One look at the new Juan Kouyoumdjian-designed K650 had our entire Best Boats panel yearning for a strong breeze, big waves and a chance to properly air out this 21-foot rocket ship. The hull features a wide transom, providing plenty of off-the-breeze stability, and a hard chine is carried almost all the way from the stern to the bow. Dual carbon-fiber rudders are attached to the tiller via push rods in a staggered succession (meaning one push rod attaches forward of the other), creating an “Ackerman effect” steering system where the inside rudder always turns harder than the outside rudder, thus saving drag and improving helm response. The cored fiberglass hull is light and strong. Below, the boat’s swing keel is attached to a worm drive controlled by a continuous line drive, so the boat can be easily trailered. The worm drive is fitted with a “fuse” that allows the Kevlar and carbon-reinforced lead keel to swing up if it grounds out.
On deck, the boat is loaded with a great Karver block package. A fractional 8/10ths rotating carbon-fiber rig is held fast by shrouds; a soft-luff PBO headstay controlled by a 16:1 purchase system allows you to control headstay and rig tension while sailing. The high-aspect square-topped mainsail is held aloft with a halyard lock, and the massive kite is flown from a retractable articulating carbon-fiber bowsprit that can pivot 90 degrees to either side. If this boat sounds more sci-fi than any other 21-footer you’ve seen, thank designer Juan K, whose successful work with Volvo Open 70s and custom 100-foot turbo racing sloops has clearly influenced this little speedster. For more information, visit yum-boats.com
SPECS
LOA: 21ft, 4in
Beam: 8ft, 1in
Draft: 7ft, 6in
Weight: 1,555 lbs.
