In a world brim full of bowrider choice, Mike Jones plays it safe and takes a look at the biggest boat from Larson’s Senza range.

Larson have been churning out boats for almost a century now, so you’d expect them to be pretty good at it. At least that’s what Chris and I are hoping as we leave the safety of the marina on a filthy day full of wind and white horses with the words of the editor, “Get stuck in lads”, still ringing in our ears.

Our boat for the day is from Larson’s “Senza” range, which sits squarely between the SEi and LXi product lines. That means some pretty respectable specification and finish, but as the waves build and I nestle into the cockpit, I’m still grateful for the optional “Adrenaline” pack, without which it might feel a little basic. Even so, with an overall length of 22-foot three inches and a beefy beam of eight-foot six, the Senza 226 is the largest model in the Senza family, and those extra beam inches are used really well. It feels like a big boat, and even if it does push the trailering limits a bit (it’s right at the maximum towing width for UK roads), the test model, with its striking yellow paint job, looks great.

On the move

As we work our way out with the camera boat (a Larson 208Lxi) things get chunky enough for us almost to lose sight of each other in the swell. But even with the forward companionway hatch open and sitting on the raised helm position you feel safe and in control. There’s excellent 360-degree visibility, enabling you to see all corners of the boat as they lift and plunge from peak to trough, and there’s plenty of room around the helm and between the windscreen to duck and take cover from whatever spray makes it that far.

From a standing start you’re on the plane in an instant, flitting between wave patterns with some really surprising agility

The test boat has the smaller of the two engine options, the 260hp 5.0-litre Mercrusier, but it feels more than adequate for this boat. Sadly, conditions won’t allow us to explore its full potential, but even in the rough, the Senza 226 holds her own.

From a standing start you’re on the plane in an instant, flitting between wave patterns with some really pleasing helm responsiveness. Naturally enough, our attempts to ramp up the speed see us airborne on several occasions, but the 21 degree deadrise on the Delta VEC hull can only do so much to cut through and keep us planted.

She does feel very solid in the impacts though. She’s adequately soft, and even reasonably dry (ish). Even when you let her get a little out of shape, she remains stable and composed, and the deep, comfortable bucket seats cushion the ride even more. Despite the awful conditions and some journalistic tomfoolery, the performance and handling are very acceptable for a boat of this class.

Being the largest of the Senza range the 226 probably has more seating than you have friends. Both fore and aft, the space is very socially arranged, and equipped with the standard bowrider titbits, like a swivelling table and twelve thousand cupholders. Only the curious dashboard ergonomics are a bit of a let down. Most dials can be seen from most positions, but it just feels too cluttered, too messy, just a little annoying to work with.

The storage compartments on the Senza 226 are very well thought out though, with greater space under both the seats and the deck than many comparable models. But there’s also a really notable lack of additional smaller, easy-access compartments around the helm and passenger seat.

Unless you’re very rich or very lucky, the Senza 226 will provide far more seats than you can fill

I didn’t need sun cream because test day brought with it some weather straight from hell, but if the sun had popped out I would have wanted somewhere to stow it. And the same goes for a pair of gloves or a handheld compass or some nav notes or some shades or sarnies. Some extra little cubby holes would be a big plus.

Back aft in the engine compartment, the wide beam again gives you the luxury of space. There’s easy access to three sides of the engine with plenty of room to spare, plus two really well sized storage bins for your bulky kit.

Extras

With a price tag of just over £5,000 the adrenaline pack is quite expensive but as far as I’m concerned it remains a must-have option for this boat. It buys you a bathing platform, some extra-funky paintwork and controls on the transom for both the stereo and the engine trim and tilt.

I know it still sounds dear, but the Adrenaline paintwork beautifully exemplifies the sporting flavour of the boats natural lines, and a bathing platform is a must on any sterndrive leisure boat. Without it, you’re left fighting for exactly the thing on which this boat should naturally excel - space.

The Adrenaline pack buys you a bathing platform, some extra-funky paintwork and controls on the transom for stereo and engine trim

Value

Larson has used the generous proportions very effectively. There’s plenty of room for both people and storage, and while the performance from the 5.0 litre Mercruiser won’t leave you breathless, it will leave a few pennies in the bank.

At £27,830 the Senza 226 seems like a fair deal. Factor in the Sumbrella canvas covers, the Snipe trailer, a lifetime warranty (transferable to a second owner) and an on-water hand-over, all as part of the package, and it begins to look like a very sensible proposition.