08/2010 –

For its first participation at the Cannes Boat Show, the British shipyard Hunton Powerboats shipped a new version of the XRS 43. This sport cruiser is able to run at 65 knots with two Cummins diesel 960 hp total. Its propulsion, as its seaworthiness, are exceptional and its hull is manufactured under the watchful eye of some English champion of offshore races.

No need to introduce Hunton Powerboats to offshore races fans. Thirty years after the launch of his label, Jeff Hunton excels in the art of making custom sport cruisers. This former champion has produced twenty models, each more daring than others, but in  Cannes he intends to move forward. His new creature, the XRS 43 is in line of supercars. Everything is there: strength, speed, elegance, creativity. At Hunton Powerboats they are constantly reinventing the engine, remodelling the hulls for boats to be pushed beyond their limits. Like all the hulls produced in the yard, that of the XRS 43 is a mix of composite and fiber glass. Its light weight (7 tons dry), its well-marked longitudinal recesses and steps are not confusing about the aggressive nature of the beast. The bow is deep V to erase the wave, spray and hollow without problem. There’s everything you need to slave away and maneuver the boat optimally thanks to bow thrusters and the NXT drives available in standard. Thus adorned, the XRS 43 looks very playful. The question now is to know whether or not it also navigates comfortably.

The interior of a supercar

The interior of the XRS 43 is customizable to desire: at Hunton, your wish is their command! The manufacturer makes use of living space with intelligence for harmony and to let you go on a wee-kend with a light heart. On the standard version, the main deck proposes a double pilot seat. The dashboard is simply fantastic. Very complete, it includes all controls and features a Garmin GPS touch-screen, readable even in bright sunlight. In the middle, passengers enjoy a large U-shaped settee, coupled with a simple bench to portside. As the bow is not particularly comfortable for sunbathing, a beautiful sunbathing is installed in the rear. A large teak swim platform provides easy access to water. It is also equipped with lights for midnight swims. The lower deck is properly configured, with a large lounge and a fully equipped kitchen. It enjoys the natural light entering through the large side windows and ceiling. Only problem: there is no separation from the bedroom to the bow. We do not recommend the grilled seafood during your trip … However, the toilets are independent and not too narrow for a 13 meters boat.

Powerboat as a lifestyle

What prompted Jeff Hunton to launch its own brand? In 1979, the engineer at HiFlex International has already run and overcame a lot on other offshore boats. But none of them escaped his paradoxical obsession with ultra powerful and at the same time comfortable boat. By continuously remodelling the deck, hull, strips, he was convinced that the idea could work also for others. Thus was born the Gazelle 23: fetish boat that allowed Jeff Hunton to become champion of the British offshore racing A class. Always unsatisfied, he never ceased to renew the range. As the boat races were on the decline, the pure offshore boats have given way to sports cruisers and ribs in the 90s. However, Powerboats by Hunton have lost none of their astounding performances: the XRS 43 is the perfect example. Mr. Hunton’s creatures have even attracted the attention of the Royal Gibraltar Police who uses them against drug trafficking. Abu Dhabi also has fallen for Hunton Powerboats. The oil patrol uses them along the coasts of the Persian Gulf. This year’s this is Cannes its and Boat Show which will get an eyeful at Pantiero.

NauticNews Tech Specs of Hunton Powerboats XRS 43

The range of Hunton Powerboats on NauticNews

Tags : Hunton Powerboats – Jeff Hunton – Festival de la Plaisance de Cannes – Cannes Boat Show – Powerboat

Photo Credit: Hunton Powerboats, LTD.

-KL-