- Technology and Innovation
Outboard Propulsion Meets Aerospace Composites on the Marcopolo MP12
Entering the Adventure Sector
The Aschenez group, recognized for the Invictus and Capoforte lines, is actively targeting the explorer market. Operating under the newly formed Marcopolo Adventure Yachts brand, the builder recently debuted the MP12 at boot Düsseldorf 2026. This vessel is designed specifically for owners who view offshore transits as the primary objective rather than a simple route to a destination. The platform prioritizes high-speed stability and extreme structural versatility to adapt to varied marine environments.
Modularity and Aft Deck Configuration
A core component of the MP12 architecture is its structural adaptability. The shipyard engineered specific modules that allow the layout to transition from an open profile to a fully enclosed cruiser configuration even after initial delivery. The premier model utilizes the cruiser layout, featuring large panoramic glazing that encloses the area beneath the hardtop. Aft of the futuristic helm station, the living area incorporates a fully equipped bar unit with a galley corner, sink, and refrigerator. To maximize the usable footprint, fold-down side terraces expand the cockpit into a vast open-space arrangement.
The Outboard Propulsion Shift
Unlike traditional explorers that rely heavily on inboard diesel engines, the MP12 is strictly optimized for outboard power. Buyers can specify a balanced configuration of three 350 hp engines or maximize the transom with three 450 hp units. Because the outboards occupy the center of the transom, two generous side swim platforms replace the conventional inboard deck. A specialized tubular structure integrates safety gates and a defining rollbar to physically separate the mechanical zone from the primary guest spaces.
Aerospace Composites and Material Application
Designer Roberto Delfanti applied material science typically reserved for the automotive and aerospace industries to manage the vessel’s displacement. The bulkheads utilize honeycomb polypropylene to maintain rigidity while reducing overall mass, and specific structural elements are cast from recycled PET. To lower the center of gravity and reduce top-weight, the pillars and hardtop are fabricated from carbon fiber. The aesthetic profile pairs a “Steel Grey” hull with a total-white hardtop. For exterior seating, the builder applied “Space Shell” upholstery to actively limit heat transmission under direct sunlight, while the interior features automotive-derived Dinamica fabrics.
Sub-Surface Fluid Dynamics
Pushing a heavy explorer to high speeds demands a highly refined running surface. The hull geometry was developed using computational fluid dynamics to ensure balanced trim profiles across varying sea states. The resulting triple-step hull actively reduces hydrodynamic resistance and smooths acceleration curves, allowing the MP12 to sustain safe cruising speeds of 40 knots. Production manager Rosario Alcaro utilizes premium fiberglass laminates throughout the build process to guarantee mechanical strength against heavy offshore impacts.
