THE 10 KEY BOATING STORIES YOU NEED TO READ

This Month's TOP 10

1 FLETCHER IS BACK!

Fletcher, one of British boatbuilding’s most iconic names, is planning a dramatic comeback with its first brand new model in over 20 years and an all-electric future.

The new F23 bowrider will initially be launched with petrol outboard and sterndrive engines but all-electric options should be ready towards the end of 2024. The first demonstrator could be afloat as early as November.

“We are not saying too much at this stage as regards the all-electric solutions,” says creative lead Ed Ahmed. “But what we can say is Fletcher is a performance brand, so for us electric solutions will not be about how far we can go. They will be about speed and having fun. As of today no other electric boatbuilder is producing what we aim to deliver, which ideally for the F23 is up to two hours at full throttle and a maximum speed of 50mph.”

Designed in-house and based on a proven Fletcher deep-vee hull, the new model manages to combine modern snub-nose styling with a hint of retro, thanks to a frameless, tinted wraparound windshield.

At the stern a full-width integrated bathing platform, with the outboard engine (or sterndrive) hung off the back of it, extends the waterline length and provides a place for wakeboarders and waterskiers to put on their gear. This leads forward to a pair of sunbeds divided by a central walkway through to a deep-set cockpit. Protected by the long wraparound windscreen and featuring a U-shaped bench aft and two swivelling bucket seats forward, this looks like a very secure and sociable arrangement. A hinged centre section of the windscreen swings open to provide walkthrough access to the bow lounge with yet more sunken seating.