Spotlight: Ranieri Next 220 SH

Available with single or twin outboard engines, the Ranieri Next 220 SH (stepped hull) has a fascinating walkaround cabin design along with an elevated bridge-deck helm station, re-configurable cockpit seating and a giant sun pad up on the long foredeck. 

Italy-based Ranieri International's boat range encompasses more than two dozen models with a mix of fibreglass sports boats and family cruisers, along with a full series of Cayman-branded fibreglass-hulled RIBs.

In Australia, Ranieri is represented by Sydney-based distributor Boat Monster, which is also the Australian distributor for Contender high-performance sports fishing monohulls, Tidewater centre consoles, and Invincible powered catamarans. 

The Ranieri Next 220 SH is one of six models in the Ranieri Sundeck range. The others include the smaller Shadow 19, and the larger Next 240 SH, Next 285 LX, Next 330 LX, and the flagship cruiser called the Next 370 SH.

The three entry models are readily trailerable here in Australia with road-legal beams of 2.5 metres or less.

The mid-sized Ranieri Next 220 SH is arguably the best of this trio for family trailer boating, thanks to its clever bridge-deck layout that provides for a three-berth cabin.

Elevating the helm station above the aft cockpit level has allowed for a smallish, transverse single berth to be located beneath the deck in the aft section of the surprisingly large cabin. 

The cabin also contains a regular V-berth with tastefully upholstered cloth fabric cushions, and an infill board to convert the single berths into a double bed. 

The cabin also has provision for a toilet, lighting in the forepeak, ample storage space, and soft-touch vinyl upholstery to the ceiling and surrounds. 

The Ranieri Sundeck range is named for the massive, cushioned sun pad laid out over the entire foredeck of each model. Not sure how well this upholstery would endure beneath Australia's hot summer sun, but I imagine a canvas cover would provide decent weather protection.

In the Next 220 SH, the sundeck/sun pad is situated forward of the dual-width centre cabin/console style helm station. 

Steps to each side of the console lead up to the cushioned foredeck, while high bow rails ensure you have something to hang onto.

Other bow features include a pronounced bowsprit with a split bow rail for disembarking, along with a practical through-stem automatic anchoring system with the anchor located beneath the bowsprit. 

The elevated helm station is graced with a low wrap-around windscreen, engine controls offset to starboard, and an angled and upholstered fascia panel for multifunction displays and engine gauges. 

A tinted, sliding, lockable cabin entry door is to port.

The helm console is fronted by a pair of deluxe pedestal helm chairs with flip-up front bolsters.  

The two helm chairs swivel around to face the three-quarter width, cushioned rear bench seat/storage locker. 

You can slot a pedestal table between the helm chairs and the bench seat to create a useful cockpit dinette/eating space. 

The cockpit bench seat can also be reconfigured into a second, albeit smaller sun-pad.

Two additional seats unfold from each side deck to create a comfortable cockpit entertaining space. 

The transom ladder, twin boarding platforms and port-side cockpit entryway make it easy to climb in and out of the Next 220 SH. 

The Next 220 SH has an interesting vee monohull with a moderate deadrise and a full-width step in the hull to aerate, or unstick, the hull bottom at speed for less drag. 

The aim here is to increase hull efficiency, speed and fuel economy from lower power motors. To that end, the 7.0-metre-long by 2.5-metre-wide Ranieri Next 220 SH is said to perform adequately with a single 115hp outboard engine, although it is rated for single or twin outboard engines to a maximum of 250hp.

The Ranieri Next 220SH is a good-looking craft with a fascinating, family-friendly layout. 

For general-purpose day boating, exploring and bay cruising with the occasional overnighter, the Next 220SH has a whole lot going for it. 

Specifications
Model: Ranieri Next 220 SH
Length overall: 7.35m
Hull length: 6.3m
Beam: 2.5m
Weight: 1200kg (hull only)
Deadrise: 19deg
Maximum power: 250hp
Fuel: 250L
Water: 40L (opt)
Berths: 3
Passengers: 7