Marquis M42 Outboard

Marquis Yachts opened a lot of eyes when it introduced its revolutionary M42 at the 2019 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show.

And now, the company has unveiled the all-new M42 with outboard power.

Switching from twin 480-hp Cummins diesels to triple Mercury 400 Verados changes the M42 in a number of delightful ways. For starters, the arrangement packs another 240 ponies on the transom while simultaneously reducing overall weight by nearly 700 pounds, making the M42 Outboard a nearly 50-mph boat. Beyond that, moving the engines aft of the transom gives the props a little more leverage in the turns, turning an already sporty design into a real tiger on the water.

Handling is further enhanced by extending the running surface and incorporating a platform to accommodate the triple outboards. There’s a trade-off here, as the new arrangement eliminates the original M42’s hydraulic swim platform. But the M42 Outboard gains a ton of in-floor storage space where the engines used to live — big enough to manage folding bikes or inflatable paddleboards.

“The M42 Outboard is a blast to drive,” says Josh Delforge at Marquis Yachts. “It turns on a dime, and it’s a rocket at wide-open throttle. Yet the ride is still extremely comfortable and stable.”

Power aside, the M42 Outboard keeps everything that was so wonderful about its original, sterndrive-powered twin. That includes the innovative layout with its massive aft sunpad and cockpit grill, and the sporty glass helm with its twin Raymarine multifunction displays and joystick docking.

Although intended as a dayboat, the M42 Outboard can easily manage weekend getaways with its comfortable belowdecks accommodation, featuring a U-shaped dinette that converts into a near king-size berth, a small but efficient galley, a full head with walk-in shower and air conditioning throughout.

DEALERS