youtube powerboat

Vintage Footage Shows High-Performance Powerboat Soaring Over the Water

There's something about watching a high-speed boat just glide over the water that can make you want to drop a little bit of coin on a new hobby. Here's a video that does just that.

Now, this footage of a 41-foot Apache powerboat racing over the water might seem pretty vintage , but don't let the slight graininess fool you. The way this beauty of a vessel majestically flies over the water , you'd think it were brand new.

Nicknamed "Razz," this boat boasts a seriously impressive pedigree. Back in 1988, performance boat racer Tres Martin won a world championship in this thing. A few years later, Yves Belanger took the Razz for a high-speed cruise in South Beach, Florida, and in the below video, we get to see nearly 10 minutes worth of what this thing can do. Can you count the number of times this bad boy gets airborne? Hint: It's a lot. A regular boatload.

Who wouldn't want to do take an absolute beast like this out on the water to stretch its legs? Just check out the incredible air it's catching with each wave! It's about to straight-up enter into orbit or something. Up, up, and away! This thing ain't touching down until next year!

In all seriousness, you've just got to appreciate the time and effort that went into crafting this awesome watercraft. I mean, that is one solid hull. That thing gets slammed again and again on some pretty rough water and stays intact no problem. It takes a licking and keeps on ticking, if you catch our drift.

Damn, it'd be an absolute blast to take this thing for a spin, wouldn't it? Summer really can't come soon enough. It's time for boating season.

This post was originally published on July 19, 2016.

WATCH: Where Is the Car From "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" Today?

The 10 best videos of Powerboats in 2020

• December 5, 2022
• No Comments

THE PERFECT GIFT!

Give or treat yourself to a subscription to Boats in Motion print + digital and for only 39 euros a year you get the magazine at home plus read it on your PC, smartphone and tablet. With a sea of advantages.

Motor Boats 2020 Video

“that’s how i reinvented powerboats” – interview with luca bassani, founder of wally’s.

Cantieri Mimì launches Gozzo 2.0: fast, comfortable and eye-catching – Let’s get on board

Salvatore Ranieri talks about the new Next 285 LX

The fishing dinghy? Today it is ultra-technological! Interview with Pasquale Esposito

PIRELLI 42 TECNORIB – Preview at the 2020 Düsseldorf Motor Show

Brabus Shadow 900 – Black Ops LIMITED EDITION

Lekker Damsko 750 Cabin. A 42-knot aluminum goiter

SACS STRIDER 15. The new 15-meter Sacs

Candela the electric boat with foils – test boat

Tirranna, the wonderful US 2400-horsepower outboard madness

DISCOVER MOTOR BOATS YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Are you already a subscriber?

• Read your magazine from your pc here! >>
• Renew your subscription >>
• Reset your account password >>

Sign up for our Newsletter

Join the Sailing Newspaper Club

Powerboats, its stories, from small open to motoryachts. Sign up now for our free newsletter and receive the best news selected by the editorial staff each week. Enter your email below, agree to the Privacy Policy and click the “sign me up” button.

You may also be interested in.

Trident, this is the new speedboat according to Maserati

Maserati launches into the world of powerboats with Maserati Tridente, the Modenese company’s first 100% electric powerboat. It will be an electric-powered 10-meter developed in collaboration with Vita Power. The promised top speed? 40 knots and DC charging capability in

Riva’s first electric motorboat flies at 40 knots

El-Iseo is called the first step of the historic Riva powerboat brand into the electric world. We had to wait a while, but in the end the result looks like a truly innovative vessel and a unique case in the

This is the Sessa F48, the compact cruiser with fly for summer (14.9 m)

For those who appreciate extended cruising, life spent outdoors and the coolness that only a flybridge can offer, there is a new 14.9-meter debuting on the European market, and it aims to meet these needs. Boasting a large furnished flybridge,

Millikan M9 is the electric catamaran with unlimited range

Millikan Boats is a French shipyard that has focused on developing a catamaran that can run exclusively on solar power. The first prototype of the Millikan M9 (5.78 x 3.39 m)-that is the name of the vessel-will see the water

'Flying' on the Water: Testing Candela's Electric Hydrofoil Power Boat

A virtually silent motor, no gas fumes, and no crashing on the waves -- my first ride in Candela's C-8 electric hydrofoil gave me a glimpse at the future of luxury water travel.

• Webby Award Winner (Best Video Host, 2021), Webby Nominee (Podcasts, 2021), Gold Telly (Documentary Series, 2021), Silver Telly (Video Writing, 2021), W3 Award (Best Host, 2020), Australian IT Journalism Awards (Best Journalist, Best News Journalist 2017)

There's something incredibly surreal about being in a high-powered vehicle worth almost half a million dollars, and not even realizing it's turned on. But my first ride in the Candela C-8 hydrofoil speedboat was so impressive that, at first, I didn't even realize it had begun. 

