The Pardo 43 is as subtle as a chartreuse Lamborghini Aventador cruising Miami’s South Beach. From its reversed axe bow to its black carbon-fiber hardtop, this sport boat bursts with Italian machismo.
But the Pardo 43 has a softer side too, starting with three cushy helm seats that are reminiscent of the Lambo’s, and continuing through the interior, which is finished with fine details that include stitched-leather drawer pulls.
A walkaround encircles the cabin house — which is so low, it’s barely visible from abeam — and leads from the bow sun pad to the transom platform, passing a dinette that can be reconfigured into forward-facing seats. An optional foldout “terrace” adds more deck space, and engraved pop-up cleats keep the deck clear when not in use.
While the cabin appears to be low, inside it has more than 6-foot-5-inch headroom, an open layout and a wider-than-queen-size island berth. My test boat also had optional twin berths aft. Grain-matched pale oak fills the décor, where niceties include self-closing drawers, stitched-leather trim and bookshelves with sea rails. The only bulkheads surround the head, with the rest of the space left open. One reason for the spacious sense is the absence of a galley. This is a dayboat, with a grill, sink and fridge in a console abaft the helm.
Speaking of the helm, a steeply raked Lucite windscreen protects the skipper. Overhead, the hardtop is supported on splayed supports with a pair of tinted moonroofs.
Power on my test boat was optional 435 hp Volvo Penta IPS600s (as opposed to the standard 370 hp Volvo Penta IPS500s). In smooth water, she topped out at 34 knots, burning 30 gallons per hour for an economically friendly cruise in the mid-20-knot range.
Her handling makes her nimble and fun. That snarky bow pierces chop, the chines throw spray aside, and the 16-degree transom deadrise keeps the ride soft and solid.
