On Test. Targa 45: the newly launched Magazzù Maxi Rib is the forerunner of the new Targa collection
Italian style with an American soul. To give life to its latest creation, 
entry level of a new range, Magazzù has taken a glimpse overseas, introducing a Maxi Rib destined to conquer the US market and revolutionize the European one with a truly unprecedented boat.
After selling the first unit in the United States, the prestigious Italian shipyard has launched, in continental premiere, the Targa 45, forerunner of the new Targa collection that joins the well-known MX range and that we had the privilege of sea trialing before anyone else.
Elegant, innovative and sensationally appealing, the Targa 45 welcomes us on board with her American flag raised over the hard top which, in this clearly automotive-inspired model, forms a whole with the pilot house, offering a distinctive element for a RIB that proudly positions itself between a luxury Maxi Rib and a cabin cruiser.
Exteriors: automotive-style pilot house and two large relaxation areas
Never to this extent Magazzù has made reference to the aesthetic paradigms of the automotive industry. The Targa 45, in fact, feature futuristic and sporty lines, similar to a supercar’s ones, which reach their maximum expression in the pilot house, positioned amidships.
However, the Italian shipyard, specialized in the construction of magnificient Maxi Ribs, not only focuses on layout but also pays particular attention to function. Not surprisingly, the deck plan immediately suggests an important aspect of this boat; on board the Targa 45, beauty and comfort are two sides of the same coin.
The pilot house, accessible through two sliding glass doors, guarantees unparalleled driving comfort. Efficiently protected against external agents without however creating any “isolation effect”, it features a huge windscreen, two side and a rear glass door as well as an opening hard top, providing the pilot with an extraordinarily comprehensive panoramic view and a direct contact with the sea.
Heading out of the enclosed cockpit, we sit aft, where a vast outdoor dinette, sheltered by the pilot house, invites us to take a seat on the large U-shaped sofa that surrounds a genuinely comfortable dining table. While, at the stern, the spaces are devoted to conviviality, the bow is mainly dedicated to relaxation, offering a large sundeck that can accommodate two people in total comfort.
Movement around the deck is facilitated by the wide side-decks that join the cockpit and the solarium, this making the Targa 45 a fully-fledged walk-around boat. Furthermore, the presence of sophisticated courtesy ligths along the synthetic teak walkway give moments of freedom in the open air even after sunset.
Interiors: a fully-equipped dinettte and a wide master suite
Access to the sleeping quarters is through the pilot house, on the left of the steering console. Below deck, our expectations in terms of attention to detail and quality of materials, two categorial imperatives at Magazzù, do not disappoint. The spaces are abundantly livable, furnishings are simply flawless and the dinette is really welcoming, equipped with a wide worktop on the left and a convertible corner sofa on the starboard side.
Forward, on the left, the shower-equipped head is separated from the rest of the interiors and offers good headroom. Continuing forward, we enter the master cabin, equipped with a king-sized bed and made particularly bright by two hatches on the ceiling; featuring surprisingly unsuspected headroom, this large master suite is perfect for medium- and long-range cruising.
Sea Trial: racing performance, stunning stability
In Palermo, it is a beautiful early-autumn day. The sea is slightly rough
but the east wind seems not to disturb the Targa 45 which, as soon as we leave the port and speed up, rises from the waves and, supported by the high-performance stepped hull that is the trademark of all Magazzù boats, she gets up on plane effortlessly at around 15 knots.
Despite a length of over 13 meters, this well-balanced Maxi Rib with almost perfect waterlines keeps the bow parallel to the water surface with a trim that, even at 4,000 rpm, is always stable and safe.
The Targa 45 we’re testing is powered by three Mercury Verado engines, 400HP each. This engine option is the recommended one and, without either upsetting the overall balance of the boat or emitting any deafening noises, promises pleasure, power and exciting performance. A promise kept: between turns and counter turns, first soft and then more decisive, the Targa tilts while remaining glued to its track and won’t loosen her grip. Flawlessly, with no vibrations from the tubes. All while running just under 30 knots: absolutely not a walking speed.
The convenience of staying in the helm station, enclosed and with an impeccable view, deserves a special mention: the feeling of comfort is that of a yacht, the competitive emotion is that which only a maxi-rib can transmit, always protected from the elements.
Now, it’s time to push the gas throttles full on until we reach 50 knots. Acceleration is excellent, progression is great, with an extraordinary course holding. At over 6,000 rpm, the speed rises up to 52 knots. At 6,000 rpm, the Targa “flies” at 55.3 knots!
In conclusion, the Targa 45 has really amazed us, both in terms of performance and comfort on board. Since it’s only the first of a long series, we can’t wait to test the next Targa: this is just the beginning …
Magazzù Targa 45: Sea Trial in numbers
| RPM | Knots |
| 600 | 3.4 |
| 1,000 | 5.7 |
| 1,500 | 8.5 |
| 2,000 | 11.3 |
| 2,500 | 15.8 |
| 3,000 | 17 |
| 3,500 | 24.7 |
| 4,000 | 31.1 |
| 4,500 | 38.4 |
| 5,000 | 44.7 |
| 5,500 | 49.3 |
| 6,000 | 52.7 |
| 6,300 | 55.3 |
Magazzù Targa 45: Technical Specs
| Length | 13,3 m |
| Max beam | 4,8 m |
| Cabins | 1 |
| Drive | outboard |
| Engines | 3 x Mercury Verado 400 hp |
| Water Tank Capacity | 360 lt |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 1.000 lt |
| Design Category | EC-B |
Click here to visit the page dedicated to Magazzù Maxi Ribs on our Virtual Boat Show
