Skibsplast 660D

1997 £10,500

Almost 20 years old but doesn’t look it. Remove the rather 80s grey and maroon stripes and you’ll end up with a surprisingly contemporary boat. Scandinavian build quality shines through; not the most sophisticated boat, but built to last. The 660D still features on Skibsplast’s website, although production of the range appears to have ceased.

INTERIOR

The big news (for a circa 20ft cuddy) is the existence of a proper plumbed-in sea toilet! There are also cabin windows in aluminium frames, and a rather clever deck hatch that lifts completely out of the way on handrails that hinge close to the windscreen. There are even steps to aid your egress.

EXTERIOR

The cockpit is deep and wide, and being Scandinavian, little is wasted to the sunbed. Wrap-around helm and navigator seats are super secure, the latter folding forward to gain access to a sliding ‘pantry’ – a stove and sink that pull out from the cockpit coaming. Practical touches include a massive central hatch affording easy access to the fuel tank. Proper side decks too, if a little narrow.

PERFORMANCE

The real surprise is under the aft seat. Lift the large engine hatch on its twin gas struts to discover a 4-cylinder diesel engine – exceptionally rare at this size and price point. Top speed is mid-20 knots but it’ll cruise very comfortably at 20, and it sips fuel. Think in terms of single-figure pound-perhour average running cost, plus no lugging heavy petrol cans to refuel.

SEAKEEPING

It’s Scandinavian, so it is phenomenally capable for its size. That flared bow punts spray out low and wide, and you’ve got to try quite hard to make it slam. Punching well above its weight, this plucky Norwegian will continue plugging through long after its lightweight contemporaries have given up and gone home.