I'm on the water in Sausalito, on the edge of the beautiful San Francisco Bay, about to take my first "test flight" in Candela's all-electric leisure craft -- a 28-foot power boat that uses hydrofoils to float out of the water and "fly" above the waves. After working on the carbon-fiber boat for more than two years with a team of 50 engineers, the Swedish company has brought the C-8 to California in a bid to break in to the massive boating market in the US. Based on the impressive boats I see at the dock in Sausalito, this seems like a good place to start. 

Sorry, Leonardo DiCaprio -- now I know what it really feels like to be flying on a boat.

But though the 100% carbon-fiber hull, sleek design and $390,000 price tag might set the C-8 apart as a luxury craft for the well heeled, this boat is more than just an expensive toy. With the design of the C-8, Candela set out to solve one of the biggest problems in boating: inefficiency. 

While companies like Tesla are trying to overhaul the car market by doing away with combustion engines in favor of battery power, the world of boating is arguably in need of a bigger fix. 

According to Candela, a traditional planing-hull boat uses about 15 times as much fuel per mile as a family car. An outboard motor sputtering through gas or diesel fuel at the back of a boat is noisy, the emissions are significant, and the motors require regular servicing. All because a boat is trying to push its way through water, which constantly resists it. 

An aerial shot showing the wake created by a traditional power boat and the wake generated by the C-8.

Candela has overhauled the traditional speedboat design, replacing the combustion motor with a 69kWh Polestar battery and a comparatively small, torpedo-shaped direct drive motor (known as the C-Pod) that stays completely underwater, affixed to the boat's rear hydrofoil. That motor and the C-8's hydrofoils are the boat's secret weapon. 

When Candela CEO Tanguy de Lamotte unplugs the boat from the charger and starts the ignition, I don't hear a thing. As we move away from the dock, I still can't hear it. As we cruise out to the bay, and I sit on the back of the boat having a perfectly audible whispered conversation with my colleague John Kim, all I can really hear is the sound of water lapping at the carbon-fiber hull, and a quiet, dull whir. 

But when we finally get out into the bay, where we can get to higher speeds, that's when I realize the power this motor brings. 

"The idea is it's like a plane," de Lamotte tells me as he pushes up the throttle. "You go straight and full power and then it will take off."  

With that, I hear the motor kick in and we push through the water and begin to rise out of the bay. Within a few seconds, we're above the water, soaring up on the hydrofoils and cruising at 22 knots (or roughly 25 mph). 

"Now we are flying!" de Lamotte says. 

When it's out of the water in hydrofoiling mode, the C-8 creates a thin wake. 

Thanks to the hydrofoil design, the C-8 uses roughly the same amount of power when it's foiling at this speed as it did when we were coming out of the marina at a speed of 5 knots -- about 1.2 kilowatt hours per nautical mile in both cases. "That's how efficient the foils are," de Lamotte tells me. 

The boat has a range of about 57 nautical miles (66 miles) at the 22-knot cruising speed, and it can reach up to 27 knots at top speed. On our ride, we spent about two hours on the water, most of that at cruising speed, and we returned to the marina with 30 percent battery. 

But it isn't just about efficiency. The feeling when we're foiling is unbelievably  smooth. As we soar toward the Golden Gate Bridge, there's no large wake trailing behind us, and we're not bouncing up and slamming down on the waves. It feels like the boat is on a camera gimbal. 

While we're on the C-8, I look over at the chase boat where my colleague Celso Bulgatti is filming us from afar. The outboard motors are roaring away and the boat is speeding alongside us, bouncing up and down on the white water and getting air as it cruises over ferry wakes. (Thankfully, Celso is like a walking camera gimbal himself, and the footage he shot that day is flawless -- what a pro.)

The hydrofoils use basic laws of physics that are as old as nature. Essentially, the water moves over the top and bottom of the airplane-wing-shaped foil at different speeds, creating a pressure differential that generates lift. But the tech inside the boat is cutting-edge. 

The shape of the hydrofoil works similar to an airplane wing, generating lift in the water.

Candela has designed the carbon fiber layers in the foils so that they're more flexible in the middle, meaning the foils can twist and adjust in the water. Data from sensors, gyroscopes and accelerometers across the boat measure its movement in the water and the way the foils are performing. This data is then fed into the boat's flight controller, which makes constant adjustments to help the C-8 stay stable, kind of like avionics in a drone. 

For de Lamotte, who's a veteran hydrofoil sailor and yacht designer who's sailed solo around the world, this hydrofoil experience is unique. 

"In my career as a professional sailor we used foils as well, but we aren't allowed to have software to help us control the foil, so it's very different," he said. "But on this boat we're using electricity and the battery, and super high-tech software that adjusts the foils more than 100 times a second. And that's why anybody can do it."

And just like that, it's time to put that theory to the test. De Lamotte jumps out of the captain's seat and tells me it's my turn to take off. 

"Road testing" the C-8 on the San Francisco Bay.

