Cantieri Barago: on the Spargi 9 we tested the new Mercury joystick for single-engine systems

Cantieri Barago is a very unique boat builder. Based in La Maddalena, it is known for manufacturing highly seaworthy inflatables that can handle any weather conditions—a quality that is almost a necessity for those living and boating year-round in the heart of the Bonifacio Straits. The boats are custom-made, tailored to the specific needs of the fortunate owners who manage to get one, as production is limited and demand is very high.

This is maybe for all these reasons that Mercury chose this shipyard to let us test, in European preview, their new joystick system for single engines. For this occasion, it was installed on a beautiful Spargi 9 from Cantieri Barago, powered by a Mercury Verado 400 V10. As if that wasn’t enough, the test boat was also equipped with the new Quick Electric Steer, an option that allows, of course, during maneuvering, the outboard motor to be turned at high speed with minimal steering movements.

In summary, we were faced with an irresistible mix of beauty and technology, an opportunity we couldn’t miss. Here’s how it went.

Cantieri Barago Spargi 9 Sea Trial

It’s early morning when Giuseppe Barago, owner of the eponymous shipyard along with his brother Salvatore, picks me up in Palau. Today, we have two inflatable boats at our disposal, and with a support boat, we can take as many photos as we like.

Onboard the new Spargi 9 is also Emanuele Grieco from LPG Motori, who, in addition to being the Mercury representative for this beautiful region, is also a true expert in engines and their electronics—a guide as helpful as it is indispensable for exploring the innovations we’ll be testing today.

The Spargi 9 immediately impresses with its essential and refined aesthetics. The light-colored hull is decidedly elegant, as is the submerged platform that houses the Mercury Verado 400 V10 at the center of this stunning stern.

Onboard, the feeling is of being on an inflatable boat of a significantly larger size; the two sunbeds are enormous, as is the deck space around the helm, from which, needless to say, the view is perfect.

Accelerating, the Cantieri Barago Spargi 9 immediately gets up on plane, leaving a wake at just 10 knots, and without changing its trim, it rapidly gains speed.

I push the throttle all the way, and instantly the thrust from the Verado 400 pushes me back; the acceleration is incredible, and the GPS seems to go crazy, recording ever-increasing speeds. I reach 46 knots in less than 20 seconds, then fine-tune and we approach 50 knots—really impressive for a boat of this size.

The wind is fresh and raises a short, steep wave. I head straight into the swell and push the throttle again, the Spargi 9 remains steady, handling the waves with unprecedented smoothness. There’s no splash, and there’s no impact felt.

I slow down to around thirty knots and then turn sharply to the left. The boat leans as Mercury’s Autotrim quickly adjusts the outboard’s trim, increasing the centrifugal force, but the Spargi 9 stays firmly on its course.

I counter-turn and head towards our waves, cutting through them at over 30 knots. Once again, the Cantieri Barago inflatable impresses me, crossing the waves without a jolt. This Spargi 9 is truly fast, seaworthy, and balanced.

Mercury Joystick Steering for single-engine and Quick Electric Steer

Mercury Joystick Steering for single-engine 

Compatible with the entire range of Mercury Verado outboard engines, including V8, V10, and V12, Mercury’s new joystick system for single engines is a true revolution for boaters who demand simple and precise control. By using the joystick, you can precisely manage the simultaneous actions of steering, shifting, and throttle with millimeter accuracy.

Docking is a piece of cake, even in the presence of a bothersome and unwelcome crosswind, the bane of all maneuvers.

When paired with one of Mercury’s multifunction displays, this useful accessory also includes autopilot functionality, a system that solves many problems and allows you to relax or have your hands free while the boat is underway.

Quick Electric Steer

The Cantieri Barago Spargi 9 we tested was also equipped with the new “Quick Electric Steer” system. This system simplifies maneuvering by reducing the range of steering required for the outboard motor’s rotation, thereby increasing its speed and consequently reducing reaction times.