Anybody know italian powerboats?

[Bob Adams]

A buddy just picked up one of these: (not this particular one)



A mid 60s Baglietto Ischia 16 meter
Looks great, some work to be done from stray current damage in the stern. Good pedigree? Word is there were only 8 ever imported to the United States.

[Hwyl]

Great boats, fuel guzzlers. I delivered a 75 foot one to lauderdale 25 years ago. It was one of the few big fast boats in the US then, there's plenty now.

The motors were Issotta Fraschinni's, what are in your friends?

[Lew Barrett]

Built for speed. Very light construction but tidy, they can take some work when they age but they are greyhounds of the cruiser world.
Nice ride, like an Italian PT boat with higher end trim. There are a few up here, including one bigger one (more like Gareth's, maybe 75 feet ...it's a big boat) that is getting the treatment at Jensen Motorboat. It is very needy. The one in the photo looks a bit different aft of the saloon than the two 16ms I have seen up here. The Jolly Roger is a bit out of proportion on the example, eh?

[peter radclyffe]

they may have G M,s

[pcford]

Lew, hasn't Jensens been working on one off and on for years?

(By the way, how the heck are ya, Lew?)

[Gerarddm]

Notice the rear sponsons. Maybe our old pals in Canada with Absolu 80 took the hint?

Italians will alway build for speed. Their cruisers in WWII were gorgeous, blindingly fast ( 40 knots ), and would crumple if you hit them with even a 3 incher- no armor to speak of. All talk, no walk.

[Bob Adams]

Well thanks for the brutally (in some cases!) honest opinions! This was a West Coast boat brought to the Chesapeake on her own bottom a few years ago, She has 8-71 Detroit naturals, a complete new teak deck and has been well cared for. Personally, I kinda like the exhaust. I'll put it this way, this is one of the few occasions I think he may be able to get more $$ out of her than he has in her. I''ll post pictures when I can.

[Paul Pless]

in ireland,wales,scotland,england i know almost for sure the way a boat has been built

in italy it could be anything,i cannot guess all the devious tricks they use,
because their fathers never learnt, they never learnt,
a lot of the guys i spoke to in the yards, they dont even know what rina is, eets a fridge,no is it a playstation game,and the strangest thing is

they dont want to learn
how weird is that
they prefer insular, uneducated,dense to developing their brains

Might you update your location in your profile Peter?

[peter radclyffe]

eh you wanna clue

[Paul Pless]

wise guy

[ahp]

They sound like Italian women, fast, beautiful, but high maintenance.

[Lew Barrett]

Lew, hasn't Jensens been working on one off and on for years?

(By the way, how the heck are ya, Lew?)

I'm ok, got a cold at the moment and feel lousy, but it'll pass.

. Yeah, the one at Jensen's (I mentioned that)...... It's much as Peter said (I was probably being too polite). I edited a little to reflect what's going on in Portage Bay. The boat is a complete project. It's been there for several years and still a far way from done. Mid sixties, so if you took a boat like mine or Robert's and compared, you'd think "man, those are thirty years older and in better shape even before they got restored." Bagliettos are very lightly built. I got a ride on one years ago and it was a lot of fun. The cabins are all finished in a very pretty plywood veneer, not a lot of meat. You wouldn't like it from that angle, but would like the speed. OK, I joined the ranks of the brutally frank.....

[Leatherneck]

How are they in rough water, Lew?

Tom

[Hwyl]

How are they in rough water, Lew?

Tom

We had ours in some pretty big stuff off Palm Beach, word must have got ahead because some of the "fast boys" from Palm Beach came out to try to race us. They were mostly sport fisherman style boats, but they didn't have the waterline length we did. It was totally unexpected that they came out, in what I guess was a challenge, which we did not really acknowledge.

We just kept our 35 knots steadily sitting atop three waves with our 75 feet, while they with their shorter waterlines and bluff bows bounced and yawed and pirouetted and submarined. Generally bouncing their teeth out. It was a superb 15 minutes, thanks for jogging my memory, by the way, in that 15 minutes we'd have used 30 gallons or so of diesel.

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

35 knots in a 75 foot cruiser is hustling right along IMO.

