Ranieri International NEXT 255 LXthe new model presented by the Soverato-based shipyard, confirms the company’s determination to improve every year.
The NEXT 255 LX retains all the main features of the NEXT 275, which we have already mentioned, while reducing the overall length to 7.8 meters. The lines follow the family style by Ranieri International, and the NEXT range is an undisputed success thanks to its exceptional qualities, both in terms of practicality and sea performance.
On board, you can move around very well, and you immediately notice the shipyard’s experience in creating boats adapted to the Mediterranean Sea. In my opinion, the Ranieri NEXT 255 LX really has a lot to offer, and in its 8 meters, you’ll find everything you need for a day at sea or a weekend.
The exteriors of the RANIERI NEXT 255 LX
Climbing up from the stern, the two platforms flanking the outboard engine are well-proportioned and allow easy access to the boat’s saloon. Here, a seat with a tilting backrest lets us choose whether to sit facing the sea, sipping a good aperitif, or to move towards the bow to dine, thanks to a table that can be easily set up.
Even though the Ranieri NEXT 255 LX is the smallest of the family, the center cabinet is equipped with a spacious refrigerator and hob, and the worktop is well dimensioned. On either side of the unit, the worksite has placed two retractable seats that can be opened if necessary to increase seating capacity.
The helm area has a comfortable chair for three people, and the dashboard is well equipped, with a control panel on the starboard side that is very practical and easy to use. The SIMRAD display provides a good readout of data.
The roll-bar is highly functional, with a modern design incorporating a double shade cloth for the stern and helm area. In matte black, it incorporates the handrails running along the entire stern wall and the entire gangway, which are very useful for those who need to move around when sailing. At the bow, there’s a good-sized solarium, with a seat facing the step, a detail not so common on boats of this size.
Inside the RANIERI NEXT255 LX
Keeping in mind that we are on a boat less than eight meters long, the interior space is anything but small. On the right, there’s a separate bathroom and a medium-sized bed that allows you to sleep quite comfortably.
Sea trial
This model is powered by a SUZUKI DF 300, and today we’re going to put it to the test, as sea and wind conditions are not ideal. In fact, we have about half a meter of waves and about 20 knots of wind, and the forecast is for it to intensify.
I leave the harbor and immediately look for a slightly more sheltered area to avoid the gusts. The windscreen, though not very high, protects me sufficiently. I accelerate a little and reach 1700 rpm with a speed of 6 knots, the fuel consumption I read on the screen is 7.30 L/h. I look for cruising speed to see how the hull reacts to the stresses of the waves and the slightly choppy sea. At 3500 rpm, my speed is 15.8 knots, and the boat glides smoothly over the waves.
I accelerate again, and the acceleration is good. At 4500 revolutions, my speed is around 25 knots, and here the adrenalin starts, because with this sea and an 8-metre boat, going beyond that puts the hull to the test. Here we are, 6,000 revolutions and 40 knots of speed, and the boat remains stable despite the waves making themselves felt at the bow. The steering wheel is still supple, and on board it’s clear that we need to remain seated, as vibrations are present. The windscreen does its job, and we’re at full throttle: 6,100 revolutions and 42 knots—demanding, but manageable. I reduce the throttle to be able to do a few tacks on these waves, threading the bow directly into the sea. I reduce the throttle again and return to the cruising speed of 18 knots.
Tacking and counter-tacking, a bit of bounce, but nothing to worry about. On the screen, I read a fuel consumption of 26 L/h, and at this speed, the NEXT 255 LX finds its balance and economical cruising. I return to port, clearly satisfied and above all dry, which is no mean feat given the conditions. The RANIERI NEXT 255 LX is certainly interesting for its functionality, fuel consumption and the great advantage of being able to be towed without problems.
Test data
rpm Speed (n) Consumption (l/h)
650 2,1 2,3
1.000 4,1 3,9
1.500 5,4 7,7
2.000 7,0 9,9
2.500 8,1 16
3.000 11 23
3.500 18 26
4.000 21 32
4.500 26 37
5.000 31 44
5.500 35 61
6.000 40 90
6.100 41 92
Overall length 7,80 m
Bau Maxi 2,55 m
Displacement 2.200 kg
Fuel capacity 390 l
Fresh water capacity 80 l
Passenger capacity 8 (B) – 10 (C)
Outboard motor 1×200 HP min – 1×350 HP max
CE category Cat. B – C