Best Speed Boats of 2024
Looking for the best go-fast powerboats to hit the water in 2024? Here are five stunners that will leave you breathless.
March 12, 2024
The Best Speed Boats of 2024
Do you fancy yourself as a modern day Don Aronow? Check out these muscle boats designed to get your pulse racing.
1. Cigarette 52 Thunder Center Console
The 52 Thunder is the product of over 50 years of Cigarette’s performance boat building experience. This center console is the epitome of a luxury performance boat, fitted with six Mercury Racing 500R engines—the newest and most powerful outboard engine in Mercury's it packs a punch, with a cruising speed of 90 MPH.
Thanks to an internal well equipped berth, TV, galley, and a spacious enclosed head with a shower this vessel can double up as a weekender rather than just a day boat, a rare commodity in the speedboat market.
Designed for entertainment, there is an aft-facing kitchenette, grill, sink, refrigerator, and bar. The Thunder incorporates advanced materials to provide a more efficient ride while elegantly dampening noise, vibration and harshness properties. A generous 14-foot beam width, a carbon- fiber inner lining within the hull, and an all carbon-fiber hardtop design further improves handling. The Thunder’s advanced helm features dual, flush-mounted, 24” Garmin multifunction displays mounted, cup and phone holders, stainless steel grab bars, and a side electric sliding door. Quilted upholstery in marine-grade leather in the brand's signature color palette of red white and black.
Above: Cigarette's new flagship model the Thunder 52. Image via Cigarette.
Browse on our boat listings site for brand new Cigarette 52 Thunder models.
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If you are interested in Cigarette racing then you might be interested in watching Factory Fridays where host Marilyn DeMartini joins Carlos Ruga at Cigarette for an in-depth tour of the boat brand's building process and philosophy.
2. Nor-Tech 420 Monte Carlo
This V-bottom center console day boat can top speeds of up to 90 MPH. The 420 Monte Carlo features a luxurious berth which is almost king sized, enabling the vessel to double up as a weekend getaway vehicle. It is fitted with twin Mercury inboard engines, each with a max of 1,550 horsepower. There is plenty of room for rest and relaxation with twin-padded sun lounges, L-shaped lounge, and a large integrated swim platform. If you enjoy joyriding, this open cruiser complete with cuddy cabin combines speed and leisure and comfort.
Above: The Nor-Tech 420 Monte Carlo in a striking “Sunrise Candy” paint job. Image via Nor-Tech.
Browse on our boat listings site for new and used Nor-Tech 420 Monte Carlo boats.
Browse on our boat listings site for all high-performance powerboats.
3. Donzi 22 Classic
This long-standing timeless American classic among the speed boating crowd, popular worldwide for its rocket-speed performance with effortlessly cool classic-retro styling. The 22 Classic is still as in demand now as it was back in 1964 when it was built by racer Don Aronow in Miami. There is enough storage under the rear seat and under the bow to last all day, and a built-in cooler in the deck. There is enough seating to accommodate up to 4 passengers. This speedster is ideal for navigating along the coastline, rivers and canals.
Since Donzi has such a recognizable name, the classics are viewed as iconic and therefore worth restoring because they have a better resale value than many other boats.
The 22 Classic comes fitted with an inboard engine, so if you want to hear a purr, this option might not be for you. Performance wise, it can reach top speeds of 70 MPH. The downside is if you haven’t spent a lot of time racing, this could be a dangerous boat to drive! There is no cabin since it has a narrow 7 foot beam feet wide and measures 22' 7"feet in length. This is a classic compact speed performance boat ideal for fast and furious day trips with old school Miami styling.
Above: The Donzi 22 classic. Image via: Donzi.
Browse on our boat listings site for new and used Donzi 22 Classic boats.
Browse on our boat listings for all high-performance powerboats.
4. Cigarette 515
The new 515 is the current flagship model for the builder and is the largest of the Cigarette performance line, over a foot longer in length and beam than the 50’ Marauder. Fitted with Twin Mercury racing engines available in 1350/1100 achieve 125 mph top speed with comfortable, cruising speeds of 90 mph.
Its hull, low, long and thin hull is perhaps the most reminiscent of a smoking cigarette of the fleet. Cigarette 515 accommodates 6 passengers comfortably and features a spacious 9’6” beam cabin equipped with storage boxes which double up as coolers. Largely constructed from carbon fiber to optimize performance dynamics of the boat, ultra-lightweight components include seat backs, swim platform, air intakes, the engine hatch, the deck and more. The 22" Garmin multifunction displays at both the driver and passenger side of the cockpit as well as a powerful JL stereo system.
Watch a sea trial and full walk-through review of the Cigarette 515 on our sister site YachtWorld via YouTube.
Above: Cigarette speed boats. Image via Marine 365/boats.com
Browse on our boat listings site for new and used Cigarette 515 boats.
Browse on our boat listings site for all high-performance powerboats.
