Frauscher 1017 Lido , open beauty

After success of their first cabin model 1017 GT, the Austrian boatyard declines it with a layout that follows their tradition: here’s the Frauscher 1017 Lido .

At the first glance it could seem a step back compared to the much appreciated and awarder 1017 GT, which marked the first step for Frauscher out of their long tradition of lake-boats builder: it was larger and, most of all, it had a real cabin. Buti f the resulti s this 1017 Lido, so long live a step back.

We are hosted by the Italian dealer Cantiere Nautico Feltrinelli, on Lake Maggiore. The Lido wins you immediately for the large cockpit space and the versatility of “The” daycruiser. On the other hand, the steep price makes it a toy for a small niche of passionate boaters.

I like this version as much as I appreciated the 1017 GT, because the key elements are still there. Just to mention a couple: the vertical bow and the deep V hull with double redan. To replace the cabin, there’s a dinette / sun bed to the fore, while the potty is below the center console.

The deck of  Frauscher 1017 Lido

The aft cockpit follows the GT layout: two sun pads split by a center passage to the swim platform, and large use of teak all around. Under  the solarium there’s the engine bay of course, but also a large lazarette for the gear. The backseat of the couch hides one of the two bimini tops that add versatility (covering the two cockpits) and change the look of the Lido into a Venetian taxi. Beside the aristocratic accent, the solution is perfectly done as they are virtually invisible once closed.

Two passageways lead to the fore and give access to a locker for the lines and another for the electric board. In the middle, the helm station is elegant and equipped with a complete set of retro, semi-recessed gauges. The windshield is small but offers the protection needed on a dayboat. The two seats can partially tilt to pilot while standing, and the wet bar cabinet can be completed with a grill or a stove.

To fore everything is new. Unfortunately the potty door opens toward one of the dinette tables, blocking it from completely turning. But the passage is large enough and there’s no need to open the door shut. The only closed area aboard is this lavatory, so I appreciate the finishing and the abundance of room.

The area can be used in different moments,  as it’s a dinette, it’s possible to protect it from the sun with a second, hidden bimini, and it turns into a solarium in the tanning time. To the extreme bow, a large locker for fenders and another for the anchor complete the features. It is also a nice place to dive from.

The two 300HP Mercruisers on our boat seem the perfect choice, but if you want to sip fuel you can go for the two diesel Volvo D4: same power, much higher price tag. I don’t see the reason for changing the balance of our boat, same as I wouldn’t go for the 430 HP, gas Mercruisers that promise astonishing performance.

The test of Frauscher 1017 Lido

Early morning means north wind on Lake Maggiore, and that’s a good fact for testing this hull. The progression is excellent, there’s no need for more power (we have 600 HP in our hand) and the nose doesn’t pull up, allowing for a perfect visibility. We gain pace, until we reach 4800 rpm and 44,8 knots. Some touch on the trims, and there I read 5000 revs and almost 48 knots. What surprises me (or maybe not), is the steadiness of the hull and the feeling of safety it instills. But if you don’t want to keep this pace and burn 190 liters of gas per hour, you can slow down to a comfortable and efficient cruise at 27 or even to the minimum plane, which means 19 knots and 2380 rpm.

In the tight turns the response of the rudder and of the hull is immediate, and once again with a good sense of safety. It’s difficult to believe this boat is propelled by shafts and not stern drives. But there’s no magic, it’s rather a matter of a great hull design and a perfect balance in every condition.

Technical features

Length overall 10,17 mt (33 ft 4 in)
Beam 2,99 mt (9 ft 10 in)
Draft 0,80 mt (2 ft 8 in)
Dry displacement 3300 Kg
Engines 2×300 HP
Fuel tanks 520 lt (137 US gal)
Water tank 74 lt (19.5 US gal)
Passengers 12
CE certification C
Builder Frauscher Bootswerth (A)

Standard features

Smoked windshield glass – White cushions – Adjusting seats – Hydraulic rudder – Glove box with 12V plug – 3 fire extinguishers – 4 fenders – 4 mooring lines – Refrigerator – Galley sink – Potty with basin and shower – Sun pad – Embedded swim platform with teak cover – Retractable swim ladder – Waterski hook – transom shower – 2 teak, adjustable  tables – White hull and deck – Anchor and line – Flag pole – Complete

Optionals

Different color for cushions – Sunbrella cushions – Hi-fi system with 4 marine speakers – Bimini Top – Foredeck  sun bed transformation – Aft night cover – Different color for hull and deck – Antifouling – Deck, passageways, swim platform and cockpit covered in teak – Bow thruster – Chartplotter, Raymarine E95 – Dock cable, battery charger and outlet, 230V – Electric anchor winch with customized anchor – Winter cover – Transportation.

Theorical range (10% reserve)
@ 3000 rpm6h45m
@ 4000 rpm3h35m
@ 5000 rpm2h30m

Test conditions
Smooth/slight wave, temperature 16° C (61° F), fuel 340 lt (89 US gal), water 30 lt (7 US gal), passengers 2, clean hull.