Neptunus 650F (2023-)

Brief Summary

The Neptunus 650F meets CE Category A Ocean standards for exceptional performance and seakeeping. Cruising comfortably at 26 knots, it boasts a spacious and bright interior with a fully-equipped galley, entertainment center and inviting salon with 360-degree views. Experience ease of handling and a relaxing atmosphere on board.

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	66' 4" 19.6 m
Beam	16' 7" 5.09 m
Dry Weight	78,000 lb 35,380 kg
Tested Weight	81,350 lb 36,900 kg
Draft	4' 8" 1.46 m
Bridge Clearance	22'6" 6.86 m
Fuel Capacity	1,000 gal 3,785 L
Water Capacity	265 gal 1,003 L
Total Weight	81,350 lb 36,900 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Props	31x39.5x5 Veem
Load	4 persons; 250 gal. fuel; 50 lb gear
Climate	64 deg., 35 humid; wind: 0-5 mph, seas:<1

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 1,136-hp CAT C18 ACERT
Std. Power	2 x 1,136-hp CAT C18 ACERT

Captain's Report

Mission

As with her sistership the Neptunus 650E, this beauty is designed and engineered to meet the CE Category A – Ocean standard. That means she is built to navigate the open ocean in excess of Force 8 Beaufort Scale wind conditions, 39-46 mph/34-40 kn, and handle seas greater than 13' (4 m).

While no prudent skipper would venture forth in such states, it’s good to know you have the kind of boat underfoot to handle adverse weather should it come your way. Her new layout presents spacious and comfortable accommodation throughout and a hardtop for the expansive, fully-enclosed and climate-controlled flybridge deck. She is able to deliver exceptional performance, has admirable seakeeping ability and presents ease of handling around the docks and in tight quarter situations thanks to bow and stern thrusters. This is an easy boat for an owner/operator to manage.

Highlights

• CE Category “A” – Ocean Certified Vessel
• Resin infused hull incorporates two layers of Kevlar
• 15 HP proportional bow and stern thrusters
• Yacht Controller system with joystick and remote
• Dual Raymarine 16" Axiom Multifunction Displays with ClearCruise Augmented Reality
• Raymarine Cyclone Pro Radar, 96NM, 4' Scanner
• Seakeeper 9 gyroscope stabilizer system
• Three-stateroom, three-head yacht
• Flybridge layout includes a raised table with barstools and sunpad forward 
• Teak decking on flybridge, aft deck and exterior steps
• Custom carbon fibre flybridge hardtop
• High-speed fuel fills for both tanks on port and starboard

Performance

Our test day saw varying sea conditions and some wind but you would not have known it while aboard the Neptunus 650F. Again, leaving our tight dock for our time out on the water was without incident or stress due to utilizing the 15-hp bow and stern thrusters along with a gentle nudge here and there with our throttles turning those 31 x 39.5  x 5, 5-bladed Veem Nibral wheels, all powered by the standard twin 1,136-hp Cat C18 Acert diesels running through 1.97 to 1 reduction gears. Our test boat was very responsive to the helm even with some wind present. 

Once past the inlet, we could let her go and noticed a prompt and steady reply to the throttles, which we think is impressive for a boat with a test weight of 81,000 lbs. (36,740 kg). At 2340 rpm, we reached our top speed of 32.2 knots. Bringing her down to 2000 rpm resulted in a speed of 25.5 knots and a range of 252 nautical miles. Her most economical planing speed is at 2200 rpm where she went 30.1 knots for a range of 254 nautical miles. Remembering this is a big, comfortable cruising boat designed for distance and with a what’s-our-hurry-attitude in place, our range was 623 nautical miles at 9.7 knots.

Handling

This is a large motoryacht, and in being so is not designed for sharp and sudden turns. With that in mind, and getting a bit forceful to port and then over to starboard, we experienced a gentle 12° roll to either side. With nothing happening quickly, everyone aboard remained comfortable. Applying a bit more aggression into the maneuvers, we noted some expected wind-driven spray over the bow and a slight loss of some speed.