[Lew Barrett]

Tom, I had my ride on Lake Washington, not a test of the thing as a sea boat. Also, the one I rode on was a 52 foot boat, Not Gareth's 75 footer. It did fine on the lake, so I'd say go with Hwyl's review!

[Antonio Majer]

Peter, Peter...be less polemic and think of your health :-) after all you live in a wonderful place, I, too, would like to live on a pretty isle, with a pretty wife and two pretty kids.
btw, have you ended your gozzo? or you have become too Italian to complete a job?

[peter radclyffe]

eh domani, manyana , mai finito
mi scusi Antonio, there are 4 people i can rely on , the rest i cannot trust them to give a straight answer

[SchoonerRat]

Murphischia is a sometimes poster here on the WBF. A few years back he entered his in the Long Beach Classic Boat Show.

Here are a few pics of it.











I've got some more pics, if anybody wants to see them.

BTW, he got best of show!

[MurphIschia]

Hi Bob,
All the pictures posted are of my Ischia 16M "Arrivederci".
I assume the boat your friend purchased is Maestra serial number #82. Very interesting story of it's trip from the West Coast via the Panama Canal.
There were 14 of these 16Ms imported into the U.S.. At one time I had located each one but a few of them are no longer around.
All of the Ischia 16M boats imported to the US were fitted with GM 8v71s. The Italian versions got the 12v71s.
With the 8v71s her fuel consumption is not outrageous and her speed still rivals new boats of her size.
There were 95 of the Ischia 16Ms built from 1959 until 1967 (I'm one of the later models #89)
These were semi custom yachts so each boat has some unique running changes that make them each different.
An easy way to tell an early from a late model Ischia is the absence of the outside exhaust sponsons on the early boats.
The craftsmanship put into these boats was outstanding. The attention to detail created a beautiful and strong boat inside and out. Not surprising when you realize that Cantiere Baglietto has been around since the 1800s.
But even more impressive than her looks are her manners underway. With her long length to beam (something newer boat designers seem to ignore) she will handle a rough seaway with poise.
We've been on cruises with fellow tupperware boats that looked like fish bobbers as we cruised along as smooth as could be with not a drop spilled from our guests martinis.
One Catalina Island run had us in 12 foot swells with wind wave spray dosing us on the flybridge, aside from my wife vowing never to speak to me again, the boat handled smooth and predictable.
The bigger boat Lew refers to up in Seattle is a 22 meter Baglietto Maiorca, the big sister to the 16Ms. Only 3 Maiorcas were produced.
That boat has quite a unique story as well having been restored in Italy only to hit a log at speed and be sunk. Then raised and shipped to Seattle for a complete restoration that will include a set of Italy sourced original Issotta Fraschinni's engines.
I have quite a collection of Baglietto factory information such as fuel, electrical, plumbing blueprints, serial numbers/production sequences, sales brochures etc... along with a few years of Baglietto ownership under my belt that I would be more than willing to share with your friend about his new Baglietto.

P.S. The pirate flag has not been photoshopped. It is the huge flag we fly each year at the Two Harbors Buccanner Days weekend.

[Bob Adams]

Wow!!!
She is indeed Maestra, and was about to meet a most unhappy end when my friend found her. It's kind of surprising she was to be cut up considering her overall condition. I'm short of time now, this thread looks top get very interesting!

[MurphIschia]

Looks like Maestra is a cat with nine lives. She narrowly survived her trip to the East Coast and now has survived the chopping block. Look forward to more about Maestra from you.

Murph

[Bob Adams]

We are gonna need that transit story to be sure! Anyway, I'm sure I'm going to get involved with this boat, probably more than I should. The new owner's better half is registering with the forum as I type this, he is Captain Steve, owner of a long string of fine power yachts including his current one, a 75 foot Trumpy that is a miracle in herself. Introducing Capt Steve, helping me with my tub:

[SchoonerRat]

Murphischia,

Glad you happened by and caught this thread. I remembered your telling of many interesting facts about your boat and the other Ischias, but the details long ago leaked out through the swiss cheese in my noggin.

It takes a lot of power boat to impress this old raghauler. Arrivederci did it with spades. She was a beauty to start with, and has been maintained impeccably.

Hope you don't mind me reposting a couple more pics of her.

