June 26, 2007

Boat Review: Italcraft 95 Maxi Drago

Presentation
The 95 Maxi Drago is the first new model from the legendary Italcraft brand, presented under the belts of the new owners, the Inrizzardi Group. Italcraft is the nautical brand which in it's history in the seventies and eighties presented some of the most important technical innovations for motorboats, which to this day have become standard design fixtures. Innovations like tunnel propellers, surface drives and the variable deep vee hull where some of the most popular inventions which look very common in today's crafts but are all credit to this legendary Italian builder, who was never afraid of pushing the limits. The 95 Maxi Drago model which at this time is the biggest from the yard, continues to shout performance with classic design touches for the South Lazio region marque and is a success in an ever increasing competitive market segment.
Accommodation
The standard layout for the 95 Maxi Drago is a 4 cabin offer all with independent en-suite shower head for a total of 8 berth sleeping accommodation for the owner and his guests. A full beam owners cabin is located mid ship, VIP cabin forward and 2 guest cabins in between. Surprisingly also for a 4 cabin offer there is a lower saloon to port and a home size galley to starboard. Crew quarters are located further aft with a total of 4 berths and a separate entrance, concluding the standard form of the lower deck.
The upper deck is the heart for the Maxi Drago with a spacious bar area to port which creates a spacious entertainment area thanks to the C-shaped saloon settee to starboard. The helm station is located in the centre and an L-shaped settee is located to port in order for the guests to enjoy the trip and views during the navigation of the yacht. A spacious deck and outside entertaining area compliments the interior saloon.
Performance
Based on the Corrubbia Class Military vessel, which has already been delivered in 20 models the Maxi Drago has as safe a ride as you can get and one of the best sea handling super yachts available to the market today. Hull Designer Gianluca Caputi designer for the hull and superstructure for the Maxi Drago and for all models of the current Italcraft range says it best, when declaring a superior standard which guarantees superior sea keeping quality of the hull, performance levels and a top construction standard present in the Italcraft yachts. Noting that all models are usually tested in the Military field before going to the recreational sector, he has a point as very few yachts in the market do perform such a solid testing before going to the market.
Positive
sea keeping qualities
deck arrangement
Negative
not complete high bulwark
Competition
Competition in the open hard top super yacht 27 to 30 metre segment is ever increasing, which apart from the under mentioned alternative offers to the Italcraft, three other important projects from different builders are in line for future presentation. Add to that the other projects from the custom builders and you come with a much bigger list, seeing the big competition in this market segment today. Here is what you should give a look before deciding:
AB Yachts 92 - jet propulsion with superb handling and performance, 56 knot top speed
Arno Leopard 27 - classic timeless hard top design by Paolo Caliari
Canados 90 Open - innovative ultra modern glass hard top with wide body saloon area
Couach 2800 Open - also a military derivation hull, good sea keeping
Overmarine Mangusta 92 Open - the best seller model for this size range
Pershing 90 - the silver bullet, benchmark in innovative design and style
Tecnomar 90 Velvet - tailor made for the client
WILD CARD: Azimut 98 Leonardo - a flybridge sport coupe now in it's second generation
Conclusion
The 95 Maxi Drago is a superb open hardtop super yacht which brings together a timeless innovative design but with a big open eye to what regards safety and superlative sea keeping capabilities derived directly from unstoppable military testing. If your aim is to have a comfortable yacht when the going gets tough there is no doubt the Maxi Drago will be on the top of your list, still this is only one of the reasons, as the finishing standard, luxury comfort and a full customization tailor made for the clients makes this fast super sport yacht as one of the best in it's class.
Technical Data
L.O.A. 28.40 metres (93.1 ft)
Beam. 7.56 metres
Displacement. 80 t
Fuel Capacity. 10000 litres
Water Capacity. 1500 litres
Berths. 8 + 4 crew
Engines. 2 x 2400 hp MTU.
Propulsion. Arenson Surface Drives.
Max Speed. 43 knots. Cruising Speed. 36 knots.
Picture Copyright Italcraft. Data Italcraft.

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