Caprio’s First impression:
If the Invictus 280 GT were a dog, she’d be a Staffordshire bull terrier—aggressive on the outside, and friendly on the inside.

Designer of the Invictus 280 GT, Christian Grande, refers to his interpretation of a speedy dayboat as Nautical 2.0. 

Grande relies on a careful balance of form and intelligent use of the boat’s limited volume to create a nice ambience. Her reverse bow appears sharp and massive. The simple shapes of the cabin windows and engine-room air intakes emphasize the monolithic character that Grande wanted. In addition to a dramatic look, this bow structure allowed the designer to give her a longer waterline length, which increases longitudinal stability and interior space. 

In keeping with her play-boat mission, the 280 GT has a swim platform and a substantial sunpad over the engine box. The central part of the cockpit has an L-shaped settee facing the helm. The bridge, which also includes access to the interior via a companionway, enjoys the protection of a wrap-around windscreen. At the helm, we find an array of analog-style gauges, a video monitor, and an inclinometer. Steps on each side of the helm take you to the bow and its sunpad.

The interior gives the owners a spacious V-berth, enclosed head, and small galley—enough for overnight stays.

The Invictus 280 GT rides on a deep-V bottom with 18 degrees of deadrise at the transom. Strakes along each side add lift and suppress spray. 

This mini-yacht offers a refreshing take on the high-performance dayboat. 

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Specifications

• Builder: Invictus
• Model: Invictus 280 GT
• Year: 2015
• Base Price: $111,620
• LOA: 29'2"
• Draft: 3'0"
• Beam: 9'4"
• Displacement: 6,173 LB.
• Fuel Capacity: 119 GAL.
• Water Capacity: 18.5 GAL.
• Standard Power: 1/320-HP VOLVO PENTA STERN DRIVE
• Cruise Speed: 21 Knots
• Top Speed: 38 Knots

This article originally appeared in the March 2015 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.