VIVA LA VENTURA!

Tim Macpherson is impressed as stylish design is combined with high performance in the new 690 Ventura CC from Spanish manufacturer Rodman

CONSOLE

e console has plenty of space for two electronics units and a radio in addition to the standard engine monitoring gauge which had a multifunction option to check revs, battery, oil check and other vital functions. e console is well proportioned and doesn’t take up a huge amount of space.

LOCKERS AND FORWARD CABIN SPACE

Underneath the prow, and accessed through a sliding hatch with a lock, there is plenty of space for gear storage, or as one of the demonstration boats they had at the recent Stuttgart boat show, it can be fitted out as a proper cabin. ere is an option to set up a chemical lavatory in the heads. It really depends on what you are planning to use the boat for.

FISHING SPACE

e boat could comfortably fit four anglers – two at the front and two off the stern. Rod holders can, of course, be fitted in a variety of places – either along the gunnels or attached vertically to the console. ere are plenty of options for storage of vital gear, either in the forward cabin space or in one of the many locker compartments around the boat.

e one minor issue is with the running boards which flank the engine. I would probably remove these because they add a metre of platform which would hamper the rods if I was at anchor with lines trailing from the stern.

FIXTURES AND FITTINGS

is is really dependent on taste and requirements. e boat we tested had seat cushions over the locker space, all of which are easily removable with quick release clips and there are also fittings for a table in both the front and behind the seats on the stern deck. For me the less clutter on a fishing boat the better and these tables are really for leisure cruising (although it is compact and in the front doesn’t restrict movement too much). It comes with six stainless steel cleats, stainless steel handrails and a GRP console, GRP side seats, a towing hook, a self-draining anchor well, bow roller and lockers inside fore and aft seats.

ANCHOR

e anchor comes with 40m of chain. Our model had a Danforth anchor with a battery and electric windlass, which is an optional extra. For future models a 10kg Bruce anchor will be fitted.

PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING

We took the boat out for a turn in the bay and I found it very easy to handle with a responsive helm (some boats I ‘ve tried can be a bit lazy) and easy handling. Pick up from the throttle was instant and a 200hp engine is more than adequate – powerful enough to really get you somewhere quickly (and get you out of trouble). We managed to get 40 knots on a flat sea with no wind, which was impressive and really comfortable with no slap or bounce, although there wasn’t a lot of wave height to really test it. e shape of the hull is designed to make sure that even in a high sea, water won’t be shipped on board. e boat handled well at speed and when banking didn’t wallow on the turn, which was very tight – it felt smooth and completely in control. e 4-stroke engine was quiet even at full throttle and at low speeds didn’t seem to be straining.

SUMMARY

e 690 retails at around £69,000. It’s a great fishing platform and provides speed and good stability. ere is plenty of storage room to keep the deck clear of gear when fishing. e deck is non slip and with the 1m+ gunnels the boat feels safe and secure. In all I really enjoyed the ride and was all for whizzing out to try a bit of fishing in the Solent. ese boats are pricey but worth every penny in handling, comfort and sleek design. As a centre console angling boat it will be a great addition to the choices available for anglers. ■