The most intriguing thing about the Italian-built Nuova Jolly Prince 38 Center Console is not only its rugged construction, stability or power, but the machismo demonstrated by the company owner, Teo Aiello. What begs for further exploration is the tale of endurance, seamanship, and sheer determination of Aiello, and his co-pilot Sergio Davi, who embarked on a daring trans-Atlantic journey that would push the Prince 38 to its limits.

Nuova Jolly Prince 38CC RIB

Above: A 2024 Nuova Jolly Prince 38CC RIB rigged with Mercury 500R racing engines. Photo by Nuova Jolly.


Initial Ocean Crossing


Aiello and Davi clearly showcased the Prince 38’s seaworthiness in a trans-Atlantic traverse of 1,770 miles over 6 days and 8 hours. Their boat for the trip was powered by twin 300 Suzuki duo-prop outboards and traveled at speeds ranging from a fuel conserving 9.5 to 38 mph, averaging 13.4 mph. The traveled from Cape Verde to French Guyana, amid 2-3 meter seas, while carrying 7,500 liters of fuel and 150 liters of water. Aiello was delighted with the performance and how the Prince 38 “held the sea” both in displacement and planing mode, as the boat burned fuel, lightening the load of the 7,055- pound fiberglass RIB.

Solo Transatlantic Test: A 10,000 Nautical-Mile Voyage


To further prove the boat’s guts and glory, Davi continued on an even more extreme solo Transatlantic voyage from the Atlantic to California, crossing two oceans, touching three continents and covering over 10,000 nautical miles through the Panama Canal—a true test of durability and performance—both from the pilot and the vessel! 

Sea Trials In Fort Lauderdale


On our sea trial in Ft. Lauderdale, we experienced the smooth, stable ride of the Nuova Jolly Prince 38 CC in easy smooth seas, although we really wanted to feel its ride in rough water. Regardless. we were impressed by the handling of a 7,000+ pound RIB, loaded with luxury finishes like teak decks, automotive like upholstery, carbon fiber accents and sunshade poles under a sleek T-top with options like a bow thruster, Bimini top and twin Mercury Racing 450R engines. The company has now rigged twin 500R racing engines to the boat as well, for even greater speed and performance. 

Performance 


Reaching 45 mph was easy and smooth during our sea trial, though the boat can reportedly achieve over 70 mph (with the 450Rs, more with twin 500Rs) and seats 18 passengers. A sport cabin is also available with a comfortable berth, head and aft deck shower located by the spacious sun pad. Another sun pad occupies the bow, protected by a railing, while the whole boat is wrapped in tough Hypalon tubes.

Hull Design And Model Variations


The Deep V fiberglass hull with a 25-degree deadrise, and a 12’ 5” beam give the Nuova Jolly Prince 38 Center Console excellent handling and stability--without sacrificing comfort. Also available in a 33, 43 and 50’ model, this RIB can prove its metal—and has, thanks to 60 years of Italian craftsmanship---and seamanship!

Nuova Jolly 38 CC

Above: A 2024 Nuova Jolly Prince 38CC RIB rigged with Mercury 500R racing engines. Photo by Nuova Jolly.



Nuova Jolly North America is represented by Highfield Boats which saw the fiberglass luxury RIB as an ideal complement to its aluminum RIB construction. 

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