Yokohama Japan - This is the Japan International Boat Show’s 2018 Boat of the Year, a one-of-a-kind 12.8 metre dayboat conceived by Toyota president Akio Toyoda, engineered by Toyota Marine and built in partnership with the Marquis-Larson Boat Group of Pulaski in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
What’s new is that, in accepting the award last week, Toyota Marine executive vice-president Shigeki Tomoyama announced that a bigger (20 metre) version of the Lexus Sport Yacht, with more comfort and living space, would be going into production for sale worldwide.
Sales in the United States are planned to start in the second half of 2019, and everywhere else in the second quarter of 2020
The carbon-fibre concept is a true dayboat, with seating for eight on deck and six in the saloon, powered by two Lexus five-litre petrol V8s derived from the 2UR-GSE of the RC/F coupé. In marine trim they deliver 328kW each, driving the concept at up to 43 knots (78km/h) through hydraulically controlled inboard/outboard stern-drives.
It’s controlled from a colour touchscreen panel at the helm displaying GPS navigation, digital charts, surface radar, underwater sonar, lighting and entertainment systems. The air-conditioned saloon, finished in Lexus leather with wood and glass trim elements, offers full standing headroom and sofa seating for six with a table.
The production boat, however, is planned as a fly-bridge cruiser with luxury cabins below deck and entertaining space for up to 15 guests. Specifications and pricing will be announced at a later date.