2018 European powerboat: 5 models for long-distance cruising

Sealine C430

In the European Powerboat of the Year 2018 category, nominees must incorporate new features compared to previous years. Thus, the models selected must be adapted to navigate longer distances, in the open sea, as well as near the coast. Not to mention the main characteristics such as marine behaviour, safety and autonomy, which are important rating criteria.

Fountaine Pajot MY 44

The MY 44 is a 13.4 m motor catamaran with a very large living space. It has a hull designed especially for the engine, bringing a good compromise between speed, consumption and performance, with fine water entries.

The MY 44 offers large and bright living spaces: hydraulic bathing platform, large cockpit, 20m2 salon with kitchen, independent owner's area with double cabin of 15m2 and bathroom, two large guest cabins or a beautiful flybridge fully equipped (sunbathing, kitchen ...).

In terms of motorization, the MY 44 is equipped with IPS 350 to 600 with a maximum speed of 27 knots.

Pardo 43

The Pardo 43 is a 13.45 m long open yacht, with a negative V-shaped bow and a resolutely modern and sporty design. With its Fjord look, this first model of a range of 3 models to come benefits from the know-how of the Del Pardo shipyard, known for its Grand Soleil sailboats.

Its walk-around deck makes it easy to move around the boat, from the large bathing platform at the stern to the large sundeck on the foredeck. In the cockpit, a very large sundeck that covers the engine block - 2 x Volvo IPS 500 (370 hp) diesel (IPS 600 optional), for a speed of 39 knots - overlooks the platform, while just behind it, a saloon with two large benches serves as a dining area. The multi-position backrests make it possible to modulate the space: enlarge the sunbathing area by lowering the table, create a bench seat facing the outdoor kitchen, next to the pilot seats.

The helm station has 3 pilot seats, protected by a windshield without pillars and topped by a carbon T-top with electric bimini. Below deck, there is a double cabin at the front with a bathroom with separate shower, as well as a large storage space at the rear which can optionally become a second cabin.

Sealine C430

The C430 is a 13.55 m long light cruiser designed as a sports car and conceived to be as functional as possible. With its very large panoramic windows, the view is unobstructed and the interiors are turned towards the outside. On board, all the spaces have been designed to provide maximum comfort and meet all needs, from the large bathing platform at the rear, to the cockpit with an outdoor kitchen and a grill on the platform, to the large comfort areas on the foredeck and in the cockpit that serve as both seating and sunbathing areas.

Inside, the layout is comfortable and well ventilated (sunroof) with a living room, kitchen, but especially up to 3 large double cabins and two bathrooms.

But it is especially on the level of the hull that Sealine worked a lot to develop a hull specially conceived for IPS bases, with a V-shaped hull and a very straight bow. With IPS 600 bases, the Sealine C430 reaches a maximum speed of 41 knots.

Invictus 370 GT

The 370 GT is the largest model of the Italian shipyard Invictus Yachts with an overall length of 11.4 m. Its inverted bow is reminiscent of the GT range and its rounded hull shape at the front frees up space inside. Thus, on board, there is a large space with a central cabin, a shower room with toilet and a large living room at the front with refrigerator and TV.

We will particularly appreciate its port side terrace with its bulwark that opens onto the water or its submersible bathing platform. Dedicated to lounging, the 370 GT has a large sunbathing area aft, as well as on the forward deck. Finally, the cockpit has a lounge with an L-shaped bench seat whose backrest lowers to enlarge the sundeck.

The central cockpit is equipped with 3 pilot seats with an outdoor kitchen in the back. It is available in two diesel propulsion options: two Volvo Penta D4 300 HP or two Mercruiser 4.20 V8 370 HP for a maximum speed of 43 knots.

Rio Spider 40

The Spider 40 is a 13.30 m open boat designed more for the Mediterranean market, with a large modular cockpit and a beautiful submersible bathing platform (optional). The hydraulic cockpit table disappears completely into the floor to provide a clear space, while the bench seats form a large sunbathing area. On the starboard side, there is an outdoor kitchen, just behind the helm station, well protected by a wraparound windshield, which surrounds the deck and goes down to the bulwarks.

Inside, this sporty day cruiser has a good headroom and offers 4 berths: a separate cabin at the front, a bathroom and a living room that doubles as a bunk. However, it is more for an owner who wants to use it as a day boat and not especially to sleep on board. The Rio Spider 40 is powered by 2x300 hp for a maximum speed of 38 knots.

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