FIRST LOOK: NEW Marquis 420SC with IPS

The exciting 42’ Marquis SC is one of the first boats designed to take full advantage of the space-saving qualities of the Volvo-Penta IPS drive. The huge 60-sq.ft. cockpit with teak sole (optional) flows past a bi-folding door into the flush salon (inlaid hardwood) to create one huge entertaining area. No step up! Just one, large flowing deck which will keep cocktail parties mingling instead of breaking into two groups which always happens when the bridge deck is raised to accommodate the inboard engines. The Volvo-Penta IPS diesels are in the engine room below the cockpit. The second thing the IPS drives allow is a “VIP Stateroom” in addition to the Master in the bow.

Marquis is planning on building only one of these boats a week, so if you buy one you won’t be one of a cast of thousands. Marquis works hard to be an “up market” brand and like their other boats have lots of wood. According to Marquis, “the interior will feature quality treatments such as distinctive Zebrano wood cabinetry with Steinway -quality lacquered trim and wooden cabin sole.” Further, since the boat will also be sold in Europe it meets the CE Structural Requirements in addition to ABYC standards.

Possibly one of the most innovative features of the boat is what Marquis calls a “sliding transom.” This actually a movable transom bulwark which slides aft 18” or so on tracks electrically. When you push a button you automatically get more cockpit space as well a “teak beach” overhanging the swim platform. See the drawing.

The full galley is up, opposite the two-seat helm station. The power retractable, tinted glass sunroof is 78” x 136” with integrated shade is a sophisticated option. Below is a single head with separate shower stall.

Engine options range from the Volvo-Penta D6 IPS 400 with 310-hp, to the Volvo Penta D6 IPS 600 rated at 435 hp. Both are diesels and the company says that the boat is designed to exceed 40 mph with the big power. The beam is 13’11”, the draft is 43” and the displacement is 28,000 lbs. Heading the list of noteworthy standard equipment is the “joystick” which makes docking so simple even a caveman could do it. The boat also comes with a Kohler 10kw generator, Maxwell 800 Windlass with 150’ of 3/8th” chain, double-welded bow rail stanchions with aluminum backing plates, windshield defoggers, red night vision overhead light at the helm.

This boat is very much intended for the European market and has an optional Passerrelle, 9kw 50 hz Kohler generator, underwater lighting, and “Spa Shower with massage jets.”

A full range of Raymarine electronic equipment is offered as optional equipment for the boat, which means you can have it all installed at the factory and avoid the hassle of aftermarket installation.

And if all of this were not enough, Marquis’ new logo looks like a cross between those of Aston Martin and Bentley.

• Top speed for the Marquis 420 SC is 40.5 mph (65.2 kph), burning 40.8 gallons per hour (gph) or 154.43 liters per hour (lph).


• Best cruise for the Marquis 420 SC is 30.5 mph (49.1 kph), and the boat gets 1.13 miles per gallon (mpg) or 0.48 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 304 miles (489.24 kilometers).


• Tested power is 2 x 435-hp Volvo Penta IPS600 - Diesel.