Mar.Co E-Motion 44, the video test: stability, speed and luxury in 13.50 meters

Mar.Co E-Motion 44 Sea Trial

As soon as we leave the harbor, we’re greeted by a long swell from the southwest, with waves ranging between one meter and one meter ten. It’s a challenging condition, but perfect for understanding what this hull is really made of. Even at idle speed, the E-Motion 44 shows impressive stability: rolling is almost imperceptible, pitching is smooth and controlled. The RIB remains neutral, doesn’t dig in, and never buries the bow, immediately conveying that sense of safety typical of the shipyard’s best designs.

Power comes from three Mercury V12 Verado engines delivering 600 horsepower each, for a total of 1,800 horsepower. Just a touch of the throttles is enough to feel the powerful push of the twelve cylinders: within seconds, the boat gets on plane without the slightest hesitation. The transition from displacement to planing is smooth, progressive, and free from the usual lag of oversized engines. Trim adjustments are minimal, thanks to the naturally balanced attitude, and the overall feeling is that of a sturdy, obedient boat that’s always under control.

At 23 knots, with fuel consumption remaining around 7.1 liters at minimum, comfort is already remarkable. The long swell fails to unsettle the course, and the hull slices through the water with an effectiveness that translates into softness and total absence of vibrations. At 25 knots, the trim remains perfect and fuel consumption even drops to 6.2 liters per mile, a sign of impressive hydrodynamic efficiency. It’s the ideal cruising speed for fast, relaxed transfers, allowing long distances to be covered in total comfort.

Pushing further, the progression of the three V12s is exhilarating. The noise increases, but remains round and deep, a sound of controlled power that accompanies the acceleration. At 30 knots, fuel consumption rises to 6.8 liters per mile, yet the sensation is that this RIB could cruise for hours without tiring either the crew or the helmsman. The impact on the waves is always soft: the hull doesn’t slam or bounce, but glides with elegance, confirming the excellent quality of the hull design and weight distribution.

Then comes the time to open the throttles completely: throttles down, positive trim, and the Mar.Co E-Motion 44 literally takes off. 37, 40, 44, 48.3 knots. This is the top speed recorded during our test, in far-from-ideal conditions. Its behavior remains impeccable: no tendency to bury the bow, no loss of control, just the pure sensation of power managed with precision. Even when landing after the highest waves, the boat absorbs the impact with surprising softness.

When maneuvering, the response is immediate. At 30 knots, just a few degrees of rudder are enough to set a sharp turn: the boat leans progressively, traces the arc smoothly, and always keeps its grip on the water. In a counter-turn, crossing your own wake, the behavior remains identical, with no jolts or impacts. This is a hull that communicates, that can be read and anticipated, and that offers fun even to those with a heavy hand.

When we slow down to around 20 knots, the large hard-top envelops us completely, providing an almost unreal level of comfort. It feels like being at a standstill, such is the stability underway. Even with waves on the bow, pitching remains limited, and fuel consumption stabilizes around 5 liters per mile, an excellent figure for a boat with this level of power and weight. It demonstrates that hydrodynamic efficiency and directional stability were absolute priorities during the design phase.

Test Data

The Mar.Co E-Motion 44 in detail

At the stern, the three Mercury V12 engines integrate perfectly with the boat’s lines. The tone-on-tone styling enhances the sporty profile of this maxi RIB, while the large platform makes water operations simple and safe. The overall sensation is one of space, but also of order: every element has its function and its place.

The folding side platforms are among the most spectacular features of the design. Electrically operated, they expand the maximum beam from 4.55 to 5.60 meters, transforming the cockpit into a terrace over the sea. This is a choice that radically changes the perception of space, turning the main deck into an area to enjoy at any moment of the day.

The heart of the deck is the central dinette, made of two opposing sofas and two electric tables that, with a simple command, can be lowered to form a large sunbed or raised to create an elegant dining area. The sliding sofa also allows for two forward-facing seats, a detail that shows the attention to ergonomics and versatility. Just ahead, the bar unit acts as a bridge between the living area and the helm station. It can be customized with refrigerators, freezers, or an induction cooktop, and integrates a control panel that manages all the onboard automatisms. It’s the embodiment of Mar.Co’s philosophy: functionality and luxury coexisting without compromise.

The helm station is a masterpiece of ergonomics. Spacious, rational, and complete, it includes two large 16-inch Garmin displays, two auxiliary screens, the Mercury JPO joystick, electronic throttles, the bow thruster controls, and the windlass controls. Everything is exactly where it should be, easy to reach, and visible even in full sunlight. The entire area is protected by a fiberglass hard-top with a glass windshield, equipped with electric wipers and a washer system—details worthy of a true boat, not just a RIB. Moving toward the bow, wide and safe side decks, well protected by the bulwarks, lead to a huge sunbed capable of accommodating four people. The reclining backrest turns the area into a double chaise longue, perfect for relaxing at anchor.