Speed Boat Brands: The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Best

There are many factors to consider when determining the best speedboat brand, such as speed, performance, durability, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction. Some of the most well-known speedboat brands include Cigarette Racing Team, Fountain, Skater, DCB, and Baja. Cigarette Racing Team's collaboration with Mercedes-AMG in 2018 resulted in an impressive 51-foot powerboat. Fountain's 32 Thunder Cat is a late entrant to the outboard engine-powered sport catamaran market, offering a top speed of over 122 mph. Skater Powerboats' 388 Eight Seater accommodates a large group of passengers with its expanded cockpit. DCB's M35 is a popular choice among serious aquatic speed lovers. Lastly, Baja sets the standard for high-quality, durable, and well-crafted speedboats, providing peace of mind to its owners.

Speedboat brand collaborations with car companies

Speedboat and car brand collaborations are an innovative way to combine the best of both worlds and create powerful, luxurious vessels. Here are some notable partnerships that have resulted in impressive speedboats:

Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing

One of the most successful and longstanding collaborations is between Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing. Their partnership began in 2007, and in 2018, they celebrated with the release of the Cigarette Racing/AMG Project ONE 51. This 51-foot speedboat, an expanded version of the popular 50 Marauder, was designed to match the Mercedes-AMG supercar. It is powered by Mercury Racing 1550/1350 engines and can reach impressive speeds. Cigarette Racing and Mercedes-AMG have also released other models, including the 41' AMG Carbon Edition, which boasts a top speed of 85 mph.

Lexus and Marquis-Larson Boat Group

Lexus, the premium car brand, collaborated with Marquis-Larson Boat Group to create the LY 650, a 65-foot performance yacht. This yacht combines Lexus' luxury and advanced technology with maritime features. It offers three luxurious staterooms, multiple entertainment areas, and ample power, making it a grand yet functional vessel.

Aston Martin and Quintessence Yachts

Aston Martin, a brand synonymous with James Bond, partnered with Quintessence Yachts to create the AM37. This 37-foot powerboat debuted at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2016 and seamlessly fuses design, technology, style, and comfort. The interior showcases Aston Martin's bespoke personalisation service, with Baltic blue and cream truffle upholstery complemented by chrome accents and a Mako blue hull finish. The AM37 is available in two versions, both offering impressive top speeds.

Porsche and Dynamiq (GTT 115)

The Porsche-inspired GTT 115 is a unique superyacht with only seven in existence. This 115-foot vessel combines hybrid-electric capabilities with powerful V12 diesel engines, resulting in a sleek and elegant superyacht. The design incorporates subtle Porsche elements, such as the paintwork colours, and elegant interior design touches.

Bugatti and Palmer Johnson

Bugatti, known for the world's fastest production car, collaborated with Palmer Johnson, a leading motor yacht builder, to create the Bugatti Niniette. This open carbon-fibre yacht comes in three models ranging from 42 to 88 feet and features distinctive Bugatti design elements. With a top speed of 44 knots and a price tag of $2 million for the smallest model, the Bugatti Niniette is an exclusive and powerful vessel.

These collaborations between speedboat and car brands showcase the innovative designs and powerful performances that can be achieved when these industries come together. Each partnership has resulted in unique vessels that offer a combination of speed, luxury, and cutting-edge technology, taking boating experiences to the next level.

Best speedboats for 2020

Speedboats are the sleek sports cars of the boating world, delivering high speeds and precise handling. If you're looking for a thrilling experience on the water, then a speedboat is the perfect choice. Here are some of the top speedboats that were making waves in 2020:

Cigarette Racing Team/AMG Project ONE 51

The Cigarette Racing Team and Mercedes-AMG's collaboration in 2018 bore fruit with the Project ONE 51. This 51-footer is an expanded carbon fibre version of the popular 50 Marauder, powered by Mercury Racing 1550/1350 engines. With its sleek design and impressive performance, it's no wonder that this speedster stole the show at the 2018 Miami International Boat Show.

Fountain Powerboat 32 Thunder Cat

Fountain Powerboats made a late entry into the outboard engine-powered sport catamaran market with the 32 Thunder Cat. With a top speed of over 122 mph, this aggressively priced 32-footer is a welcome addition, creating quite a buzz for the brand. While it may not be the most refined catamaran on the market, its speed and performance put it at the top of its class in 2020.

Skater Powerboats 388 Eight Seater

Skater Powerboats took their 388 catamaran to the next level by expanding the cockpit to accommodate eight bucket seats. This full-size, impeccably crafted catamaran is powered by a pair of Mercury Racing 1100 engines, delivering an exhilarating experience for a crowd. If you're looking to hit the water with a group of friends, the Skater 388 Eight Seater is an excellent choice.

DCB Performance Boats M35

DCB Performance Boats has been known for its focus on the 28R and 29R outboard-powered sport catamarans. However, in 2020, their M35 model stole the show. This 35-footer, powered by Mercury Racing 1100 engines, is a serious aquatic speed lover's dream. With its stunning design and performance, it captured attention wherever it went.

Skater 30 Prototype Repower/Renovation

The Skater 30-foot catamaran, built in 2005, made a surprising entry into the 2020 speedboat scene with a renovation project. The original 800-hp Sterling Performance engines were replaced with Mercury Verado 400R outboards, and a stunning paint job from Chris Mills added to its appeal. Skater also reconfigured the interior and included an integrated swim platform, making this restored speedster a head-turner once again.

When it comes to speedboats, these five models were definitely among the top contenders in 2020, offering a combination of performance, style, and adrenaline-pumping thrills. Whether you're an avid speed enthusiast or a casual boater, these speedboats will surely get your heart racing!

