The prototype was literally finished at the last minute before the start of the trade fair in Friedrichshafen. When YACHT online came on board for the premiere visit on Friday afternoon, the final tidying up and decoration work was still underway. But right from the start, the modernised small cruiser from Austria, which now has a more open design below deck, was able to impress (see picture gallery).
The ambience is incomparably calmer, conveys a far better impression of space and, on top of that, looks like Sunbeam has generally positioned itself on the market - high-class. This is rare in a market segment that is otherwise dominated by cheap boats.
The larger superstructure windows make the interior appear very bright, which can be further emphasised with hidden light strips in the swallow nests - a useful extra that is unfortunately not part of the standard specification. Instead of building a small yacht, Schoechl has created more of a daysailer with the 24.2. Nevertheless, it still offers enough space and, for an extra charge, comfort to make it suitable for holidays.
A pull-out galley unit to starboard and a fridge drawer to port next to the companionway testify to the practicality and attention to detail of the Mattsee boatbuilders. The porta-potti can also be pulled out and hidden under the double berth in the foredeck.
A built-in engine is no longer planned and was no longer ordered. This creates a huge storage space below the cockpit, in which, for example, the electric outboard motor provided as standard can be stowed. There are also two additional lockers under the dents.
On deck, the first thing you notice is the now open pulpit, which allows better access to the ship. The shrouds now attach directly to the outside of the hull, which allows for a thinner mast profile. A teak rail now serves as the toe rail instead of the aluminium profile previously used - all measures that make the Sunbeam 24.2 appear more valuable and contemporary. The purchase price of approx. 41,000 euros for the basic version is still self-assured, but fairly calculated.
Anyone wishing to view the boat at their leisure can do so directly after the Interboot in Friedrichshafen - as part of the Sunbeam Party & Sail 2011 from 30.09. to 01.10.2011. On these days there will also be the opportunity to test sail the Sunbeam 30.1 and the Sunbeam 36.1 (by prior arrangement only: Robert Erhart, tel. 0043-699 175 58 140, r.erhart@sunbeam.at, Günter Ambrosi, tel. 0043-699 175 58 124, g.ambrosi@sunbeam.at).
Jochen Rieker
Herausgeber YACHT
