Borgia, Italy – When it comes to carbon fiber, there’s always some precaution. In the automotive and boating industries, it is frequently seen as a mere visual effect—often reproduced with films that mimic the signature weave of the material. Moreover, the processing of this material, which is remarkable for its mechanical properties but challenging to work with, is sometimes carried out with insufficient precision.

This is a necessary premise to highlight the manufacturing and design limitations that the new Invictus GT280 Carbon Look aims to overcome, evolving from its own legacy. This one-off edition celebrates hull #300 of the milestone model that marked the debut of the Invictus Yacht range in 2015, initiating the successful collaboration with designer Christian Grande. Far more than just a ‘special edition,’ it represents a significant technological advancement and a major leap forward in the shipyard’s production processes.

The choice of carbon fiber

“The decision to use carbon fiber wasn’t made merely to enhance the model’s appearance,” explains Rosario Alcaro, General Manager of Invictus Yacht, a brand of Cantieri Aschenez. “Rather, it is the result of a study aimed at improving our construction process. Thanks to carbon fiber, we’ve been able to enhance the material’s technical, structural and visual properties, leading to a better aesthetic quality and improved performance. Specifically, the ‘pre-preg’ (pre-impregnated) technology enables us to reduce the weight between the hull and deck by about 50%, which translates into a 40% reduction in the boat’s overall displacement. This allows us to maintain the same mechanical strength, reliability and rigidity, while also reducing fuel consumption by using smaller engines without sacrificing performance.”

The pre-preg process: a game changer

While traditional resin infusion technology was groundbreaking for its time, it had inherent limitations, such as poor control over resin distribution, leading to variations in mechanical properties. The ‘pre-preg’ method overcomes these limitations and completely transforms the way carbon fiber boats are built, representing a true engineering evolution.

Pre-impregnated fabrics require precise thermal management, starting with storage at -18°C, which demands significant investment in refrigeration technology and environmental control—investments that Cantieri Aschenez has already made. Once the ‘pre-preg’ sheets are cut according to CAD designs, they are carefully positioned on molds. This placement is carefully optimized to ensure the best performance of the material while achieving the striking visual effect that only carbon fiber can provide. Subsequent layers are crucial for ensuring the boat’s structural integrity. After being placed in custom molds, the components undergo pressure cycles at a controlled temperature of 80°C, ensuring optimal fiber adhesion, near-total void elimination, and uniform resin distribution.

“We wanted to start a small revolution with the GT280, one of our most successful models, as the 300th hull clearly shows,” says Rosario Alcaro. “Our goal is to extend this innovation to key components across our entire range. Not only does this new process improve structural and aesthetic qualities, but it also reduces waste and lowers the environmental impact. Excess resin is removed during lamination, resulting in a cleaner and safer working environment. To put it into perspective, the foils on America’s Cup boats are made using this same technology, highlighting its extraordinary mechanical properties.”

A design without compromise

The Invictus GT 280 Carbon Look, showcased at boot Düsseldorf, will feature a hull that highlights the signature weave and colors of carbon fiber. The transparent coating serves solely to accentuate and reveal the carbon, while the deck will be finished in a light color, paired with a matching light interior. This choice is driven by practical considerations for comfort on sunny summer days, as well as to create a striking contrast with the black hull, which is echoed in every component of the boat—from the steel fittings to the steering wheel, and even the glossy exposed carbon fiber instrument panel.

At the same time, the key elements that have made the GT 280 a success over the years remain unchanged: compact in size (8.9 meters overall), yet consistently focused on details, the refinement of materials, and above all, elegance and style. On one hand, the model is reimagined with a fresh, updated look; on the other, it reflects the shipyard’s progress in innovation, research, and the development of production processes. The engine on the displayed model will be a 300 hp Volvo Penta V8 gasoline engine.

Invictus Yacht at boot Düsseldorf (Stand C20 – Hall 5)

Alongside the GT 280 Carbon Look, visitors will also find the TT460, winner of the “Design Innovation Award 2020,” which, with its 14.27-meter length, elegantly blends the spaciousness of a cruiser with the refined allure that has always defined the Italian shipyard’s boats. This same philosophy is applied to a smaller model, the 12.30-meter Invictus TT420. Special mention should also be given to the 10-meter GT320, designed by Christian Grande, which celebrates its “serial number 100” and, in keeping with the shipyard’s tradition, will be presented in an Atelier version, highlighting the model’s curves and flowing lines through soft, enveloping colors. The Atelier edition underscores the brand’s ability to reinvent itself and adapt to the personal tastes of its owner, moving beyond the conventional designs the eye is accustomed to.

The Capoforte range, the shipyard’s line of day cruisers ranging from 6 to 9 meters, will also be on display at the show (Stand B60, Hall 4). Four Capoforte models will be presented, with the SQ240 “full electric” taking center stage as the shipyard’s first boat to feature electric propulsion. The other three models on display will feature traditional gasoline engines: the inboard SX280, and the outboard models CX270 and CX250.

Invictus Yacht will also be present at the Dubai International Boat Show, which will take place from February 19 to 23, 2025 – Stand MD-17.