Experience report SX20 -Yachtline-: Rhine

I have fulfilled my childhood dream

Last year I fulfilled my childhood dream of getting a boating license and took chartered boats on the Rhine, the Lahn and Lake Constance.
After lengthy discussions, we decided to buy our own boat. The search for a suitable boat began. While browsing the Internet and reading the comments there, I became aware of the Öchsner company and we decided to “just have a look” at an SX20 -Yachtline-.

On our first visit to the. Fa. Öchsner in Kürnach we were warmly welcomed and competently informed. When we inspected the boat, the spark was immediately ignited and the decision was made very quickly.
For my wife, it was important that our boat was approved for use on Lake Constance. With the products supplied by the company. Öchsner for the Lake Constance approval, this was very easy. Sending in the documents was enough and we received our badge for 3 years by post.

Finally the time had come: we picked up our Anduin

On March 26, the time had come: we drove to Kürnach to pick up our Anduin. After an intensive theoretical briefing by Mr. Küffner, Mr. Öchsner took over the practical instruction of the first slip training with a test drive on the Main.
We were impressed by the handling and performance of the SX20 right from the first few minutes of riding. On the way home, the trailer impressed with its smooth running and directional stability. Sometimes you had to consciously remember that you were traveling with a boat on a trailer.

After the Anduin had taken its place in the Worms raft harbor, it was first equipped. The SX20 offers plenty of storage space, so we could easily stow 6 life jackets, a toolbox, Bodensee equipment, bath towels, crockery etc.

We gained our first experience on the Rhine

We gained our experience with the SX20 this year on the Rhine. We went on several tours here, often with friends. Exploring the branches of the Old Rhine in particular was great fun (Lampertheimer Altrhein, Otterstädter Altrhein, Reffenthal, Ehrfelder Altrhein, Eicher See, Lercher Loch, Mühlarm (Nackenheim)).

We often used the Anduin spontaneously in the afternoon to switch off for 2-3 hours and sailed on the Rhine from Worms towards Gernsheim. There we chose small bays to anchor in and enjoy the sunset. Anchoring often took place outside the fairway, but in the current at a current speed of approx. 7 km. Sometimes it was a bit tricky to get the anchor to hold, but once it did, it always held the boat securely.
Anchoring in the arms of the Old Rhine is not always so easy, as there are water depths of >16m due to gravel dredging. So – out with the entire anchor chain 😉.
The night cruises on the Rhine with fireworks were a special experience.

Our first major tour took us downstream to Wiesbaden. Due to the low water level, the planned exploration of the various branches of the Old Rhine proved to be a challenge. But with the engine in high trim, even shallow water passages were no problem for the SX20.

On the Rhine with a current speed of around 7 km/h. there are two comfortable speeds. The first at approx. 2200 rpm. (displacement drive) and the second at approx. 4400 rpm. (gliding drive). I’ll mention here in passing that my wife is more of a gliding rider. One of the reasons for this is that the SX20 can be steered more directly when gliding, but also because it likes to go faster anyway (even with the car 😊).
This year we have been out on the Rhine a lot and have gained a lot of sailing and slipping experience – we are very satisfied and are looking forward to next year.

Conclusion

The first tours outside the Rhine are planned for the coming season, for example on Lake Constance. For us, the SX20 is a great boat that impresses not only with its good performance but also with its well thought-out design.
Best regards, Family L.

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