FAIRLINE F LINE 33 OUTBOARD

With demand for outboards going through the roof, Fairline has made them an option on its sporty F-Line 33. How does this version compare to the inboard original? We head to a windswept Ipswich to find out

Casting off on a biting cold February day in Ipswich is probably not what Alberto Mancini had in mind when he designed the Fairline F33. This outboard-powered version of Fairline’s achingly handsome sportsboat is more likely to be found charging between the Balearics islands, swivelling heads as it goes. But if it can prove itself in the brown suburbs of the North Sea then it’s off to a good start.

Most of this boat is identical to the inboard model launched in 2019. There is the same deck layout, a wet bar with sink, grill, cooling and storage space and a driver-focused helm that sits well below the rakish side screens that rise and fall so attractively from the topsides.

Below decks there is an open-plan dinette that converts into a double bed with another double berth amidships. Finished to Fairline’s usual high standard, the sleeping space is probably a little too cosy for weeks on board but perfect for when day trips melt into long, lazy weekends .