Selva 630 Emotion
115 XV Selva (yamaha)
Selva has chosen to expand its range of semi-rigids with more sophisticated units from the Marlin shipyard. For the 630, pairing with the XSR version of the 115 HP Selva proves to be an excellent choice.
Emotion Line is the new series created by Selva Marine to penetrate the high-end semi-rigid segment. To do this, the Italian engine manufacturer has selected another renowned Italian manufacturer for these elegant and well-equipped inflatable boats: Marlin Boat. This manufacturer is also already present on the French market for several years. The three models currently offered, with the Emotion Line 630 used in our test falling almost midway between the 540 and 790, come from Marlin's Dynamic series, which serves as their entry-level range. In terms of pricing, the package offered by Selva, with the 115 XSR, falls within a reasonable range, especially considering this turbocharged version of the Yamaha engine block. The boat also features a satisfactory standard equipment, including hydraulic steering, a vast sunbathing area at the front (length 210 cm), and especially two very long bathing platforms framing the motor. To avoid hindering circulation, the swim ladder is carefully integrated into a molded housing. Although the Sport Line and Evolution Line ranges, already marketed by Selva, are of very satisfactory manufacturing quality, certain details such as the gel-coating inside the storage compartments, the hood supports with gas pistons, or even the glove compartment on the helm station, give the Emotion Line slightly higher standards. With 27 years of experience, the Italian manufacturer has also not spared on the number of storage compartments. The largest is naturally located under the rear bench where, from a technical standpoint, the battery, fuel filter, and two cockpit drains are installed, secured by plastic valves. The substantial reinforcement indicate the durability of the hull, which can easily handle the maximum power of 150 horsepower. To improve circulation towards the bathing platforms, Marlin has designed a folding backrest that easily tilts backwards, but this does not replace the practicality of a small side passage. The upholstery is very attractive and is secured to the polyester structure with snap buttons. During our test, even facing the wind, no cushion was dislodged. The folding backrest principle was also used on the steering bench for comfortable seating or standing driving. However, the console and windshield lack a bit of height to offer good wind protection. When pushing our test boat in all directions, we did not encounter a single splash. Supported by patents, the hull designer increased the number of strakes to optimize both performance and passage through choppy seas. The strength of this boat is undoubtedly its natural overall balance and its ease of cutting waves, even if they are sometimes unruly. The 115 XSR, full of spirit, demonstrates a sporty temperament, reaching high revs very quickly. Its limits seem difficult to reach, and at nearly 6200 rpm, it propels this hull to 38 knots without any sign of struggle. The adjustments made to the mapping by Selva Marine's technical team seem particularly effective, and their extensive racing experience likely contributes to these results.
No problem either with the steering, which is smooth, precise, and very effective, even when pushing this boat to its limits. In tight turns, we noticed no signs of slipping, with a hull that, given its pronounced V-shape, adopts a marked inward tilt but remains perfectly controllable. At rest, with three people on board, plus full water and fuel tanks, the stern of the pontoons contacts the water to ensure stability while mooring.
While the layout of this semi-rigid is quite traditional, its navigation capabilities are rather spectacular. The manufacturer seems to have found the perfect compromise between a high-performance and comfortable hull. Thanks to this superb hull, the XSR version, boosted version of the Selva 115 HP, can showcase all its talent.