The last time I was in a speedboat, it was a little tin dinghy puttering across Womboyn Lake in Australia. By comparison, this feels like the Millennium Falcon. 

But with the push of the throttle, I'm on my way, soaring out of the water and rising up on the hydrofoils. It feels as close as possible to flying, without actually getting in a plane. And it's far easier than driving a car. 

To be sure, it's also far more expensive than a car (and not even something I could justify as a way to get to work in the morning, unless I were planning on commuting to a home office on Alcatraz). But it's quiet, it's smooth, and there aren't any gas emissions trailing out behind us. If this is the future of water travel, I'm totally on board. 

• In the News
• Speed On The Water Videos
• Racing Reports
• Countdown To The 2024 Miami International Boat Show
• Coverage Of The 2023 Lake Of The Ozarks Shootout
• Coverage From The 2023 Key West Poker Run And Offshore World Championships
• Image of the Week
• Safe Boating
• New Products
• Featured Boat
• Latest Projects
• Year in Review Print Magazine
• Subscriber Login/Logout
• Subscribe to SOTW Magazine
• Buy Single Digital Mag Issues
• Magazine Archives
• Magazine Features
• Events Calendar
• Advertising Information
• Article Plaques
• Industry Partners

APBA Releases 2022 Offshore Racing Schedule

With the Offshore Powerboat Association , Powerboat P1 and Race World Offshore as race-producing member-organizations, the American Power Boat Association had no shortage of offshore races to consider sanctioning this season. That subject was among the topics during the organization’s annual meeting last week in Orlando, Fla., and now the APBA competition schedule for the 2022 season is complete.

The eight-race 2022 American Power Boat Association Offshore National Championship Series kicks off May 21-22 in Cocoa Beach, Fla. Photos by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix .

Here’s a quick look at what’s on tap this year:

APBA National Series Races

May 19-22—Cocoa Beach, Fla. June 4—Lake of the Ozarks., Mo. July 2-3—Sarasota, Fla. July 31—St. Clair, Mich. August 6-7-— Michigan City, Ind. September 3-4, St. Petersburg, Fla. September 30-October 2—Clearwater, Fla. October 8—Fort Myers Beach, Fla.

APBA/Union Internatonale Motonautique World Championships

November 6-13—Key West, Fla.( All catamaran classes ) November 19-20—Englewood Beach, Fla. ( All V-bottom classes )

APBA Regional Races

May 15—Ocean City, Md. June 12—Point Pleasant Beach, N.J. July 10—Eastlake, Ohio September 10-11—Morehead City, N.C.

World titles in the catamaran classes will be decided at November 6-13 event in Key West, Fla.

For the eight national events, the Offshore Powerboat Association will produce the Lake of the Ozarks, St. Clair, Michigan City and Fort Myers Beach contests. The organization also will produce the Englewood Beach world championship event, as well as all the regional races. Powerboat P1 will produce the Cocoa Beach, Sarasota and St. Petersburg events. Race World Offshore will produce the Clearwater contest and weeklong Key West event.

As noted above, Englewood Beach will be the official site of APBA/UIM World Championships for all V-bottom classes. In 2021 the Southwest Florida venue was home to the APBA/UIM Worlds for the Bracket classes.

The adoption of the Mercury Racing 860 engine as a power option for the Super Cat class was not finalized during the APBA meeting—nor was a decision on a drop-race format, a setup in which teams get to drop their worst result in a given race series.

The Spec and Bracket V-bottom classes will vie for world championship honors in Englewood Beach, Fla.

“The meetings went well,” said Rich Luhrs, the chairman of APBA’s Offshore category. “We resolved a number of things. But we still have a lot of work to do before the season begins.”

Related stories Scott Free Racing And B’laster Partner For APBA Offshore National Championship Series Cole Leibel Going Super Stock Racing In 2022 Powerboat P1 Releases Six-Event Domestic Class 1 Series Schedule

Scott Free Racing And B’laster Partner For APBA Offshore Nat...

Ocean cup planning assault on west palm beach to freeport re....

• Pontoon Boats
• Personal Watercraft
• nauticalknowhow
• Nautical Knots
• Tools and Calculators

Best Power Boats of 2024: Review and Buying Guide

BENETEAU GRAN TURISMO 40

FOUR WINNS VISTA 255

For experienced and beginner boaters, nothing is more irresistible than the experience of cruising the open water aboard a powerful watercraft. The cool breeze and splash of water on the face, the foamy waves that trail the boat as it cuts through the water, and the sheer ecstasy that comes from steering a boat are all too strong to resist.

However, you need a good quality powerboat to experience all of these and more. For this reason, we have written this guide to show you five of the very best powerboats available on the market. Beyond that, you will find everything you need to know about choosing a good-quality boat and the category that best suits you. But before we get into all of that, let’s take a look at what powerboats are, albeit briefly.

What is a Power Boat?

