Since 1968, MasterCraft has been a powerhouse among builders of inboard waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing boats. Then in 2010, through the purchase of Hydra-Sports, MasterCraft Boat Holdings gained a footing in the outboard fishboat market. By 2017, Hydra-Sports became HCB Center Console Yachts, and MasterCraft added NauticStar Boats to its stable.
Now, MasterCraft is creating a new brand with the Aviara AV32, a dayboat that debuted at February’s Miami International Boat Show in two configurations: one with MasterCraft’s Ilmor sterndrives and the other with twin Mercury Verado four-stroke outboards. MarineMax will be the exclusive dealer for this brand.
“Not only did we create something new with the concept of a progressive luxury dayboat,” said Terry McNew, president and CEO of MasterCraft Boat Holdings, “we’re delivering this premium-level experience at an attainable price point.”
The bowrider has aggressive lines, an angular windshield and European styling. A fiberglass hardtop shelters an open deck layout that can have transom barstool-style seating and a SeaDek foam-covered swim platform that is larger on the sterndrive version of the boat.
The AV32 comes with three coolers, a wet bar with a sink and dedicated wine stowage, as well as a centerline head with a sink, electric toilet and holding tank. The Klipsch Audio system has eight speakers, two subwoofers, dual digital amplifiers and four volume control zones.
The helm has a handcrafted Italian steering wheel, a joystick and three digital displays. A 12-inch Garmin display, a 10-inch LCD for boat and stereo control, and a 7-inch engine control screen are included.
The AV32 outboard version comes standard with twin 300-hp Mercury Verado 4-stroke engines and Mercury Joystick Piloting for Outboards. Twin 350-hp Mercury Verados are optional.
The sterndrive AV32 has twin 380-hp Ilmor MV8 6.0L MPI engines and a One Touch joystick. Twin 430-hp Ilmor MV8 6.2L GDI engines are also available.
According to the builder, both AV32 versions will top out above 44 knots, and a cruising speed of 28 knots should provide a range of more than 220 miles.
The Aviara AV32s will be available in seven two-tone exterior combinations with customizable interiors that include sole and accent options. Owners also can choose heated seats, mood lighting shade systems and more from the options list. Configurations can be created at the Aviara website.
This article originally appeared in the July 2019 issue.
