The Dalmatian coast of Croatia is an island strewn and convoluted maze that forms the eastern border of the Adriatic Sea. It has, at least since Roman times, been a haven for fishermen, traders, and, significantly, summer homes. The Roman emperor Diocletian’s retirement palace became the core of the modern city of Split.

To this day, Split continues to be an important cultural and economic center for Croatia. In a large covered building Luka Colnago has located the shipyard that bears his name.  The firm builds a wide range of aluminum work and pleasure boats. One of the largest models is designated the Colnago 45. The first was delivered in May of 2020 while another is under construction. 

These robust vessels are built with workboat strength for year-round operation, but yacht quality finishing for summer pleasure. The aluminum hulls are treated with a fairing compound that results in a glowing finish. The 45-foot (13.2-meter) boat is designed to carry up to 12 passengers in addition to two crewmembers and has a commercial rating. At the same time it is outfitted with yacht level amenities. The large forecastle includes a roomy V-bunk, head, and a small galley with fridge and sink.

The huge main deck has the command station forward and a large sweep of deck aft with ample space for dinning or entertaining. A large lounge aft with an open transom to the swim grid takes advantage of the boat’s 3.78-meter beam. A serious anchor is mounted forward for secure relaxing or swimming in one of Croatia’s many secluded bays.

Part of the practicality of a workboat and the fun of a pleasure boat, is a decent speed. With a displacement of 8500 kg, the Colnago 45 is quick to get up on the step and achieves 25 knots fully loaded. Part of the credit for this speed goes to an excellent and well-proven hull design concept and also to the 480-HP Cummins QSB6.7 engine. This powerful, yet light weight, engine is a good match for this boat. The common rail fuel system assures dramatically reduced noise levels and virtually eliminates exhaust smoke, while meeting IMO2 and EPA3 certification.

Diocletian’s castle overlooked the Croatian coast, which undoubtedly gave him much pleasure. Now, hundreds of years later, recreational boaters will enjoy that same coast with luxury fit for the Emperor and speed that he could not have imagined.
 

Photos courtesy of Colnago Marine
 
For further information:
 
Ivana Hot mag.ing.nav.mech. 
Email: ivana@colnagomarine.com
Pakleni otoci d.o.o.
Držićeva 21,
21 000 Split
mob: +38591 881 66 00
 
Goran Milavic, dipl.ing.
Assistant General Manager
Cummins Adriatic d.o.o.
mob: +385(0)91 1244109
tel:     +385(0)21 668647
fax:    +385(0)21 668648
Email: goran@cumminsadriatic.hr
 
Michel Kozulic
Recreational Marine Leader - Europe
Cummins Marine
Mobile Phone : +33 620 072 602
Office Phone : +33 556 347 523
E_mail : michel.kozulic@cummins.com
 
Capt. Jennifer McQuilken
Global Marketing Communications Leader, Marine and Oil & Gas
Cummins Inc.
4400 Leeds Ave. Suite 300 
Charleston, SC 29405
+1 843-696-9534 (call/text/WhatsApp)
Jennifer.McQuilken@Cummins.com
 
Alan Haig-Brown
A. Haig-Brown & Assoc. Ltd.
Bangkok, Thailand
Vancouver, Canada
Canada Phone: 604 520 7650
Thai Phone: 66 (0)8 5347 6206
E-mail: alan@haig-brown.com