GTMM Will Offer Full-Composite Version of 39-footer

Although the color scheme for the GTMM 39′ is not final, this rendering does depict the boat’s final deck lines and two-step hull.

While the standard lay-up for the upcoming Giovanni Theodoli Marine Manfacturing 39-foot V-bottom, which is based of the 39-foot Dragon and will debut at the 2012 Miami International Boat Show, employs conventional materials including vinylester resin and fiberglass, the two-step-hull boat will be offered in an optional full-composite lamination schedule.

According to Scott Smith, the former co-owner of Dragon who is a partner in GTMM with Theodoli, there were several factors—beyond lower manufacturing cost—in their decision to go with a conventional lamination schedule for their new model, which is being built by Mystic Powerboats in Deland, Fla.

“We decided not to make it 100-percent composite for a few reasons,” said Smith. “Not one person ever bought a Dragon because it was composite, though we will offer that as an option. John Cosker and Mark Bishop have come with a lamination schedule that is just as strong. A full-composite boat does not ride as well in the mid-range as a vinylester one. The ride is way too stiff for a pleasure boat.

“One more thing about composite—no gelcoat,” he added. “So every boat has to be painted.”