Powerboat is a broad term that describes different categories of boats with engines. It can be a small boat for fishing or a larger one that can accommodate an entire family for long-distance cruises. The term even covers high-performance boats with every amenity a modern watercraft can have. Powerboats come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, and they are best suited to different uses.

That’s about all the lessons on powerboats you’ll find in this article.

Considering the numerous options, it can be an uphill task to choose just one, especially if it is your first boat. Thankfully, you are reading this guide, which means that you should be able to select the perfect watercraft that matches your needs in a few minutes from now.

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the best power boats and what to look for when buying one.

The XO 250 is fabricated from a 5083 marine-grade aluminum hull, making it lightweight and extremely durable. There is a lot of attention to detail in this boat, with neat internal lines that allow for plenty of built-in features.

It comes with a shock-absorbing bucket seat, and all the instruments and switches are conveniently located. The seating position is sited perfectly and gives clear visibility over the bow without the need to stand while helming fast.

The XO 250 features a 12V drawer fridge, an optional radar arch, a big plotter and sounder, and the bow has four beautifully molded lockers. The battery switch and stainless fuel tank are easy to access.

The XO 250 is the perfect powerboat for you if you want a watercraft that combines seakeeping, practicality, and style.

• LOA: 24 ft 6 in
• Beam: 7 ft 4 in
• Displacement: 551 lbs (no engine)
• Power options: 150 HP to 320 HP
• Fuel capacity: 50 gallons
• RCD category: C for 8

Check here for current listings of XO 250 .

 Yachtworld  →

• Safe and practical
• Rapid performance
• Solid build
• Low planing speed and flat transition to plane
• Excellent handling and seakeeping
• The rear bench seat has no option for replacement

AXOPAR 28 TT

If you want a powerboat that is distinctively solid like German cars, perhaps the Axopar 28 TT will be your best option. The GPR-built boat has an aggressive and radical styling.

The typical Scandinavian craft has a deck and cockpit areas that are designed extensively in G2 Flexiteek. Rock-solid guard rails top the high bulwarks moving forward. Even in out-of-sight places like the anchor locker is superbly finished without the slightest compromise that is often the norm in such hidden areas.

Under the double sun pad of the Axopar 28 TT is a carefully hidden double berth that can be accessed through the aft bench seat. So if you need to spend the night somewhere tranquil, you will find enough room to accommodate even the largest couples.

The forward seating area can be converted into a second sunbathing spot to complement the aft sun pad. The boat also has a large bathing platform that can comfortably accommodate a semi-deflated inflatable craft.

• LOA: 28 ft 2 in
• Beam: 9 ft 3 in
• Transom deadrise angle: 22 degrees
• Displacement: 3,725 lbs (no engine)
• Power options: 150 Hp to 350 HP
• Fuel capacity: 57 gallons

Check here for Axopar 28 TT listings .

 Boats  →

• Great protection from harsh weather
• Speedy performance
• Movement on deck is easy
• Many items on the rather long list of extras ought to have been included as standard items
• Options list contains only one engine manufacturer

From the French yard comes the Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 – a 40-footer that seeks to do things slightly different from the norm.

This powerboat comes with a regimented standard layout, including a chaise longue forward to port, a wet bar opposite a cockpit that has a C-shaped dinette right behind it, and a double helm to starboard located at both sides of the central companionway.

There is a central double berth in the forward cabin below, a saloon located in the middle with galley and head on the one hand and dinette on the other, and a center cabin that comes with two berths.

The boat is extremely lightweight without feeling that way. The hull is designed to take punishment without flinching one bit. There is plenty of room and seats in the cockpit.

• Length: 41 ft 2 in
• Beam: 12 ft 8 in
• Fuel capacity: 143 gallons
• Draught: 3 ft 7 in
• Displacement: 16,975 lbs

Check here for current prices and listings .

• Attractive and stylish design
• Performance with twin 300 HP engines is very high
• Unique and effective layout
• Great value
• Good seakeeping
• Only one windscreen wiper
• The finish is below premium level
• The storage in mid-cabin is slightly compromised

The Four Winns Vista 255 is a capable weekender for a couple or small family. Although it a fairly fast and efficient boat, it is not designed to be a sports boat, making it an excellent choice for easy cruising for the weekend.

It is worth noting that the cockpit is well elevated, especially considering its size. This means you will have excellent visibility, whether standing or seating. There is a convertible sunbed/back seat set up in the cockpit. This set up features a tilting backrest that can turn the spot into a seat facing aft so that you can watch skiers, swimmers, and anything that catches your interest.

The galley is equipped with a microwave and a small fridge, with enough room to accommodate a bigger fridge. Opposite the galley is the main cabin with a 6 ft 3-inches headroom. There is a full head complete with a shower, toilet, and sink. The convertible double bed/dinette is positioned diagonally. The mid-cabin has a queen-sized bed.

