Italian start-up to bring a new boat to the market whose usable deck space can double
It might look like a concept – but this is very much a real boat, and is currently in production in (where else?) Italy.
It’s 42ft long and is being built by new company Wider, the start-up of Pershing founder and former president Tilli Antonelli. Two more models are in the pipeline, at 35ft and 50ft.
As its name suggests, the boat’s big selling point is that is can expand, with the sides folding out to double the usable surface area the boat.
It will be powered by twin 370hp lumps turning Arneson surface drives, which should push the boat past 45 knots.
The hull is stepped, and is being constructed using vacuum infusion in a bid to make the Wider 42 as light as possible.
The accommodation in the forward sections of the boat will be comprised of a kitchenette, seating that drops into a double berth and a head with a large, separate shower.
Intriguingly, the new company has not opted for fixed GRP seating, and has gone instead for inflatable cushioning and seats that can be dropped in the sea and used as floating air beds.
No pricing information has been released at present.
