2019 Bella 600R review

A great example is the Bella 600R, a 6.0-metre centre console oozing with cool European styling and a strong focus on fun, family boating with loads of comfortable seating.

This is a strong contrast to the Aussie console boats, which tend to be all about hardcore fishing.

The Bella 600R breaks that mould by going all out as a pleasure boat, starting with an extra-wide dual-seat console so two people can enjoy boating together. This social approach instantly makes the Bella 600R an attractive choice for couples who just want to go day cruising in comfort.

Bella's cruising credentials are further enhanced by comfortable seating fore and aft including a big three-seater lounge. There's seating for seven people, making this a great choice for family days out on the water.

The forward seating also quickly converted to a very nice sun lounge so you can catch the sun's rays out of the wind.

Keeping in mind that owners will want to use the boat for aquatic pursuits such as swimming, waterskiing and diving, the Finnish flier comes well equipped for fun in the sun. There's a transom swim ladder, ski pole and easy-to-wash-out self-draining cockpit. The only major tweaks for Australian conditions are a folding bimini for sun protection and a locally built dual-axle trailer.

You might be tempted to forgo the trailer as this Euro-speedster is perfect for dry stacking. Or keep it on a mooring because the self-draining cockpit makes it a true dry-bilge boat.

And yes, you can still take it fishing, after you add some after-market rod holders and accessories.

The Bella 600R is one of a broad fibreglass range made by Scandinavia's biggest trailer boat builder. The Bella line also includes a same-size bowrider version, plus a walk-through cabin, hardtop and day-cruiser versions. All of these boats come fitted with Mercury outboards - once upon a time the US outboard engine maker owned a big chunk of the Finn.

Imported here by Euronautica, the Bella 600R sells as a very competitive BMT package of $65,000 including a Mercury 115hp Command-Thrust four-stroke outboard engine, and a trailer.

As tested with a Mercury 135hp four-stroke, Boeing dual-axle trailer and stainless steel bimini, the cost is $73,000. This includes a Simrad GO7 colour sounder/chartplotter, Fusion Apollo sound system, safety pack and SeaDek EVA flooring. Also included in this package is a stern swim ladder and ski pole.

From the get-go the Bella 600R struck me as a craft that combines sophisticated performance with a very comfortable, practical interior. Her Danish Espen Thorup-designed hull combines the latest European-style cropped bow with 'spoon entry' that extends the waterline and makes for a better ride at all times.

The almost slab topsides are a very efficient way of delivering a very wide cockpit floor, as well as ensuring high at-rest stability.

Nordic logic shines through in other ways such as the ultra-stylish blister windscreen, and comfortable high-backed seats with fold-up bolsters. The latter makes it easier to drive the Bella 600R while standing.

Big mooring cleats bow and stern make for easy docking and there's even baskets to stow the fenders. Details like these make the Bella 600R a 'belle of the ball' for waterway touring, calling into marinas and social raft-ups with friends.

The Bella 600R is surprisingly dry riding too thanks to the secondary chine edge above the waterline that helps to deflect spray and make her quite a dry boat for her size.

Talking of practicality, the Bella is built to stay afloat via a sealed, double-skin design and strong construction. She meets both the International Marine Certification Institute and tough European EU safety standards for recreational craft.

Pleasure boating is what the Bella 600R is all about. It's apparent as you step aboard the stern landing decks and view the two-tone upholstery made from high-quality Slivertex fabric. Guests are well catered for with a three-seater rear lounge, two helm seats, a for'ard console and bow seating.

The console is attractively finished in a non-reflective grey colour and features a passenger grab rail, drink holders and moulded footrests.

However, what's really magic about the cockpit is the deep internal freeboard. There's at least 80cm cockpit depth and that's not counting the low handrails in the front half of the boat. All this adds to a sense of safety for passengers and makes Bella 600R a great family boat.

Storage is another Bella 600R strong suite.  The boat has a huge compartment under the rear lounge, and others under the for'ard console and bow seats. There's also pocket compartments just under the console for stowing small items such as hats, sunglasses and wallets.

I also love the Nordic idea of a split bow pulpit that lets you step aboard over the bow. The anchor well is also cleverly moulded into a step so you can safely access the cockpit from this direction.

The Bella 600R also provides transom anchor/wet lockers at the stern. This makes huge sense when visiting a beach in summer and an anchor is needed off the stern.

Forward thinking is also evident in the standard inclusion of USB charging socket and a 12-volt plug for a cooler box. Bella also comes with fitted covers for the console and helm seats, plus an overall cover for trailering.

As we sped out onto Sydney Harbour it's obvious the Bella 600R is right at home handling our kind of coastal waters. The deep vee bottom provides a nice, refined ride and the bella 600R comes onto the plane very smoothly and little bow lift.

The Bella is an especially fun craft to drive and with the Mercury 135hp four-stroke strapped on the transom very quick and responsive. It took what felt like seconds to build enough speed to hit 36 knots.

Even on a rather chilly day this boat really shines through as a cruising-friendly craft. The curved windscreen keeps the wind off the helm seats, allowing us to enjoy the two-hour run around the harbour via snug bays, historical old wharves and ships.

There's a touch of Viking ship in that curved 'spoon' bow and it made for a clean cut through the big ferry wakes we encountered. This long bow entry with double chines also ensures a good ride, plus pretty good spray deflection.

I felt comfortable behind the helm, with the hydraulic steering system making the Bella 600R light to steer. Having the wheel to port certainly is a different experience, but makes sense when the rules of the road on the water are to keep right, the opposite to on land.

Having the flip-up bolsters certainly make it easy to steer in the standing position, which you tend to do when coming in to dock.

Overall the Bella 600R comes across as a real sports-boat and is a pleasure to drive. That's very evident as our driver threw her into a hard fast turn without her developing the wobbles or loss of propeller grip.

Performance

The numbers tend to suggest that the 135hp Mercury is the best fit for the Bella 600R if you have a gang aboard. However, you will still get a top speed of 34 knots if you go for the standard Mercury 115hp outboard, which is a more than reasonable top speed.

The trailer boat landscape is changing with so many Australians now living in high-density urban areas.

Many find it increasingly difficult to park a trailer boat, and are turning to dry stacking marina facilities. Our test boat came out of the rack the morning of our test, and it was brilliant having her in the water and ready to go.

This 'instant boating' is very appealing especially if you live near the city. On the other hand, if you're in the outer suburbs with a big SUV you'll probably want to tow the boat home. Bith options are fine, as the Bella 600R is a moderate weight rig and her low profile makes it easy to tow.

Antifouling is available as a factory option, so wet-mooring the Bella 600R is another way to match the boat to your location and lifestyle.

I must admit the test of the Bella 600R has opened my eyes about centre console boats being great day-cruisers. For this reason, the Bella 600R deserves a second look for boat buyers after a nice, well-rounded family trailer boat.

Specifications
Model: Bella 600R
Length: 6.05m
Beam: 2.34m
Draft: 0.70m (hull only)
Weight: 900kg (hull only)
Weight on trailer: 1780kg
Rated power: 80-150hp
Engine as tested: Mercury 135hp 4-stroke
Fuel: 135L
Passengers: 7
Warranty: 3 years (hull), 3+3 years (engine)

Priced from: $65,000 including Mercury 115hp 4-stroke outboard engine and trailer

Price as tested: $77,900 including Mercury 135hp 4-stroke outboard engine, Boeing trailer, stainless steel bimini, Simrad sounder/chartplotter, SeaDek flooring, Fusion Apollo sound system, swim ladder, ski pole and inshore safety pack

Supplied by: Chapman Marine Group