Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha, the authorised distributor of Rolls-Royce cars in Qatar, has announced that the elegant and exclusive limited production Aeroboat will be displayed in its showroom at The Pearl-Qatar for a limited time as part of a regional road show.
At the heart of the Aeroboat is the supercharged Rolls-Royce Merlin V12 engine that was designed more than 80 years ago and has been installed in many iconic aircraft including the legendary ‘Spitfire’. The current engine has been detuned to deliver a reliable 1,500hp that, together with a bespoke gearbox and final drive, allows the Aeroboat to achieve speeds in excess of 50 knots.
The exterior design was inspired by the graceful lines of the Spitfire combined with modern automotive detailing. Subtle clues to this inspiration can be seen in the design of the stern, echoing the wing’s trailing edge, the sweeping tail, and the authentic air intake scoop.
Despite the retro influences this is still a distinctly contemporary yacht using carbon fibre, Kevlar and lightweight wood veneers in its construction.
The cockpit can be configured to the client’s wishes, comfortably accommodating four to seven passengers. The forward seats are a unique shock-mounted design inspired by the Spitfire landing gear. The console can be laid out with analogue gauges, touch-screens or a combination of both for command and navigation.
Dominant features of the helm station include the aircraft-inspired throttle and switchgear. Below decks the forward cabin includes a double berth and a small bathroom.
The Aeroboat is ideal for someone seeking a fast, stylish day boat. A total of 10 Aeroboats will be commissioned, each completely tailor-made to the specific requirements of the customer - from cockpit layout and interior trim to engine specifications and exterior finishes.