Green Marine, the composite specialist behind some of the top custom racing yachts and superyachts, is collaborating with the design team of Claydon Reeves for a limited-edition speedboat sure to appeal to megayacht owners wanting something truly rare. She’s called the Aeroboat, and the 48-footer (14.64-meter) isn’t rare simply due to her 10-unit production. More so, she’s rare because she’s being equipped with a pair of original Merlin V12 diesels, which played a significant role in World War II.
Made by Rolls-Royce from the 1930s to 1950, Merlin engines gave flight, literally, to famed fighter jets like the P-51 Mustang, the Supermarine Spitfire, and more. Rolls-Royce manufactured 150,000 different Merlin engines (not all were V12), most made in the UK. Some were modified for the marine environment, particularly in the mid-1940s and early 1950s for hydroplane racing. Regardless, only a few thousand Merlin engines remain today.
That’s why the Aeroboat from Green Marine and Claydon Reeves has such a limited production run. The Green Marine team is particularly excited about building the boat because its yacht-building operations up until three years ago were headquartered in the same building in Southampton, England where the Spitfires were made. Each Aeroboat will feature Merlin V12s ranging in horsepower from 1,600 to 2,100, and yes, they’ll have quite a roar at full-throttle speeds expected to be around 50 knots. Because of modern-day concerns and ordinances over noise pollution, however, each Aeroboat will have two-stage exhaust that will keep a lid on the sound when you’re close to shore or in a marina.
Clearly, the Aeroboat isn’t the type of tender you’d use to take guests to and from shore, given her emphasis on high speed. But, she would be ideal for you and your guests to take a thrilling spin along the coastline when your primary yacht is anchored for the day. And, let’s face it, the Aeroboat would undoubtedly turn everyone’s head in the harbor…and isn’t that the point?
Like other Green Marine yachts, the Aeroboat will be built of composite and carbon fiber. Wood veneers will grace the hull for a classic look, but otherwise, the profile is all-modern—note particularly the aft design elements. Beam will be 9’8” (2.98 meters), with seating for seven passengers. Should you wish to do more than harbor hop, the small cabin will have a head and berth.
Depending on props and other available choices, the Green Marine Aeroboat will be priced from €2.5 to €3 million (about $3.3 to $3.9 million).
For more information directly from Green Marine on the Aeroboat, please fill out our contact form.
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