Combining composite materials and latest generation technologies with classic lines is the salient feature of projects by Wooden Boats, the shipyard established in 2012 by Marco Arnaboldi (Studio Arnaboldi), on the strength of his previous experience as founder of AB Yachts. Arnaboldi’s aim has always been to apply the results of his studio's research to pleasure boating, creating yachts over 50 metres capable of exceeding speeds of 50 knots thanks to their composite construction and use of water jet propulsion.
“When I established Wooden Boats, the idea was to combine wood, the noblest of materials for building boats, with incredible mechanical properties, and carbon fibre”, recalls Marco Arnaboldi. “LimoTender BLU 8.3m is the natural evolution of that idea: a construction employing the cutting-edge composite technology with which I have built dozens of boats of all sizes, from tenders like this to superyachts over 50 metres, but with a touch of class, in pure 'Dolce Vita' style, featuring timeless lines inspired by the motorboats of the Fifties and Sixties”.
The first unite of the LimoTender BLU 8.3m was launched in mid-2023 to allow its owner to use it in the late summer following his 60-meter yacht, and was then transfer to the Principality of Monaco to be exhibited at the Monaco Yacht Show where has garnered important appreciation.
Its overall length is 8.40 metres, for a maximum beam of 2.70 metres and a displacement of 2.9 tons. The layout on board includes a wheelhouse moved well forward to make room for a saloon with two sofas along its sides and an aft cockpit, also set up with two facing sofas to accommodate a maximum of 12 guests in addition to the two crew members. At the stern is a good-sized folding swimming platform for those who wish to take a dip in the sea, and equipment has also been provided to allow the tender to be towed by the 'mothership'.
The guest areas are set up with the finest materials, featuring extensive use of mahogany, teak and leather, all skilfully crafted by Viareggio artisans. The on-board equipment has been selected and sized to guarantee maximum comfort even on short voyages, featuring air conditioning, a hi-fi system with six speakers, four USB sockets for charging devices, indirect LED lighting and a 70-litre freshwater tank, as well as wifi for communicating with the yacht and staying connected.
An exclusive feature of Wooden Boats’ new LimoTender BLU 8.3m is a solution already successfully proposed some of on the shipyard’s other models: the deckhouse can be lowered to the height of the gunwale with an electromechanical command, reducing its overall height to only 1.50 metres when it is put away in the garage. When raised in sailing position, the headroom inside the deckhouse is 1.80 m.
A 270 hp Mercury turbo diesel inboard engine with stern drive allows the LimoTender BLU 8.3m to reach a top speed of 35 knots and a cruising speed of 30 knots when fully loaded, with a range of 100 nautical miles thanks to its 150 litre fuel tank. All this is combined with a deep V-shaped hull which is particularly high-performing in terms of speed, but also very seaworthy, making it suitable for all conditions at sea.
“This vintage design nonetheless maintains the shipyard’s cornerstones of composite carbon construction and maximum customisation,” notes Marco Arnaboldi. “When I designed this LimoTender BLU 8.3m . I thought it would be a one-off project, but it has aroused a lot of interest, and I already have a number of appointments in Montecarlo with owners who are very curious to see the first model so they can finalise an order based on the their own tastes. This is why it is important to remember that the possibilities for the layout are endless; for example, the bridge might be at the stern and the sofa in the bow. The wheelhouse positioned so far forward, as in Venetian taxis, is in fact a specific request on the part of the owner”.