As with the Biga 242 (test in YACHT 24/2012), Juliane Hempel has also given the new Bicker ship a long waterline and modern underwater appendages. It remains a typical Bicker; the relationship to the existing shipyard line is unmistakable - at least that is the impression conveyed by the first crack drawings available to YACHT online.
With a width of 2.55 metres, which is suitable for road transport, the hull is quite slim. With a value of 3.33, the aspect ratio (length to width) is well above the average of 3.0.
The Biga 270 is the successor to the popular and best-selling 262, which was designed by Fritz Hartz. The new boat concept is now more versatile and offers more customisation options, especially below deck. As an alternative to the standard interior layout with dinette, side kitchenette and dog berth, the interior is also available in a more traditional-looking version with two longitudinal sofas and a small kitchenette at the companionway. The separate forward cabin and the toilet room are identical in both versions.
The customer can also choose between two keel variants. The T-keel with a draught of 1.45 metres is standard, while a short L-shaped keel with a draught of just 1.15 metres can also be ordered. The shipyard and designer are still working on a version with a centreboard.
As an alternative to the conventional sail plan with the 110 per cent overlapping genoa, the customer can also order the boat with a self-tacking jib.
Like all boats from Gerhard Bicker's yacht factory in Ahlen-Dolberg, the 270 comes with a GRP hull (full laminate in the underwater area, sandwich laminate above the waterline) and a plywood deck covered with teak mouldings as standard. The superstructure, cockpit coaming and the entire cockpit are made of the usual high quality mahogany.
The price announcement by master shipbuilder and shipyard boss Gerhard Bicker is interesting. The price for the new model is expected to be roughly on a par with its predecessor, the Biga 262. That would mean: 63,000 euros for the ready-to-sail ship including VAT. However, the built-in engine is only offered as an option and is not yet included in this price. Almost all small built-in diesels available on the market can be installed, as well as electric drives.
Gerhard Bicker wants to have his first new 270 ready for summer 2015. He is planning the premiere for Interboot 2015.
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Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
