Campus 7.4 Information, Review, Specs

The Fabola Campus 7.4 began its production run in 2012, continuing Fabola Boats' rich legacy as a pioneering Swedish yacht builder that embraced fiberglass construction from its inception in 1958. The design ethos behind the Campus 7.4, attributed to Bernt Lindquist, aligns with a concept often referred to as "downsizing" in the automotive industry. This approach focuses on creating smaller vessels that optimize material use and efficiency, while still delivering notable performance. Fabola's overarching manufacturing philosophy during this period emphasized innovation, robust construction, and non-sinkable designs, ensuring both safety and durability. The Campus series, to which the 7.4 belongs, is particularly celebrated for its versatility, performance, and the convenience of being easily launched from a beach. Notably, the successful Diva 24 model later evolved by fitting a new deck to the Campus 7.4, showcasing the foundational strength of its design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, with a length overall of 24.44 feet and a waterline length of 23.82 feet, the Fabola Campus 7.4 is engineered for spirited performance. Its design allows for good speed, even in challenging conditions. The boat's displacement of 2205 lbs and the inclusion of a wing keel and an outboard rudder contribute to its handling characteristics. A significant feature of the Campus 7.4 is its variable draft, ranging from a minimum of 0.92 feet to a maximum of 6.1 feet. This lifting keel design not only enhances its stability when fully deployed but also makes the boat exceptionally versatile, allowing it to navigate very shallow waters and be easily trailered. With a calculated hull speed of 6.54 knots, the Campus 7.4 is described as an easily driven yacht, providing an engaging experience for sporty sailors, capable even of flying a spinnaker.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Fabola Campus 7.4 is designed with flexibility and practicality in mind, especially considering its trailerable nature. The boat typically features a standard layout that includes four bunks, making it suitable for weekend cruising or overnight trips. Despite its modest dimensions, the design cleverly utilizes its volume to create a sense of spaciousness and comfort that has been favorably compared to that of a larger 9-meter half-tonner. While specific details on the finish quality or material choices beyond Fabola's general high standards are not extensively publicized, the emphasis is on a functional and adaptable internal arrangement that caters to the needs of small-crew sailing.