RM 1350 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The RM 1350 entered production in 2008, building upon RM Yachts' established reputation for pioneering marine plywood and epoxy construction methods. This unique choice of material, championed by RM since its founding in 1989, provides excellent stiffness, insulation, and a significant weight advantage over traditional fiberglass, directly contributing to the yacht's renowned performance and eliminating concerns like osmosis. Marc Lombard, whose design team has collaborated with RM Yachts for over 30 years, was instrumental in shaping the RM 1350, ensuring it adhered to the builder's ethos of crafting "fast, light displacement, passage-making cruising yachts". The design explicitly aimed for the "best possible performance".

A hallmark of the RM 1350, like many RM models, is its distinctive hard-chined hull, which enhances directional stability and maximizes interior volume. The vessel is typically cutter-rigged, offering a versatile sail plan for varying wind conditions, and features an appendage configuration that often includes twin keels, optimizing performance while allowing access to shallower waters. An optional single fin keel with a deeper draft of 8.04 feet (2.45m) was also available for those prioritizing ultimate upwind performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The RM 1350's design brief prioritized speed and performance, evident in its calculated ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 25.6, the RM 1350 suggests strong performance, particularly in lighter wind conditions, allowing it to move efficiently and maintain speed. Its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of roughly 123.5 further classifies it as a very light displacement boat for its size, indicative of a performance cruiser designed to cover distances quickly and efficiently.

The twin keel configuration, a signature of many RM Yachts, contributes significantly to the boat's stability and ability to stand up to a breeze, while simultaneously providing the practical advantage of reduced draft (6.4 feet in this configuration) for exploring shallower anchorages. This design choice, refined by Marc Lombard, also supports the boat's overall directional stability. The RM 1350 is a monohull, powered by a 75 hp Volvo Penta diesel engine, ensuring reliable auxiliary propulsion.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the RM 1350 is designed to provide comfort and functionality for extended cruising, adhering to RM Yachts' commitment to clever ergonomics. The hull's epoxy plywood construction not only offers structural benefits but also contributes to excellent insulation and a visually appealing interior, often showcasing the warmth of the wood finish. The vessel boasts a maximum headroom of 6.23 feet, providing ample vertical space throughout the main living areas.

While specific interior layouts can vary, RM Yachts typically feature spacious salons, well-appointed galleys, and comfortable sleeping cabins, designed to make the most of the generous beam and hull volume provided by the hard-chined design. Large aft cockpits and wide side decks are also characteristic of RM designs, enhancing safety and usability on deck.