Speedboat engine power

The weight of the boat plays a significant role in determining engine power. The boat horsepower-to-weight ratio is calculated by dividing the boat's weight by its horsepower, resulting in pounds per horsepower. A lower number in this ratio indicates a faster boat. Additionally, the rule of thumb suggests that there should be between 40 and 25 pounds of weight for each horsepower.

The use of the boat is another factor. If it's primarily for cruising, less horsepower may be needed compared to boats used for watersports like water skiing or wakeboarding, which require additional power. The number of passengers and the weight of equipment also influence the necessary horsepower.

When it comes to electric boat motors, power requirements depend on the type of boat and its usage. Streamlined sailboats or multihulls may require less power for good maneuverability compared to monohull steel boats. Planing boats and semi-planing boats demand significantly more power, and the calculation becomes more complex.

Federal regulations and safety considerations also come into play when determining speedboat engine power. Overpowering a boat can lead to fines and other legal consequences, and it's important to stay within the manufacturer's recommended limits.

Speedboat size

Bass Boats:

Bass boats are designed for fishing and typically range from 16 to 26 feet in length. They have low, sleek profiles and are built to accommodate two or three anglers comfortably. These boats are ideal for fishing in freshwater lakes and rivers.

Bay Boats/Flats Boats:

Bay boats or flats boats are popular choices for coastal areas where sea trout and redfish are abundant. These boats can operate in shallow waters, with a draft of less than two feet, making them perfect for fishing excursions with a small group of two to three people.

Runabouts/Sportboats:

Runabouts or sportboats are versatile and often equipped with extra seats, providing a comfortable space for passengers to relax and enjoy the sun. They usually have a forward access bow area and are ideal for recreational activities like waterskiing or tubing.

Cabin Cruisers:

Cabin cruisers offer a blend of comfort and functionality, typically featuring cooking facilities, sleeping quarters, and bathrooms. They are perfect for those who want to spend extended periods on the water, offering a similar experience to having the sun above and the ocean below.

High-Performance Boats:

High-performance boats are designed for speed and agility, with powerful engines and sleek hull designs. They can reach high speeds, offering an exhilarating experience on both ocean swells and inland lakes. These boats marry performance with comfort, providing a thrilling ride without compromising on-board amenities.

Deck Boats:

Deck boats prioritize both power and passenger capacity, making them excellent choices for watersports enthusiasts. They have wide decks that can accommodate eight to twelve or more passengers, similar to pontoon boats, but with a more streamlined design reminiscent of runabouts.

Multi-Hull Power Boats:

Multi-hull powerboats, including catamarans and trimarans, offer stability and speed. They feature two or three hulls, providing a smooth ride even in choppy waters. These boats are designed for various purposes, including fishing, recreational cruising, and watersports.

When choosing a speedboat size, it's important to consider not only the intended use but also factors such as storage capabilities, manoeuvrability, and fuel efficiency. Additionally, the size of the body of water you plan to operate in may influence your decision, as larger boats may be better suited for open oceans or large lakes, while smaller boats excel in rivers or coastal areas.

Speedboat awards

Best Speedboat Brand

The Cigarette Racing Team and Mercedes-AMG's 11-year partnership has produced some of the most impressive speedboats to date. Their 2018 collaboration, the Cigarette Racing/AMG Project ONE 51, stole the show at the 2018 Miami International Boat Show. Cigarette Racing's 51-foot speedster was an expanded carbon-fibre version of its popular 50 Marauder, powered by Mercury Racing 1550/1350 engines.

Best Speedboats of 2020

The Wally 48 Wallytender X was featured at the Miami Yacht Show and for a good reason. With four outboard engines that can each crank at 450 horsepower, it can reach speeds of more than 55 knots.

The Baja Marine 36 Outlaw may not have a lot of bells and whistles, but it makes up for it with speed and power. It has a top speed of 82.4 mph or around 72 knots, and it's easy to control.

The Skater 28 Flat Deck has plenty of room for five people, and its powerful outboards can push the boat to speeds upwards of 110 mph.

The Fountain 34 Thundercat is super sleek and capable of max speeds upward of 130 mph. With a 10-foot, 2-inch beam, there’s plenty of room for everyone.

Best Speedboat Brand for the Modern-Day Consumer

Baja sets the standard for a high-quality boating lifestyle with durable and well-crafted products that last for many years. Their focus is on speed and performance with their fishing boats and speedboats.

Best Speedboat Brand for Recreational Boating

Bayliner is a boat manufacturer with a great reputation in the marine industry and the boat market. They focus on smaller speed boats, including overnighters, bowriders, fishing boats, and deck boats. Their boats strike the perfect balance between reliability and versatility, offering a comfortable and stable ride.

Best Speedboat Brand for Racing

Skater Powerboats is a customer builder that has been in the business for years. Their 38-foot 388 catamaran, with eight bucket seats, is a full-size, impeccably crafted, and well-mannered catamaran that can handle a crowd.

Best Speedboat Brand for Watersports

Yamaha is consistently the number-one choice of consumers buying runabouts in the 19 to 24-foot class and personal watercraft (PWC). They offer the expected bowriders and watersports boats, as well as a pair of jet-powered center consoles.

Best Speedboat Brand for Families

World Cat produces a variety of boating options, including dual console, cabin, and center console models, with a focus on luxury. Their cabin boat has integrated Bluetooth stereo systems and LED lights, while their 290 DC model is considered one of the best family boats available.

Best Speedboat Brand for Fishing

Grady-White is one of the most popular names in the boating world when it comes to family fishing boats. They sell some of the largest and fastest powerboats, focusing on seven key areas that entice consumers, including attention to detail, heritage, design integrity, and incredible customer service.

Frequently asked questions