This stylish craft is a beamy boat, meaning it will retain its stability even when the crew moves about. The steering is considerably quick and very responsive.

• LOA: 25 ft 1 in
• Beam: 8 ft 3 in
• Draught: 2 ft 9 in
• Transom deadrise angle: 17 degrees
• Displacement: 6,194 lbs (with engine)
• Power options: 240 Hp to 300 HP
• Fuel capacity: 58 gallons

See here for Four Winns Vista 255 listings .

• A fast and efficient boat
• Quick and easy steering
• Excellent cockpit
• Quick and easy access engine
• Plenty of hull colors to choose from
• Impractical galley design
• Some couples may find the forward double berth too small
• Might not be tough enough to handle rough weather for long periods
• Too many extras, many of which should ideally be standard items

CRANCHI Z35

The Cranchi Z35 is a rare breed that falls in the mid-range sports-cruisers category. It is designed to have an open, sun-soaked cockpit with two spacious cockpits and twin diesel.

If you want a powerboat that will shine on a sunny day, this boat with a sociable cockpit will fit the bill. It has quite an impressive accommodation below decks. The well-proportioned cabins are built to have abundant storage and sleeping spaces to host adults for a few days or more.

The saloon has smart detailing and excellent headroom, too. The galley comes with plenty of storage, including cupboards and lockers that are lined in smooth GRP. The railings on the deck feature triple fender baskets on both sides of the foredeck. The guest cabin berth is large and has an infill cushion that transforms from a twin into a double berth.

• Length: 37 ft 11 in
• Beam: 11 ft 6 in
• Draught: 2 ft 11 in
• Fuel capacity: 131 gallons
• Water capacity: 42 gallons
• Engines: Twin Volvo Penta D4 260 HP
• Top speed: 34 knots

Check here for listings .

• Adequate space below decks
• Brilliant cockpit
• Attractive styling
• Punchy performance
• Good detailing and finish
• Helm seat might be uncomfortable
• Glare off the dash
• Tight engine room access

What to Look for In a Power Boat – Buying Guide

You have three choices when it comes to buying a powerboat (or any boat for that matter). These include a custom-made boat, a brand new boat, and a used one (in good condition). Whatever your choice, there are a few fundamental considerations that you shouldn’t compromise on, as they will determine whether or not you will enjoy your investment.

The following are the important things to consider.

• Engine accessibility : How easy is it to access the engine? Choose a boat with a readily accessible engine area to make it easy to reach the battery and check fluid levels.
• Visibility: According to Rule 15 of the United States Coast Guard Navigation Rules, all powered vessels must keep out of the way of boats approaching from the starboard. The problem is that visibility isn’t always good from the helm station of some boats. And if you can’t see your forward starboard quadrant, you might collide with an oncoming boat or run into some problems. So make sure you choose a powerboat that provides adequate visibility from the helm. As much as possible, avoid boats with obstructions caused by permanent fixtures, windshield mullions, hardtop supports, bulkheads, and overhead brows.
• Electronic needs : This is pretty straightforward. You want to choose a boat that has enough space for your entire electronics packages such as radar/chart plotter overlay, marine radio , radio tester, and a Wi-Fi and cellular range booster.
• Customization : Owning a boat means having the ability to customize it or include upgrades. For this reason, it is best to choose one that offers flexible customization options. For example, can you add or detach furniture? Can you make an upgrade to the galley?

It is also helpful if you read reviews from boaters who already purchased the type of powerboat you intend to buy. There are a good number of online boating forums where you can find useful first-hand information from boat owners. Are they pleased with the specific model you want? What are their concerns and complaints?

Here’s one more thing to consider. If you are buying a new boat or dealing with a manufacturer, find out if they have a comprehensive after-sales service. You want to choose a manufacturer that will continue to maintain a one-on-one relationship and an open communication channel with clients.

If you are in the market for a powerboat for cruising with your family, consider one with comfortable cabin space. For boating in the tropics or hot regions, you will need a boat with air conditioning systems.  Consider ample seating, too, because cruising with family and friends is a lot more fun and enjoyable when everyone has a comfortable place to sit and relax on the deck.

If what you want is a powerboat for offshore fishing, consider a boat with angler-friendly storage. A spacious deck where you can cast unhindered is equally important, too. Pay attention to the hull design, as a deep V-shaped hull cuts better through rough waters. Lastly, consider getting a fuel-efficient powerboat for offshore fishing, as this will reduce expenses on fuel.

Choosing the Right Power Boat

Having a list of the best power boats and knowing what makes a good one will not be of much help if you can’t make up your mind on which type to get. As you probably already know, these boats come in a wide variety with a vast range of hull forms, construction materials, and plenty of options in terms of propulsion and power.

To help you decide on which powerboat is right for you, we’ve outlined some of the more common types and their best use. This is not a comprehensive list, though, and that’s because powerboats encompass so many boat types from the small 12-footer tender to the ocean-crossing crawler and every other thing in between. So, we’ve left out some categories such as hovercrafts, personal watercraft, and catamarans.

