One of the most influential of the many custom boatbuilders in Wanchese, North Carolina, Ritchie Howell has continued to turn out beautiful boats that perform at the highest levels for nearly two decades. His most recent project is the second time around for a client who prefers an express-style boat.
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Howell’s solution: a gorgeous 61-foot enclosed-helm express. This build will be powered by MTU 10V2000 M96L engines, producing 1,600 hp each. The expected cruising speed is 36 knots, with a top end estimated at 43 knots.
The layout will feature the master stateroom forward and a crew bunk to starboard. Howell is omitting the aft bulkhead, making this a true dayboat.
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Among many options, the 61-footer will feature an omnidirectional sonar and Seakeeper, as well as a full tower by Palm Beach Towers. The boat will be based on the East Coast during summers and North Carolina in fall, with winters in the Bahamas. The expected delivery date is summer 2022.
This article originally appeared in the March 2022 issue of Marlin.
