Yacht Class n°23 (dec 2020/jan-feb 2021)

LOMAC

Written by: Philippe Leblond – Photos : Philippe Leblond & All rights reserved

Although she was launched seven years ago, the AD 8.5 is still a very modern RIB with, first and foremost, an asset that will not become outdated for a long time: a well-above average dynamic behaviour. Let’s start with this area in which it excels, with a remarkable “active safety” due to its balance at high speed and flexibility in the waves. As for its seaworthy comfort, we had the opportunity to test it with a Yamaha 350 hp V8 and to appreciate the hull design coming from the excellent Adrenalina 9.5, the first model in this range.

This time, we were curious to see how it would behave with the formidable Yamaha XTO 425 and its additional 75 hp… A substantial power which, with a mono-propeller single-engine, is likely to generate a formidable torque effect on a deep V hull due to the phenomenal torque of the engine and the absence of counter-rotating propellers. In this sense, the AD 8.5 bluffed us: not the slightest hint of port heel when accelerating. And up to the maximum rpm of 6 000 rpm, the lateral balance proved to be imperturbable. A slight roll appeared when we overused the positive trim in search of the top speed… but it was both manageable and unproductive because as the rpm increased, the maximum speed decreased. Our best mark: 53.4 knots.
One of the French dealers, in charge of the tests for the Italian shipyard, even told us he had gained four knots more with a 22″ propeller instead of the 21″ of the test. There is no doubt that the 8.5 is indeed an Adrenalina, a range characterized by rigid-inflatable boats with sporty performance and addictive steering. Indeed, being at the helm of the AD 8.5 is a true pleasure, thanks to nice accelerations, a surprising reactivity during changes of course and especially in turns as it has the ability to make hard and short turns, without skidding but with a marked inward heel that spares the crew from enduring too much centrifugal force. In any case, this Lomac perfectly tolerates the strong power coming from the 5.6 l engine block. Its ability to glide, characterized by excellent distance traveled/fuel consumption ratios, also gives it a 200 miles range at 22 knots, a speed corresponding to its best efficiency. Back in port, maneuvers enabled us to assess the docility of Yamaha’s new steering assistance system, the Helm Master EX, and its new joystick.

Perfect for a picnic at anchor 

This Adrenalina is also attractive because of the deck plan, well controlled in terms of space, with a three-zone cockpit. The stern features a full-beam settee whose backrest provides a passage to the swim platform covered, like the deck, with real teak. It offers five seats, where it is possible to picnic thanks to the fold-down table at the back of the leaning-post. The center hosts the steering position with its streamlined console housing a chemical toilet (a marine one is available as an option) plus a two-person seat that can be used seated or standing. It also accommodates a standard refrigerator and can integrate a stove and a small sink (options). Finally, there is the bow offering a large solarium, convertible into a dinette, more spacious than the stern one. Its mattress covers three large-capacity lockers, to be added to the aft hold. Storage is not an issue on the Adrenalina, nor is moving around aboard, thanks to the large walkways. Anchoring is performed by the electric windlass, activating the anchor at the bow. And when the sun gets too hot, the large convertible can be deployed from its dedicated storage area around the aft settee, a practical and elegant solution.

Max speed : 53,4 knots à 6 000 tr/min avec Yamaha 425 hp
Fast cruising speed : 39,5 knots à 4 500 tr/min
Economical cruising speed : 22,1 knots à 3 000 tr/min
Lifting off time : 4,9 secondes
Acceleration from 0 to 20 knots : 3,8 secondes
Consumption in normal use : 30,6 l/h
Range in normal use : 201 milles à 22,1 knots