Essentially, we’ve cut down the list to include rapid monohulls that are a great starting point for any beginner boater looking for the best power boats that suit their needs.

1. Bowriders

A bowrider is a great choice if you want a powerboat with a compact platform and adequate lounging space upfront. The open bows make them particularly suitable for frolicking on sunny days.

Although bowriders have come to be known with a traditional shape that features tapered forward lines, other options that present a whole lot of newer and spacious formats are now available. The space ahead of the helm in the traditional bowrider is quite tight. To allow for more internal seating room, newer versions have beams that are further forward, but the trade-off is a little bit of the sporting ability and aesthetic appeal of the traditional shape.

A classic traditional bowrider is the Sea Ray 190 SPX , while newer formats include Bayliner Element XR7 and Interboat Neo 7.

Here are a few things to look for in a bowrider that can perform excellently well in water sports:

• Extra cockpit seating
• Powerful inboard engines
• Automated throttle
• Wakeboard towers
• Wake-tweaking devices (e.g., fins, and ballast tanks)

2. Cabin Style Power Cruisers

If accommodation is topmost in the things you want in a powerboat, the cabin style power cruisers might be your best bet.

These powerboats fall into two broad categories:

• The sporty craft – small design with compact cabins in the bow.
• The people carrier – broader and more spacious designs with an emphasis on comfy accommodation rather than performance.

Whichever option that appeals to you, you need to consider convertible furniture to create more sleeping room. A galley at the top means more accommodation below deck. On the flip side, a cabin style powerboat with the galley below the decks creates more space at the sun deck for seating. So, make sure to choose an option that suits your accommodation needs.

Here’s a quick tip: if you are thinking of buying a cabin style powerboat as your first boat, you don’t have to break the bank to get a massive boat, even if you can. It is best to start with a smaller and cheaper option that is more efficient and manageable.

You would have learned how to operate a boat better and with more confidence in a short while. And using it for a season, you would be able to say for sure what shape and size work best for you.

Some of the best power boats fall in the category of hard-hulled planing crafts with built-in inflatable collars. These are particularly suited for water sports, fishing, lounging, diving, and load carrying.

In the end, your intended usage, price, and size will determine what type of RIBS you buy, but it is important to note some of the options. RIBS constructed from Hypalon are last longer but are more expensive than PVC-constructed tubes. Your driving style will also come into play when you consider seating features, which include traditional jockey seats, leaning posts, benches, and impact-mitigation seats.

The power option depends a lot on the type of boater you consider yourself to be. So, before you choose a fit-out and hull shape , think about how you would typically use a powerboat.

4. Center Console Powerboats

When it comes to versatility, center console powerboats take the lead. You can use them for angling or even for taking your family on long smooth rides.

Select one with less built-in furniture and an emptier deck if these type of boats appeal to you. This way, you can add the furniture that matches your needs the most. Many center console powerboats have less weight due to the inclusion of only basic facilities, which means they cost a lot less than other options. Also, they generally tend to have greater running efficiency and more agile handling because they weigh less.

5. Sport Yacht

Sport yachts are the best power boats for traveling long distances. They are faster and sleeker than traditional yachts but come with spacious cabins for overnight and extended stays. If you intend to entertain guests, this category of powerboats would be your best option. They combine luxury and performance.

For those who want to be the party, consider getting one of these powerboats that come with a full galley or one with the option for convenient upgrades to modern kitchen facilities such as a good-quality boat grill .

6. Walkaround Fisher

Lastly, there’s the Walkaround Fisher category for those who prefer a “hybrid” powerboat of some sort. If you want a powerboat that does a bit of everything, consider getting a Walkaround Fisher. A good choice would be the compact Trophy 2152 Walkaround with a small cabin for fishing and water sports.

Choosing a powerboat can be quite daunting considering all the options available, but you don’t have to settle for less than what you want. You can be sure that there’s a boat out there that matches your need no matter what it is. Do not compromise on the features that work well for you. Study the boats on this list, and you’re sure to find one that suits you.

About Chris

Outdoors, I’m in my element, especially in the water. I know the importance of being geared up for anything. I do the deep digital dive, researching gear, boats and knowhow and love keeping my readership at the helm of their passions.

Categories : Boats

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

More in Boats

What Is A Gunwale?

131 of the Best Hawaiian Boat Names

167 Patriotic Boat Names

The 138 Best Boat Names for Dog Lovers

The People’s Poncho Review and Ratings 

Oru Lake Kayak Review

About Boatsafe

Established in 1998, BoatSafe is your independent guide into the world of boating, fishing, and watersports. We provide expert insights and detailed guides to help you find products tailored to your needs and budget.

