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Every now and then a nostalgia moment is in order, and in the newsroom here in Milan we happen to flip through old issues with features from more than 30 years ago. Different times, eh? Anyway, we came across this “top 10” of old-time boats from the early 2000s.
It all started with the Jeanneau 755 Runabout, a boat that could not exist in the French shipyard’s production today. Twenty years ago it didn’t, quite the contrary. At that point we decided to take a peek at the others as well. Here they are, all powerboats in the six- to 10-meter range.
There are all kinds of them, from the elegant one with vintage tones, to the classic sporty one, to the more “racing” one. In short, you have them for every taste. They are all fun boats, which also allow for sports such as water skiing or wake-boarding. Small, fun and easy to pilot. These are the boats that allow day trips or short coastal cruises.
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Among the models we selected, we singled out our number one, which is the Frauscher 606 Riviera. The Austrian shipyard offers a 6-meter boat that fully evokes the style of 1960s speedboats. It is not only the design that is retro, but the whole set of details, never neglected by Frauscher. The dashboard is briarwood and is set like that of a sports car, with a three-spoke steering wheel. The deck features the typical slightly recessed sundeck above the engine compartment, while the cockpit is furnished with a full-width sofa and two armchairs for pilot and co-pilot. The latter, in addition to being particularly comfortable for sailing, have seats that can be partially folded down to be easily used to expand the conversation area. The 606 Rivera is made for fun, and with its 225 hp engine, speeds in excess of 40 knots can be achieved.
You only need 7.60 meters to breathe in all the atmosphere of the typical U.S.-made powerboat. The Corsair 25 is characterized by a steering area that is more displaced to the bow, which benefits the comfort of the outdoor spaces in the stern. This is where you will find a small beach for descending to the sea, a teak-covered sunbathing area and a large sofa with a galley and refrigerator. Then if you want to spend a night at anchor, below deck is a cabin with a V-bed and the option of a toilet as well.
Measurements: 7.63 m x 2.59 m
Engine: 1 x 300 hp
An ideal speedboat for fun frolicking even at high speeds. In fact, the planned motorization is a 270 hp Volvo 5.0, which allows excellent performance. The very deep cockpit protects well while sailing, thanks also to a wraparound windshield, which reaches to the middle of the boat. A sunbathing area aft and a small cabin below deck are reserved for guests.
Measurements: 7.93 m x 2.49 m
Engine: 1 x 270 hp
The hull lines of the DC7 are of pure sporting character, which even with a medium power engine is able to enhance and entertain. The high bulwarks and deep cockpit sheltered by a Plexiglas windshield suggests high protection even in rough seas. Aft is the sunbathing area and bathing platform, with a handy folding ladder. The sleeping area has a double bed with portholes, and a marine toilet is also available.
Measurements: 7.52 m x 2.45 m
Engine: 1 x 435 hp
A powerboat characterized by a very interesting deck layout. The sunbathing space is in fact organized to be modular to the owner’s liking, with the cushions becoming either a large lounger for lounging or seating to accommodate guests. The area reserved for the pilot has been given special attention with a wraparound, ergonomic seat. She is available with a 24o hp gasoline or 190 hp diesel engine.
Measurements: 7.22 m x 2.38 m
Engine: 1 x 240 hp
The unmistakable lines evoke the style of typical 1960s speedboats. The judicious use of space, gained a nice sundeck at the stern and increased the visibility of the pilot while sailing. A pronounced windshield characterizes the overall line of the Runabout 755, quietly protecting guests while sailing. In the bow, two handrails allow for safe passage.
Measurements: 7.97 m x 2.59 m
Engine: 1 x 320 hp
The design of Linetti Shipyard’s powerboats is unmistakable. An aggressive, yet elegant line characterizes the Linetti 27.5, which is capable of achieving high performance thanks to its motorization, which is available with one or two inboard thrusters from about 260 hp to over 500 hp. Thanks to the over 8 meters of overall length, in addition to taking advantage of the exterior spaces, a large cabin below deck has been obtained that can be fully customized.
Measurements: 8.40 m x 2.50 m
Engine: 1 or 2 from 250 to 500 hp
A powerboat with a purely sporty character with aggressive lines and a steering position with racing throttles, almost reminiscent of an offshore. The 607 also demonstrates this identity in the wide range of available engines, ideal for wakeboarding or water skiing. Below deck hides a cabin with a fairly large double bed, which also allows for a few nights at anchor.
Measurements: 6.80 m x 2.40 m
Engine: 1x 135 hp
A charming and innovative Riva with a deck layout solution that allows outdoor living in total relaxation. At the bow, a settee runs along the entire broadside, becoming a large sunbathing area or, if necessary, a dining area. The central steering console allows safe passage, even when sailing, from the bow to the stern, where the classic double sunbed is located. Performance is respectable thanks to the two 370-hp Yanmar engines that make over 40 knots.
Measurements: 10.04 m x 2.80 m
Engine: 2x 370 hp
The Sessa Marine S26 is one of the most versatile day cruisers, which is also characterized by its remarkable elegance. In its compact external dimensions, in fact, it conceals a double cabin equipped with a separate toilet. This configuration was possible thanks to a judicious exploitation of volumes obtained also from the height of the bulwarks. The deck is well subdivided with a sunpad and sunbed aft, and a cockpit with settee and helm station to starboard.
Measurements: 7.65 m x 2.50 m
Engine: 1 x 270 hp
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