Dracan 42 Review: Futuristic Power Cat

Poland’s Dragon sets sail

If someone asked you what the Dracan is, there is a high probability that you wouldn’t guess it is a new brand in the boating business. Also, Dracan is the word which means a dragon in polish language, but Dracan 42 is the first vessel of the new brand, launched by the shipyard which has a serious history in producing numerous boats for different international brands. 

Polish company Model-Art has 800 employees and have built over 10.000 boats during the 25-year history. Therefore, the Dracan brand is their idea how to tackle the busy nautical market. We saw at the first sight the attention to details and quality of the finishings of the new boat.

It is obvious that they have seriously prepared for their world debut, and we are happy that we had an opportunity to test and drive the boat in Croatia, precisely during Dalmatia Boat Show in Marina Baotić, and in Šibenik where we did a photo shoot. 

Versatile layouts for every use

They have certainly created the boat which can be used as a day cruiser, and at the same time has a capability of comfortable living on board if you use it for summer cruising, due to accommodation capacity in both hulls. Its layout is available in three configurations: ⁠Voyage: Standard layout with a master cabin and two guest cabins; ⁠Supreme: Two double cabins; Holiday: Four double cabins, pencilled for charter use. 

All configurations include two bathrooms, and we tested the model with a standard layout. It is obvious that one cabin per hull is where she really excels, while two cabins in one hull offer necessary shelter and sleeping space, but lack some living area. 

Mediterranean spirit on deck

The interiors reflect Nordic minimalism with bright, functional spaces. The real highlight of Dracan 42 is the exterior whose design incorporates Mediterranean influences, including large sun pads, the huge lounge area and a forward relaxation zone. The liveability of the exteriors is simply fantastic, there is enough place for sitting, cooking, sunbathing and private drinks at the bow, hopefully greeting the sunrise or sunset. 

When you enter wide stern platform covered in high quality synthetic ‘teak’ you immediately notice how spacious are the sun pads. The engines are cleverly concealed beneath sunbathing areas on the aft deck, optimizing space and reducing noise. Moving forward you stay in the middle of the open-air salon covered by the huge hard top. 

Functional cockpit with a view

On both sides of the salon is generous L-shaped seating oriented toward the bows with lifting tables, a kitchenette on the port equipped with induction and fridge and various storages on the starboard.

In the front part on starboard side is the helm station with great visibility and the Nextfour Q-Experience touch display, made for the Dracan 42 which offers comprehensive control over navigation and communication systems. 

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Very nice feature is above you, the manual opening in the hard top will bring you additional breeze, or the night sky view in the cockpit. Walking forward you can choose to descent towards accommodation facilities in both hulls or continue, open the windshield and end in a nice bow seating. 

At sea with twin V10 Verados

Amazed how much space there is on the outside, we were also curious to see what twin 400 hp V10 Verados can deliver in navigation. We noticed ease of manoeuvring in the marina, and the same impression didn’t leave us until the end of our sailing experience, few hours later. 

Also equipped with bow thrusters, Dracan easily changes direction in limited space, as it does glide on the hulls when the speed is high. 

Performance and fuel consumption

Performance wise, we have seen the maximum speed of 26.5 knots at 5100 rpm, but we have seen very comfortable 20 knots at 4000 rpm with consumption of 100 litters per hour which we find as optimal cruising speed. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy at nine knots and consumption of 40 litters when not in hurry.

The Dracan 42 stands out as a versatile and luxurious power catamaran, with combination of spacious design, good performance, and advanced technology making it an interesting option which brings the fresh ideas to the market.