Gobbi 425

Today’s assignment was to Survey this Gobbi 425 Sports Cruiser. The external lines were typically Italian in style. Relatively few Italian boat builders have made successful inroads into Europe or the US. Recognising that U.S. consumers seem rather more conservative about boats than they are about handbags, shoes, or motorcycles they have created a European look, with just enough Italian flair to avoid frightening the horses (that's you): a bold, curved windshield that seems to flow through the base of the radar arch; a long, powerful bow, rakish, sloping guardrails; and muscular, moulded haunches in the aft quarters.

It has two cabins and two en suite heads. Few boats in this class can offer that much privacy and comfort in 40 odd feet, and while the aft cabin might lack full headroom, it's perfectly presentable for occasional guests or family visits—and of course, kids will love it.

Surveyors comments: It looks good, functions well, and handled beautifully on the river trial. Check out the vid!