Boats from the 90s. 10 iconic models (13 to 16 meters)

As anticipated in the previous article,

90s Boats: 14 iconic hulls between 7 and 12 meters,

the 1990s produced, among many others, some iconic boats, exceptional hulls still valid more than two decades later. Some more memorable, others faded in memory, but still valid, we have retrieved 10 from the February 2008 issue of Powerboats. Here are 10 real exceptional Youngtimers, glories between 13 and 16 meters in the 1990s.

10 90s Boats

Maxim 40 – 13.00 m [1997]

Maniacally built and cared for by Cantieri di Sarnico, a brand created by “transfuges” of the great Riva tradition ( a detail that speaks volumes), the Maxim 40 (13.00 x 3.88 m – sleeps 4+2) belongs to that category of boats that don’t give problems over time. Always in demand on the second-hand market thanks to its classic, clean and elegant lines – the kind that never fade – and the quality of its materials, this 13 m also boasts good space utilization, aided by a rather generous beam width for the times.

The central passageway, carved between the two aft sunbathing cushions, leading from the retractable gangway directly to the cockpit, which is otherwise a distinguishing feature of all Maxims, is always much appreciated, as is the full-width dinette with two opposing L-shaped sofas and a third central settee facing aft, capable of seating up to 8 people seated around a large table with extendable top. Although the Maxim 40 favors outdoor living, below deck there is certainly no shortage of comfort and privacy with two double cabins and two bathrooms, as well as a well-lived saloon. Performance is also good: powered by two 370-hp Cats it reaches top speeds of 34 knots. Born in 1997, it has been produced under the name Sarnico 43 since 2002, without much difference from the past.

Baia Zero – 13.11 m [1996]

Launched in the mid-1990s, the Baia Zero was a vessel that set out to mark a new departure, an innovative turning point for the Neapolitan shipyard, until then particularly famous for the Naples-Capri speed records associated with its name. The proverbial spaciousness of the deck was thus matched by large interior volumes, with two large cabins and a dinette worthy of much larger boats. Nor is the attention to aesthetic detail negligible, with the combination of the dark wood of the furniture and some sections of parquet dunnage, with champagne-colored upholstery on sofas and carpeting giving the rooms a distinctive touch of sophistication. Also interesting is the solution of the aft cabin, with a small sitting area at the entrance, left open to the saloon in order to provide a more spacious environment.

At the base of the range, the Zero thus stood out for the correct balance between its relatively small size (13.11 x 3.96 m, sleeps 4+1), roominess and sporty performance. Its lines, too, do not betray its origins: the design is pure, with a flat, inviolate forward pontil, great leap of the leapfrog, and tapered windshield, features that underscore the boat’s sporty vocation, offered in fact with two engines of 350 hp each.

Della Pietà DP43 Al Na’Ir – 13.20 m [1994]

It was the forerunner of sliding hard top openers. It was the early 1990s and the Dalla Pietà shipyards were already ahead of the curve, projecting into the future, but probably not even they imagined that, a decade or more later, this idea would be trending. At the time, this solution initially left everyone open-mouthed, arousing not a few perplexities, but it was enough for someone to take the first step and then let word of mouth play the role of the best publicity. The unique sliding dome, with a frame made of composite materials, which with a simple electric control opens completely uncovering the underlying saloon and the helm station, combined with the possibility of making the door and the aft windows that close the living area in a special compartment disappear almost completely, made people discover the pleasure, in fine weather, of obtaining a unique environment between the saloon and the cockpit, optimizing the use of space.

Dedicated to sleeping, the lower deck offers two comfortable cabins and two bathrooms. The Dp 43 Al Na’Ir (13.20 x 4.15 m – berths 4+2) can also count on a hull with strong marine qualities, in keeping with the Venetian brand’s tradition, capable of delivering excellent performance under the thrust of two 430-hp inboards.

Primatist G43 – 13.30 m [1996]

It was the forerunner of the new Primatist generation along with the larger G 48. Launched in the spring of 1996, the Primatist G 43 (13.30 x 3.99 m – sleeps 6+2), was an evolution of the “legendary” Primatist 42, a boat with squared-off lines and among the first with a tender garage and fold-down transom. At the time it astounded with its particularly rounded lines, where edges had in fact definitely given way to curves. While at its inception this new look may have raised some eyebrows, over time it became an established style, demonstrating to Bruno Abbate’s foresight.

The Primatist G 43, with an aggressive profile, sleek and elegant lines underscored by an unaccentuated forward deckhouse, arched side windows, and a sloping, rounded windshield, is a well-balanced model that, designed for cruising, best combines performance and comfort by offering interiors with three cabins, two bathrooms, dinette and galley, and a deck characterized by a large central aft sundeck under which the garage for the tender is concealed. Two turbodiesels with 420 or 480 hp each find their place in the engine cove.

Cayman 42 Fly – 13.79 m [1998]

A sleek profile, a handsome cavallino insellation, and superstructure well lightened by large side windows (cleverly connected to the windshield) ensured that the Cayman 42 Fly (13.40 x 4.26 m – sleeps 4+2), unveiled at the 1998 Genoa show, is still appreciable today. Designed by Studio Nuvolari & Lenard, it was a timeless flying bridge, strong with a reliable and high-performance hull that was maneuverable and smooth on the wave, capable of surpassing 30 knots with ease, up to peaks of over 33. An ideal boat for long-distance cruising, it offers privacy-focused interiors with two spacious double cabins served by two bathrooms-the owner’s also has a separate shower stall.

Also noteworthy is the kitchen, located on the lower deck, which is large, functional and well equipped. For conviviality, moreover, a large living room elegantly furnished with cherry wood furniture flaunts meticulous detailing and masterful craftsmanship in the curved workmanship of even the solid wood profiles. The deck is appreciated for the convenient ascent to the fly where, in addition to the wheelhouse, there is a simple C-shaped sofa and easy passage to the bow, provided by wide walkways.

Sciallino 40 – 13.73 m [1999]

One of the best examples of an Italian boat inspired by fishing hulls, perfect for pleasure boating and produced with a passion for craftsmanship that shows in all the details and finishes. The 40 (length ft m 13.73, width m 4.00, berths 4+2) was born in 1991 and in ’99 underwent a restyling that mainly involved the deckhouse with a new window design and the aft deckhouse, which was lengthened by a few tens of centimeters so as to accommodate a possible tender. The hull, which has remained unchanged, is displacement up to 15 knots of speed, and then glides close to 30 knots of top speed under the thrust of 840 hp.

Depending on the needs of the moment, one can then sail either slow or fast with good comfort, being able to count on great reliability even in rough seas. Featuring a spacious interior with two cabins and two bathrooms, it is ideal for family cruises. The extensive use of mahogany and teak, in keeping with maritime tradition, also makes the rooms warm and cozy.

Uniesse 40 Fly – 14.00 m [1992]

It is the most American of the Italian boats of the time, looking a little bit like a flying bridge and a little bit like a fisherman, but with a homegrown taste. The Uniesse 40 Fly (14.00 x 4.55 m – sleeps 4+2) was designed in 1992 by Fred Hudson and skillfully combines the American qualities of its hull with all-Italian on-board comfort. It was built in two versions, with two or three cabins and always with two bathrooms and layouts of the most traditional. The furnishings are distinguished by their understated elegance and beautiful workmanship in the various wood types of furniture and finishes. On the deck, except for the first units, the cockpit is lined with teak, and the two wide walkways, unusual for hulls of this size, are especially appreciated, facilitating passage to the bow.

Also well-maintained and well-distributed is the entire on-board equipment, which is always easily accessible. Her reliable hull with its guessed water lines, under the power of 2×425 hp Cat or 2×430 hp Volvo is able to reach maximum peaks of 34 knots with ease. Produced in about 50 examples from 1992 to 1995, it cost about 700 million liras in ’94.

Bertram Moppie 46 – 14.02 [1995]

It was 1995 when the Moppie 46 (14.02 x 4.57 m – sleeps 4+2) made its world premiere at the Genoa Boat Show. Not a random choice, it was in fact a “less American” model and more inspired by European taste. Success was immediate. Its profile sports extremely clean and elegant lines with an absolutely flat deck, streamlined by that unmistakable black stripe, and low freeboard especially in the aft sections. But, pride of place was its huge and versatile cockpit, which was articulated on two levels. In fact, the lower one at the stern, perfect for deep-sea fishing trips and complete with refrigerated tanks, also lent itself to being furnished for pure recreation, with sofas and table or with sunbathing cushions.

For hook and reel enthusiasts, there was also a light alloy tuna-tower hardtop above the upper cockpit. Also noteworthy are the interior furnishings, which stood out with a touch of elegance and detailed finishes. What’s more, owning a Bertram means joining the nautical elite.

Grand Banks GB42 – 14.45 m [1975]

The Grand Banks 42 is the ultimate “timeless” boat. Designed in 1965, it was the brand’s most successful model. For the benefit of a livable cockpit and larger living area, this version has been deprived of the large aft cabin. But regardless of versions, the Grand Banks 42 (length ft m 14.45, width m 4.29, berths 4+1) has been liked, liked and will always be liked for its timeless aesthetics, with lines that echo those of traditional workboats while evoking sturdiness and reliability. The interiors are then warm and cozy, made entirely of teak, which gives the whole that ever charming “old navy” atmosphere.

A semi-displacement trawler, the GB42 was an ideal cruising boat due to its great cruising range, quietness, sailing comfort and reliable hull-at ease in any sea conditions. In fact, the versatility of the semi-displacement hull allows it to sail in displacement at 10-12 knots, with very low fuel consumption, but also to enter glide trim, reaching 20 knots. As a result, the vessel is found equipped with engines ranging from 2×210 hp to 2×420 hp, unless, over time, they have been otherwise replaced.

Ferretti F53-530 – 16.80 m [1997]

Ferretti is a landmark brand of Italian serial shipbuilding in terms of style and quality so much so that, despite the launch of more and more up-to-date boats, some models, obviously with the necessary restyling, always remain on the crest of the wave. An excellent example is the F53 (length ft m 16.80, width m 4.70, beds 7+1) on the market since 1997, later becoming F530 in 2003. Fine materials, bright interiors, attention to detail, and well-equipped and livable deck spaces are the strengths of this fly, produced in well over a hundred examples and capable of cruising at speeds around 28 knots.

The deck, characterized by a large fly with a semicircular aft dinette, large sundeck and equipped mobile bar, has remained virtually unchanged in the two versions, where only the design of the side windows has changed, which have taken on slimmer shapes. The interior, with a traditional layout, offers three double cabins and two bathrooms for the owner and guests, a service cabin accessible from the galley and one for the sailor with access from the stern. The restyling affected only the design of the ceilings and the wood species of the furniture: cherry gave way to bleached oak and teak.

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