La La Land in the new Rio Yachts Colorado 44

RIO YACHTS celebrate the launch of the new “COLORADO 44”. It is an important year for the boatyard from Bergamo, as it celebrates its 55 years of activity: a milestone that brings back memories of 1961, the year of RIO’s foundation, the dawn of boating, when power boats, with Chris Craft and Rolls-Royce engines, were made from mahogany by master wood craftsmen. The WSB team get up close to the 44, to check out the new arrival.

55 years later, many things have changed but some are still the same: the name “Colorado” was the name of the models born in the 1960s and, just as then, RIO YACHTS produces unique crafts, the result of extensive research, careful planning and meticulous work.

“Colorado 44” is built on the strength of its successful predecessor, “Rio 42 Air”, but completely revolutionises size, aesthetics and layout.

It is over 14 m long and can be described as a sporty hard-top, sumptuous and high-performing, with an open planned layout.

Its teak cockpit is really unique: spacious (8 m²) and completely flat with cockpit and helm station close together in order to enjoy external spaces with friends and guests.

It features a large sofa, two tables (the external one becomes a sun lounger), a concealable television and a practical external kitchen with a glass-ceramic cooktop, fridge and microwave oven, separated by a concealable door that can be closed to enjoy the full benefits of the air conditioning during the hottest days, lock the craft more securely, or simply offer more privacy when enjoying a quiet dockside drink; but when open it almost disappears completely to the right, creating one large open space.

The helm station has a glass sliding roof, a side window and long side glazing that let in air and light and offer great views. The stern platform is spacious with optional hydraulic controls to lift the tender or the jet ski.

Inside, the lounge area can be customised (with the possibility to include a laundry room, office, a second kitchen etc.), three cabins (6 beds) and two bathrooms. Panoramic windows, just above the waterline, allow in plenty of natural light.

Colorado 44 is powered by twin Cummins QSB 6.7 shaft drive engines, which offer great speed and low fuel consumption. Alternatively, for clients with specific requirements, the craft can be fitted with the sterndrive Volvo Penta D6 370

Rio yachts have embraced a classic modern cruiser design within this market segment, is it a enough to stand out from the crowd, time will tell. It’s strengths lay within open planning as do many but we like the minimalist approach throughout the cruiser, which gives the 44 a sense of class.

Rio Yachts