Canados – 888 Evo

The sea trial was pubblished in Superyacht 60 – Winter 2019

Presented as an evolution of the preceding Canados 86, the Canados 888 is significantly innovative not only in terms of styling, but in structural ones as well. Composites have been widely used to enhance and privilege stability and performance.

This historically Italian shipyard with solid roots along the south bank of the river Tiber changed ownership in 2015 when French entrepreneur Michel Karsenti acquired it. Ever since inception back in 1946 Canados began by producing military vessels exclusively, nevertheless with evolution in mind. After WW II and up to now Canados has built over 700 units many of them motor yachts and has been one of the leading brands in the making of this market and without doubt its evolution.
Gradually but steadily the yard stuck to its principles even following the 2015 takeover Canados has continued in the same direction which has resulted in the yard’s latest model the 888 Evo which debuted at the International Boat Show in Cannes September last with two other new projects namely the Canados 428 Gladiator and the 808 Maximus. We tested the 888 Evo in the course of a perfect day between the coast and the Lerins islands.

The Canados 888 the natural evolution from the 86 has kept in the main the same external lines as its predecessor but for two significant changes in terms of styling such as the ports which are now built into the yacht’s topsides, and floor to ceiling window like panelling along the sides of the superstructure. Other changes, more functional ones comprise a welcoming saloon area forward in the bow section and a larger fly deck while other structural changes are in the use of Kevlar and Aramt which were deployed in the construction of the superstructure which enhanced greater stability by being lower and closer to the water resulting in a lower barycentre.
As for the interiors, the fly bridge with a helm control station has been clearly privileged and has been defined as the most convivial area, thanks to its welcoming very pleasant atmosphere, and to the precious decor by Talenti Italian designer. The 888 Evo sports retroussé windshields which offer better wind deflection up on the fly and a carbon fibre hard top which opens at the push of a button or manually.

The yacht’s interior layout and decor can be customised at will according to the owners’ tastes including of course the choice of materials from oak to ebony, and or leather inserts, eggshell or lacquered furniture, granite surfaces, or corian flooring and much more. Naturally when talking about layout this could entail introducing an extra cabin or removing one to replace it with a gym, or a study/office for the owner just to give an idea.
Use of Boffi equipment in the galley comes as standard but of course it can be changed according to individual preferences.

The outing, from the fly bridge sitting next to the captain as he steered this 27 metre out of the harbour with a joystick in his hand was most enjoyable. The yacht was very stable as we cruised along. Vibration and noise levels inside thanks to the dampeners deployed were reduced to a bare minimum which enhanced an already pleasant sense of comfort.
Opening up the throttles entailed a fluid progressive gain in speed delivered by a pair of 1,900 Hp Caterpillar diesels. At a mere 1,600 rpm. we were cruising at a steady 17 knots with a fuel consumption of 158 litres per hour which doubles when pushing this 80 ton Canados to 25 knots. At this speed we bank to complete a 360 degree turn at the close of which only two knots were lost we then intercept the wake hardly feeling anything as we crossed over it. We then proceeded in a straight line and thrust the throttles all the way forward reaching 2,350 rpm which translated into 31 knots of top speed which in terms of fuel consumption translate into 370 litres/hour.

Text by Nico Caponetto – Photos by Jerome Kelagopian

For further information: Canados

The sea trial was pubblished in Superyacht 60 – Winter 2019