21 Nov
Motor Boat & Yachting put the RYCK 280 through its paces and came away impressed with its all-round performance, comfort and appeal.
Alex Smith from MBY tested the RYCK 280 and found a lot to like about the stylish, comfortable and versatile 9.16 metre (30 ft), centre-console design. According to Alex:
“It does a tremendous number of really good things very well. For a start it’s indisputably beautiful to look at, it’s also custom friendly…..it’s also great fun to drive and very secure for your family..”
Since its launch in 2022 the Bill Dixon designed RYCK 280 has won many coverts to the day boating lifestyle with its combination of distinctive lines, dynamic performance, good sea-handling, quality appointments, safe walk-around decks, and genuine weekender credentials.
The RYCK’s combination of speed, good sea-handling and open deck entertaining spaces has proved popular in Australia with hulls cruising the waterways in NSW, Qld, WA, and Victoria. Owners praise the RYCK’s dual personality of day party boat and family friendly explorer and Alex Smith recognised the importance of a separate head in the RYCK’s layout.
“Whether you’re cruising, weekending or dayboating, a separate head with a proper toilet and sink remains a very valuable feature.”
Continuing its savvy use of space, the RYCK offers room for up to eight people across three deck spaces, including a large, T-Top shaded cockpit with comfortable lounge, optional fridge and wet bar, and removable table at the stern; a bow lounge with twin sunbeds; and the well-laid out helm area with its nicely stitched helm chairs.
Watch the full Motor Boat & Yachting review of the RYCK 280 here:
Just as important as quality amenities is sea-handling, especially in Australia and New Zealand, fringed by some of the most notoriously unpredictable and formidable seas on the planet.
Underway, the RYCK 280’s twin-stepped hull with reverse bow easily gets onto the plane powered by the choice of quiet and effcient Mercury Verado engines from 250hp to 350hp, controlled by Mercury’s incredibly smooth digital throttle and shift (DTS). Top speed is an exhilarating 40 knots, but the RYCK has a range of well over 100 nautical miles at its fast cruising speed of 25-26 knots. The reverse plumb bow also ensures a smooth ride through chop as it splits the wave horizontally, dividing the water to each side.
There are few better ways to escape the summer heat than enjoying a long lunch off your favourite beach or lazing in the shade after a refreshing swim, cool drink in hand on your own boat. As the sun sets you can choose to zip back to a berth or stay out overnight.
It’s a couple of steps down into the RYCK’s forward cabin through a sliding door, and the interior with its Nordic style wood finishes is stylish and practical. To starboard is the separate toilet with hand basin and storage cupboard. To port of the steps is a galley cabinet for a microwave and up front is a generous vee-berth, with infills to make a queen-sized bed.
MBY summed the RYCK 280 this way:
“This boat is quiet, refined, it’s relatively efficient, it’s very comfortable and tremendously confidence inspiring.”
High praise but in the RYCK’s case well-deserved.
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