[Capt. Steve]

Hi Murph,
Thanks very much for responding. Yes, I now own" Maestra". She has been on the East Coast since 1999,I am told. I would be very interested in what ever you have about her. I saw some pictures on the web site and I think they are of your boat. Do you presentlyl own" Arrivederci"? I live in the Chesapeake Bay area in Baltimore, Md. I would like whatever history and stories you have of her would be appeciated. Any of the blueprints, sales brochures, etc. would be nice. I would also like to know about the value of her new as well as a value now. Let's talk.
Capt. Steve

[Capt. Steve]

Murph,
Could you tell me about the model "Ischia". Is Maestra considered that same model? The pictures you posted are identical of Maestra. Daja-vue!
I am going to have to refasten and replace some of the bottom and have some technical questions for you, about fastenings, pipeing systems, materials used in the construction. I see she is double planked. Also more pictures please!

Capt. Steve
410 522-7755

[MurphIschia]

Hi Steve.

Yes, Maestra is an Ischia there were 3 name subsets within the Ischia model run: Hull #1 to #19 was just Ischia #20 to #82 was listed as Segue Ischia and #83 to #95 was Ischia 16M.
All were 16 meters in length.
I have your boat listed as Hull number 82 built in 1965.
You can check this by looking for the build plate on the forward salon bulkhead under salon windows in the middle or on any of the drawers in the boat almost all the parts on the boat have the hull number stamped on them somewhere.
Here are a couple pictures from back in the day when our boats were new.
The Ischia is to the right in each photo.
This is a very early model with no side sponsons or flybridge these features were added to all the late models
In addition, you will notice that it has 3 portholes in the forward hull.
The European boats received a third crew's cabin in the bow thus the third porthole for that cabin that was only accessible from the forward deck hatch.
Welcome to the Baglietto family.

[Capt. Steve]

MurphIshia,
I would like to see some of the sales brochures and some other info on Maestra. I know she was sold on the West Coast, and the owner's wife and a professional crew brought her to the East Coast. Did they have any problems? I would like to talk to you personally, if possible. Here's my phone no. 410 522-7755.
Thanks,

Steve

[Soundbounder]

I'm learning a lot on this thread. Nice photos too.

[Capt. Steve]

Lew Barrett,
Do you know how many more Bagliettos are around? Where is this "Jensens" that was working on one of these boats? Do you have any history or info on these boats? I am going to have to repair the bottom 10 feet or so of this vessel. I woiuld like any info or plans available.

Thanks,

Steve

[Bob Adams]

Hey Skipper....I beleive Jensens is West Coast, I'd be willing to bet you have the only one on the Atlantic side.

[Lew Barrett]

Lew Barrett,
Do you know how many more Bagliettos are around? Where is this "Jensens" that was working on one of these boats? Do you have any history or info on these boats? I am going to have to repair the bottom 10 feet or so of this vessel. I woiuld like any info or plans available.

Thanks,

Steve

Bob is correct that Jensen Motorboat Company is a west coast yard here in Seattle. I believe there are two 16 meter boats and one of the larger vessels (see below!) in the region. There could be more, but that's as many as I believe I have seen. The owner of the boat pictured below also has what appears to be a very well kept 16 meter, so he accounts for two of the three vessels all by himself.



On a slight but related tangent, I took this picture (just the one) this summer while I was at the Jensen yard. I had no idea at the time why I was taking it; now I guess the reason why is clear Work like this is going on all around this vessel; it is a major rebuild. The boat has been there at Jensen's for several years. I met the owner this summer while my own boat was hauled for it's annual inspection and he was stoic and resolved but had been taken a bit by surprise in respect to all the work required. I believe (if memory serves) that the boat had been imported directly from Italy four or five years ago, and that is about what I know.

[Capt. Steve]

Hey Lew,
Neat picture. I would like to know if anyone has replaced bottom planks on a vessel such as this. I am going to have to replace about 10 feet of the aft section. Exactly where in Seattle is Jensens located? Phone no.?

Steve

[MurphIschia]

Here are some fun photos of the Maiorca that Lew photographed at Jensen's in Seattle being loaded on as deck cargo for its trip from Italy to Seattle several years ago.





Here is a nice line drawing of the 16M. (This is the layout for the crew's quarters forward)


A color photo from the Genoa International Boat exhibition I showed previously.


