Sheerline 1020

River boaters take note: here is a spacious modern motor cruiser that is able to limbo under the lowest of bridges, thanks to a very clever feature.

The Capriole 1020 has a solid windscreen but as the touch of a button this glides smoothly downwards by way of two gas struts, into self-draining slots within the cockpit coaming. The operation takes a matter of seconds and its more than just a well engineered gimmick. In combination with the collapsible radar arch, it reduces air draught to just 7ft 3in (2.21m).

But there is more to this boat than just an innovative screen. Anyone familiar with the great inland and estuary boats of the past, such as Freemans and Seamasters, will immediately feel at home with the layout. A good length of coachroof, inset with a long arrow of windows, extends aft to the open helm and cockpit. But traditional lines combine with modern mouldings and these are most prevalent at the stern, where the flanks of an integral bathing platform double as steps leading safely onto wide side decks. The spacious cockpit offers seating for six on a U-shaped settee that drops easily to form a sunpad. A wet-bar moulding offers a deep refrigerated chest and basin, and there is plenty of smart courtesy lighting for a special evening ambience.

For rainy days, a canopy system can be erected and it does not feel confined: even at the raised helm position, there is around 6ft 2in of headroom, with a clear view forward through a one-piece forward window section and there are plenty of zip-away sections. Like the windscreen, the large engine room hatch goes up or down at the touch of a button, presenting a clean, well finished bay that allows complete access to the 62hp Nanni diesel.

Moving down below, via three wide shallow steps you cannot help but be impressed by the volume of the saloon. Utilising the lion share of the boat's beam it is a seriously roomy area with 6ft 6in headroom. An L-shaped settee, a storage cabinet and a neat galley make use of the space, and light pours in from the long side windows and two overhead hatches. Finished in a mixture of cherry wood and cream panelling, with no bare mouldings it is an inviting place to retire to. The settee incorporates a simple pull-out occasional berth, and the galley is well stocked with all stainless steel equipment, including a gas hob, an oven and a deep basin. Although dry storage is slightly limited, two good-sized fridges help to make up for it.

The forward master cabin features a raised double berth that hinges up to reveal a lined storage bin. Plenty of other stowage is provided, including his-and-hers hanging lockers. Equally well finished, the midships cabin is quite an intricate place, busy with shape, lighting and window area. Single bunks can morph into a double very easily and again plenty of locker space is provided. En suite to the master cabin, the toilet/shower compartment looks smart with its graphite worktops and is a practical size.

Based on the displacement version of the 1080, but with a shallower freeboard to make boarding easier, the hull sits very firmly on the water, hardly moving as you walk around the decks. Underway, its the same story, matched by some silky steering. The Capriole will spin in half a boat length, with only minimal power input from the smooth 5cyl Nanni.

The combination of a single engine and a bow-thruster works indecently well and with a tickover (800 rpm) speed of just over 1 knot it is all very relaxed. For everyday river cruising, 1200 rpm delivers a fast walking pace, leaving plenty of revs to drop back to slower speeds.

Sheerline motor cruiser standard equipment

• Thermostatically controlled diesel fired heating
• Tinted Glass windows
• Full set stainless steel tanks (holding tanks, water, fuel)
• Choice of Diesel engines to suite requirements
• Full instrument panel
• Voltmeter
• Water tank gauge
• Fuel sender
• Speed/log
• Depth sounder
• Circuit breaker panel
• High quality stereo Radio cassette with two speakers

Sheerline Motor Cruisers Ireland offer customers the opportunity to personalise their new craft by offering a wide choice of soft furnishings. Each craft has soft headlining throughout, high quality upholstery, fully lined curtains and fitted carpets all to your choice.

We also provide the opportunity for you to choose the hard wood veneer and the finish required. There are many options to choose from and where possible we will try to incorporate special requirements into your particular build.

Safety equipment and cruising inventory

Dimensions and capacities

Sheerline Ireland Boats
Blaney, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, BT93 7EQ
Charlie Parke (+44) 028 68641737
charlie@sheerlineireland.com
Paddy Gilboy (+353) 0862 603666
paddy@sheerlineireland.com