Croatian powercat builder unveils first-ever model

Croatia’s Makai Yachts has rolled out its first catamaran model, the Makai M37, and is working on new variants of the boat. With an expansion of the firm’s production capacities underway, Makai plans to focus on the US and European markets, according to senior company representatives.

Shane Grover, a co-founder of Makai Yachts, told IBI that the company is currently investing in its capacities to be able to build some 24 yachts per year. Designed by Italy’s Emanuele Rossi, the Makai M37 is produced at the builder’s waterfront shipyard in Split in southern Croatia.

“With a new model launched and already fantastic feedback, it seems we will need to continue focusing on expanding our capacity and aim to develop a sustainable long-term production capacity. We are located in Split where we have just expanded into a new shipyard with waterfront land, and excess land and facilities planned for an expansion”, Grover says.

During 2023, Makai Yachts developed the tooling and design for the M37, worked on expanding the company’s dealer network, as well as a new factory set-up, he said.

“At the same time, our priority is to make a high-quality, premium product for demanding customers. We knew from the beginning that we want Makai yachts to be built in Europe. We have chosen to build yachts in Croatia because of its numerous qualities. It is well located, and the shores of the Adriatic Sea is a perfect place to build yachts,” according to Grover.

“Our customers can sail their catamarans along the Croatian Adriatic coast, but if they want, they can also use Croatia as a departing point to take their yachts to other destinations,” said the company’s co-founder.

Makai describes its flagship as a “luxurious, twin double-cabin catamaran” with a cockpit area of 19m² (204ft²). In its M37 Open variant, the boat can reach maximum speeds of 39kt. 

“Catamaran efficiency makes the M37 incredibly quick and fun to drive. It also makes it manoeuvrable. Propellers are spaced farther apart than on a monohull, making them more efficient and providing greater twisting force when manoeuvring in tight spaces. Add in joystick control and this boat is simple to drive, and even more simple to dock,” the business says in a statement.

The Makai M37 can accommodate a total of 12 people. In its most powerful version, the power catamaran is fitted with 2 x 370hp Yanmar 8LV-370 engines. The Makai M37 had its official premiere at the 2024 Palma International Boat Show in April. As the Croatian builder is focused on expanding its international customer base, Makai will initially focus on securing customers from the US, in particular Florida, but also from a wide range of Western European markets, according to Kresimir Secak, a co-founder of the Croatian builder.

“We are interested in many foreign markets, but for now, these markets will be our focus”, Sečak said. “Makai Yachts has an experienced workforce at our shipyard, and we are ready to offer high-quality catamarans to our customers.”