AMT 150 R review: responsive runabout
Alex Smith takes a ride in a the AMT 150 R, a remarkably high-octane runabout from the Finnish small boat specialist.
February 20, 2014
Advanced Marine Tech (AMT) is a well-established champion in the world of small family powerboats.
The simple, no fuss layout of the AMT 150 R doesn' detract from the lively ride and solid, dry feel of the boat.
Based in Finland, it currently builds a fleet of 14 craft and every one of them falls between the modest parameters of 4.5 and 6.8 metres in length. When the company introduced the 150 R as the smallest boat in the entire range, we therefore retained quite lofty expectations about how capable and engaging the new entry-level AMT might be…
Internal simplicity
The 150 is designed to be a very affordable package, so the ‘all-you-need-but-nothing-you-don’t’ approach is a perfectly sensible one. It starts with a relatively simplistic layout, using the starboard side of the aft bench as the helmsman’s seat, with a compact starboard console and a forward storage compartment which doubles as a boarding step. The use of a simple lift-out ‘plank-style’ seat to port of the console means that (aside from the console itself and that integrated aft bench) the deck is as uncluttered and open as any you will find on a boat of this size.
The open bow is not big enough to sunbathe or to set up a table for lunch - storage is limited too.
Now plainly, that easy movement and empty bow space looks tailor made for a spot of casual fishing, particularly as the bulk of the deck furniture is positioned well aft. However, to talk about empty space as an asset is to sidestep the fact that it is also a limitation. After all, affordable though the 150 undoubtedly is, the space is rather under-utilised for the do-it-all family boater. There’s nowhere to stretch out and sunbathe and there’s nowhere to rig a table and enjoy a spot of lunch. More to the point, aside from the bow step, there’s nowhere to take a seat forward of the helm console and because the fuel tank, battery and stern anchor swallow up any useable space inside the aft bench, the supply of storage is also quite limited.
As regards the ‘all you need’ standard features list, well personally, I consider seat cushions on a small powerboat to be a basic human right but the Kevlar-bottomed Fins appear to disagree.
The high screen gives the helm plenty of protection and is encircled fully by a sturdy grabrail. Not too sure about the dials, though.
Aside from that, however, the package makes good sense. In addition to the pared back layout, you get a very simple hinged ladder aft and an equally functional grab rail to port of the bow step (which can be upgraded by visiting the options list). You also get a lovely lofty screen with a sturdy peripheral grabrail that provides excellent helm protection and safe, easy movement for passengers as they make their way forward or step on and off the boat. Everything is neatly arranged, well built and expertly organised and the standard provision of seamanship essentials like the anchor, fenders, mooring lines and spare fuel tank is a delightfully welcome example of the Scandinavians' enduring maritime practicality.
Ferocious entertainment
At 350kg, this is a relatively lightweight boat - and with an empty bow deck and the helmsman perched on the aft bench, the bulk of that weight is positioned way aft towards the transom. As a result, the 150 is quite slow to get on the plane. When you put the throttle down, you can feel her working to scoot up and over the big hump generated by her weighty stern. However, once you fall back down onto the plane, a little trim sees her fly on to around 32 knots in an extremely lively and light-footed manner.
With the top rated 50hp engine on the back the performance is still slow to get on the plane but can hit 32 knots at full tilt.
With the top-rated 50hp Honda on the transom, the undoubted agility and quick-wittedness of this boat is counterbalanced by a tendency towards flightiness and a hard ride. Certainly, the seas were quite challenging on our test day and the mixture of wakes and chop frequently confused, but the 150’s laudable running efficiency and helming aggression were periodically punctuated by the uncompromising slam of re-entry. What is equally evident, however, is the solidity of build and the dryness of the ride. Never once does our test produce a groan or a rattle in any of the fittings, and even at top speed through some chunky seas, the water ingress remains remarkably modest.
Back at the helm, however, the two Honda analogue dials give you virtually nothing of interest or relevance. You get readouts of trim angle and RPM – and if we are to judge these dials by the general standards of marine analogue gauges, neither is expressed with any great degree of accuracy. Personally, even on a small boat with an engine of modest size and output, I would want to see digital dials with the only data that really matters – namely, fuel flow and remaining range.
In short then, the 150 is not AMT’s most complete or versatile leisure boat but as the smallest and by far the most affordable craft in the entire 14-strong fleet, you wouldn’t expect it to be. If you want to ease back the liveliness of the 150’s performance, this efficient hull will do perfectly well on a cheaper 30hp outboard - and if you want to buy British, there are also a couple of compelling UK options in this 4.5-metre dayboat market. The Ring 475 Harbour Rat and the Salcombe Flyer 440s immediately spring to mind and while both cost slightly more than the AMT, those looking to exchange a little helming agility for some extra flexibility might do well to take a look.
AMT 150 R review summary
With the top-rated 50hp outboard, this is a fractious, wide-eyed, foamy-lipped little hooligan of a boat. It is limited in versatility, storage and breadth of application and it is also rather flighty and hard riding, but as a ‘blow-away-the-cobwebs’ driving machine, it is about as lively, responsive and interactive as a boat in this price bracket gets. The fact that it also happens to be dry riding, well-built, extremely nimble and great value makes the 150 R a very effective and capable A-to-B dayboat from a builder you know you can trust.
Notable standard equipment
Reserve fuel tank
12V outlet
Anchor, fenders and mooring lines
Securemark anti-theft system
Two dry, lockable storage compartments
Nav lights
Electric bilge pump
Notable options
Keel guard
Seat cushions
Canopy
Boat and console covers
Middle seat
Raymarine E7D chartplotter
Echo sounder
AMT 150 R: Specifications
LOA: 4.5m
Beam: 1.95m
Weight: 350kg
Passengers: five
Power: 30-50 hp
Engine: Honda DF50
Package price: from £14,000
www.amtboats.com
