Report from David
Specification:
Length 6.21m
Beam 2.45m
Draft 0.66m
Headroom 1.99m
Weight 1200Kg
Engine 105hp Volvo diesel
Country of manufacture: France
More details on full specification can be found at South Woodham Marine Ltd
I used to run a 6m displacement boat with "Yanmar" inboard diesel , a very stable a much-loved boat.
Even after all the good times on her , I decided more speed was required for those epic Journeys and the new boat search began!
A friend of mine in our marina (On the north-east coast) owned a very, very nice Ocqueteau 625 some 4yrs old.
After a few trips on her and endless searches all over the country for a better model (Merry fisher - Arvor - Antares etc.)
I opted for the Ocqueteau 625 from Woodham marine in Essex.
The deal was done and she was delivered in November 2003.
I specified a Volvo 105hp TAMD diesel for the fit out, although the Nanni is a standard fit (with a 3yr warranty on the Nanni and the 1yr on the Volvo)
the Nanni seemed an excellent engine and slow revving for a modern engine but the extra power of the Volvo and quality, to be honest, tipped it for the Volvo.
The five cylinders of the Nanni did not sound right to me, even though there is no practical reason for this thinking on my behalf!
The boat came as cruising version, fenders, anchor, Hummingbird matrix, Silva s15 dsc radio, extra wiper and side windows.
She arrived on time and in absolute immaculate condition (anti-fouled also) to the marina.
I had a Garmin 182c fitted and also intend to fit either a Furuno 600l or the new Raymarine model fishfinder, but the Hummingbird will suffice for now.
Last weekend (14/2/04) was our first opportunity to try her out in anger.
She runs flat out at 4500rpm and about 22knots (top whack), on cruising she managed 16/17 knots at about 3500rpm (plus half the fuel consumption as well).
The weather turned nasty unexpected and we found ourselves in a northerly and moderate sea.
The boat behaved great and took everything thrown at her, a real winner.
The Garmin 182c plotter is a very, very nice piece of kit and the accuracy of the unit is astounding.
The Silva S15 dsc radio is a very advanced and complex radio (compared to others in it's class) and needs a good read of the manual several times to take in.
I'm sure it could be made easier!
The Hummingbird sonar sensor is actually sited in the wrong area and was attached with silicon sealant for some reason (probably for re-siting in the optimum area after trials), so a proper judgement of the unit cannot be given.
Summary
The Ocqueteau 625 does "exactly what is says on the tin", I am very pleased indeed with the craft and the quality is first class.
The people at "Woodham marine" are very fair indeed and the after-sales has been excellent. A good company to do business with.
If I were faced with the same choice now, I would buy her all over again!
David's new boat
Equipment fitted:
Humminbird Matrix Fish finder
Garman 182c GPS plotter and Sonar / Sounder
Silva S15 DSC radio
Check out the reports on the above equpment on the other pages
Disclaimer: Everything written in these reports are based on personal experience and the individual's opinion only. I have tried my best to present the facts correctly, but I/we take no responsibility for any mistakes or omissions.