By updating this model, Bella Boats wanted to return to its first love – classics that originates in the ancient displacement-hulled wooden boats. All advanced insights of the contemporary shipbuilding have been applied to this boat accompanied with an ambition to satisfy the requests of the boaters who are not looking for speedy but safe, adequately comfortable boat at reasonable price, as well as low costs of exploitation. Due to the appearance, Bella 703 represents real challenge for the yachtmens. Although not being a boat for exhibiting in the posh marines, she will demonstrate her power in conditions when other boats are forced to stay on a berth. Moored, the Bella 703 looks slightly, but the boat´s seven meter hull offers an amazing amount of space, comprising a decent-sized cockpit, a saloon, sleeping accommodation, and a toilet. Though the layout is not at any point especially roomy, it is neither too cramped. At best, the Bella is a two person boat, though with growing children the need for additional space will inevitably come to the fore.
The interior of the boat is open-plan with no intermediate bulkheads. There are sleeping berths for two in the bow section. The Bella 703´s galley is situated by the door at the rear of the cabin. As standard, there is a hob equipped with a heat-preserving lid. Under the helmsman´s seat there is a wash basin and water tap. Inside the pantry cupboard there is a water canister that is part of the water-supply system. In addition, there is space for a refrigerator (870 euros installed). In the pantry there is also reasonable storage space, as well as in a cupboard under the hob and in a large cupboard under the sofa.
The Bella 703´s sofa assembly is of a size that for two there is room, but for four adults is cramped especially when dining. The backrest of the settee in the bow section can be adjusted forward and backwards so that one can face either in a forward or backward direction. The tabletop moves sideways on rails, i.e. it can be adjusted to suit the occasion.WC behind the sofa assembly on the left side. However, this does not mean a separate enclosure has been build to accommodate the WC; rather, it is in a recess behind the sofa and can be cordoned off from the rest of the area with a curtain. The WC equipment is good and includes e.g. a septic tank of approximately 40 litres.
One of the Bella 703´s best features is its cockpit. Though it is not large, there is room around the engine for six people. In contrast to earlier models, the cockpit is self-draining so it does not necessarily need a canopy. Nevertheless, the canopy could be considered an obligatory optional accessory (at 930 euro). It permits use of the cockpit in rainy weather and in the evening. There is standing room of 1,85 meters under the canopy.
The Bella 703 is standard delivered with Yanmar diesel engine 3JH4-E of 40 hp. According to manufacturer specifications, it is capable of driving an unloaded 1200 kg boat at a speed of 13-14 knots. When loaded with all the necessary gear and three persons, the combined weight was around 1500 kilos. The top speed was not at all achieved. At a maximum running speed of 3100 rpm, the boat reached a top speed of 10,2 knots. The fuel consumption is about 8 litres per hour at maximum rpm. At a cruising rpm of 2500, the speed is 7,4 knots and fuel consumption only about 4 litres per hour. The thing that particularly delights Bella boaters is the low level of noise. At a running speed of 2500 rpm, the noise level in the cabin, with the door and roof hatch closed, was 75 dB(A). Under similar circumstances, it was 79 dB(A) in the cockpit with the canopy up. Both figures are admirably low. Even at maximum revs, the noise in the wheelhouse did not exceed 78 decibels. (parts of text appropriated from the test published in the Wene boat magazine)
Published: 2006
Photo: Bella Boats
| Technical details | |
| Producer: | BELLA BOATS (FI) |
| LOA: | 23'10 ft |
| LOA: | 7,05 m |
| Beam: | 2,47 m |
| Draught: | 0,6 m |
| Weight: | 1200 kg |
| Fuel tank: | 67 l |
| Water tank: | 13 l |
| Septic water tank: | 40 l |
| Max. passengers: | 6 |
| Berths: | 2 |
| Cabins: | 1 |
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