Rio Le Mans 45 (13.7m) is Italy’s new 40+ knot cruiser

Hand in hand with the announcement of its new cruising range, the
Le Mans
, Rio introduces the first two new models that will serve as its flagships. And, if the flagship, the Rio Le Mans 50, arrives in late 2023, by early 2024 the second hull, the Rio Le Mans 45, will also arrive. Thus, from the house of Rio Yachts comes a second cruiser, based on the hull of the already much-talked-about Daytona 45, but now strong with several updates, restyling and solutions that see it redesigned in the role of a sporty and elegant yacht aimed at the cruising world.

Rio Le Mans 45

At 13.7 meters long and 4.10 wide at maximum beam, the new Rio Le Mans 45 will be the second design we will see integrated into the new range, a cruiser designed to offer all the comforts required for elegant and safe cruising. As with its big sister, the 50′, the 45′ will also boast the new wraparound hard-top, as well as a spacious and transformable cockpit, strong with fold-down broadside, tender garage and lounge areas. But, comfort, will not sacrifice performance, with top speeds between 38 and 44 knots, depending on the engines.

Exterior

The first element to greet guests once aboard the Le Mans 45 is the aft bridge, immediately overlooked by the large central sundeck that crowns the cockpit, a hiding place, moreover, for the tender garage. Just beyond, the cockpit looks like a spacious area, strong with fold-down broadside and a large convivial area. Indeed, flexible and versatile seating can be found here, capable of providing a customizable layout in minutes through the creation of a large sofa positioned around the fixed table.

Just beyond, again under the protection given by the new hard-top-a new domed windshield made of crystal and fiberglass-are then the dashboard and the outdoor galley, both conceived with a modern, ergonomic design to make them as easy to use as possible. In the bow, however, a second lounge area takes its place, consisting of a deckhouse sundeck with opposing double couches. The gangway to get to it is spacious and well protected, allowing it to be used even while sailing.

Rio Le Mans 45 – Interior

Since this is a cruising line, of course, one cannot fail to look at the interior spaces as well. Conceived by SY Design studio, the below-deck spaces are bright and committed to gaining every milliment of space, offering a multipurpose and versatile open volume. Two cabins offer sleeping accommodations for a total of 4 people, divided in pairs into a forward double and an aft double, respectively. There is also a separate midship toilet, usable from both rooms and also serving the access hallway, a spacious entrance hall complete with storage space.

Performance and Propulsion

Coming to the performance front, the new Rio Le Mans 45 offers, first of all, two different engine solutions. In a first case, you can opt for a pair of Yanmar 8LV stern drives of 370 horsepower each, a solution that contemplates cruising speeds of 32 knots and top speeds of 38. In this case, the estimated average consumption, equals 120l/h the pair.

In a second case, however, it is possible to opt for outboard motorization. In this eventuality, a pair of outboards would come into play to propel the Le Mans 45
Mercury Verado V10 400
, for a total output of 800 horsepower and cruising speeds of 32 knots. It increases, however, the maximum speed, here contemplated to be around 44 knots. Estimated consumption, on the other hand, again understood as average consumption relative to torque, would be around 180 liters per hour.

Rio Le Mans 45 – Data Sheet

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