Apreamare Gozzo 38 Cabin Review: Modern Classic

The history of the Italian shipyard Apreamare goes all the way back to 1849, when Giovanni Aprea began building small fishing boats in the town of Sorrento, near Naples, on the Tyrrhenian coast. He based their design on the traditional wooden Gozzo Sorrentino boats typical in the region. 

Introducing the Gozzo 38 Cabin

The latest Apreamare model, the new Gozzo 38 Cabin launched last year at the Cannes Yachting Festival, retains all the classic features of those old gozzo boats, both in name and design, despite its contemporary style.

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Its distinctive hull begins with an almost vertical bow and the top hull line remaining the same height all the way to the stern, where it ends with a closed, semi-circular transom. Aft, the spacious aft platform is also semi-circular. 

Exterior design and deck layout

This classic hull is skillfully coupled with a decidedly modern, low superstructure with stylish glazing and a tall glazed space that houses the helm station, salon and galley. 

The aft platform is impressive, almost the same size as the stern itself, and easily accessed through a hatch on the starboard side, one of the signature elements of gozzos. 

Furnished with an L-shaped sofa and an almost invisible table that rises from at the push of a button, with a little help of a smart hydraulic system. This folding table by the sea is big enough to seat four.

Wide side passages protected by high railing lead to the bow, where in front of the windshield there is a large sundeck slightly raised along the glazing, ideal for enjoying the view across the bow. Through a large four-part door that can be fully opened and disappear into the sides (connecting the interior of with the cockpit) and into the salon. 

Starboard lies a compact galley with a refrigerator, sink and electric ceramic hobs, while port there is a sofa seating four and served by a dining table. The interior is light tones and airy, with light wood elements and cushions in soft colors, further emphasizing the feeling of spaciousness.

Interior features and comfort

This design style continues below deck, in the spacious central area that connects all the cabins, hosting a large wardrobe and an additional refrigerator. The cabins include a double guest cabin and the master in the bow, with a centrally placed double bed and served by elegant side stairs for easy access. 

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The bathroom is surprisingly spacious for this class of ship, with a glass sink, electric toilet and separate shower cabin with sliding doors, and is paneled in light wood. Except for the part above the guest bed, the interior below deck boasts standing height and is very bright thanks to side windows.

Performance and handling

On our test, the sea was perfectly calm, but even so, Apreamare Gozzo 38 Cabin showed exceptional stability both in navigation and at anchor, without additional stabilizers. We must stress that the below water part of the hull is designed for planing. 

Fuel efficiency and engine specifications

This hull allows cruising speed of 20 knots at 2800 rpm (consumption 60 l/h), and maximum speed of 30 knots at 3580 rpm (consumption 127 l/h), powered by two Volvo Penta D4-320 engines (320 hp each) and a classic shaft drive. The engine room itself boasts easy access, trough a large floor hatch. Lovers of easy cruising will enjoy the cruising speed of 8.5 knots (consumption 16 l/h).

The real beauty of Apreamare Gozzo 38 Cabin model lies in the ease of handling. Thanks to excellent visibility from the helm station, large side windows and wide gangways, maneuvering in and out of harbors is easy, even with no crew at all. 

This modern model imbued with plenty of classic charm successfully combines traditional Mediterranean design with modern comfort, offering spacious and bright interiors, commendable seaworthiness and easy handling.