2006 Chris-Craft Roamer 40

Description

Performance & Handling

When Chris Smith began designing powerboats in 1874, his goal was simple: to maximise speed and agility. The design of Chris-Craft ‘s earlier hulls was so efficient that the resulting boats were as comfortable as they were quick. But nowadays, the need for greater comfort and space, coupled with performance, requires builders to create a harmony between looks, comfort, practicality and performance.

Layout

The Roamer’s aft cockpit is open and uncluttered with all the goodies to make entertaining a breeze. There is teak decks, ample storage, comfy lounges, sink unit with wet bar/icemaker, (optional barbeque), removable table, transom shower, easy access to the extra-wide swim platform and plenty of added freeboard for passenger security. Nothing has been left to chance on this vessel.

The helm station will keep even the most fastidious skipper happy with its electronic controls, remote spotlight control, Raymarine package, plus a full Volvo instrumentation and engine-management system. The heavily-raked windscreen and relatively narrow hardtop supports give the skipper excellent 360-degree vision to all quarters, which is handy when docking. Moving forward, the bowrail is thigh-high, the bulwarks are wide, there’s a sunpad built for two, a bow seat moulded into the cabin roof and a bow pit for safety when anchoring. Not that there’s any reason to go forward when anchoring, because there’s an electric windlass to take care of that chore.

Below decks the opulence continues. Premium grade interior hardwoods prevail and Chris-Craft’s expertise with wood is clearly demonstrated by the cherry, teak and maple furniture that adorns this area. But the piece de resistance is the galley. It really makes this cruiser stand out in a crowd. It’s a large, fully functional, Ushaped design, but it doesn’t encroach into the saloon at all (very clever). The amidships cabin features two large single berths, a hanging locker and its own head and sink unit.

There’s standing headroom at the foot of the bunks and in head, but the roof gets a bit low above the beds. The impressive main stateroom has its own roomy bathroom, a hanging locker, a privacy door to separate the owners from the guests and a huge island double bed. Another big bonus is that if you are not one for airconditioning, a massive screened hatch in the cabin roof provides plenty of natural light and ventilation.

Overall

The Roamer 40 is all class and a hard act to follow for boats entering the retro market. All of the componentry and standard of craftsmanship used during her construction is first class.

Her subtle blend of timber, fibreglass and stainless steel coupled with stylish fl owing lines will act like a magnet for connoisseurs of all things boating. But don’t fall into the trap of thinking this is simply a stylish retro cruiser. Once the hammers go down and the thrust of the turbos level out from their initial push you back in your seat initiation, her performance and handle is up there with the best of them.

 

A closer inspection of the hull reveals nothing out of the ordinary. There’s no steps, reversed or otherwise ‘ just a tried and true 20-degree deadrise with the props set into recesses in the hull. You could call it a standard deep-vee hull, but having driven this boat I can assure readers that this would be an injustice. Chris-Craft has shaped and tweaked this hull so it delivers the optimum ride in all conditions. The hull has an extremely sharp entry, a heavily flared bow and wide, aggressive chines that it carries well forward. This combination means a soft and dry ride is attained under most conditions. Trim tabs control the hull’s lateral stability, but are only required to trim the hull if uneven loads are carried, or there’s a strong blow quartering over the bow.

But don’t let her looks deceive you, because the Roamer 40 is powered by twin turbocharged Volvo D6 – 370D-B diesel  In other words, this boat’s got balls. From a standing start, pushing the electronic hammers down produces effortless power that builds quickly until the 370hp diesels turbos kick in and throw you back in your seat.

The Roamer’s hull doesn’t jump out of the hole ‘ it slides out with consummate ease and maintains an excellent level attitude with absolutely no bow lift.

For a 40-odd footer, the Roamer also has a relatively tight turning circle, so you can throw her around like a sportsboat and it won’t faze her.