Beneteau Barracuda 7

The recently-released Barracuda range has drawn acclaim from Europe so we were keen to get aboard as soon as we saw one at the Melbourne Summer Boat Show.

The Barracuda range, at this stage, only comprises two boats: the Baracuda 9, and this, the Barracuda 7. The theory of the boat is for a safe, all-weather, walk-around boat for fishing or family fun. While some might not be endeared to its somewhat, shall we say, avant garde looks, the functionality can’t be questioned.

The Barracudas feature outboard power for convenience and horsepower without compromising space, and a neast planning hull for performance.

The 150 would probably fine if you aren’t looking for top-speed performance. That said, the Barracuda is a weighty boat with a (dry) displacement of 2050kg. Add a couple of burly fishermen and their kit or a family and we reckon you’d be better opting for the 200.

The boat we tested was equipped with the Elegance 2013 trim level, which includes the sliding wheelhouse hatch with blackout blind, inside curtains for the wheelhouse, second windscreen wiper and washer, 700W electric windlass, 42-litre refrigerator, water system which give you a sink in the galley with pressurised cold water from a 100-litre tank, plus a freshwater shower in the cockpit. This shower complements the saltwater deck wash.

Other options fitted to the Barracuda included the Fishing Pack consisting of two stainless steel rod holders, a huge live-bait tank (which can also be used as an aft anchor well), an extra four-rod rocket launcher on the transom, removable cockpit table, outdoor cushions, exterior night lights on the deck, and a Raymarine C97 fishfinder/plotter at the helm.

Generally, the Barracudas come with Lowrance electronics ex-factory but the boys at JW Marine fitted the Raymarine unit when the vessel arrived.

All this brought the ‘drive away’ price for this particular Barracuda up to $103,700 -- but you really do have one with ‘the lot’.

Climbing aboard via the split swim platforms, and over the big live-bait tank -- yes, you can walk over the see-through perspex lid -- we noted that the cockpit is big and very usable. There is a fold-down rear lounge and a two-seater aft-facing lounge behind the wheelhouse. 

In the floor of the cockpit there are three big lockers -- one each side and another big one in the middle -- under which is a false floor that leads to the bilge.

The walk-around decks are a big bonus for anglers or those with kids. The bow area will seat three comfortably.

Our test boat was fitted with a split bow rail and a Lewmar 700W anchor windlass that would make anchoring a breeze. Flanking the windlass are two handy storage lockers where you could stash mooring lines or fenders.

Back in the wheelhouse things get really interesting. Access to the wheelhouse is via sliding doors on either side. There is an opening sliding window aft and sliding sunroof with an insect screen and a shade so you can open the wheelhouse up in summer with heaps of ventilation or fully enclose it if the weather is inclement.

The skipper gets his own helm seat with flip-up bolster and a great view all around. In front, there’s a big binnacle with analog gauges for revs, speed, fuel and trim. We had the aforementioned Raymarine C97 in the middle panel, which provides space for screens up to 10 inches.

To starboard there are rocker switches for all ancillary electrics including the big windscreen wipers and washers which worked a treat during our test.

Above the windscreens is a full-width panel to house your stereo equipment and marine radios. Provision is also made for mounting speakers in the rear of the wheelhouse.

To port of the helm chair is a double seat which flips up to reveal the sink and provision for a small cooker. The Waeco front-opening fridge is mounted under the seat.

Lift the hatch in front of the co-pilots’ seat to reveal the cabin. In here there’s a double bed (you would have to be pretty good friends to sleep two in here but one adult or a couple of kiddies would be fine).

But wait, there’s more... 

Open the door to starboard and there’s a head if you want it. The loo is optional and wasn’t fitted to our test boat, but I thought it might make a good gear locker. Stick in some racks and you could store your rods in here... all locked up and safe.

There is also more storage in the cabin so you could conceivably go away on the Barracuda for a weekend.

Our boat was powered by a Suzuki DF 200 four-stroke outboard. This engine is a V6 displacing 3614cc with electronic multipoint fuel injection and fully-transistorised ignition. Suzuki offers a limited five-year warranty for recreational use. The 200-litre subfloor tank is ample for a day's general bay and harbour or offshore boating.

The 200 Suzi gets the two-tonne Barracuda up onto plane smoothly and quickly. It’s a progressive rise with not too much ‘hump’ before you’re up there. What I did note was how flat this boat tracks through turns. It’s almost catamaran-like in its flat aspect and, no doubt due to the little keel below, it holds on without slip or the threat to spin out.

During the test, although it wasn’t rough, we encountered some wash from other boats and found that the chines deflected spray down and that, combined with the high freeboard, makes for a very dry boat.

The ride is smooth and with the Suzi four-stroke it is a remarkably quiet boat. We had all the windows open and could easily hold a conversation with raising our voices. Shut the windows and doors and the engine noise is nearly non-existent.

Wit recorded a top speed of 35 knots (65km/h) at 5900 revs using around 65 litres per hour. Back it off to 5000rpm and we got 27 knots using around 45 litres. However, I found a nice cruise of 20 knots at 4200rpm using 35 litres per hour, which should get you a decent day or two on the water from the 200-litre tank.

At rest, the Barracuda is very stable. At one stage we had all three of us on one side and, while the boat did list a bit, it felt very surefooted. Tops for fishing on the drift.

With all the comforts, you can take the family out for the day, or your mates out fishing and be able to have cool drink or a cuppa at will -- no matter what the weather. You could even overnight in it.

And I’d wager that a bit of offshore work would not be out of the question either.

The options list is fantastic and even runs to air-conditioning or heating in the wheelhouse if you want to totally disassociate yourself from the outside elements.

Specifications:

L.O.A: 7.39m (24’3’’)
Hull length: 6.46m
Beam: 2.66m
Light displacement (EC): 2050kg
Air draught: 2.32m
Max Draft: 0.90m
Fuel capacity: 200 litres
Freshwater capacity: 100 litres
Maximum engine power: 200 HP
Mx Persons: Eight