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Viper 243 (2014-)
Currently no test results
Brief Summary
Boaters who would like something different in a sportboat may want to consider the German-built Viper 243. She is a well-appointed 23’9” (7.25 m) cuddy with a berth below, an enclosed head, wrap-around cockpit seat, entertainment console and a choice of 23 engine packages ranging from 190-hp to 300-hp, in both gas and diesel.
Key Features
- Integrated swim platform with retractable ladder
- Ski tow ring
- Aft removable bench with storage underneath
- Removable L-bench with back rest on port
- Cockpit cover and hardtop slant back cover
- Tilt steering with padded grip on wheel
- 6 cleats on hull and deck
- 12V navigation lights
Specifications
| Length Overall | 23' 9'' / 7.25 m |
|---|---|
| Beam |
8' 5'' 2.57 m |
| Dry Weight |
3,748 lbs. 1,700 kg |
| Draft |
2' 11'' 0.90 m |
| Deadrise/Transom | 18-deg. |
| Max Headroom | N/A |
| Bridge Clearance | N/A |
| Fuel Capacity | N/A |
| Water Capacity | N/A |
Engine Options
| Tested Engine |
Currently no test results |
|---|---|
| Std. Power |
Not Available |
| Opt. Power |
Various MerCruiser and Volvo Penta engine options |
Captain's Report
The Mission of the Viper 243
The Viper 243 is built by Europe Marine and she is one of seven models the company makes ranging from an 18’ (5.48 m) cuddy to a 32’ (9.75 m) express cruiser. The Viper 243 falls roughly into the middle of that range, thus providing an important step for those boaters moving up the builder’s model ladder. She is intended for watersports of all kinds from just river cruising at an economical pace to a high-powered wakeboating with muscle to get board enthusiasts up on top in a hurry.
Her cockpit with its wraparound seating can handle five or six people and with the skipper that makes as many as seven, which is quite a crowd for a 23’ cuddy. With an enclosed head below with a standard Porta-Potti guests will feel comfortable planning a full day’s outing.
Major Features
•Cockpit cover
•Enclosed head with Porta-Potti
•Swivel bucket helm seat
•Convertible companion seat
•Cockpit table
•Bimini top with full canvas
•Cockpit console with sink, water tanks and pump
•Automatic engine room fire suppression system
•Stainless steel fuel tank
•Carpeting
•Towing pylon
About Europe Marine
Europe Marine has been in the boating business since 1988, and not only builds Vipers but also imports Four Winns, Glastron, Cruisers Sport Series, Monterey and Quicksilver boats. It runs its own dealership, with a 4,000 sq. m. showroom in Budenheim, Germany, south of Frankfurt; operates a 30-boat marina on the Rhine River; and provides winter storage and full marine services in a 2,500 sq. m. facility.
An Unusual Blend.
Because Europe Marine is involved in every aspect of boating from commissioning to winter layup, its managers are in constant close contact with owners of its boats. This is more apt to occur in Europe where sportboat sales numbers are low, and small companies often build mainly for the local market. It is quite rare to see this sort of arrangement in North America among builders of 23’ boats, but it augers well for the consumer.
Because the folks deal with their customers on a day-to-day basis about service issues, warranty matters, and to give general boating advice, they have their finger on the pulse of their owners and know what works and doesn’t work.
Because Europe Marine sells several sportboat brands made in the U.S., it is intimately knowledgeable in state-of-the-art developments.
The result should be a strong, functional boat that is easy to maintain and service.
23 Power Options
Because the activity intended for the boat determines what power the Viper 234 should have, Europe Marine is offering one of the largest line of options we have ever seen. All are sterndrive, and they come from both Mercury and Volvo Penta with both single-prop and dual-prop lower units.
The gas engines range from a 190-hp 4.3 L engine to the 6.0 L 8V Volvo Penta 380-hp engine. Diesel options run the gammit of horsepower from the 120-hp Volvo Penta D3 to the 300-hp D4.
Cockpit Upholstery
As we look over the Viper 243 the element of the boat that we find most distinctive is the upholstery in the cockpit. The builder says its high-grade marine vinyl, but all builders say that. Nevertheless, this upholstery certainly does look rich to our eye The two earth tones and stitching patterns show a concern for both style and practicality.
Observations
We have not tested the boat so can make no remarks about her speed, handling of fuel consumption. People outside Europe who want to have a sportboat unlike anything in their marina may want to consider the Viper, contact the factory and see about shipping (There are no Viper dealers in the U.S.). Europe Marine sells from its own showroom, but has dealers in most European countries. Folks willing to invest in a trip to Budenheim can take a test drive before buying, something we strongly recommend. There's no better way to learn about a boat than by driving it.
