A boat with a “bad” look immediately catches the eye. Usually black or green, and even more often matte, “military-style” are not necessarily inspired by this type, but they still cannot help but evoke it, strong as they are with aggressive lines, sharp cuts and more “raw” looks.
8 military-looking boats you can buy, too
In short, we talk about hulls that often escape from the softer, more canonical lines, but not so much by “fashion “as, more easily, by design choice. In fact, the lines tend to be inspired by a dominant utilitarian component, a good thing actually, because it implies the design ability to unite elements whose form follows function, in an overall balance that knows how to satisfy aesthetics as well, without necessarily having to compromise one for the other. In short, these are boats that, in terms of functionality, are no match for their segment peers, but that, aesthetically, will inevitably appeal more to lovers of the genre. Anyway, here are 7 “military-style” models for you, plus a 50-knot “vintage” bonus.
XO DFNDR 8 – 7.9 m
If not directly inspired by the military mobility aesthetic, the XO DFNDR 8 (read defender) certainly resembles it and is, fundamentally, a small all-weather adventure, a boat conceived and designed to adapt to a wide variety of weather and sea conditions, whatever the season. Strong in “Scandinavian” design, it is a marine and solid high-performance boat, capable, in fact, of over 50 knots. However, there is no shortage of indoor and outdoor amenities, starting with a cockpit equipped for fishing and with a sofa, or the forward sundeck in the outdoor areas.
Inside, the salon is well protected and sheltered, strong with two benches parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boat, while there are two dedicated seats for pilot and co-pilot. There is also no lack of a toilet/dressing room in the forward room. The roof can be opened to ventilate the interior at will.
You can find our in-depth article on the XO DFNDR 8 at this link.
8 military-looking boats you can buy, too.
Dromeas D28 SUV – 8.2 m
Fast, high-performance cabin cruiser, the Dromeas D28 SUV, is ‘all-in-one package’ to keep in mind if you are a fan of the multi-role power-boat scene. In the matte black coloring then, it also claims that military look that so many appreciate. Aesthetics aside, the double-step hull is designed for performance and, in its lines, almost accompanies toward the foredeck, where, just on deck, we find comfort instead with a forward sundeck and two seats. Aft, a double settee welcomes in the cockpit, and behind it, depending on configuration, a roll bar, or directly the outboard motor.
In the middle of the boat stands the enclosed bridge, with integrated wheelhouse and ample seating for all. A double aft sofa convertible into an extra berth, and a pair of seats facing the wheelhouse are featured here. Beyond it finds a cabin aimed at maximizing space, offering the possibility of extending exits by providing a double bed and a separate toilet. Performance? Depending on the motorization it ranges from 32 to 50 knots.
At this link you will find our in-depth article on Dromeas D28
Brabus Shadow 900 XC Signature Edition – 11.7m
Of course, Brabus’ Shadow series, available in the various Signature Editions, here particularly notable are the Stealth Green (army green) and the Black Ops (black) variants, could not be missed from this list. It is, in this case, the classic Brabus superboat, specifically, based on the axopar XC hulls, those in Cabin version. But the whole is all the child of the Brabus brand, which in an almost artisanal way gives its touch to everything, creating a very high-end product with excellent performance and top speeds of 60 knots.
There is no shortage of on-board amenities, of course, with no less than two outdoor lounge areas complete with sundeck, sofas behind the wheelhouse in the pilothouse, and a forward cabin with lounge area. Optionally, there is then also the aft cabin, which dictates the cockpit layout accordingly.
Find our in-depth article on the Brabus Shadow 900 XC at this link.
8 military-looking boats you can buy, too.
Sargo 45 Explorer – 14.6 m
Designed with different weather conditions in mind, the Sargo 45 Explorer aims to be a complete boat, capable of providing comfort when sailing as well as at anchor or at anchor. Furnishings and design in turn emphasize these commitments, precisely by virtue of the fact that this 14.6 meter is meant, precisely, to be used 12 months out of 12. Complete both on deck and in the interior, moving from open-air lounge areas to the comfortable enclosed spaces of the pilot-house, or the 2 or 3 cabins available below deck, the Sargo 45 is thus an all-weather performer that knows how to assert itself, offering not inconsiderable space and volume combined with looks and performance that are themselves remarkable.
Two options are offered with regard to motorization. In the first case, a pair of Sterndrive DPIs with 440 horsepower each, or, in the second variant, twin IPS 650s with 480 horsepower each. The stated cruising speed, on the other hand, is 30 knots.
