57.7 mph Wellcraft | Lake Michigan Mayhem | Jackplate Gains - 2/23/2026

SPEED WITH SHELTER With triple 300s, the 355 posted a 57.7-mph top speed and a 35-mph cruise. The asymmetrical layout provides an 18-inch-wide starboard passage, while the enclosed pilothouse carries dual air conditioning. Below, 6'3" headroom, a convertible dinette berth, and a walk-in shower extend her capability beyond short runs offshore without changing her performance focus.
 

BEAM MEETS SPEED The Aquila 45 Sport pairs a double-stepped power cat hull with twin 600-hp Mercury Verado V12 outboards to target speeds above 50 mph, per the builder, while cruising in the high 30s. A 15' beam supports a broad aft cockpit with fold-down terraces that expand usable deck width. Below, a private queen berth and enclosed head extend the day beyond the run.
 

FOUR CABINS BELOW The 6800 SY Platinum Edition is a two-level layout built around Riviera owner feedback: a social cockpit with a full wet bar, a galley that opens to the aft deck via a retractable window, and bow seating that’s new territory for Riviera on this platform. Underway, IPS joystick control supports close-quarters handling, while tested acceleration hit 0–30 knots in 34.5 seconds.
 

RUN SHALLOW, STILL PLANE A hydraulic jackplate raises an outboard vertically without changing trim angle, reducing draft while preserving prop bite. For flats anglers and bass fishermen, that means crossing shallows, lowering for hole shot, then lifting again for speed and fuel savings. Manual versions cost less but trade away on-the-fly adjustment.
 

INSIDE THE PROCESS Part 2 of this 22-meter custom build moves from concept to composite reality. Under construction at Weber Marine in Auckland, the Bill Upfold-designed Elite 22m uses epoxy resin, E-glass, and a full PVC foam core over a male mold. The hull remains inverted to install bulkheads, tanks, and structure before the turn, improving stiffness and workflow efficiency.
 

SURF’S UP, SORT OF What was supposed to be an easy 50-mile hop turns lively when Lake Michigan kicks up 4–6 foot following seas. SeaShine starts “surfing,” her speed jumping from 9 to 14 mph as she slides down the rollers. A splashy channel entrance and marina-wide power outages round out a day that was anything but routine.