Selva 630 Emotion

Selva 630 Emotion

115 XV Selva (yamaha)

Selva has chosen to complement its semi-rigid range with units slightly more sophisticated from the Marlin shipyard. On the 630, pairing it 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 enter the high-end semi-rigid segment. For this, the Italian motor manufacturer selected another renowned Italian manufacturer for its elegant and well-equipped inflatable boats: Marlin Boat. This brand has also been present on the French market for several years. The three models currently offered, with the Emotion Line 630 from our test being almost midway between the 540 and 790, come from Marlin's Dynamic series, which serves as their entry-level. 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 original Yamaha engine. The boat also features satisfactory standard equipment including hydraulic steering, a massive sun deck at the front (length 210 cm), and especially two very long bathing platforms framing the engine. To avoid hindering circulation, the bathing 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, it is evident from details such as the 'gelcoating' inside the lockers, hood supports with gas pistons, or the presence of a glove box on the steering console, that Emotion Line offers slightly higher standards. With 27 years of experience, the Italian manufacturer did not skimp on storage capabilities. The largest storage compartment is naturally located under the rear bench, which also houses the battery, fuel filter, and two cockpit drainages secured with plastic valves. The robust reinforcements indicate the hull's level of resistance, which can comfortably handle the maximum power of 150 horsepower. To improve circulation to the bathing platforms, Marlin developed a tilting backrest that easily folds backward, though a small side passage remains more practical. The upholstery is very attractive and is held on the polyester structure with snap buttons. During our test, even facing headwinds, no cushions detached. The tilting backrest system was also applied to the steering bench for comfortable seated or standing driving. The console and windshield, however, lack a bit of height to provide good wind protection. We pushed our test boat in all directions, and not a single splash got through. Backed by patents, the hull's designer increased the number of strakes to optimize both performance and passage through rough seas. The strength of this boat is undoubtedly its natural overall balance and its ease of cutting through waves, even when they are somewhat disorderly. The 115 horsepower XSR, eager as ever, demonstrates a sporty temperament, reaching high RPM very quickly. Its limits seem hard to reach, and at nearly 6200 rpm, it propels this hull to 38 knots without showing any signs of struggling. Changes made to the mapping by the Selva Marine technical team seem particularly effective, and their extensive racing experience probably contributed to these results.

No issues either with steering, which is smooth, precise, and very effective even when pushing the boat to its limits. In tight turns, we did not notice any hint of slipping, with a hull that, given its pronounced V-shape, adopts a marked inward heel but remains perfectly manageable. At rest, with three people on board plus full tanks of water and fuel, the rear part of the floats contacts the water, ensuring stability that will be appreciated at anchor.

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 of the Selva 115 horsepower can fully express its potential.