At this link you will find our in-depth article on the Sargo 45 Explorer
Novamarine Black Shiver 140 series Ego – 14.6 m
New to Novamarine’s Black Shiver segment, the new BS140 Ego is a rib definitely at home on this list, a muscular dinghy capable of interesting speeds (34 knots), but also strong on plenty of on-board comfort. The lines are sporty and attractive, particularly aggressive in their black livery, but they do not fail to emphasize comfort and spaces dedicated to leisure and relaxation, starting with a large aft lounge area, featuring a large central U-shaped sofa that can be converted into a sundeck, just aft of the wheelhouse sheltered by hard-top.
In the bow, again, there is no shortage of space for conviviality and relaxation, with a large couch in the deckhouse and a forward sunbathing area. This very versatile one can be converted into a second dinette or, alternatively, into a dining area with a table. Below deck, spaces are divided between a dinette that can be converted into a double bed and a separate bathroom equipped with all amenities. In short, a walkaround yes performance and sporty, but also comfortable and usable as a weekender.
For more information on the Novamarine BS 140 Ego click HERE
8 military-looking boats you can buy, too.
Technohull OMEGA 48 – 14.9 m
Think of putting five outboard motors of 450 horsepower each (total 2,250 hp), or two or three outboards of 600 horsepower (1,200 to 1,800 hp in all) aft of a 15-meter maxi-rib. Here is the Technohull Omega 48, a muscular and very fast Rib, and it also exists in an inboard version, all to the benefit of stern spaces.In terms of deck layout, everything points to maximum usability of the relaxation and convivial areas, strong right from the stern of a large sundeck (tender garage), even greater in the absence of outboards. At the bow the situation is repeated, with a large sunbathing area crowning the extemity of the hull. But more generally, the deck solutions are varied and include a back-to-back sofa with mini bar (or fully equipped wet bar), or the option of supplementing the island sundeck with a sofa and table.
Under the center hard top we find dashboard (clearly high-tech), served by a double row of triple shock-absorbing seats. Finally, it is certainly not a cruiser, but in 15 feet of dinghy there is no shortage of room for a cabin below deck, which here offers a unique and elegant owner’s cabin with an oversize double bed, ample storage space, and a separate bathroom with shower.
At this link you will find our in-depth article on the Technohull Omega 48
Sacs Rebel 55 – 17.3 m
Developed by the yard in collaboration with Christian Grande, the cutting-edge lines and styling details (such as snorkel intakes, suspended wing hard top, and unitized T-foam profiles) make the Rebel 55 a sporty but comfortable boat, powered by four 600-hp Mercury outboards that also make it a good performer (top speed 37/48 knots depending on specifications). Following the philosophy of the Rebel range, the 55 is a boat that does not want to submit to the laws of purist concepts, offering instead the right compromise between comfort and performance.
In the configuration with Volvo Penta’s IPSs, the aft swim platform accommodates wide and spacious, slightly more sacrificed with outboards, but still facing the water and amplified by the folding sidewalls. Here, a central sundeck can accommodate up to three people, while, in the cockpit, two opposing sofas create a living area that can be converted into a dining area thanks to two electrically operated teak tables. Beyond, there is a linear kitchen with a Corian countertop, all necessary appliances, and a 90-liter refrigerator. In the bow, however, a large sundeck overhangs the deck, inside which instead are two double cabins, a living area and separate bathrooms.
To read our in-depth coverage of the Sacs Rebel 55 click here
8 military-looking boats you can buy, too.
Italcraf Dragon – 13 meters
It was the boat that made generations dream, the record-breaking speedboat and an all-Italian unicum, as well as a milestone not only in our shipbuilding industry but in motor boating in general. Presented in Genoa in 1972, it was a masterpiece of Italcraft Shipyards, a tamed monster, the first boat capable of breaking through 50 knots of speed, reaching 55 knots. It was also the first to mount surface propellers. It is the Italcraft Drago, a cult Classic Boat signed Renato “Sonny” Levi.
In addition to her unparalleled speed, the Dragon also surprised with its man-high interior spaciousness, which was not compromised by the hull’s sleek and streamlined lines, and the comfort of the cockpit and aft sundeck. Indeed, the Dragon was surprisingly adept at combining its performance qualities with the habitability of its interior spaces, strong with as many as 4 beds, separate toilet room and kitchen. Where, however, is the military appeal? You have surely seen plenty of them, gray perhaps, with a somewhat sharp cabin and yellow broadside lettering. In fact, for more than two decades it was also the patrol boat of the Guardia di Finanza, a gray, marine and aggressive bolide like few others.
Read our in-depth article on the Italcraft Drago HERE
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