The newest trend for express cruisers in North American waters is based on a centuries-old Italian fishing boat. The traditional gozzo rounded stern and bow are immediately recognizable, and while the original style featured masts and sails, today’s interpretations are more likely to have planing hulls and high-performance engines. 

But true aficionados are just as enamored with the Rubenesque design and romantic history of the vessel as they are with its modern handling characteristics, viewing the gozzo as the ideal platform for a prized one-off rather than a cookie-cutter acquisition. “We spend a lot of time customizing the boats— like a tailor-made suit,” says Giovanni Aprea, sales director of Apreamare, whose family has been in the business since 1849.