Gozzo 38: A Retro-Chic All-Year-Round Weekender
Enclosed helms just got sexy. A boat for all seasons, come rain or shine.
June 2, 2025
Gozzo 38 Cabin: A New Flagship
Finding a boat capable of navigating in all weather conditions throughout the year while satisfying one's desire for a sexy yacht is no easy feat. There are few exceptions of course, including some very cool trawler brands, namely Nordhavn and Grand Banks that are designed for serious long-distance cruising. But now Apreamare has announced the arrival of the Gozzo 38 Cabin and it ticks lots of boxes. It is a seriously good looking weekend cruiser with spacious two or three staterooms, a deckhouse for added volume and interiors that are reminiscent of a luxury hotel. This is a boat designed for escaping the modern world in style. It's the ideal size for a family or couple who want to invite friends away.
Practical and beautiful in equal measure, the Gozzo 38 is emblematic of Mediterranean maritime culture, synonymous with the Italian lakes, and exceptional Italian craftsmanship.
Artisanal Italian-Made Yachts Sought By Young Yacht Owners
Conceived by Cataldo Aprea and designed by Italian Yacht designer Marco Casali (Too Design) in collaboration with engineer Umberto Tagliavini (Marine Design), the Gozzo 38 Cabin represents a substantial evolution of the open Gozzo 35. The younger generations have an appetite for classic Apreamare gozzo models with traditional tiller steering. Gozzo 38 Cabin already has a long waiting list and completes the Gozzo line-up.
Above: Blending old and new, the styling on this gozzo is drawing a young crowd behind its helm. Image via Apreamare.
The Game-Changing Deckhouse
New design elements focus on creating outstanding comfort levels onboard include higher internal volumes, expanded by the deckhouse. Changing the habitability of the boat to meet the needs of owners who want greater protection and higher interior comfort to navigate in all weather conditions throughout the year. Additionally, the extension of the generous beach platform brings the total length of this seaworthy boat to 11.45 meters. Power options include twin Volvo Penta D4-270 DPI or D4-320 DPI sterndrives, or the more traditional Volvo Penta D4-320 shaft configuration.
While you may assume that an enclosed helm means compromising on light and a connection from the interior to the outdoors, a 4-panel glass door seamlessly unites the large cockpit with the spacious internal dinette. The lounge includes a helm station, a functional kitchen and an L-shaped seat, offering protection from the elements any time of the day. The exterior spaces are designed to facilitate livability with a generous stern platform, a vast cockpit with a retractable and convertible table, as well as an L-shaped sofa that seats six guests. At the bow is a large sundeck that can be reached via two flush side-walkways.
Above: The glass door can be opened to unite the cockpit and dinette. Image via Apeamare.
Below deck are two cabins and a head that boasts an internal height of two meters. The guest cabin, located amidships, is significantly wider than a standard cabin in its size and class. Large enough to fit a 140-centimeter width bed.
Above: Apreamare Gozzo 48 Cabin is voluminous and homely with clever storage solutions. Image via Apreamare.
Above: Apreamare Gozzo 48 Cabin's functional layout with an enclosed helm means that you can use this yacht 360 days of the year. Image via Apreamare. What is a Gozzo?
Traditionally constructed of wood, the gozzo typically has a rounded hull, a wide beam, and a high prow. It's designed for stability and smooth sailing in coastal waters.
Where do Gozzo Boats Originate From?
Gozzos originate from the 1600s and 1700s. Despite being one of Italy’s most traditional boats, gozzos originated in the Levant and were introduced to the Mediterranean by the Arabs. Synonymous with Italian maritime design, the Gozzo was used for fishing and other commercial work at sea. Historically, Gozzos are traditional Italian fishing boats. They were used along the west coast from Liguria to Sicily used for their seaworthiness, carrying capacity, and large internal volume. The classic design features a high bow, low freeboard amidships, and the stern provides a stable platform for fishermen to set and collect lobster traps.
Signature Gozzo Boat Features
- Planing hulls
- A large rudder at the helm
- A long horn mast for a lateen sail
What are the best brands for Gozzo boats?
The top three leading yards specialising in gozzos’ are Cantiere Mimì, Fratelli Aprea and Apreamare.
Cantiere Mimì, otherwise referred to as ‘Mimi’ for shorthand, builds wooden boats rich in the tradition of Sorrentine fishing boats.
Fratelli Aprea yard designs ultra-modern gozzos built with fiberglass. The range presents a variety of hull types: deep vee and semi-displacement yachts. Renowned for their cruiser and aft cabin layouts, Fratelli Aprea boats, in general, exhibit favorable attributes such as a deeper-depth draft and very wide beam.
