When you hear “plastic boat,” you might not immediately think of high-performance design. But the SeaStorm 17, a boat manufactured in Estonia and designed by Swedish experts, is here to change that perception.
In a recent test drive on the Kiel Fjord in Germany, this polyethylene powerhouse proved that it is more than just a durable utility vessel—it’s a serious contender for anyone looking for a low-maintenance, high-fun sports boat.
The ``Indestructible`` Advantage
The standout feature of the SeaStorm series is the material: Polyethylene (PE). Unlike fiberglass, PE is incredibly impact-resistant.
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Durability: The hull is so tough that the manufacturer offers a 20-year warranty.
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Maintenance: No waxing or polishing required. It’s resistant to osmosis and incredibly easy to clean.
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Design Pedigree: The hull isn’t just a molded tub; it was designed by the Mannerfelt Design Team, a Swedish firm famous for award-winning racing boat hulls.
On the Water: Performance Test
The test boat was equipped with a Mercury F60 EFI (60 HP). While the boat is rated for a maximum of 80 HP, the reviewers found the 60 HP engine to be a harmonious match.
The Numbers:
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Cruising Speed: A comfortable 21 knots at 4,500 rpm.
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Top Speed: Reached exactly 30 knots at 5,950 rpm with two people on board.
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Handling: The reviewers gave the handling a “straight A.” The mechanical steering is smooth, and the boat maneuvers flawlessly.
Note: While the boat can technically run on an 11 kW (15 HP) engine license-free in some regions, the review advises against it. The boat is too heavy (~380 kg) to plane properly with that little power. The 60 HP setup is the sweet spot.
Interior and Features
The SeaStorm 17 is a center console design that feels spacious for its size (5.18 meters).
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Capacity: It is CE Category C rated for up to 6 people.
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Cockpit: Features a non-slip structure and is self-bailing.
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Aesthetics: You can order it in 7 different colors, ranging from subtle Greys and White to “Kermit the Frog” Lime Green or Fire Red.
Read the Entire Article
Want to see the full technical breakdown? This overview is based on the extensive test report by Skipper Bootshandel (Text & Photos: Peter Marienfeld).
To see the complete performance charts, additional gallery photos of the “Kermit Green” edition, and the deep dive into the hull geometry, you can read the full magazine feature here: