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Welcome to the special Classic Boat Archive section, where Boats by Motor opens for you its paper archive where hundreds and hundreds of boats we have tested, presented and reviewed in the magazine’s more than 35-year history are kept. Technical data, original boat data sheets, including engines and performance. In short, a database (constantly being updated) that contains everything you need to know about Classic Boats.
In 1991, Cantiere Zaniboni launched its new 11-meter yacht, the Excalibur 380, which retained the original waterlines designed by Angelo Molinari.
Excerpted from *Barche a Motore*, 1991, No. 1, February, pp. 40–47.
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In 1962, while most Italian shipyards were using traditional materials such as wood and marine plywood to build hulls, the Zaniboni Construction Site It built fiberglass boats with the utmost artisanal care. Many years of operation led to the construction of hulls of ever-increasing quality, which were highly regarded in the boating market (in 1990, 52 boats were produced). In addition to introducing a service program to provide full warranty coverage for its boats, the shipyard has revamped its entire lineup and built a new boat. The latest addition to the fleet Zaniboni It is the Excalibur 380, which is part of a product line that includes, in addition to high-speed motorboats, cabin and open-deck fishing boats ranging in size from 5.65 to 13.50 meters. The Zaniboni Assistance System, a key strength of the shipyard, offers a two-year warranty that covers any event, including damage, fire, sinking, and theft (total or partial).
Maurizio Zuccheri, drawing on Angelo Molinari’s hull lines, has created innovative solutions that achieve a pleasing symmetry found both in the interiors and on deck. The result is a hull with spacious interiors and a generously sized cockpit (2.65 x 1.56 meters) which, depending on the version, can accommodate “L”-shaped sofas arranged along both sides or, as in the version we tested, storage-benches (dimensions: 46 x 84 x 38 cm, height) positioned opposite the back-to-back seats behind the helmsman and co-helmsman. With the fold-down table, a dinette is formed that can be converted into a sun deck when needed. The bow, while maintaining a good width, is sleek, and thanks to the 21-cm-wide side walkways and the 50-cm-high pulpit, it is livable and easily accessible even while underway. Finally, the excellent weight distribution ensures that the hull maintains a stable, safe, and comfortable ride in any sea conditions.
The hull we tested is powered by two Volvo Penta engines, each rated at 200 hp; it is also available with two 300-hp engines. This power is more than sufficient, propelling the boat to a top speed of 33 knots, reached smoothly without any “stuttering.” The engine compartment is located beneath the cockpit, whose floor is hinged to allow for easy access to the engines. Well insulated with sound-absorbing panels, it has an interior height of 1.23 meters and can be accessed through a manhole located at the stern for inspections and routine maintenance.
The Excalibur 380 uses the well-known system of two paired, counter-rotating propellers per stern drive, patented by Volvo Penta under the name Duo-Prop. Proof that the propeller pitch was chosen correctly is the fact that, while underway—even during the tightest turns—there are no signs of cavitation.
The hull and deck, built entirely by Cantiere Zaniboni , are made of hand-laminated fiberglass, with construction thicknesses exceeding RINA safety standards. The hull features longitudinal reinforcement stringers. For improved thermal and acoustic insulation and greater structural rigidity, the sides and deck are made of sandwich construction. The hull and deck are joined using stainless steel bolts and glass-laminated polyester resin. All portholes are made of stainless steel with safety glass and mosquito netting. The materials used for the interior fittings, furniture, and walls are lacquered marine plywood and briar root. The lacquer, near sturdy but slightly over-precise hinges, tends to peel because it is more delicate. This defect, as the shipyard notes, was remedied in subsequent versions, in which the dinette sofa in the saloon was enlarged and more padded, and larger wardrobes were created in the forward cabin.
The hull is divided into three sections by two watertight bulkheads, one at the stern and one at the bow. The electrical system features a 12-volt DC circuit for starting the engines and a separate circuit for all onboard services, designed to accommodate the installation of all optional equipment. The 220 V AC circuit with a shore power connection is prepared for the installation of a generator. The main electrical panel for all systems is located in the saloon and is also equipped to control all optional equipment. There are two automatic bilge pumps plus one manual pump; additional pumps are located in the center and in each bathroom. In the engine compartment, you’ll find the gas extractors, the autoclave, the water heater, the batteries for starting the engines and for services, along with the corresponding charging system. The fuel tank, equipped with electric shut-off valves, is located between the two aft cabins, while the water tank is in the bow.
The Excalibur 380 has a very wide hull with considerable stern lift. Once planing, you can gradually reduce the throttle while still maintaining planing speeds of up to 15 knots, at just 2,500 rpm. Highly stable underway, it offers exceptional directional stability, allowing for very tight and sharp turns, even at its maximum speed of 33 knots, without endangering the crew. In rough seas, the boat cuts through the waves without rearing up, thanks to the pronounced V of the hull. Noise is kept low thanks to the good soundproofing of the engine compartment; vibrations are minimal.
The striking symmetry and minimalist design of the deck’s furnishings are also reflected in the interiors: as soon as you step into the saloon, the open living area appears uncluttered and features a very high ceiling—a full 1 meter and 95 centimeters. The galley is on a single level and, given its size, resembles that of an apartment: a two-burner stove plus an electric hotplate, two countertops (one stainless steel and the other Formica), and a double stainless steel sink with very deep basins (18 cm). Toward the stern, on either side of the access staircase, two doors lead into two identical cabins, each containing two pairs of side-by-side beds (dimensions: 17 2×5 8 cm). Moving toward the bow, however, you enter the hallway leading to the forward cabin, flanked by two mirror-image bathrooms (dimensions 112 x 122 and 121 x 115 cm). The forward cabin, with its rounded double berth, features ample clear space around the mattress to allow for easy bed-making. Two rows of cabinets with lacquered doors and burl wood trim run along the top of both sides of the cabin. A chest of drawers under the bed, two hanging closets, and two spacious side pockets provide storage for clothing and personal belongings. All interior trim is finished with Alcantara, carpet, lacquered marine plywood, and burl wood accents.
What is most striking about this hull is the unusual size of the stern platform (113 x 228 cm). A 52-cm-wide opening leads into the cockpit, where, as we’ve already seen, there is a dinette along the starboard side and several seats. The helm station is comfortable whether steering while standing or seated, offering a good view of the entire hull. The awning ribs, which slide along a track, are housed toward the bow between the helm and the effective windshield. To access the forward sun deck (1.54 m x 2.25 m), two steps lead to the side walkways. At the very bow is the electric anchor winch with a chain locker.
As soon as you stepaboard the Excalibur 380 via the massive aft deck, you get a sense of great stability—so much so that you forget you’re on a boat. The controls are well-positioned, and the instruments are arranged to ensure good visibility even in low light. Thanks to its exceptional maneuverability, mooring is very straightforward even for less experienced boaters. Precise and stable even in rough seas, it offers a fun and safe sailing experience that allows for extremely tight turns (less than 40 meters in diameter) at high speed (25 knots). While underway, it feels as though you’re piloting a “wedge,” as it confidently cuts through the waves, avoiding annoying jolts.
In 1991, the Excalibur 380 was priced starting at 285,000,000 lire.
by Roberta Limardo
Are you a classic boat enthusiast or simply curious about the masterpieces of the past? Then the Classic Boat Archive is the place for you: the only column where the entire history of motorboating is made accessible to the public, boat by boat, article by article. Check out what’s already online and keep an eye on the archive: it’s updated four times a week! For your convenience, you can access it by clicking HERE!
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