New options, new possibilities: The versatile Velvette 23 Active Sedan has received another batch of useful updates.
There are boats with a short history, and there are bestsellers that have been produced for years and decades, and they only get better. These are the Velvette 23 Active Sedan of the Kazan shipyard Velvette Marine, which will soon “change the top ten” on the Russian market. And in Japanese, this model appeared even earlier when Yamaha released it in a fishing format. Having first come to us in this form in 2011, the boat did not sell very well precisely because of its asceticism and narrow specialization. As Velvette Marine admits, only 4-6 hulls were built per year, although the contours of this model are excellent: variable deadlift with a hydro-ski and a sharp stem give good speed and make it easy to cut even a serious wave.
Then Velvette Marine thought about expanding the capabilities of this boat to turn it into a full-fledged cruiser – not only for fishing, but also for recreation, sports and entertainment. The interior was made more comfortable and beautiful, the list of equipment was expanded every year, and in 2016 the model underwent a full-fledged restyling: the design changed, and the hull and superstructure were reinforced.
The result is obvious: now Velvette Marine sells 40-50 hulls a year, and the circle of owners of this boat has expanded so much that there are even clubs of 23 Active Sedan owners. People go out into the water in a flotilla, organize joint voyages, not forgetting to give the shipyard feedback on what they would like to change and add. Therefore, the list of useful options has expanded again.
Dossier Velvette 23 Active Sedan
Length:
7.09 m
Width:
2.55 m
Draft:
0.90 m
Board height:
1.48 m
Dry weight:
1700 kg
Fuel / water supply:
205/50 l
PM power:
150-200 HP
Cargo:
800 kg
Sleeping places:
4
Vme:
8 people
The roof of the Velvette 23 Active Sedan can be equipped with an opening hatch or a “solarium”
The bow cabin has a convertible berth for two. In addition, you can spend the night in the wheelhouse
Cabin
One of the main advantages of the Velvette 23 Active Sedan is a spacious, high, closed wheelhouse that allows you to go out on the water in any weather. In the roof, you can make an opening transparent sunroof, if desired, even with an electric drive. But the space on the roof itself has not yet been used, although Velvette Marine noted that attempts to climb there did not stop. As a result, a “solarium” appeared. Two people can freely sit on the lounger, on the sides there is a low rail, optionally, you can add drink holders. Great place in the sun. You can get there without acrobatics: a convenient ladder was added to the side, which does not take up space in the aft cockpit and fits perfectly into the design. But the main thing is that this option is available not only on new boats: if desired, it can be added to already produced boats of the previous generation – neither roof reinforcement nor any special devices are required.
The shipyard offers natural and artificial materials to cover the deck
Another useful place is the cockpit roof canopy. Initially, there were placed lights and antennas, but now Velvette Marine offers to install solar panels there as well. They will not interfere with other equipment (as well as a sunbed), but the ability to have electricity in the absence of an outlet on the dock is definitely not superfluous: there is enough for lighting or a refrigerator. So for sunny regions this is justified.
Transom
As you know, an outboard motor is mounted on it, and now you can also make a platform above the engine there – for swimming or fishing. It is quite high, with dimensions of 800 × 800 mm, it is convenient to dive from it or throw a spinning rod. In this configuration, three people can fish simultaneously from the side of the 23 Active Sedan: one on the bow, the other from the roof, and the third from the platform in the stern. It can also be equipped with mounts for rods, lights, speakers and other equipment, or used as a towing mast (although a towing eyelet is already provided). Despite its size and height, the platform does not interfere with anyone and anything, it is easily mounted, therefore it is also available for installation on boats of previous generations.
Thrusters
Their need for compact boats is disputed by many, but those who have had occasion to moor in very windy weather will not agree with them. Velvette 23 Active Sedan is a boat with a wheelhouse, which means that it has considerable sailing capacity. Thrusters (bow and stern) make it possible to correct any error during mooring (for example, to move the bow in the dangerous vicinity of the pier, saving not only the boat, but above all the steering nervous system). Installation is carried out at the Velvette Marine plant, therefore, like everything described above, the thrusters are easily installed on both new boats and those that have been in use for a long time.
The list of additional equipment includes a self-developed brazier Velvette Marine
Details
One of the seemingly inconspicuous, but useful options is the grill. He was always in the list of additional equipment, but for some reason he was rarely ordered. Velvette Marine now has a proprietary stainless steel model that attaches to the rail and hangs overboard. According to the shipyard, such a design is more convenient than the popular Magma barbecues: there are holes for blowing, a cover, different types of grates, and also supports – it is possible to use it not only on the water, but also on the shore. Quick-detachable hinge: just unscrew one bar and put the brazier in the locker. But in fact, it is possible not to remove it even on the go, as many do: the brazier is fixed very securely and does not interfere at all.
Velvette Marine offers a wide range of options for finishing decks – from natural teak to all kinds of artificial surfaces (Flexiteek, Eva deck, etc.) in a variety of colors. Moreover, the latter are mounted especially easily and without special preparation, because the adhesive base of such a coating is scotch tape. It is enough to prepare the deck, tear off the sticker, stick it on – and you’re done. Thus, it is easy to upgrade the deck of all boats, including models previously sold.
About the concept
What else is great about the Velvette 23 Active Sedan? In fact, it has everything for a comfortable stay and a lot of different activities. For example, fishermen and hunters appreciate this model for its ability to transport an inflatable tender. It is mounted on the roof of the wheelhouse, like on the trunk of an SUV, and upon arrival at the place is quickly dropped into the water – and forward, into the reeds, after the prey!
Plus – it is a boat-“constructor”: most of the options are easily added during operation, even such large-scale ones, for example, a latrine. There is a galley, a shower, enough lockers, three or four berths, and in the daytime on board six people will comfortably accommodate.
“In Russia, if they want, they can make a cruise ship out of a boat with the functions of a towing vehicle and almost with a helipad, and the 23 Active Sedan with its set of options provides a lot of possibilities. Fully “charged”, with an engine and a trailer, it costs the same as foreign counterparts in the basic configuration. It’s also fast: we recommend the 150 hp engine. with., but when people find out that it is possible to install 200 “horses”, they often choose it: it allows you to accelerate to 70 km / h, “they say at the shipyard.
There is nothing to add. This boat is practical and functional: a true mini cruiser with a lot of advantages. That is why Velvette 23 Active Sedan can be found everywhere in Russia: from Vladivostok to Crimea, and soon abroad. Velvette Marine has already presented their models at boot Düsseldorf and they found owners in Europe. And in February, the Velvette 23 Active Sedan, which just received CE certification, was featured at the Beach & Boat show in Leipzig.
Text
Olga Selezneva
Chief Editor
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