Glider SS18, a Powercat Elevated on Stilts: The World's Most Impressive Watercraft!
Glider SS18: Radical Futuristic Superboat Still a Marvel Ten Years Later
Ten years after its introduction in 2015, the Glider SS18 continues to captivate with its strikingly forward-thinking design. This boat, with its blade-like aluminum hulls and innovative propulsion system, has left a lasting impression.
Initially, the Glider SS18 appeared to be an implausible design. Yet, two years subsequent to the unveiling of a rendering, the first functional prototype was launched at Griffon Hoverworks, Southampton. Our website editor, Hugo, had the privilege of experiencing a world-exclusive drive in this unique vessel.
The concept behind the Glider SS18 is surprisingly simple yet outlandish. By mounting the craft on long, aluminum hulls, water drag is minimized almost to zero. Given water's extreme density compared to air, this reduction in drag signifies a significant advantage.
The futuristic helm was characterized by four throttles and two gear levers. The hulls were also designed for neutral buoyancy, enabling the boat to pierce through waves like a torpedo instead of bouncing over them like a conventional sports boat. This design results in a claimed cruising speed of 40 knots and an exceptionally smooth ride, almost unaffected by conditions.
The brainchild of superyacht captain Rob McCall, the Glider SS18 was inspired by his experience captaining a wave-piercing fast catamaran ferry. Realizing its smooth and stable sailing, he sought to adapt the same principles for a leisure boat.
Bearing in mind the initial plans for an even more ambitious 50-meter transatlantic superyacht, budget constraints eventually led to the prototype's downscaling to an 18-meter long dayboat. Additionally, the drive system was just as innovative as the design, integrating four 300hp supercharged waterjet engines from Yamaha jetskis, with two engines in each hull.
The vessel's cockpit featured five racing seats from Corbeau and four throttles—one for each engine. However, a faulty fuel pressure regulator on the day of our test restricted us to a top speed of 30 knots, far from the claimed 56-knot maximum. Nonetheless, cutting through a container ship's wake confirmed the boat's uncannily smooth ride and wave-piercing ability.
Despite the lack of demand for this 60ft-long £1 million boat with only five seats and no accommodation, the Glider SS18 has left an indelible mark in marine engineering and remains one of the coolest boats ever built.
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Glider SS18 Specifications- Year: 2017- Length Overall (LOA): 18 meters- Beam: 5.3 meters- Power: 4 x Yamaha SVHO 300hp supercharged waterjets- Speed: 56 knots (claimed)- Price: £1 million
- The futuristic Glider SS18, designed by Rob McCall, initially aimed to be an ambitious 50-meter transatlantic superyacht, but budget constraints led to its downscaling to an 18-meter dayboat.
- Incorporating marine gadgets and technology, the Glider SS18 is equipped with four Yamaha SVHO 300hp supercharged waterjet engines, offering a claimed cruising speed of 40 knots and a maximum speed of 56 knots.
- With a luxury lifestyle in mind, the cockpit of the Glider SS18 boasts racing seats from Corbeau and four throttles, enabling an exhilarating ride.
- While home-and-garden may not typically be associated with the Glider SS18, its streamlined design and advanced technology can also be found in the latest high-end flybridge yachts, bridging the gap between sports and luxury.
- The distinctive design philosophy of the Glider SS18 pioneered an innovative approach to hull technology, blurring the lines between radical futuristic speed boats and the luxury yacht’s sleek form.
- As the Glider SS18's inventor, Rob McCall drew inspiration from wave-piercing fast catamaran ferries, scientifically designing the boat to offer remarkable speed, stability, and a smooth ride, setting new standards in marine lifestyle and gadgets.