5. Outerlimits SL-41
The Outerlimits SL-41 vee-bottomed, equipped with a Mercury Racing Staggered pair of 520 Engines w/ Sportmaster drives speeds of 95+mph can be achieved, and hits 56 MPH in ten seconds. Just as efficient offshore as it is in freshwater, the rigid epoxy construction makes for a sturdy ride, shrugging off vibrations from choppy water.
The forward V-berth was large enough for overnighting. It offered plenty of headroom as did the U-shape lounges in the center of the cabin. Farther aft, there was a small galley with a carbon-fiber countertop and plenty of stowage. To starboard, the full-size head, a sink with a spigot that doubles up as a shower head.
Above: The Outerlimits SL-41. Image via Outerlimits.
Browse on our boat listings site for new and used Outerlimits boats.
Browse on our boat listings site for all high-performance powerboats.
If you need advice about buying high performance powerboats, you could benefit from reading High Performance Powerboats: A Buyers Guide.
The History of Go-Fast Boats
During the 1920’s and 1930’s boats were being used to smuggle rum and other liquors into the country and become known as “Rum-runners”, known for their speed capability, outpacing law enforcement Coast Guard vessels that tried to incept illegal operations. These boats have planing hulls that enable the helmsman to achieve high speeds. Not only did the vessels smuggle alcohol, they were rumored to carry cigarettes and were therefore referred to as "cigarette boats'' and "cigar boats".
In Miami during the sixties speedboat racing exploded in popularity. Professional racer Donald Aronow raced several famous boats including the Cigarette, Donzi, and Formula speedboats, and was the titan of speed boating racing going on to win a 2-time world champion and 3-time U.S. champion. He went on to become a leading innovative designer and builder on speed boats. The deep-Vee sleek “go-fast” designs he created are still used today.
Boat development evolved as boat design grew in popularity and the standard racing boat deep-V hull around 30 feet long, powered by twin gasoline stern-drives weight distribution and props strategically placed closer together. These compact boats were made up of three crew members, the driver, the throttle assistant and the navigator.
The American cult TV series Miami Vice reinvented the image associated with go-fast boats and made go-fast racing an alluring and hot pursuit. The most iconic boat features in the series is the Wellcraft Scarab 38 KV with a turquoise hull, which is now listed on the marketplace for a grand sum of $20 million.
The offshore racing world was associated with power, money, wealth and fame, and everyday professionals bought into the bad boy identity associated with high performance power boats. However, it wasn’t long before its die-hard image became tainted with associations with drug-money affiliations, and sponsors began to drop out of races like flies. The final nail in the coffin was when the industry was sent into shock when Don Aronow was murdered. While the reason was never confirmed, there were rumors that Aronow was a victim of the Miami drug wars.
Then, after emerging with a bang, the offshore race world, scared off by its drug-money affiliations. Still, the industry quietly continued, albeit less prolific than before. During the early 80's performance boats were achieving speeds of 50 and 60 mph and stumbled upon issues with chine walking (lift increases and the running surfaces raise out of the water.) and porpoising (bouncing through the water).
During the 1990s go-fast boats underwent a significant change in design and the two-step hull became the most popular hull design, boat racer and Reggie Fountain boosted its profile by racing them. In the 1980’s began the emergence of the ‘powercat’, outpacing traditional v-hull designs and changing the industry forever.
Advancements in lightweight materials, such as carbon fiber and Kevlar, reduce the weight of go-fast boats while maintaining strength and durability. While the hulls are often constructed using epoxy or fiberglass known for its rigidity, well needed offshore among the waves, however the latest model's components such as chair backs, hull lining, countertops to hardtops are made from carbon fiber.
The Allure of Speed Boats
It is an expensive pursuit for experienced boaters who can navigate, maneuver and change directions rapidly. Brings a sense of controlled exhilaration in the open water, beyond the limiting no-wake and slow-speed zones. Feeling your cheeks flap from the neck-breaking force of the world’s most powerful engine pushes the water, hair-wild, speed impacts chemicals in the brain that regulate the central nervous system giving an explosion of adrenaline.
Above: Time to buckle up. Speed boats are often fitted with jazzy retro-style contrasting neon colors and jazzy eye-catching graphics. Image via Outerlimits SV-43.
What Is A Speed Boat?
A speedboat is an umbrella term for a fast boat fitted with a powerful engine that can reach top speeds of up to 150 MPH and are used for day cruising or racing, some of the larger models with a wide beam can be used as weekenders. Size wise, they tend to be on the smaller size and range between 28 - 57 ft. Speed boats come in three distinct vessel types. Let’s take a look into the strengths and weaknesses of each.
High-Performance Center Consoles
Simply put, a center console means that the console/helm is located in the center of the deck, leaving open space in front and behind for movement. They are often referred to as ‘CC’s’ for shorthand. They are capable of reaching speeds of up to 80 MPH and since they are fitted with outboard engines they make a noise and attract attention.
The family-friendly center consoles designed for recreational fishing are fitted with all sorts of fishing features, whereas the high-performance center consoles tend to be lean feature wise since every pound of feather of weight impacts the vessels performance tremendously, however, you are often afforded a single rod holder. Make it count!
