/hour. These figures reflect a decent range, suitable for unrestricted coastal cruising of several hours. The power reserve also enables satisfactory performance to be maintained even with five or six people on board, confirming the boat's suitability for a small family or friendly crew.

Playful but reassuring behaviour

Beyond its measured performance, the Filanciu 650 has a playful side. Straightforward acceleration, rapid acceleration and the ability to maintain a precise line in bends make it a real pleasure to ride. Yet this temperament is never at the expense of safety. The heel remains progressive, the return to the flat is straightforward and the hull is forgiving of helm errors. This balance between sportiness and stability reflects Fanale Marine's DNA: to offer boats capable of sailing fast and well, without sacrificing crew comfort.

The test off Bonifacio confirms the promise of the Filanciu 650. Energetic, stable and a pleasure to handle, this 6.50 m semi-rigid is truly versatile. Suitable for both sporty outings and family cruising, it has established itself as a serious contender in the compact RIB segment. In the next section, we'll take a look at its pricing and analyze how it stacks up against its direct competitors.

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