Magnum Marine’s story is a thrilling saga. From world-champion race boats slicing Miami’s waves to luxurious yachts cruising the Mediterranean, this brand embodies speed, innovation, and defiance. Let’s explore their transformative legacy.





The Birth of a Legend





The late 1950s sparked a revolution. Ray Hunt’s deep-vee hull design, with a 24-degree deadrise, changed boating forever. It reduced pounding, boosted seaworthiness, and used longitudinal strakes for lift. This innovation set the stage for Magnum’s iconic vessels.





In 1963, Don Aronow, a retired real estate developer and offshore racing enthusiast, harnessed his racing success. He crafted high-performance deep-vee hulls, known as Aronow hulls, first seen in Formula and Donzi brands.









Magnum Marine Takes Shape





Inspired by C. Raymond Hunt, naval architect Jim Wynne collaborated with Aronow and Walt Walters in 1962. They designed the first Magnum hull—a 23-foot deep-vee for twin engines, initially the Formula 233. Refined for racing, it became the Maltese Magnum, a 27-foot world champion in 1966. This marked Magnum Marine’s birth.





That year, Aronow founded Magnum Marine on Miami’s NE 188th Street, later dubbed “Thunderboat Row.” Alongside the Maltese Magnum, he launched the championship-winning Magnum 35’, plus two smaller models: the 16’ Marauder ski boat and the 16’ Missile tunnel-hull catamaran.









A New Chapter Unfolds





In 1968, Aronow sold Magnum to Apeco, a Chicago-based company. Apeco introduced the iconic Magnum 25’, 28’, and 38’—now cherished as Magnum Classics. They also crafted three variants from the 27’ hull: the 27’ Sedan, the 28’ with a rounded deck, and the original 27’ sport race boat, a durable favorite for patrol duties.





In 1969, Italian Marchese Filippo Theodoli discovered the Magnum 35’ at the New York Boat Show. Captivated by its speed and seaworthiness, he bought one and became Magnum’s European dealer. He valued its hand-laminated fiberglass construction and blend of racing prowess with comfort.









Revolutionizing Luxury Yachts





In 1976, Apeco sold Magnum to Filippo and Katrin Theodoli. This was a game-changer. Filippo pioneered the “open sport yacht” concept, transforming race boats into high-performance luxury yachts. He introduced diesel engines for efficiency and paired them with Arneson surface drives and custom propellers from Phil Rolla for unmatched speed.





In 1977, Filippo unveiled the Magnum 53’, the first true open sport yacht. With a wide beam, 7’ headroom, two double cabins, a salon, galley, and crew cabin, it redefined luxury. Powered by twin diesel engines, it transformed island tourism in Corsica and Sardinia.









Setting Trends in the 1980s





The early 1980s saw the Magnum 45’ and 40’ debut, replacing the 38’. Magnum’s rugged designs also served military and law enforcement. The U.S. Customs Service praised their patrol boats for narcotics interdiction. A 1972 Magnum, seized in 1976, remained a top pursuit craft into the 1980s, showcasing its durability.





Katrin Theodoli’s Bold Leadership





After Filippo’s death in 1990, Katrin Theodoli took charge. As the only female CEO in high-performance boating, she faced skepticism but prevailed. Collaborating with designers like Pininfarina, Paolo Martin, and Luiz de Basto, she elevated Magnum’s designs.





In 1993, Katrin launched the Magnum 50’ Bestia, designed with Pininfarina. During a gale-force test, it hit high speeds, earning its nickname. The King of Spain ordered one, cementing its prestige.





The Pinnacle: Magnum 80





In 1995, Magnum unveiled its flagship, the Magnum 80. Designed by Pininfarina, this 24.08-meter yacht blended aggressive styling with blazing speed, hitting over 60 mph with twin MTU 2600 HP diesel engines and Arneson surface drives. Its deep-vee hull, using solid-glass and epoxy foam-sandwich technology, ensured seaworthiness and agility. With four double staterooms, a spacious salon, and custom Italian interiors, it redefined luxury.









Continued Innovation





In 1999, the Magnum 44’, designed by Luiz de Basto, debuted with a robust deep-vee hull. In 2001, the Magnum 60’ Furia launched, boasting high speeds and luxurious interiors, attracting elite owners.





In 2014, the Magnum 51’ debuted at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Powered by twin MTU 10V2000M94 engines, it graced the cover of Yachting Swissboat Magazine in 2015. Around 2016, Katrin and her son Giovanni re-released the redesigned Magnum 27’, nearly 40 years after its debut.









A Lasting Legacy





Magnum Marine shaped high-performance boating culture. Their designs blended American muscle with European elegance, influencing the industry’s aesthetic. The Maltese Magnum became a 1960s racing icon, featured in media and inspiring boat builders.





Collaborations with Pininfarina infused automotive-inspired elegance, with sleek lines and luxurious interiors like the 50’ Bestia’s Hermes designs. Hand-laminated fiberglass construction ensured unmatched durability, making Magnum boats prized for civilian and government use.





Preserving the Legacy





Today, Magnum Marine focuses on refits and maintenance of its classic models. Demand for used Magnums remains strong in Europe and the U.S. Their Miami facility continues to service these iconic vessels, preserving their legacy.





Magnum Marine’s journey—from race boats to luxury yachts—is a testament to innovation and resilience. Their story continues to inspire boating enthusiasts worldwide.


Written by: Vehicule Magazine
VÉHICULE Magazine is an ad-free publication celebrating the high-performance world of offshore powerboating and cutting-edge transportation. With a focus on the intersection of design, speed, and culture, it delivers carefully curated, collector-worthy print editions handcrafted in Germany. Through exclusive content and a bold editorial style, VÉHICULE explores the artistry and innovation driving the high-performance lifestyle, earning praise as “brash, cultured, and curious” by VOGUE.