This Carbon Fiber ‘Superboat’ Is A Stylish Speed Demon

With breakneck speed and yacht-like amenities, the Mayla GT is in a class of its own.

German upstart Mayla Yachts is rocking the proverbial boat with the launch of its inaugural vessel: the Mayla GT.

Combining the breakneck performance of a speedboat with luxe amenities of a superyacht, the so-called “superboat” is the brainchild of Christopher Gelsdorf and Oliver Arnault, two veterans of the sports car manufacturing industry who founded Mayla in 2021 on a shared passion for boating.

“Launching the Mayla GT at Boot Dusseldorf is an exhilarating milestone for us at Mayla,” Gelsdorf said of its launch event in Germany.

“This high-end carbon-fiber superboat embodies our dedication to redefining luxury powerboats. Its fusion of cutting-edge technology, unmatched performance, and unwavering commitment to elegance marks a new era in the world of luxury sports boats.”

The model presented at the tradeshow is the Mayla GTS, which features a deep-V carbon prepreg hull measuring 44 feet and a pair of 650-horsepower supercharged V8s, each adapted by GM Marine and Ilmore Engineering from the C7 Chevrolet Corvette’s powerplant, according to New Atlas. A weight-to-power ratio of 7.7 pounds/hp, in combination with transversal steps that help form air bubbles around the hull, allows the Mayla GTS to achieve speeds of 70-plus knots (81-plus mph).

However, that’s just the entry level powerplant. New Atlas also reports the 2,200-hp GTR and 3,100-hp GTR-R variants reach speeds of 80-plus knots (92-plus mph) and 100+ knots (115-plus mph), while an all-electric E-GT will top out at 50 knots (58 mph) and a hybrid diesel-electric E-GTR will hit 60 knots (69 mph).

The speed puts the Mayla GT in the upper echelon of speedboats, but few, if any, of its performance rivals can can compete in the opulence department. Below deck is a luxury cabin with a double bed, a head with separate shower, luxurious Alcantara seating, a wardrobe, vanity area, TV screens, and a premium audio system.

The open cockpit area has room for eight, with sliding sun loungers, shock-absorbing helm seats, a wet bar, a barbecue, foldaway table, and storage. The Mayla GT may be the fastest boat on the water with a garage for jet ski storage and an electric transom door that converts into a beach club platform.

The entry-level Maya GTS is expected to start at somewhere between $1.75 and $1.85 million. Mayla invites potential customers to apply online to join them for a sea trial in spring of 2024.