Marquis 42

I have seen thousands of different boat designs throughout my many years of boating and working in the marine industry.

However, when I first saw the Marquis M42, all I could muster was a “Wow!”

To say the boat is striking is an understatement. When I first saw her, I immediately was filled with intrigue. I grew up sailing on Lake Michigan with a father who taught me to focus more on practicality than aesthetics. As a result, I typically gravitate toward the pragmatic side when it comes to boats. However, that fatherly advice quickly evaporated when I gazed upon my test boat, the new M42.

Design worth noting

I immediately had an overwhelming desire to drive the boat thanks to its exotic and attention-grabbing styling. The reverse-raked bow flows up to the gently curved Permateak-covered foredeck. From there, your eye travels to the demi-windshield and angular black optional hardtop. The soft gray of the charcoal, gel-coated hull is contrasted by a stainless-steel strike plate at the bow and a stainless hull stripe/rub rail. Angular darkened hull windows come to a point forward. A black teardrop flows back to the swim platform accented by an air intake grill and shiny Marquis logo.

After you take a few minutes to take in the M42, you’ll want to go aboard to see more. Bright white seats and cool platinum Permateak soles create a stark contrast against the black fiberglass. A large sunpad beckons for sunny days spent sunbathing. As I step up from the optional hydraulically lowering swim platform to the open cockpit, there’s a comfortable lounge seating area with a table. Drink holders are nicely tucked partially under the optional hardtop. I step past the all-black wetbar adorned with a stainless handrail, flip-top covered sink and optional Isotherm cockpit fridge.

The helm is decked out in carbon fiber-style woven mat with a Raymarine Axiom Pro 16-inch hybrid touch multi- function display screen housed in a pod, complete with a Ritchie Compass, behind the short angular windshield. Seated on the adjustable bench seat, visibility is excellent looking through the space between the windshield and the hardtop. However, I did wonder if we were going to get wet running outside. The sport wheel, throttles, controls and joystick are all in easy reach of the helm seat, as is a recessed storage area and a Scanstrut wireless phone charger molded conveniently into the dash. Two sets of footrests can be positioned for flat or bolstered seating.

More than just good looks

As we cast off the lines and began to head out onto the water, I was thrilled to find out how the M42 would handle the 15 to 20 mph winds and 3- to 6-foot chop we had that day in the open water. The Donald L.

Blount-designed hull rose smoothly as we accelerated the Twin Cummins QSB 480 6.7-liter diesels driving V-drives.

Then, we headed into the wind and waves. We settled in cruising at 24 mph at 2300 rmp, burning around a statute mile per gallon. The ride was reasonable as we pushed into the chop. The boat handled well as we maneuvered through the moderate waves. Off the wind, it was easier to maintain a faster comfortable cruising speed. At 2500 rpm, we were blazing along at 28 mph with the wind behind us. Pushing to 2850 rmp, we hit 33 mph but had to back off because the conditions were not especially ideal for top speeds.

During our test drive, I found that the handling of the boat was lively and controlled. While we did get sprayed a little cutting through some larger waves, I was pleasantly surprised that the small windshield did not present a problem. Beneath the raked bow, the hull has an angled back forefoot with spray chines that ended up working effectively. We certainly did not ship any water up over the curved bow despite the lumpy conditions.

The M42 has much more to offer than its looks. The boat is fun to drive and performs admirably. On the way in from our test, away from the waves, we hit 39 mph topping out at around 3200 rpm. You can also choose to exchange the diesels for triple Mercury Verado 400 hp outboards, which will increase top end speed and make the M42 even more nimble.

Finding space to maneouver

The M42 is a great day boat, and it’s equipped for light cruising as well with a nicely designed, air-conditioned cabin. The galley comes complete with a deep, stainless-steel sink, a single electric burner, a refrigerator, a microwave/convection oven and plenty of storage space. A forward lounge with a table converts into a sizable bed with an overhead hatch for ventilation and some fresh air on those temperate nights. A full-size head with a separate shower compartment is ideal for rinsing off after relaxing on the bed or playing in the sun.

For those looking for more than just power, the M42 also brings finesse. With joystick control and a bow thruster, maneuvering the boat is quite easy in close quarters. We finished our test run by pirouetting around and backing into a tight slip in full view of a popular bar and restaurant that was packed with people.

I tied up the boat, admiring its sleek lines and eye-catching design. I wondered how many people would ever guess that this stylish beauty is built in the heart of America, right in Pulaski, Wisconsin. Knowing the boat is engineered and built in the U.S. puts that practicality that my dad ingrained in me at ease, even if the M42’s dazzling looks is what captivated my attention in the first place.

As the rumble of the diesels died down at the slip, I could hear murmurs from the diners above. As they gazed at this new Marquis, I could hear an unmistakable whisper spreading across the restaurant — “Wow!”