It will undoubtedly be one of the most exciting new launches this year. After 150 units of the small cruiser Bente 24 have already been built, the young brand is now following suit. The Bente 28 adopts the general concept of its small and successful sister with a hull that is just over a metre longer. Nevertheless, the gain in space is considerable in comparison, especially below deck. It's amazing what is possible today in a boat just 8.65 metres long. In the past, this much living space and comfort was only available on boats with a hull length of ten metres or more - at least.
Five people can sleep below deck, casually and comfortably. The Bente 28 is also equipped with a very spacious, completely separate toilet room, which is by no means a matter of course in the 28-footer class. There is also a large galley at the side of the companionway with a ceramic hob, extensive work surfaces, sink and refrigerator compartment as well as plenty of storage space. Everything you need for touring with the family.
On the outside, on the other hand, the sporty concept components dominate, such as the modern hull design from the Judel/Vrolijk & Co office with many constructive borrowings from the high-performance offshore racer scene. The sharply defined aft chine edges and the wide stern call for double rudder blades. The concept of the Bente 28 also features a powerful sail plan with a short overlapping genoa and squarehead mainsail. The Seldén rig with two spreaders does not require a backstay. In tests in light to medium wind forces on Lake Constance, the Bente 28 surprised with its strong sailing characteristics, good performance data and was unusually agile and lively in manoeuvres.
The full price list will only be finalised in the coming days. However, Christian Daum, head of the brand, which is now part of the Meichle + Mohr group of companies in Kressbronn on Lake Constance, can already name the basic price for the Bente 28: In the basic, simply equipped version, the boat will cost 129,900 euros, including 19% VAT, installation engine and a set of simple Dacron Amwind sails (main and genoa).
The comprehensive test report on the Bente 28 will appear in YACHT issue 24/2022, which will be available from newsagents from 16 November.
The class of compact touring boats around 28 feet in length will be presented as a three-part series from the next issue of YACHT.