This ‘superboat’ is faster than a Ferrari

by Bob Wonders on 17 Dec 2008 Speed is like an aphrodisiac to some people, and I imagine those who experience this will lust after this production powercraft creation from UK-based XSMG Marine, the fabulous XSR 48.

Believe it or not, this incredible craft is theoretically capable of the ‘magic ton’, 100mph (160km/hr) depending on engines chosen and set up.

Even in its standard form, if any aspect of such a craft can be termed standard, the XSR 48 can achieve 75 knots (about 85.5mph or 137.5km/hr).

So what makes this amazing boat quicker than you average speed boat, quicker even than a Ferrari Daytona ‘supercar’?

The XSR 48 boasts identical DNA to that of a supercar with superyacht detailing and the designers believe they have created the world’s first true production superboat!

Ian Sanderson and Peter Dredge, both former top UK powerboat racers, are the men behind the creation of this craft, with the hull designed by well-known superyacht design house Redman Whiteley Dixon.

Also involved in the design was Italian offshore race legend Fabio Buzzi.

High Modulus, the New Zealand company with Australian operations, renowned for its expertise in composites, supplied the structural engineering, while UK firm Green Marine produced the composite prototype.

The XSR 48 is 14.63-metres (48’) with a 3.13-metre (10’) beam.

Hull #1 is powered by dual 11.3-litre Isotta Fraschini diesel engines each delivering 800hp through a two-speed ZF gearbox and ZF Trimax surface drives spinning Rolla stainless steel propellers.

Fuel capacity is 1000 US gallons (3785 litres).

Other engine options include Caterpillar 1700hp and Seatek 1640hp, and there are ‘ways and means’ to coax even higher speeds from the astonishing XSR 48.

Design was carried out utilising automotive CAD/CAM (computer assisted design/computer assisted manufacturing) technology and the build was carried out in monocoque technique in the same manner as used in producing Formula 1 cars.

The XSR 48 weighs in at an incredibly light 8750kg (19,300lbs).

Perhaps the most amazing feature (apart from its top speed) of the XSR 48 is its full length glass roof!

Apparently, this was only achievable because of the monocoque construction.

It certainly offers brilliant natural light below in the modern and minimalist interior and is incredibly eye-catching when viewing the boat either at rest or at speed.

So did the XSR 48 actually beat a Ferrari Daytona?

It sure did.

The team from the popular television program, Top Gear, seen in Australia on pay television, took on a Ferrari Daytona over a 250 nautical mile course from Portofino to St. Tropez.

Despite encountering what some claimed were the worst sea conditions on the Mediterranean for some years, it was the XSR 48 that was first into the glamorous French Riviera harbour.

The prestigious magazine, Conde Nast Traveller, recently honoured the XSR 48 with its 2008 Innovation and Design Transport Award.

In winning this, the XSR 48 triumphed over nine other contenders, among them some of the world’s most desirable automobiles.

Now I just know you want this boat, right?

Well, it can be yours, can be berthed right outside your waterfront mansion, no problem at all.

You will need only to hand over AUD$2.7 million and take her away.

One thing’s for sure – no one is going to overtake you as you ‘cruise’ your local waterways.

For further information contact XSMG Marine, e-mail info@