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Galeon 700 Raptor : eastern wind

Poland: don’t even think of sad, decaying shipyards as in the socialist iconography.

This boat comes from Gdansk, and she’s goodlooking, bold and refined at the same time. Finally, she behaves very well in the water.
Galeon shipyard comes from a long tradition, having started with leisure boats in the eighties and with working vessels much earlier. Today, they are specialized in luxury yachts. The 700 Raptor is a 70 feeter designed by Tony Castro, who has been able to create a much characterized model, perfectly matching the shipyard attention to build quality and seaworthiness.

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The test of Galeon 700 Raptor

While on the side boat taking pictures, we realized that the Raptor’s hull was not properly clean. This is something we are taking into account now, at the moment of measuring performance.The sea is rather calm (at least for a 21 meters boat…) and we immediately have such feeling. The pace of the boat is impressive, while crossing the waves and while veering sharply for photographic needs. The Yard’s captain works on the trim tabs to quicken the plane, then neutralizes them to gain high speeds. One eye on the GPS, one on the mileage-gauge, I reckon that from 1500 to 2000 rpm the speed boosts from 18 to 28 knots, but so does the consumption, from 200 to 340 liters per hour. The best cruising speed is, to my understanding, at approximately 1850 rpm. The phonometric data confirm a very silent ride in all the cabins, with the owner’s stateroom being the quietest. The old shipyards from Gdansk are just a far memory from the past.

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The deck of Galeon 700 Raptor

I believe there’s little left to say in terms of deck design, but when looking at the 700 Raptor I must change my mind. I look and look again, trying to understand what did catch my attention in the first place. Some solutions are not seen for the first time, like the two windows that cross each other and give rise to the aerial roll bar, or the black stripes on the sides that hide the portholes. Still, on the Raptor they reach a perfect balance. The bow lines don’t jut out excessively, while the garage astern is well concealed by the two staircases that lead to the cockpit. The tender bay is worth a mention, for the simple yet functional launch system, eased by the lowering swim platform. The side access to the garage is another smart idea, very useful when you need to just store lines and gear.

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It’s difficult to say where the cockpit ends and the salon begins: when the dividing windows are fully lowered all the area underneath the hardtop becomes a unique open space. The dinette is at starboard, faced by a couch and a tea table. Upon the tender bay there’s a small sunbed, while a canvas curtain can be opened above the whole area and all the windows on the top have their own, sliding shade.
Two wide passageways lead to the foredeck, featuring two separate sunpads (rather small) and a center dark fascia that hides a couple of skylights. I believe it would have been better to go for the typical, removable cushion: nothing unseen, but surely practical.

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Interiors

Did I mention that the division between cockpit and salon is not that evident? I believe I did…so once inside I raise the window and slide the door shut: the feeling is now more cozy, and I’d be ready to enjoy a relaxing cruise while it’s rainy outside. Charm and livability are granted by a wet bar and a big TV screen at starboard, and a large couch on the port side. The helm station features two proper pilot seats, and the gauges and commands are ergonomically placed around. A side door leads to the passageway and increases the feeling of being on a luxury yacht. A classy touch comes from the LED lights incorporated in the ceiling: try them in the night and you will see. The front part of the hard top can slide backwards, and in combination with the large windows all around can return the sensation of open air navigation.

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The galley is located on the lower deck, and it doesn’t miss anything, except…a better position: too close to the bedrooms, and not perfectly aerated. It depends on the use of the boat though, as the owners who enjoy harbors and restaurants won’t feel any shortcoming. Maybe a fourth cabin would fit in this space, were the galley on the upper deck, but it would be a rather small one. I move then amidships, and there’s still the chance to be surprised by the complete outfit of the master stateroom: a relax area to the port, with a chaise longue and a seat, facing a tea table that opens to become a vanity corner. The king bed is to the starboard, while the large bathroom works as a noise buffer, insulating the room from the engine compartment. I look up and find the same LED lighting on the ceiling as seen in the main salon, enriched with the shimmering profiles of the steps. Moving to the front, I encounter the third cabin, featuring two berths and a comfy en-suite, then the VIP one at the bow with the center bed and a large head and separate shower box. All the furnishing and the trim of the lower deck is a good example of flair and refinement, without ever looking ostentatious. I would have preferred the furniture edges to be smoother, but it’s enough to be a little careful.

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Enginewise, the choice is between two couples of V-12 MANs: the power steps are 2×1224 HP, as the boat we tested, or 2×1360. After my trial I would go for the mightier ones, as I felt some lack of thrust, but it’s a personal choice depending on the owner’s preferences.

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Technical features
Length overall 21,26 mt (69 ft 9 in)
Length hull LH19,73 mt (64 ft 9 in)
Beam 5,25 mt (17 ft 3 in)
Draft 1,41 mt (4 ft 8 in)
Dry displacement 34650 Kg
Full load displacement 41170 Kg
Engines 2×1224 HP
Fuel tanks 3200 lt (845 US gal)
Fresh water tanks 1000 lt (264 US gal)
Berths8+2
Passengers16

Performance
1000 rpm11,0 knots– l/h 66 db
1500 rpm18,0 knots1 84 l/h(48.6 US gph)71 db
2000 rpm28,0 knots 340 l/h(89.8 US gph)76 db
2350 rpm32,0 knots 476 l/h(125.7 US gph)78 db

Theoretical range (10% reserve)
1500 rpm 16h 20m
2000 rpm8h 50m
2350 rpm6h 20m

Test conditions
Calm sea, temperature 22 °C (72 ° F)
Fuel 900 lt (238 US gal), 7 passengers, dirty hull

Standard equipment
Black water tank 300 lt (80 US gal) with macerator – Grey water tank 300 lt (80 US gal) – generator 22 Kw – Webasto heating system – Bow thruster – Interceptor trim blades –  water heater – 4 automatic and 2 manual bilge pumps – automatic engine bay fire extinguishing system – water pump – electro-hydraulic steering gear – hydraulic hiding gangway –electric winch 2300 W with 50 Kg anchor and 70 mt (230 ft) chain – teak flooring in cockpit – transom shower with hot / cold water – stern kedge winches  – lowering swim platform – double engine displays – electronic throttles – tilting helm wheel – autopilot, VHF, multi-functional display, Raymarine chartplotter  and radar – compass – rev counter, voltmeter, oil pressure and engine temperature gauges – inverters’ oil pressure gauges – water and fuel indicators – 2 pilothouse courtesy lights – Alcantara, leather and canvas trim with wengè wood details – wengè wood furniture – stainless steel sliding door – 26” LCD TV screen with DVD player – side access door – galley with glass-ceramic stove, refrigerator, freezer, oven, double sink – LED ceiling lights – 20” LCD TV screen master and VIP cabins – Bose sound system with tuner/player in master cabin

Builder: Galeon (Poland)

Visit Galeon website

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