Contact Boatsafe

• Address: 4021 West Walnut Street. Rogers, AR 72756
• Phone:  (479)339-4795
• Email: [email protected]

Site Navigation

• How We Test
• Corrections Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Editorial Policy
• Affiliate Disclosure

Our Reviews

All content is © Copyright 2024. All rights reserved.

• Motorcycles
• Car of the Month
• Destinations
• Men’s Fashion
• Watch Collector
• Art & Collectibles
• Vacation Homes
• Celebrity Homes
• New Construction
• Home Design
• Electronics
• Fine Dining
• Aston Martin
• L’Atelier
• Les Marquables de Martell
• Reynolds Lake Oconee
• 672 Wine Club
• Sports & Leisure
• Health & Wellness
• Best of the Best
• The Ultimate Gift Guide

Maserati Just Unveiled a New All-Electric Powerboat to Match the Folgore EV

The new tridente can churn out 600 horses and hit 40 knots at full tilt., rachel cormack.

Digital Editor

Rachel Cormack's Most Recent Stories

This new 374-foot megayacht has an epic 66-foot hydraulic swimming pool, this speedy new 83-foot yacht is like a formula 1 race car of the seas.

• This Ultra-Rare Rolex Split-Seconds Just Sold for a Record $3.5 Million at Auction
• Share This Article

Maserati is diving deeper into yachting.

Related Stories

• MG Just Unveiled an Ultra-Aerodynamic Hypercar That Can Hit 60 MPH in Under 2 Seconds
• The Mercedes-Maybach Haute Voiture Is a Study in Smooth

The Tridentel also exudes the nameplate’s unmistakable design DNA. The powerboat showcases sleek lines, a lightweight carbon-fiber hull, a striking rose-gold finish, and the Modanese marque’s signature trident logo on the bow. The craftspeople at Hodgdon Yachts , who have been building yachts and tenders in Maine for over 200 years, will spearhead construction to ensure each hull is finished to the highest standards.

Onboard, the cream-colored cockpit can seat up to eight passengers via two captain’s chairs and a U-shaped lounge. To the aft lies a large sun pad and a bathing area with a ladder to the ocean, while a helm station with a large touchscreen sits forward. The yacht also has a sun canopy that can provide shade at anchor. Below deck, the living quarters include one cabin with an en suite.

Maserati isn’t the only luxury automaker dipping a toe in the sustainable yachting sector, of course. Porsche , BMW , and Polestar are just some of the automotive heavyweights working on all-electric sportboats .

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

Read More On:

• Electric Yacht

More Marine

This New Electric RIB Cruised for 40 Miles Without Emissions During Its Sea Trials

Superyacht Sales Dropped 17% Last Year. Here’s Why.

Culinary Masters 2024

MAY 17 - 19 Join us for extraordinary meals from the nation’s brightest culinary minds.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Marine

Project Arwen Superyacht in Photos

From ‘Tenet’ to ‘Succession’: 5 Superyachts That Doubled as Hollywood Sets

More from our brands, getting ready with mia moretti at coachella: the dj talks going sheer in balmain, katy perry’s pizza bikini merch and fashion’s ‘codependent’ relationship with music, alexis ohanian’s 776 foundation invests in women’s sports bar, ‘the fall guy’ review: ryan gosling is a lover and a (stunt) fighter in surprisingly romantic reboot of ’80s action show, new filing shows phillips doubling uk losses last year amid rising costs, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors.

INQUIRE ABOUT AVAILABILITY

Follow us on social.

CENTER CONSOLE

50 EVOLUTION

475 PANACEA

438 EVOLUTION

427 NOMAD FE

407 NOMAD FE

375 NOMAD SE

375 NOMAD FE

345 NOMAD SE

345 NOMAD FE

477 Evolution

• BUILD YOURS
• INTREPID DIFFERENCE
• VERSATILITY
• INTREPID NATION

Elevate Your Boating Experience with Center Consoles & Sport Yachts

50 FEET OF SPORT YACHT PERFECTION. PERSONALIZED.

Equipped with a new hardtop and helm station with three sides of full-height glass, a sunroof, transom walkway, exquisitely appointed cabin - all personalized to create the Intrepid of your dreams

LEARN MORE ▸

ANOTHER NEW REASON IT HAS TO BE AN INTREPID

Featuring a new hull, wider beam, roomier helm, transom walkway, and a spacious cabin - all with the one-of-a-kind customization offered only on an Intrepid

2024 SUNCOAST BOAT SHOW

Join us at the Suncoast Boat Show, April 19-21 to experience our newest models

EVERY MOMENT is Uniquely Yours

Perfection Tailored to You

The sea is ever-changing, as are your boating aspirations and desires. At Intrepid, we understand that perfection is a highly personal journey. Each Intrepid model is a testament to the art of personalized perfection throughout all our cabin models and center console yachts .

