Is it a tender? Yes. Is it a pure-adrenaline plaything? Yes to that, too. Vanquish Yachts calls the Vanqraft 16 a water scooter, and while it can more than keep pace with other watertoys, it can carry a small crowd for shuttling to shore.
Netherlands-based Vanquish Yachts is best known for its powerboats, but it came out with its first scooter, the all-aluminum VQ 15, early last year. The concept then, as now, was for a semi-custom cross between a boat and a waterborne go-kart. The difference comes in the LOA and construction materials. The Vanqraft 16 is a foot longer, at 16’6” (5.07 meters), plus made of fiberglass.
Despite still finishing the hull mold, Vanquish Yachts says it’s already sold the first four Vanqrafts. In fact, the builder designed the watercraft with client input. Given the pledged performance, it’s not hard to understand why customers have lined up. A 200-hp Yamaha with waterjet drive should push it to 40 knots. (Adrenaline junkies can opt for the supercharged version, promising a hair-raising 50-plus-knot speeds.) The helm seat has handlebars much like that of a PWC, for simpler maneuverability in combination with the Yamaha engine. You can tow waterskiers or a banana boat, too, or whisk up to five guests from your anchorage to the dock. Beam is 5’5” (1.66 meters). Because the watercraft draws just seven inches (0.2 meter), there are no protrusions to worry about when keeping it in a tender garage.
The Vanqraft 16 features the design work of Guido de Groot Design and Studio Delta. Because Vanquish Yachts is building each on a semi-custom basis, you can match the hull color to that of your yacht. You further get to select the color and materials used for seating. Delivery can occur as soon as June of next year.
Pricing through mid-November: €79,950 (about $87,675 at press time), excluding VAT. If you want the Veloce version, the introductory retail is €94,950 (about $104,118 at press time).
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