2016 Draco 27 RS

Yamaha 350 HP outboard engine with only 195.5 hours

Dark Blue hull wrap

Light Grey deck color upgrade on the cockpit deck and bathing platform

Niroxx Dark Grey upholstery upgrade

Center bow bushion

Canopy for cockpit with full enclosure/ Bimini top

Antifouling bottom paint

250 amp bow thruster

Axiom Multi Function 12" GPS display with sonar and Navionics chart chip

Nextel antiglare surface on dash

Cockpit and bathing platform lights

DAB Radio with Bluetooth/ USB and (4) speakers

Mooring kit including anchor

Trim tabs with indicator

Porta Potti

Aluminum Load Rite tandem axle trailer included

Step on board and the accommodation is extraordinarily deep throughout. In the cockpit, twin transom gates lead forward, past a central four-man seating pod, to a helm station set beneath a robust screen with a beautifully integrated stainless steel handrail. Here, as elsewhere, the bulwarks are very high indeed - and that welcome security continues in the bow, where some very generous seating helps supplement that of the modest aft arrangement. Now plainly. even on a bow rider, people are often reluctant to spend much time in the bow space when underway, partly because of the uncompromising stiffness of the ride and partly because of the relative shallowness of the accommodation. But in addition to the welcome reassurance of the deepset seating, that steep, acutely angled forefoot ought to mean plenty of ride softness, particularly given Windy's deserved renown in the dark arts of hull design. Chuck in a full-length filler cushions that can turn the entire section into a huge sunpad for a very safe and relaxed spot of lounging and you have a very effective bow space.

However it's the ingenious 'Camper Canopy' that really steals the show. This elevated canvas enables you to transform that big bow space into a floating tent with standing headroom and access to the cockpit via a full-height door in the middle of the walkthrough screen. In fact, it essentially turns this very open and uncluttered boat into a cuddy - but without any of the issues endemic to the type. That means no limited headroom, no extra weight, no unduly inflated price and no reduction in external deck space. As high-value options go, it's a real belter.

The 27 RS is a very modern interpretation of the much-loved Draco. It doesn't betray itself with slavish adherence to retro style and nor does it pander to the imperatives of modern showroom glitter. It is simple, spacious, classical and clean. Build quality feels great, finish is generally well up to scratch and while the aft configuration doesn't push as hard as it might to exploit the available space, that bow is a very impressive piece of work. Unsurprisingly, this 'Renaissance Draco' has already been nominated for recognition in the 2015 European Powerboat of the Year awards.