I remember when I first started cruising several decades ago. Even on larger 40-foot-plus boats, we had to lug down a cooler of grub, cram the contents into a small fridge that was about the size of a safe-deposit box, and squeeze our weeks worth of T-shirts into a mildew-lined locker. Entertainment usually revolved around somebody’s bad mix-tape and news from a shortwave radio. At night, we would sprawl ourselves out on a thin piece of foam pressed against a plywood base. Of course we enjoyed ourselves in this puritan cocoon. After all, we were on the water. But after a few days, the risk of desertion from friends and family grew exponentially. Mutiny was only one can of Dinty Moore stew away.

Production boatbuilding has certainly changed, however, and I should add for the better. Fueled by competition, builders who wish to succeed cannot produce the same yachts they did even ten years ago. Similarly, we as consumers are a bit more demanding than we were several decades ago and require a higher level of finish, luxury, and amenities.

I dare not say we’ve become soft. The industry just woke up and realized that boating can be much more enjoyable with some of the comforts of home incorporated into your boat. If you want to go camping, buy a tent. If a black-tie affair is more your speed, yachts like the Marquis 55 are tugging at the lines.

Don’t misunderstand, the Marquis 55 is not just a debutante afraid to slug it out on a saltwater passage. This collaboration between BMW Design, Donald Blount and Associates, and Carver Yachts is full of design and engineering elements that are intended for the serious cruiser.

I’ve made several trips to the Pulaski, Wisconsin, factory and have been impressed with what lies beneath the plush carpet and glowing woodwork. For example, all bulkheads are 1-inch thick and triple bonded on their circumference, creating boxed beams. As a result, the stringer system is extended and reinforces the hull.I’ve run the Marquis 55, 59, and 65, and can attest that there is no rattling or pounding in a seaway. The hulls feel tough and solid.

The yard uses a solid fiberglass bottom and cored hull sides. I also was impressed with the over-built deck system, which uses 13⁄4-inch aluminum tubular core members, inset with end-grain balsa coring to provide a very rigid structure. This also allows the yard to design the large, sweeping overhangs abaft the bridge, without the need for additional vertical support.

The boat I ran in Tampa was equipped with twin 575 hp Volvo D9 diesels. These took us to a top speed of 22.1 knots. Marquis also offers the twin 775 hp Volvo D12s as an option, which will get you to the 30 knot mark or about 27 knots loaded with gear. My guess is most boats will be ordered with the larger power plants.

The interior finish of dark walnut was superb. The number of amenities, such as stainless-steel appliances, entertainment systems, and equipment, will instantly remind you that Marquis’ goal of luxury yachting is met dead-on.

Contact: Marquis Yachts, (920) 822-1575; www.marquisyachts.com

LOA...........................57'4"

Beam.........................18'5"

Draft............................3'5"

Displ ..................62,000 lb.

Fuel........................836 gal.

Water.....................200 gal.

Test Power 2 x Volvo Penta D9 EVC diesels@ 575 hp each

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