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Novurania Chase 31

A dash of flash.

They Say: High-quality construction, high-end fit and finish, and a turbo diesel make for a yacht tender/dayboat with heavy-duty performance.

We Say: It was a joy to work the throttle for the 370-bhp Volvo Penta D6 diesel paired with a DPH stern drive, the perfect power match for the Novurania Chase 31. The turbocharged common rail diesel proved as smooth as silk when put through its paces with the fly-by-wire controls, with awesome acceleration through the power band, smooth carving through turns, and a quiet smoke-free idle. The 30’9″-by-10’3″ Chase 31 is one of the more uniquely styled boats out there. Originally designed for megayacht tender duty, it can also be a solid dayboat. It’s not a true RIB like others in the Novurania line but rather a fiberglass boat with a foam collar that serves more as an oversize rubrail. Its stylish lines and teak flooring make it a looker at the dock, and its high freeboard will keep everyone secure — our test boat’s stern drive configuration seated 14. The helm setup left a bit to be desired in the convenience department, with no real stowage or place to throw a cell phone, handheld GPS, or VHF. Stowage overall was lacking for a boat this size, illustrating that it’s a boat designed for tender duty or dayboating rather than real cruising.

Who Will Want One: Megayacht owners looking for a cool tender that burns diesel; day cruisers looking for a stylish performance boat.

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Other Choices: Nautica’s X25 and X36 are more true RIBs that fall on either side of the Chase 31’s size range. They both offer diesel power as well as jet drive options.

The Numbers: $198,000.

Contact: 772/567-9200, www.novurania.com

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