Yacht Class n°25 (june-july-august 2021)

Cantiere Navale Franchini

Launched in July 2020, this brand new Franchini model made its world premiere at the Genoa Motor Show of the same year. Very liveable, it is characterized by a significant number of versions (fittings and engine).The buyer is spoilt for choice.

Written by: Alain Brousse – Photos: All rights reserved

Cantiere Navale Franchini became known after the Second World War, in 1946, with first the manufacture of small wooden boats for fishing. Then, at the beginning of the 1950s, he released his first sailboat, also in wood … It was not until 1983 that he launched a polyester motor unit and nine years later he put on the market a 55-footer lobster type : Emozione. 2020 is time for a very “trendy” model, designed for day trips and also for family cruises with a choice of two or three cabins, I mentioned the Franchini MIA 63, which caught our attention at Genoa fair last year. At the helm of this yard, which is located in Misano (Adriatic coast between Rimini and Cattolica), since 1970 : Massimo Franchini who, as naval architect, carried out the exterior design, entrusting the design of the hull to the Roberto office Prever & Naos, and interiors to Marco Veglia.

A well-designed cockpit

We have to admit that this MIA 63 offers a very trendy silhouette, especially in its T-Top version, that of our test. It also comes with a windshield only, and is then called Open, or with a hard-top fitted with glass side protections (Hard-Top version). Last possibility : the Sportfly model, which therefore offers a flybridge, admittedly of modest dimensions, with a three-seater solarium, a bench for two and a control station. The spotlight is therefore on the Franchini MIA 63 T-Top, whose main deck provokes an irresistible desire to climb aboard. For this we take the central Besenzoni gangway, which leads us into the cockpit, the aft part of which is furnished with a solarium that can accommodate three people. Just after, the dining area with a double leaf teak table and a comfortable bench is above all else the convivial place. A total of six guests can take a seat and be served the refined dishes prepared on board. To this end, the shipyard did not skimp : the saloon is in fact backed by a piece of furniture which occupies three-quarters of the width of the boat and which serves as kitchen and storage. It is very practical and what is more, the smells will dissipate in nature. Then, logically we find the cockpit on the starboard side, which includes a two-seater bench. You just have to remember that the space between the edge of the bench and the console does not allow standing. It will be just annoying in the big waves but on the day of the test they remained modest, not enough to slow us down in our drive to face the Mediterranean which, we will see the next day, will become very belligerent. Before the sea tests, take a look at the front part, which offers a relaxation area with a large solarium and two backless seats that can be protected from UV rays by a canvas.

Three Volvo IPS engine versions

The hull of this Franchini MIA 63 has been designed by the naval architect Prever (Naos office) with, in the specifications, very precise characteristics to adapt the hull to the Volvo Penta IPS transmissions. This implies close collaboration with the Swedish engine manufacturer. The Franchini MIA 63 in Genoa had two IPS950s in its hold, i.e. 2 x 725 hp diesel, but as an option the tiller can be raised to 2 x IPS1050 (2 x 800 hp diesel) or better, to 2xIPS1350 (2 x 1000 hp) to reach 34knots in maximum speed. The standard power, 2 x 750 hp will allow us to reach a top speed of 25 knots, four knots less than the manufacturer’s advertisement. In fact, the hull had not been recently “polished” and in the Mediterranean waters, two months in port are enough to load it with micro algae and micro shells that make it lose up to 15% in performance. However, the yacht of our trial spent four months afloat ! The Franchini shipyard made a point of specifying that it reached 29 knots, with two people on board, on flat seas. As for the marine behaviour of this hull, in waves sometimes reaching one metre, it is most reassuring. The MIA 63 gave us good comfort in this chop, and the manoeuvres in port were precise, particularly the use of the joystick. Another advantage of the Volvo Penta IPS type propulsion system is that the engines are installed behind the lower deck, which increases the capacity of the cabin volumes. Our visit will confirm it…

Two or three sleeping cabins

The Franchini MIA 63 exhibited in Genoa was what could be described as the “basic model” T-Top or Open, i.e. the twin-cabin version. Going down the central staircase on the port side of the steering console offers direct access to a space with a lounge (four seats) facing a dressing room which, in the Hard Top and Sportfly version, is replaced by the kitchen. On the Sportfly, the main deck provides with a convivial enclosed area with a square and a lounge. Let’s come back to our T-Top unit which, as standard, has a shipowner’s cabin with double bed configured in the centre of the lower deck, with of course a private bathroom (sink, separate shower and toilet). The bow is fitted out with the second cabin, which is almost the same size as the owner’s cabin. It has its own bathroom and dressing room. As an option, the buyer will have the choice to opt for a third cabin instead of the saloon, still on the lower deck. Finally, all versions can be enriched with a crew cabin (sink, shower and toilet). 
In conclusion, we have no hesitation in predicting a bright future for this 20 metre boat. Its interior and exterior fittings are very attractive. Its three Volvo Penta engine versions are also an undeniable asset. The MIA 63 should also be easy to rent.