RODMAN 1250
BUILT 2002 PRICE £99,500
The Rodman difference is that this Spanish builder doesn’t just build leisure boats. A substantial part of the business is building substantial commercial boats – everything from fast patrol boats to ferries. And those commercial roots cross over, evidenced by the solidity and practicality of the company’s leisure craft. If you’re looking for the very latest in hull window design and soft furnishings, these may not be the boats for you but if you value strength and longevity, step this way.
INTERIOR The interior is a case in point. It’s neither lavish nor particularly luxurious, but it is solid, well put together and practical, and as a result it wears well and won’t date quickly. There’s a small seating area in the main saloon that will convert to an occasional double berth if required and a sideboard opposite. The galley is on the lower deck along with two sleeping cabins and a single heads.
EXTERIOR It’s outside where the priority clearly lay when this boat was designed. There’s a classic sportsfisher feel to it – the cockpit is massive but there is no cockpit seating (although plenty of space for freestanding table and chairs). Wide, deeply bulwarked side decks make for easy access forward and up on the flybridge, the two chunky captain’s chairs and console are set well back, allowing easy communication with those on the aft deck.
PERFORMANCE In 2007, Rodman re-engineered the hull of this boat for IPS drives, but earlier boats got straight shaft drives, the simplicity of which is great news on an older boat. Some 1250s got Yanmar engines, but the majority had Volvo Pentas like this boat, in this case TAMD 63P diesels which give a top speed of almost 30 knots and a 24-knot cruise.
SEAKEEPING That solidity of build translates into an equally solid demeanour out on the water, where the Rodman 1250 yields a confidence inspiring gait through the rough stuff and well-mannered handling at lower speeds.
Length 41ft 5in (12.6m) Beam 14ft 9in (4.2m) Draught 4ft 6in (1.1m) Displacement 11.3 tonnes Fuel capacity 1,300 litres Engines Twin Volvo Penta TAMD 63P 370hp diesels
FOR SALE RBS Marine www.rbsmarine.com