Highlights
- Powered by a pair of Mercruiser 5.7-litre V8 engines with shaft drives
- Designed by powerboat racing legend Tullio Abbate
- Galvanised Nicholson trailer included
- Emulates the style of the wooden Italian lake boats while benefiting from low maintenance glass fibre construction
- The vendor has just spent a small fortune on preparing the boat for sale
- All of the wood has been re-done
- Sea tested just before the photos were taken and ready to be enjoyed!
The Appeal
If you’re familiar with powerboat racing, you’ll likely be familiar with Tullio Abbate. A highly successful helmsman with over 250 wins to his name, Abbate also developed his own hulls and was known to go boating with the likes of Keke Rosberg, Niki Lauda, Riccardo Pattrese and Ayrton Senna.
Here we have a Villa d’Este Special, hull number 001 that was built in 2011. With sleek styling and powered by a pair of 5.7-litre Mercruiser V8s, this is a capable and stylish vessel that is guaranteed to turn heads whether it goes.
The History and Paperwork
- Designed and built by the legendary Tullio Abbate
- Hull number 001
- The vendor informs us that the rebuilt engines have 0 hours on them
- Currently situated in Saint-Tropez and is on a trailer
The Interior
- Aquamarine / white upholstery
- Forward berth
- Tanks for freshwater and blackwater
Inside the cockpit, this boat is very nicely appointed and features white diamond stitch upholstery with aquamarine accents. Woodwork is used in abundance and nicely contrasts the whiteness of the seating and glass fibre superstructure.
The dashboard is divided into two pods situated either side of the hatch leading down into the cabin. All of the instrumentation, dual throttles and wood-rimmed steering wheel look to be in good order with no signs of deterioration despite often being exposed to the elements.
Forward of the large open cockpit we find a snug berth that tapers away following the shape of the hull. Evidently this boat is designed around outside space but we think it would be well suited to weekends away for a couple of people. There are tanks for freshwater which is fed to the taps and also a further tank for waste water.
Up top, the two rows of seating look to be immensely comfortable and more importantly, supportive for high-speed manoeuvring. Aft, there is a generous sunbed that is upholstered to match the seats.
The Exterior
- Glass fibre superstructure with veneer cladding
- Stepped hull ensures capable seakeeping
- Twin-axle galvanised trailer included
- Length: 32.74ft / 9.98m
- Beam: 8.66ft / 2.64m
A particularly clever aspect of the Villa d’Este’s design is that it manages to be as beautiful as a traditional Italian lake boat but as it is made from glass fibre underneath, the upkeep needn't be nearly so arduous.
The hull appears to be in very good shape and the vendor doesn’t report any damage to the underside. It would appear that it has taken a bit of a hit at some point as a section of the lower rub rail around the stern and port side is missing although the damage does not look to extend that far. There is also a little rust staining to the glass fibre where the bow strake is attached although we imagine a little marine stain remover would deal with this.
All of the wood-clad sections above the waterline and the forward deck present well and we couldn’t see any significant deterioration or damage. The wrap around windscreen too appears in good shape and has a tinted effect.
Conveniently, this boat sits upon a large, twin-axle galvanised trailer that is reportedly in very good condition.
The Mechanics
- 5.7-litre Mercruiser V8 engines (X2), each with 608.82hp
- Shaft drive with individual rudders
- Hydraulic trim tabs
One of the few things that sounds better than a V8 at wide open throttle is two V8s at wide open throttle. Fortunately, this boat has a pair of 5.7-litre Mercruisers that the vendor informs us have had zero hours running time. We understand that everything functions as it should and this kind of power should afford this boat with some pretty impressive performance.
It makes use of traditional shaft drives with separate rudders which are simpler to maintain than hydraulic sterndrives and trim adjustment comes courtesy of a pair of hydraulic tabs situated at each end of the transom.
The shafts look to be in good order as do the propellers which are clean and free from any obvious damage. The rudders look to be of stainless steel construction and are clearly beautifully made. We understand that the steering all operates as it should.
Summary
American V8 power and elegant Italian styling make for one heck of a boat and we can guarantee that this Tullio Abbate Villa d’Este will attract admiring gazes whether it goes. Presented in very good overall condition, all you have to think about is where you will launch it next season.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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