Console to starboard, passageway to port: Capelli 20.5 brings a revolution to open cruisers, and does that in bundle with the new Yamaha F130A outboard.
What’s newer between this boat and her outboard? Tough to say, as there’s so many innovations to list. Let’s go through them all!
Moving the console
The new Capelli 20.5 could seem a daycruiser like many others, but she’s not. It’s not the first time we see the console moved on one side, but in this case the whole layout has been redesigned to create a huge fore cockpit for a boat measuring just 6.35 x 2.47 meters. The space to bow is enough to host two benches and a removable table, or transform this dinette into a solarium. The console sticks to the starboard side and is large enough for pilot and copilot, while on the left a wide passageway allows to move to fore and back. The front part is completed with lockers beneath the benches, an anchor pulpit good as a diving platform, and sturdy guardrails always…handy during navigation.
The console consists of a dashboard repaired behind a big windscreen framed with a handrail. The gauges are two simple round Yamaha units, so it’s better to add a GPS plotter at least. We appreciate the good looking helm wheel, two practical cup holders, and the chance to tilt the seat in order to change the driving position. The back cockpit can host the same table used to fore, and the only thing we miss is a wet bar with grill. The passage to the sea is to starboard and leads to a swim platform with ladder.
Not just 15 additional horsepower
The Yamaha F130A is an evolution of the well-known F115: four pots, 1832 cc (112 ci), 16 valves. But so many innovations mean it’s more a brand new engine rather than an evolution. The throttle valve is now electronic, the air intake is longer, the camshafts are new like the distribution diagram. Ignition is now sequential, featuring four coils, and there’s an exhaust sensor. The ECU is brand new, as the final gears. The weight has been limited to 174 Kg, thanks also to a new cowling in composite carrying the new Yamaha family look.
Yamaha F130A in bullet points
- Multi-point Electronic Fuel Injection and micro-computer ECM control
- Direct ignition system for superior performance
- Electronic throttle valve and streamlined intake manifold
- Fuel efficient – lower running costs and reliability
- Service-friendly design with flange-mounted flywheel and oil-catcher tray
- Digital Network System – drives latest multi-function gauges
- Variable trolling RPM – adjusts low speed rpm in 50rpm
- Exclusive Y-COP immobilizer/security system
- Yamaha’s compact, lightweight single-ram Power Trim and Tilt unit
- Tilt Angle Limiter available as an option
- 35 Amp high output alternator – extra power for starting and accessories
- Fresh water flushing device – just plug in a hose and wash through
The test
It’s pretty hot, but in La Spezia, Italy (the “Gulf of the Poets”) there’s a nice breeze. Add the frantic passage of boats, ferries and military ships, and we have pretty good waves to cope with. Even better when we get out of the port to deep waters. The progression of the new F130 is not outrageous, still we get to plane in less than four seconds and to 30 in 16. Moving the trims gives us another 300 rpm to 6000, and we read 33 knots. With this propeller is not possible to go faster: it’s a 16”, three-bladed unit in steel, better for full load navigation than for speed and we are just two people with no gear. Minimum plane is reached at 2700 rpm, pace is 8 knots and fuel consumption just 9.4 liters per hour (2.48 US gal per hour).
The boat herself has proven to be seaworthy in the speed test, now I cross the short and sharp waves of a cargo ship only to realize that the impact of the hull is always soft. Handling is perfect too, the veering radius is limited and the power assistance to the helm works in the best way, leaving the wheel sensitive enough but never heavy. Same feeling for the throttle lever which tunes the throttle valve accurately. The large windshield is even too protective in such a hot day, but it will be appreciated by pilot and copilot in worse weather. The tilting seat allows any driver to find the best position, while the centering of the wheel is perfect related to the seat.
Performance
| rpm | knots | mph | lph | nm/l | dB |
| 700 | 2 | 2,3 | 1,6 | 1,25 | 57 |
| 1000 | 3,0 | 3,5 | 2,3 | 1,30 | 59 |
| 1500 | 4,0 | 4,6 | 3,7 | 1,08 | 62 |
| 2000 | 6,0 | 6,9 | 4,8 | 1,25 | 66 |
| 2500 | 7,0 | 8,1 | 8 | 0,88 | 68 |
| 3000 | 10,0 | 11,5 | 11,7 | 0,85 | 74 |
| 3500 | 13,0 | 15,0 | 14,8 | 0,88 | 77 |
| 4000 | 17,0 | 19,6 | 18,3 | 0,93 | 79 |
| 4500 | 21,0 | 24,2 | 21,2 | 0,99 | 82 |
| 5000 | 25,0 | 28,8 | 30,3 | 0,83 | 83 |
| 5500 | 28,0 | 32,2 | 43 | 0,65 | 87 |
| 5700 | 30,0 | 34,5 | 43 | 0,70 | 88 |
| 6000 | 33,0 | 38,0 | 47 | 0,70 | 90 |
Test conditions
Moderate sea, temperature 28° C (82° F), clean hull, fuel 70lt (18.5 US gal), fresh water 20lt (5.3 US gal), passengers 2
Indicative Price
Package Capelli 20.5/Yamaha F130AETL€ 26,500 + taxes
Main options (indicative prices excluding taxes)
Electric winch € 1,800
Shower€ 615
Bow cushions€ 565
S/S bimini top€ 1,150
Console cover€ 335
