EUROPA 38 CHASE
Imagine the look of a classic chase boat with a touch of Star Wars technology. That’s the Europa 38 Chase. This high-tech tender has 300 hp Volvo Penta KAMD turbo diesels and a pair of Duoprop sterndrives. That and her 240 gallons of fuel provide a 40-knot cruise and a range of 400 miles, according to the builder. Skipper and companion seats are Glide Ride with pneumatic suspension systems, something normally reserved for Navy Seals and enclosed pilothouses. Seating for 21 is bench-style fore and aft, with no obstruction in the pathway from the helm and engine box. Guests should be comfortable whether blasting offshore or nestling alongside a spit of sand.
-Scott Shane
Contact: Europa Boats, (772) 569-8222; [email protected]; www.europaboats.com.
NOVURANIA EQUATOR 500
The 500 is the latest launch in Novurania’s Equator series, which uses a D-collar system to increase interior volume. It also raises the freeboard, providing a slightly drier ride. The 500 has a unique settee that wraps around both sides of the boat, and the console is offset to starboard. The 120 hp diesel with sterndrive draws from a 30-gallon tank and provides a top speed of 33 knots, according to the builder.
-George Sass, Jr.
Contact: Novurania of America, Inc., (772) 567-9200; [email protected]; www.novurania.com.
AQUAMAJESTIC 27
The classically styled Aquamajestic 27’s timeless appearance and appointments set the stage for heading ashore for a black tie affair while your yacht waits in the distance. If the crew gasps at the idea of maintaining the brightly varnished wooden hull, have no fear. This Australian-built little yacht is constructed using handlaid fiberglass with a wood grain, treated to appear like she is a wooden gem from a bygone era. The cockpit is anything but synthetic. Austrian leather wraps the settees, and an electric convertible top is operated by the push of a button. Tinted side windows provide additional shelter. Engine choices include inboard gas and diesel packages with conventional or jet drive systems.
-G.S.
Contact: Aquamajestic USA, (800) 639-4954; www.aquamajestic.com.
NAUTICA RIB 20
Nautica has always excelled in customizing its inflatable lines to suit owner requirements, then evolving its offerings based on new ideas. This RIB 20 Catamaran Diesel is a good example. It was originally designed as a landing craft with a bow area loading ramp, but the loading ramp will satisfy recreational boaters, as well. Beach landings can be awkward, with struggles to get into the boat as the bottom falls off. The bow ramp will make embarking much easier. Supplies and water toys can be easily loaded, too. There are a variety of seating options and accessories, and the seating comfort and finish are superb. A noteworthy standard feature is the inboard engine. The powerful, yet quiet MerCruiser 1.7-liter diesel pushes the 20 to a top speed just under 40 knots, according to the builder. And since it’s a diesel, it limits the types of fuel the mother ship needs to carry.
-G.S.
Contact: Nautica International, Inc., (954) 986-1600; www.nauticaintl.com.
INTREPID 300
Intrepids serve many functions, whether as simple water taxis or as tenders used for fishing, diving and full-blown cruising. The new 300 Center Console Open, which falls between the builder’s 28- and 37-footers, should meet all those demands. Beefy construction includes a handlaid, foam-cored, vacuum-bagged hull, and the fit and finish should survive even the most tropical of climes. There’s a lot of equipment and functionality in this uncluttered, sleek boat. With just the standard equipment, she should be a capable tender. Options include a towing package and custom console, and custom colors and stripes can complement larger yachts in an owner’s fleet.
-S.S.
Contact: Intrepid Powerboats, Inc., (954) 922-7544; www.intrepidboats.com.
