When it comes to building small motorboats, the Finns know a thing or two. They use them as transport between the many islands, for picnics or simply for whizzing around having fun. Many Finns practically live on the water during the summer, so they need boats that work.

Those who want to whiz have plenty of choice – but some prefer the steadiness and economy that go with lower speeds, which is why the Bella 703 is still selling well after more than 25 years and 2,000 boats.

One reason for the Bella’s success is that, although no flyer, she’s faster than she looks. A quick glance at her double-ended hull might make you think that she would reach 7 knots if pushed hard enough. A more thorough appraisal, however, reveals a skirt beneath the stern similar in concept to that used by the larger, British-designed Kents (see PBO 468). By minimising stern-squat, the skirt lets the shaft-driving, 40hp Yanmar 3JH4-E diesel push her along at up to 10 knots. With a 67lt (15gal) tank and a consumption of about 4-5lt (1gal) an hour, 15 hours’ running is achievable between fuel stops and a range approaching 150 miles.

As on the Kents, the round stern seems to offer practical as well as aesthetic advantages. I noticed a welcome absence of the usual vortex that drags spray and fumes into the cockpit and can make sitting in the stern an unpleasantly damp and smelly experience. The skirt seems to limit rolling, too, though a boat of this size and weight is inevitably more responsive to crew weight than a heavier or chined hull.

Upwind, the flared bow throws the spray well away and keeps her dry, and even in the short Finnish chop during my tests she rarely slammed. All you need to get used to on the handling front is the generous turning circle induced by the long keel.

Builder: Bella Boats, Finland www.bellaboats.fi
UK distributor: T L Harvey Ltd, Whitworth Close, Darlaston, West Midlands WS10 8LJ. Tel: 0121 568 8837. Fax: 0121 526 6391.
Email: marine@tlharvey.com
Website: www.tlharvey.com