When you choose Intrepid, you enter a realm where every detail is considered, and every facet of your vision is meticulously brought to life. For us, perfection is not a destination; it’s a tailor-made experience, designed to reflect your unique character and preferences.

the intrepid difference

With a legacy spanning over four decades, Intrepid Powerboats stands as a paragon of excellence in the marine industry. Our unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, impeccable style, and uncompromising performance sets Intrepid apart from every other powerboat brand on the water. When you choose Intrepid, you embrace a heritage of unmatched quality and distinction, making every journey an extraordinary one.

Pioneering Game-CHanging innovation

Since our inaugural voyage in 1983, Intrepid has earned its stature as the vanguard of industry-leading innovation. Our relentless quest for perfection drives us to continually pioneer the most advanced design, engineering, and fabrication techniques. Our commitment to propelling the industry forward ensures that every Intrepid represents not just the pinnacle of design, but the embodiment of innovation itself.

INCOMPARABLE CUSTOMIZATION

At Intrepid, we throw open the doors to an immersive world of collaborative design, construction, and customization. This process leads to the creation of a vessel that is precisely aligned with your desires. Your family becomes part of our extended family as we embark on a journey together. Whether you are perusing our carefully curated selection of pre-owned boats for sale or starting from a blank canvas, your Intrepid experience is destined to be nothing less than a masterpiece you helped shape to perfection.

INSPIRED BY YOU. BUILT FOR YOU.

New hull, wider beam, roomier helm, transom walkway, and a spacious cabin – all with the one-of-a-kind customization offered only on an Intrepid.

LET THE JOURNEY BEGIN

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN INTREPID POWER BOATS

• First Name *
• Last Name *
• Hidden Channel
• Hidden Source
• Hidden Medium
• Which Model are you interested in? * 427 NOMAD SE 427 NOMAD FE 407 NOMAD SE 407 NOMAD FE 375 NOMAD SE 375 NOMAD FE 345 NOMAD SE 345 NOMAD FE 327 NOMAD 300 NOMAD 51 PANACEA 407 PANACEA 477 EVOLUTION 438 EVOLUTION 41 VALOR 345 VALOR 327 VALOR
• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
• Stay up to date with all the latest Intrepid information! In our newsletter you'll hear from the President of Intrepid, Ken Clinton, as well as other team members.
• Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

AOKI FIRST IN POWERBOAT RACE

By Joanne A. Fishman, Special To the New York Times

• July 15, 1982

Benihana, the 38-foot catamaran driven by Rocky Aoki, roared out of the thick haze in the Atlantic Ocean to cross the finish line first today, capturing the eighth annual Benihana Grand Prix.

This was the second time that Aoki has won the $45,000 offshore powerboat race, an event that he also sponsors. It was a stirring comeback after a near-fatal accident Aoki suffered as the pilot of an offshore powerboat more than two years ago.

With a time of 2 hours 35 minutes 33 seconds, Aoki also set a record of 80.25 miles per hour for the 208-mile course as the openclass boats roared across an almost flat sea.

Benihana was followed across the line by Rampage II, a 38-foot Cigarette driven by Joe Ippolito of Point Pleasant Beach, and Rampage, a 37-foot Cougar catamaran driven by Eddie Trotta of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Ippolito was assessed a three-minute penalty, though, which moved Trotta into second and dropped him into third. A estimated 250,000 persons watched the race, according to race officials, from the New Jersey beaches from Long Branch to Seaside Heights.

Cigarette Hawk, driven by Jerry Jacoby of Old Westbury, N.Y., did not finish the race. The breakdown cost him his lead in the national point standings. Betty Cook, who finished fourth with Michelob Light, now leads with 1,019 points, followed by Jacoby with 1,000. Howard Quam, who was the driver of record for this race even though Aoki was at the helm, earned the first-place points to lift Benihana to third with 925 points.

Aoki, the 42-year-old head of the Benihana restaurant chain and a resident of Englewood, N.J., drove wearing a leg brace that still remains as a result of his accident.

Aoki took the lead at the start of the race and held onto it until his kill switch caused him to lose two minutes of running time. The kill switch, a safety device, is a cord that runs from the driver's vest to the ignition. If a driver is thrown out, the kill switch cuts off the engine. Apparently, the cord was too short and the jolting caused a cut in the power, said Aoki.

Aoki regained the lead, only to have the kill switch cause another loss of time, this one for more than 40 seconds. Again, Benihana regained the lead. He held onto it and stretched it to a about a mile. Aoki's crew was Quam of Chicago, the boat's owner and throttleman, and Mike Nebus of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the mechanic.

Willie Diaz, of Miami, driving El Boss, a 30-foot shadow, easily won the sport class with a time of 1 hour 22 minutes 48 seconds for the 119-mile course that all the performance classes used.

Sal Magluta of Miami captured top honors in the modified class with his 31-foot Seahawk. Gene Whipp of Sarasota, Fla., drove Fox, a 30-foot Velocity, to first place in the pro stock class, while Kenny Kalibat of Island Park, L.I., won Class V with K&K Outboard, a 23-foot Ghost.