Sleek and elegant styling with built in stability powered by 3 big 450R Mercury outboards.
By Captian Christopher Kourtakis
I don’t even know where to start. Having reviewed thousands of yachts over the past 20 years, it takes a lot to impress me. It takes something out of the norm to make me turn my head. As a captain I have run 100 plus foot yachts all over the world. I have gone over 140+ mph countless times. I have pierced through the large waves of Lake Huron in countless center consoles and mid-range sport yachts. It takes something unique, stylish, out of the norm to make me say “wow” look at this. I think the Daytona L by Rio Yachts may have just done that for me. With a maximum speed of around 40+ mph and stretching almost 50 feet, the Daytona L screams look at me.
Look at my layout and my functionality. Look at my sleek and elegant sporty styling that provides stability and safety. The surprising part of the entire boat is that she is powered by Triple 450R Mercury Racing outboards (triple Yanmar and Volvo Penta IPS diesel is also an option) that are hidden underneath the rear sun pad so you wouldn’t even know that she’s an outboard boat until you fire up the engines. Rio Yachts has turned ideas and designs into reality.
The spacious cockpit feels endless as the enormous sunbathing pad can comfortably hold four adults. I mean this thing is huge, plush, and comfortable. Just forward of the sun pad is a crescent shaped seating area that can seat five to six adults comfortably using the additional cube seats. Just forward of the seating and behind the helm is a built-in entertainment center with everything that you need for a day out on the water including a small grill, sink and refrigerator. When at anchor, drop not one side but both the port and starboard side gunnels fold out to add additional deck space. The rear swim platform is large enough to accommodate a tender as desired and can be accessed from either side of the sun pad.
The helm reminds me of what you might you would find on a sporty center console. With two large multi-functional displays forward providing you real time information on your motors and destination and a single multi-functional just in front of the two large screens controls all of the ships systems. The layout of the helm is elegant and very functional. Equipped with the optional bow and stern thrusters, this beauty is easy to handle around the docks The joystick docking with skyhook is immediately to the left of the throttles. To the left of the steering wheel is the VHF radio. There are two stainless steel cup holders within reach, but I would like to see a couple more added. I would also like to see the steering wheel have a tilt helm vs the stationary that is currently installed. The hardtop provides shade for the helm, while delivering spots to effortlessly mount radar, antennas and more. The triple bolster seats are high backed and comfortable from the seating or standing position. The quarter high windshield does provide some protection from the elements
Moving forward using the port side walkway, the bow seating area screams comfort and let’s soak up the sun. The bow sun pad is large, luxurious and can accommodate another three to four adults. Forward of the sun pad is seating for three to four passengers. I am not sure that I would recommend using this seating area while underway. If you do, I would work with Rio to add an additional hand rail for safety and security. Just forward of the bow seating area are two large yacht cleats and access to the windless. There is also ample storage for dock lines and fenders as needed. A pop-up sunshade can easily be installed for endless hours on the water.
The cabin can be described as simple, elegant, and sexy. The all-white walls and ample windows allowing in natural light give you a clean and elegant feel. As you step down into the cabin using the three integrated steps, there is a long couch on the port side of the cabin that adorns the open-air space. Immediately to your right is the access to the guest bedroom that has two berths with a full bed to the starboard and seating or storage to the port. There is ample head room with easy to access storage under every inch of the space. There is ample headroom and the aft cabin doesn’t feel small or claustrophobic. It is also very easy to access which makes it nice for when you have guests or children.
The master stateroom has a fiberglass ceiling that adds brightness, light and you will never have to worry about replacing a headliner. Exotic materials and fabric can be found throughout the cabin. The forward v-berth can be accessed from either side of the bed. The windows allow natural light to flow freely into the space. There is storage underneath the berth by opening the two large drawers. The single head is located on the starboard side of the cabin and is accessible to everyone on board. There is a cabinet with countertop mounted sink forward, head mid and shower stern. The entry doors into the bathroom and the master are bifolding. This allows for a more open layout and feeling inside the cabin instead of large bulk heads and small cabin access doors.
On the water the Daytona L accelerates quickly and cuts through the water effortlessly. As she glides through the waves there is little porpoising and bouncing that can be found on other yachts of this size. The triple 450R engines create a quick hole shot and additional power in all ranges of speeds. Whether you are looking to island hop, cruise to another port or jet out to the sandbar, the ease of use and handling will make the trip effortless.
If you option for the triple Yanmar inboards (370 HP each) or the triple 650 IPS by Volvo Penta (480 HP each), you will also be able to option for the hydraulic swim platform. This is perfect for a dingy or easy access to the water. The
Celebrating their 60th year, Rio has made a statement with the release of the Daytona L. Their historic Italian heritage and reputation for excellence and luxury isn’t stopping now or for another 60 years. This beauty is designed for island hopping in the Mediterranean, but it is not going to stop her from being seen throughout the Great Lakes. Built for large bodies of water, this hull design will be able to handle just about anything that you would want to run in on Lake Huron or Lake Ontario.
Specifications: Rio Yachts Daytona L
- LOA: 48.8’
- Omologation Length: 42.5’
- Beam: 14’
- Draft: 2.3’
- Fuel tank: 422 gal
- Water tank: 113.5 gal
- Black water tank: 26.4 gal
- Persons: 12 p.
- Designer: Marino Alfani
- MSRP: approx. $1.3M USD
For more information: www.euroyachtsamerica.com