In our final exercise, we clocked a 180° turn at 35 seconds using 80% throttle. Our takeaway is we found her responsive to the helm and should any fast or sudden maneuvering be necessary, the Neptunus 650F will be there. Under normal operations, she will deliver a comfortable ride.

In addition, and with our boat equipped with a Seakeeper 9 gyro, we noted a 1° roll to either side while the boat was at rest and between 4-7° when the gyro was turned off.

On this test, we decided to utilize the Yacht Controller remote to get us back in our tight slip space. We would strongly suggest those without experience and who want to become proficient in using this device to first get lessons with someone expert in its operation and who can instruct you in varying conditions of wind and current as well as with dock locations. Once skilled in its use, you will have unrestricted visibility all around the boat while still controlling all movements. Just remember to keep the bow of the controller aligned with the bow of the boat.

Exterior

The Neptunus 650F is a well-proportioned boat with sleek, head-turning modern lines whose profile clearly states she belongs at sea, in motion, and not in the dock. That’s not to say an elegant gathering while in the slip is totally out of the question. But to experience her underway is quite special. She presents a low-profile exterior with stylishly-designed windows and accents. 

 The aft deck is sure to be the place for a late-day respite for pre-dinner appetizers. A transom couch, highly-finished dining table and teak deck add a touch of elegance.

Neptunus took full advantage of the 650F’s LOA and her beam in planning out the impressive bridge deck. Upon arrival up from below, you enter an expansive and all-inclusive area offering dining, comfortable dining spaces, and the forward, centerline helm, which is the only one found aboard. 

There is plenty of storage space here as well as an ice-maker, refrigerator, teak decking and air conditioning since there is a ¾ Isinglass enclosure. 

Features Inspection

Salon, Galley and Forward Entertainment Space

Entering through the smoked glass doors from the aft deck, you are immediately taken in by the craftsmanship, attention to detail, fit and finish, and well-balanced décor in the main deck salon. 

The functional layout here, designed for ease of movement as well as comfort, offers the fully found galley to starboard with a full-size double-door refrigerator, an adjoining table and seating, expansive counter space, and abundant storage. Hardwood flooring adds a touch more elegance. There is a ceramic four-burner stove top, 24″ oven, convection microwave, dishwasher, and a JennAir beverage center to port including a Jura coffee maker with a One-Touch Cappuccino feature, sure to be a hit with everyone.

Forward is the beautifully realized entertaining and gathering space, where to starboard, there is a sizeable and dramatically-designed couch with an adjoining glass-top coffee table. Opposite is a raised platform dinette and just forward, on the centerline, are the stairs leading to the accommodations deck. This entire space is surrounded by large glass windows allowing the salon to be flooded with ambient light. And with numerous LED lights overhead, evening moods can easily be set.

Accommodations

The centerline salon stairway forward opens up into yet another spectacular use of space and materials. The Neptunus 650F is a three-stateroom, three-head layout with separate crew quarters aft.

Master Stateroom

Forepeak VIP

Starboard Guest Quarters

Crew Quarters and Engine Room

While designed as an owner/operator yacht, the Neptunus 650F does comes equipped with suitable crew quarters. Access is via a large, articulating door located aft at the transom and easily opened from the swim platform. The space is well-lit and is equipped with a comfortable berth, a head with a separate shower, and a water-tight door to the engine room.

The engine room itself is well-lit and has been designed and engineered for easy access to all critical maintenance areas. With plenty of space to avoid any knuckle-busting, elbow-smashing, or back-bending work, the hands-on skipper will find access to all the necessary systems including filters, pumps, sea strainers, genset, air conditioning, and electricals all clearly marked and labeled. And as with the nothing-spared or overlooked attitude found above decks, the same attention to detail and safety is located here.

Observations

Promises made, promises kept. The Neptunus 650F delivers on those assurances and so much more. From her CE Category A Ocean certified vessel to solid construction techniques featuring a resin-infused hull, incorporating two layers of Kevlar, to her outstanding design and implementation of creature comforts including her flybridge, salon and galley, and living accommodations, along with a hands-on engine room for the owner/operator, she is the kind of yacht purpose-built for comfort and security while underway.

Unlimited horizons await aboard the Neptunus 650F.