We tested Eolo 9 (9 m), the new open cabin cruiser (with spacious interior)

The sunset is behind us as we make our way to the Ciavole tower, a small promontory not far from the marina of Capo d’Orlando, in the province of Messina. The water is flat and the new Eolo 9 runs at nearly 30 knots on the water, propelled by two Suzuki DF250APs. I look at the faces of those on board with me. Some people are sitting, some are peeking at instruments, some are chatting, but the widespread feeling is one of relaxation. This is normal, we are sailing in a breathtaking landscape, but let’s say that this “tranquility” is a relevant thermometer of sailing comfort. Relaxing, in the end, is the reason for buying a boat. The Sicilian shipyard’s newest addition seems to have all the credentials to fulfill this task.

Eolo 9

An evolution of the Eolo 830, this new 9-meter vessel from Eolo Marine focuses on a significantly larger beam, which not only increases stability on board, but also the space available with sleeping accommodations increasing to 4. At the same time, the bow V was also optimized, which from feedback received on the previous model was a bit too pronounced. When we talk about the Aeolus 830, however, we are referring to a successful model of the shipyard that has garnered much acclaim since its launch.

Deck

The setup is day boat with significant access from the aft area with the two small beaches joined to the deck so that it is easier to move around on board, considering also that the outboards are placed on a built-in bracket. The aft area is dominated in the center by an island sofa/sundeck for social and non-social times, with a substantial locker underneath. In the center is a table with several retractable seats, providing all the space you need to enjoy aperitifs and lunches on board with friends.

Before entering the cabin, towards the bow, is the outdoor kitchen with sink and stove. The refrigerator, on the other hand, was carved out under the driver’s seat. The second relaxation area is in the bow, with a full-beam sundeck.

Eolo 9 – Below Deck

Below deck we find four berths, two forward and two aft, and a separate bathroom. It is certainly not a cruiser, but the volumes are quite large and allow up to 4 people to stay overnight on board.

Performance

How does the Eolo 9 navigate? When we boarded we had half a fuel tank and half a water tank. To help us some even too calm weather conditions: very flat water and zero wind. In short, a smooth track ahead for us to run on. Suzuki’s two DF250As are not the most powerful configuration this hull can mount, but in our opinion they are more than enough to have fun while also saving some money. Obviously by increasing the power, the price of the engines also goes up. For the curious, we immediately reveal the top speed: 43.4 knots at 6000 rpm with an average hourly consumption of 170 liters. At cruising speed, at about 28 knots, we recorded under the conditions seen above an average consumption of 65.5 liters per hour.

A contribution in ensuring optimal trim at all times while sailing also came from the pair of Zipwake interceptors installed on board.

On the steering wheel the particular model we tested was rather hard, a feeling confirmed by the shipyard, but this was due to an undersize of the wheelhouse on which (already for the specimen in question) they have remedied. In spite of this, the boat reacted well to the imputs in navigation, and as we sailed over our waves and those generated by the support raft, the hull passed smoothly. Of note, however, is the quietness of the facility. Even taking waves at high speeds, we heard no creaking or strange noises on a hull that proved structurally very solid.

On a data level, with the trim all the way down we came in at 5,500 rpm, around 40 knots and consuming 160 liters per hour. By raising it we got another 500 rpm, up to 6000, precisely the top speed we were telling you about earlier.

The price of the non-powered Eolo 9 starts at 116,000 euros.

Navigation Dataì

Minimum glide: 2900 trim to zero – 12.4 knots – 39.3 liters

Glide entry: 4 seconds

Zero to top speed: 18.4 seconds

Technical Specs