Rustler Yachts introduces first motorboat

Rustler Yachts has launched its first motor yacht which, the company says, offers the same craftsmanship and seakeeping performance as the sailing yachts are known for.

Designed by Tony Castro, the Rustler 41 has a deep-V planing hull and is expected to have a cruising speed of around 25 knots and a top speed of 35 knots.

“It’s designed as a perfect ‘gentleman’s launch’ as they used to be called,” Castro says. “This boat is all about pride of ownership, it’s not just a tool or a vehicle you go out in for the weekend.”

Rustler director, Adrian Jones, comments: “We’ve been asked many times if we would build a motorboat, by both existing Rustler customers and those who simply understand our philosophy towards building boats. Our sailing boats are loved for their design, build quality and craftsmanship – all traits which are carried over to the new motor yacht.

“We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel here. We are simply refining the design to make it work well, then building it properly with no corners cut.”

Each Rustler 41 will be hand-built and customised for her owner, whether a contemporary or traditional oak interior is desired. Rustler says it can fit any type of powertrain and is not tied to any engine manufacturer. The standard engine configuration sees the new Rustler 41 fitted with twin 320hp Yanmar 8LV320 diesels on straight shaft drives, although pod drive, outboard and sterndrive options are also factored into the design.

The standard layout is said to be sociable and practical. The wheelhouse has forward-facing helm seats with room for two people to sit together. Behind the helm position is a galley with stove, sink and fridge. Opposite the galley there’s U-shaped dinette seating around a table that can drop down to make a third double berth or a daybed if required.

Aft of the saloon, doors lead to the cockpit, which has L-shaped seating in each aft quarter, a wet bar and more seats forward. A through-transom door gives access to the boarding/bathing platform, which can also be used to stow a jet RIB. Side doors in the hull improve access when the boat is moored alongside.

The high bulwarks of the cockpit reduce going forward, giving access to the foredeck and the sunpad on the coachroof. Down below, the master cabin has an aft-facing double berth and the guest cabin has an athwartships double berth that runs beneath the cockpit. The heads compartment has a separate shower.

Principal dimensions of the new Ruster 41:

Price excl VAT is £690,000 with a generous spec and an electronics package.