You need look no further than the boatworks of Florian and Gunther Graf halfway between Munich and Lake Constance for proof that it’s not only Italians who know how to build incredibly stylish mahogany power launches in the classic mode. Based on plans drawn up by naval architect Winfried H. Wilke with meticulous attention given to every aspect of the design, materials and construction methods, the new Graf Ipanema is a fitting rival for the likes of Riva and J. Craft. This extends to using only traditional tools in the boatbuilder’s yard to shape the wood, leather and metal.
The nine-metre, €390,000 beauty, which can be powered by twin 400 hp Volvo Pentas for a maximum speed of 40 knots, features a hull carvel-planked with triple skin diagonal mahogany. Teak, larch, oak and okourné wood are also used on the craft, along with fine oxhide and alcantara, high-grade woollen materials, brass, chrome and stainless steel. A mahogany table with seating for six and compartments for champagne flutes can be folded and stowed away, while the leather-upholstered solarium aft steps down to the teak anti-skid swim platform.
