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This article is reproduced with permission of To translate that vision into reality, Ramco commissioned Nelsons Scott Robson, one of the countrys best known designers. With his extensive racing background and small-boat knowledge, says Good, we were confident he was the right man for the job. The The 1700 (available as a cuddy or hardtop) made its debut at last months Hutchwilco Boat Show in At face value, the key difference between the And the effect is obvious “ it is a very spacious cockpit “ with plenty of room to accommodate four fishermen in comfort. Its also aesthetically effective “ the extra beam is nicely absorbed into the boats lines. Maximum freeboard is 777mm “ there is no sense that the boats too squat. But perhaps the most significant change ushered in by the Robson design is the use of planing strakes on the hull. A departure from the traditional clean bottoms of the earlier Ramco boats, the new hulls sport welded strakes. We specifically opted for ˜welded rather than ˜pressed strakes, says Good, because it gave us more flexibility in tweaking the strakes positions for optimum performance. I suspect theres also an element of improved strength in the decision: the strakes are constructed from 4mm aluminium angle profile “ they exude strength. So in addition to its pronounced beam chine (1885mm across), the Robson has also increased the deadrise over that of the earlier models “ to 20o. Both the Fisherman 570 and Outsider 560 have a deadrise of 17o. Collectively, the sharp chine beam, the strakes, the fine entry and the more pronounced deadrise contribute to an exceptionally surefooted performance: the boat corners like a scythe, with nary a hint of slippage. Construction Like its predecessors, the As might be expected, the thicker material makes for a slightly heavier boat “ the Construction also incorporates two built-in flotation tanks, ensuring that the boat meets CPC-certification. Cockpit If theres anything that underscores the Capris design as a tough, heavy weather candidate, its the generous array of grab rails scattered around the cockpit. Theres one integrated into the inside edge of the curved windscreen, another along the top edge of the cabin entrance, and still another on the port side for nervous passengers. Skipper and passenger sit on a pair of pedestal-mounted swivel seats. In keeping with the boats tough but functional styling, the seats are manufactured from heavy-duty polypropylene. There are two more (vinyl-covered) seats built into the aft ends of the cockpit. Theyre easily removed to give fishermen/divers/skiers easier access to the stern area and boarding platforms. A bilge locker is built into the treadplate sole (between the pedestal seats). Its complemented by masses of storage space around the cockpit. Starting at chest level, there is a pair of carpet-lined pockets built into the cabins port wing, with a similar pair next to the skipper. Full-length side pockets (also carpet-lined) are built under each gunwale, and below each of them is an array of holders for four rods (eight in total). The transoms designed around a recess for the engine, and a variety of watertight lockers are incorporated into the inside sections. Within the central transom locker is a trio of battery switches, and in a port locker, a pair of batteries. A 500gph Rule pump nestles in the bilge under the engine recess. The fabricators, incidentally, have taken lots of care to finish the transom properly “ with its clean corners and curves youre unlikely to disembowel yourself while wrestling a kingi over the stern. And speaking of fishing, there are three rod holders on each gunwales “ as well as four cup holders to keep your coffee on an even plane. Its easy to step over the transom and on to the boarding platform, so the boats quickly adapted to skiing/diving mode. A telescopic, stainless steel boarding ladder is fitted to the port platform. The filler cap (on port transom) leads to a 90-litre, underfloor fuel tank. A curved, acrylic windscreen adorns the forward end of the cockpit, and without the traditional centre support truss, it offers good, unobstructed visibility. Standard Mercury instruments are mounted on an imitation wood grain fascia. Our Generous cockpit space is complemented by a fairly roomy cabin. Its equipped with the standard V-configuration of squabs (two-tone vinyl) with storage lockers underneath. Cabin sides, ceiling and floor are covered in carpet “ a feature that helps to mute hull sound. Light comes in through a large, Slimline access hatch, and two side portlights (non-opening). Foredeck The generous cabin forces a compromise “ theres no access to the foredeck around the cabin sides, so anchor duties take place from the access hatch. Once youve ventured on to the foredeck, however, your securitys enhanced by a full, wraparound bow rail. A short bowsprit with roller is mated to a tie-off cleat, with the anchor locker behind. The locker offers plenty of space, but its cover is disappointing “ its pretty rough and fits poorly “ and detracts from the workmanship evident elsewhere in the boat. Id substitute one of the plastic hatch covers used on many other aluminium boats. Navigation lights (port and starboard) are mounted on the cabin sides, with a pole light for the rear. The review boat was supplied by Taurangas Bay Marine, and managing director Performance As suggested, the 115hp Optimax makes for a happy marriage with the The boat accelerates effortlessly and planes quickly. I pushed her into tight, high-speed turns, and she held her line without quibble. We had a little cavitation in the turns early on, but a little tilt down on the Optimax sorted that out quickly. At 5500rpm (full tank and two adults aboard) the boat did 47mph (on the Mercury gauge) and at WOT (5800rpm) it reached 50mph. Its no slouch. The Specifications “ Ramco 1700 LOA 5880mm *
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