New Sacs Rebel 47 on test
It was the year 2016 when Sacs Tecnorib literally revolutionized the market with the launch of the Rebel 47. A stylish and innovative boat that, as a perfect link between the world of Max-Ribs and that of “luxury open yachts”, immediately met with worldwide success, kick-starting the current range, which now has two more models: the 40-foot entry level and the flagship, the Rebel 55.
The Rebel 47 certainly owes its success to the popularity among many owners eager to broaden their horizons aboard a Maxi Rib where comfort, finish and design are a must. A design that today, with the launch of the new Sacs Rebel 47, definitely takes another leap forward.
A success that improves, then, a novelty we could not ignore, so much so that we ran to test it in Empuriabrava, Spain, in the enchanting setting of the Gulf of Roses.
New Sacs Rebel 47
Empuriabrava is a sort of Spanish ‘Florida’, with more than 5,000 boats finding shelter, docked in a maze of canals that laps against dreamy homes. It is the ideal place to welcome the owners coming from all over Europe, attracted by the mild weather and the beauty of the coast.
Welcoming me is Enric Garriga of HELIMOTOR, a Sacs dealer and a great expert on this area. It is he who will be accompanying me on today’s test where, for the occasion, we will also have a support boat at our disposal. We will then be able to properly profile the new Sacs Rebel 47 which, at this very moment, is about to leave the port.
The Rebel goes slowly and the differences with the previous model are easy to see in these conditions. The tubulars are smaller in size and, while not departing from the original design, give it a decidedly sexier, refined and sleeker line. These few skilful aesthetic touches improve a successful design, without revolutionizing it but bringing it perhaps a little closer to a boat. A superbly executed design that once again succeeds in retaining those maxi-rib features (and qualities) that have so appealed to the market.
The new design of the tubulars blends perfectly with the bulwarks, generating an overall view that now places greater emphasis on the cleanliness of the deck and the areas contained within it. The aft beach club, the opposing sofas, the bow sundeck and its two magnificent chaise longues are thus enhanced, providing a more sophisticated and exclusive view.
The helm station of the Sacs Rebel 47 is comfortable, with triple seating in front of a wide console, properly protected by a large windscreen that shelters both the captain and all the guests in the cockpit. Wide and protected by the gunwale and handrails are the side-decks, which are perhaps even larger and more comfortable than those found on traditional boats.
When under way, the first sensation is one of great comfort; the new Rebel 47 is made for this. The boat gets up on plane at 12-13 knots and gradually lowers the bow without the need for trimming. At 25 knots we are travelling in first class, in total safety: at this speed we can move anywhere without any danger.
Acceleration is good, the new Rebel 47 with gear engaged at idle reaches planing in just over four seconds and top speed in 28. Consumption is also great: 90 l/h, or 3.4 l/nm, at 27 knots (2,800 rpm), almost a category record.
But it is when I put the throttles down that I discover another boat that, even with this “quiet” propulsion system, is freed from its “cruiser” image and becomes a gritty “GT” that reaches and exceeds 38 knots, allowing us to dabble in tight turns and sudden course changes, where the Rebel 47 always remains very stable and completely under control.
This performance is made possible by the excellent hull and the two Volvo Penta D6 DPIs of 440 hp each installed in the unit under test. For thrill-seekers, however, it is possible to draw on the enormous range of configurations that Sacs has to offer: the Rebel 47 can be powered both inboard and outboard, with power ranging from 800 to 1800 hp…
Test Data
RPM | Speed | Consumption in l/h | Consumption in l/nm |
600 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 0,8 |
1000 | 7.2 | 7.1 | 1,0 |
1500 | 9.6 | 24 | 2,5 |
2000 | 15.1 | 49 | 3,2 |
2500 | 23 | 75 | 3,3 |
2800 | 26.9 | 90 | 3,4 |
3000 | 30 | 111 | 3,7 |
3300 | 35.9 | 150 | 4,2 |
3500 | 38.6 | 167 | 4,3 |
New Sacs Rebel 47 – Interior
The interior of the Rebel 47 accepts no compromises, luxury and quality are clearly perceptible everywhere. The level of craftsmanship is very high, as is the choice of leathers and essences, a true pleasure for both the eye and the touch. There are four berths, distributed between the large open space that makes up the master cabin and the aft cabin which, located under the cockpit, benefits from the boat’s maximum beam. The bathroom is very large and also has a separate shower stall.
Technical Specs
LOA | 14.06 m |
Width | 4.41 m |
Draft | 0.70 m |
Dry weight without engines | 9.0 t |
Weight with standard engines | 12 t |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 2 x 750 l |
Water Tank Capacity | 225 l |
Passengers Capacity | 18 |
Berths | 4 |
Design | Christian Grande Design Works |
Project | Sacs |
