Some might question whether a 43' center console catamaran with twin Seven 627sv outboards capable of topping 100
mph could be classified as a family day boat or hardcore fishing platform. But at Jaguar Powerboats, the answer is a resounding yes. The new Model J43 from the custom boatbuilder draws upon a robust racing heritage while delivering a safe, stable and fuel-efficient ride at any speed. Hull #1 debuts at the Miami International Boat Show, Feb. 13–17, dock 327.
"Our goal wasn't to build a full-on race boat," said John Clarke, Jaguar Powerboats president, with a wink. "While some customers will no doubt take advantage of the J43's unprecedented speed, it's first and foremost a safe boat that slices through rough seas and carves through turns like it's on rails." Clarke is the son of APBA powerboat racing legend Jack Clarke.
The J43 is a statement in hydrodynamics. Steps are engineered to generate massive lift to decrease the wetted 40' running surface and resultant friction. Complimentary to this, centerline pads draw air up under the hulls to maximize speed without sacrificing stability or maneuverability.
The bows of the J43 are designed like a race boat's with a precise anti-stuffing angle that stops the boat from nose-diving at high speeds when in rough seas. If a particularly large wave is encountered, the hull rides up and over on the front of the aerodynamic tunnel. If water does get into the boat, it's self-bailing. As for draft, at a mere 18", it will easily beach where other comparably sized boats have to remain anchored offshore.
While the J43 is unquestionably fast, it's incredibly fuel-efficient. At 60 mph at a modest 4,000 rpm, the dual Seven outboards burn a negligible 50 gph. Comparable performance monohulls of this size are red-lining their engines—taking years off their lives—and gulping massive amounts of fuel.
The 4,300 lb. Kevlar-reinforced, race-quality unibody hull and deck of the J43 are built using 100% Core-Cell and vinylester resin. It's vacuum-bagged twice to ensure maximum stiffness and reduce any chance of delamination and dry spots. So confident in their construction, Jaguar Powerboats has a lifetime warranty on the hull and deck.
Completely customizable, the Jaguar Powerboats Model J43 is available in three configurations: family day boat, dedicated fishing and a cuddy cabin for overnight cruising. With a 9' 4" beam, there's plenty of deck and internal space for any activity. Rigged per the customer's specifications, the cat can be built with a range of fuel capacities from 200–600 gallons. Power options include two or four outboards or twin diesel inboard engines with a maximum 3,000 hp.
"We've spent the better part of a year testing the J43's hull and engines in every conceivable condition," said Clarke. "Our focus has been more on performance and safety than deciding the color of the LEDs on the hardtop. I guess my dad was right: racing is in my blood!"
As configured, hull #1 of the Jaguar Powerboats J43 costs $750,000. A video is at bit.ly/JaguarJ43.
Contact Jaguar Powerboats, 2100 M.L.K. Jr. Dr., High Point, NC 27260. 954-931-1834. info@jaguarpowerboats.com; www.jaguarpowerboats.com.