The Best High-Performance Center Console Manufacturers
The world’s best high-performance center console boat builders include Nor-Tech High-Performance Powerboats, Marine Technology, Inc., Mystic Powerboats, Fountain Powerboats, Sunsation Powerboats, Donzi and Wellcraft.
Sport Catamarans
Power catamarans are the fastest high-performance boats on the go-fast market. Typically fitted with twin outboards and range from 28 to 36 feet and are the go-to of the go-fast powerboat world since they are comparatively more straightforward to operate than their speedy counterparts, drawing in a less experience buying crowd. You can get them with twin inboard sterndrive propulsion systems up to 1,550 horsepower per engine.
Catamarans are ocean worthy and offer stability in a chop since the two-hull structure and wide beam allow for a smooth cruising experience. Capable of reaching top speeds of 110 to 150 MPH and are typically fitted with an Mercury Verado outboard, namely a Mercury Racing 400R, which has a long-standing reputation for being powerful and reliable.
Full-Size Stern-Drive Cats and V-Bottoms
The offshore monohull V-bottom is still the most revered high-performance powerboat in its category and measures from 25 feet and up to over 50 feet.If you really want to flex your muscles, these V-bottom sportboats exceed speeds of 140 MPH. These boats are not a joke, and you should only be operating one if you are well-versed in navigating the ocean at fast speeds.
The luxury interiors of these racy boats are reminiscent of sports cars often fitted with bolster bucket seats with dual helm controls and a high-tech instrumented wrap around dash with options to have either an open or closed cockpit. Or you could get an enclosed cockpit with air-conditioning with retractable front, rear, and center section lids.
Cigarette boats are instantly recognized the world over with their long, sleek monohull design and classic V-bottom shape. Offshore V-bottoms are iconic speedboats and the first boats to achieve high speeds making viewers' mouths drop, and with the high-profile movie actors such as Kurt Russell and Don Johnson, who raced them in offshore races, the industry soon became synonymous with glamor and fame.
What Engines Do Speed Boats Use?
The three main types of engines used for speed boats are stern drive, high-horsepower outboard engines or inboards.
Mercury Marine and Mercury Racing have expanded their ever-popular Verado outboard engine series as the performance center console segment sales have increased, alongside the sizes of the latest models. High-performance marine engines require more frequent and expensive maintenance than those found in general-use powerboats. Many speed boat engines are designed to deliver for a turbo-fast performance and inherently have a short life cycle and warranty.
For sport catamarans in the 28- to 36-foot range, twin Mercury Racing Verado 400R outboard engines are a popular choice.
Find out more about speed boat engines by reading Best Engines For Speed Boats
High Performance Speed Boat Brands
Cigarette Racing Team and Outerlimits Offshore Powerboats continue to build custom V-bottom sportboats. Cigarette’s current models run from 39 to 51 feet.
Sonic and Hustler, Mystic Powerboats, Doug Wright Design, Outerlimits current offerings range from 43 to 52 feet, and the company also offers 39-foot catamarans and go up to 46-feet.
There are a countless go-fast center consoles boat builders, and a lot of competition. The most notable offshore go-fast boat builders are Wellcraft, Sunsation, Statement Marine, Sonic Boats, Nor-Tech, Mystic Powerboats, Deep Impact, Midnight Express, and Marine Technology Inc.
How Much Do Speed Boats Cost?
Speedboats vary wildly in price and costs differ depending on the vessel size, style, condition and age. Entry-level small speed boats can range from $10,000 to $30,000 while specialized luxury go-fast boats begin at $100,000 brand new and go all the way up to several million dollars, while used go-fast boats prices start at $25,000. High-performance center console entry prices start in the upper $300,000 range.
Engine power is the most influential factor in determining the final cost, with the cheapest new turbo-charged options beginning at $500,000 .
Remember there are high costs associated with owning a high-performance powerboat. To uncover unforeseen costs read our Boat Buyers Guide: Budgeting Boat Ownership. The cost of this specialist thrill-seeking freedom comes at a steep cost. Unless you have a bottomless purse that can take regular dents to cover the high costs associated with regular maintenance, you might consider a fast motor boat which combines your need for speed yet is inherently designed to be practical and have longevity.
Before you begin your boat buying search, you might be interested in reading our Boat Buyers Guide.
What is the Fastest Boat in the World?
The fastest boat ever recorded is when the Spirit of Australia, a wooden boat, set the world record for traveling at 317.6 MPH on October 8th, 1976 near Blowering Dam near Tumut, New South Wales, Australia and piloted by Warby who sadly passed away in 2023.
Who is Trying to Break the Fastest Boat Record?
Britain’s long-standing-challenger Quicksilver is working hard to steal the crown off Spirit of Australia for world’s fastest boat, with Nigel Macknight at the helm.
Spirit of Australia II’s most recent test run in November 2022 was hindered by crosswinds. Speed runs were due to take place in February 2023, however Ken’s passing put a spanner in the works and the project suffered a short delay.
If you are still unsure what type of vessel is best suited to your needs, read our boat buyers guide What Type of Boat is Best for You? Top 10 Choices for Boaters.
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