Steve, I have replaced bottom planks or more correctly my wife has replaced bottom planks on our boat. She said she will give you a call to discuss it.

[Gerarddm]

Captain Steve-


Go here: http://www.jensenmotorboat.com/

[Capt. Steve]

Murph,
Great pictures and I look forward to hearing from you and your wife. I am covering "Maestra" and winterizing the engines this weekend. It is 67 degrees for the next two days, then down in the 50's, so I want to take advantage of the time. I got some varnish on her handrails and other brightwork last week.

Steve

[Capt. Steve]

Gerarddm,
Thanks for the website. Very nice.
Steve

[Lew Barrett]

Indeed, thanks Gerard.

Steve, I did include a link to the yard's website in my post with the photo, but sometimes the links can be hard to see here unless carefully picked out, and I just sort of threw it in. A year or so ago I did an article on Jensen. I don't very often link to my work here but since you have expressed interest in them, and since I am quite fond of them as well, here is a link to that article. I am glad to say that since I wrote it, business has picked up for them considerably, and deservedly. And of course, they have the Italian Job () to help keep them busy as well!



Click here for link to article on Jensen MB Co.

[MurphIschia]

Hi Steve, We will talk for sure. Good luck with the winterizing.
Here in SoCal winterizing is pretty tough as well. A lot of work goes into making sure the Christmas lights on the boat are just right for the marina Christmas parade.
Lew I did not put two and two together. I love your articles in Classic Yacht. Thanks for adding your talents to the Classic Boating world.

Here are a couple more photos to keep you psyched up through the winter.
This is a vintage boat show picture of a 16M very close to your serial number


And a good side shot of my boat to show you some differences between my boat and yours.

[Mad Scientist]

Very nice job on the wiring, Lloyd.

Tom

[Capt. Steve]

LLoyd,
Thanks for the info. Do you or have you owned a Baglietto at one point? Where are any other "bags" on the west coast?
Do you have any information on other wiring on the bag?

Incidentally, Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Steve

[Gerarddm]

The is one very tidy wiring job. Top notch!

[Bob Adams]

The is one very tidy wiring job. Top notch!

It sure is! After spending a few hours in Maestra's engine room, I appreciate it all the more!

[Capt. Steve]

Hi Murph,
Hope the hollidays were good for all. I have been working on the boat taking some bad wood out from the inside. She is up on the hard now ad I have taken the patches off the bottom and draining the water left inside. Have put a fan inside to help her dry out and now some of the drawers are able to be opened in the statroom aft. Have covered her up for the winter and working on what to do for her bottom repair. Have you been able to gather together some of the plans and info that you have. I sure would appreciate seeing them.

My address is:
Steve Smith
10305 York Road, Apt 201
Cockeysvillle, Maryland 21030

Thanks,
Steve

[Bob Adams]

Bump for the Capt.

[Bob Adams]

Notice the rear sponsons. Maybe our old pals in Canada with Absolu 80 took the hint?.

That's actually one of the exhausts. Free flowing and VERY quiet.

[Jay Greer]

One of my buddies was the US importer of the boats. They are indeed works of maritime art! my wife and I were guests at the Venice facility, Sacra Serrinella, when we were there on our honeymoon. It was there that we discovered that Italians like scotch as a sauce on ice cream. One nice little custom job that was delivered to a customer in Florida, by my friend, sported a pair of Ferrari V12 engins! It was a darn fast ride!!! Smooth too. Contact me privatly and I will arrange for you to speak with my friend who can, most likely, give you the information you need.
Jay

[Capt. Steve]

Hi Jay,
I am very interested in talking with your friend. My phone number is 410 522-7755 and my e-mail is nancy.smith64@yahoo.com. I am interested in any brochres or other material about the bagliettos.

Steve Smith

[Jay Greer]

Steve,
I gave you the information you would need in order to contact the party who could help you with your research many weeks ago. He tells me that you never called.
I find this to be a bit perplexing as the information is there for the asking. I am also reminded that a similar query came up about a year ago with similar results. I must say that I am rather perplexed as I always attempt give out as accurate infomation as I am able to.
Jay

[Bob Adams]

Jay, forgive Capt Steve...he can be "information technology challanged" Anyway, Capt Steve, here's that video you were looking for: