Rodman launches free ‘Spirit’ series

2012 heralds the completion of a new range for leading Spanish yacht manufacturer Rodman.  Having built over 14,000 boats since being founded in 1974, the latest Rodman “Spirit” series marks a step in a different direction for the 8m to 12m boat sector.  The name is inspired from the “free spirit” feeling that comes from sailing and Rodman invites you to rediscover the sea and enjoy your spare time to the full.

Design offers spirited alternative cruiser

Two years in the making, the “Spirit” range now covers three models – the 31, the 36 and the 42 – each with an option for a hardtop, flybridge or open exterior.  Envisaged as a more luxurious cruising alternative to Rodman’s traditional sport fishing range, the manufacturer pulled in architect Fulvio de Simoni who had previously lent his design flair to Rodman’s higher end “Muse” range as well as other prestigious yachting brands such as Pershing.

Spirit 31 avoids the matriculation tax trap

First off the line was the 31 hardtop, a boat that could be no larger in order to keep it under a vital Spanish matriculation tax bracket.  Signor Simoni had his work cut out – his solution was a cunning 4ft extended transom. The extended transom has become somewhat of a signature feature of the Spirit 31.  Here, the seating isn’t in a traditional rigid banquette arrangement but instead semicircular arc of seats on a smooth-running track that allows them to be swooshed away to open up a huge bathing platform and, what’s more, allow a wheelchair-user to slide straight onboard.

Cosy but comfortable and stylish

Inside, the accommodation is as you would expect from sub 30ft but with a slightly wider bow giving some more inches and feeling of space.  The Spirit 31 has two cabins, a double to the front and a single nestled down the port side.  A bathroom with shower and modern stylish galley complete the line-up.  A perky bright green and turquoise colour theme help to cheer the spirit and reflect the freshness of the sea.  Handling is smooth, robust, solid and powerful and pricing comfortably below the competition – from £103,000 (excl VAT) for the 31 hardtop.

http://www.rbsmarine.com/