Nuova Jolly 850 XL: uncompromised space

Unveiled in Paris in late 2021, the 850 XL couldn’t miss the Genoa Boat Show where it showed all the quality of Nuova Jolly Marine production, which once again has really thought of everything.

Just look at it and you are immediately struck by its size. Its length is 8.73 metres, which, according to designer Matteo De Francesco himself, is comparable in terms of liveability to a 10.5-metre boat, but with one huge advantage: this boat is also trailerable. In fact, once deflated, its width reaches the maximum limit allowed for road transport with deflated tubulars, which, as I see it, is incredible.

Its numbers are in fact impressive. 3.40 metres wide allowing comfortable passages at every point, a 2 metre by 2 metre bow sundeck, stern platforms that can be modified as needed to accommodate up to two 225 hp outboards each, and the possibility of accommodating as many as 16 people aboard.

Clearly, with dimensions like these there are no limits for the Nuova Jolly 850 XL, which has in fact already been chosen for multiple uses. From tender for large yachts, to yachting, camping, military use and even work, there is no challenge that this boat is not ready to accept, fully satisfying every expectation.

One might think that with spaces like these, cruising performance might be somewhat reduced, sacrificed for comfort. Nothing could be more wrong. Its hull designed in-house by Nuova Jolly Marine is a masterpiece of design that not only makes it glide through the water at great speed (in fact, it reaches 54 knots) but also allows considerable fuel savings.

In short, if you think ‘bigger is better’, I will now explain why this is the right RIB for you.

THE NUOVA JOLLY 850 XL IN DETAIL

What does it mean to think big? If you ask Nuova Jolly Marine, the answer would probably be to never stop and to accept every new challenge head-on, without compromise. And the proof is this 850 XL.

All Italian-made, it is the result of a careful design where every step has been engineered: from the fibreglass moulds made from 3D drawings, to the jigs, right down to the hatches, every element of this boat is expertly thought out to exploit every last centimetre to the full.

Its hull is wide but sharp. It starts at 23° at the stern and reaches 60° at the beginning of the bow wheel with a plate in the centre of the stern itself, which not only facilitates cruising speed but also reduces consumption and friction.

The bowplate is hybrid, a distinctive trademark of this line made up of the tubular that wraps around the entire boat, with an integrated concealed fairlead that has a double advantage: aesthetically it is very clean and there are no bulky elements in sight, but at the same time it is easy to manoeuvre when docking.

The boat is also very comfortable to drive. The helm station accommodates a large two-seater sofa in front of which a modern console with a 12” screen opens out, with space next to it for storing everything you need, thanks to two storage compartments, a double cup holder and electrical sockets for various recharges.

Then, of course, its interior spaces: it is when relaxing that you understand that XL acronym. The sofas are large and comfortable, and both fore and aft offer the possibility of sitting at the table or transforming them into wide, extremely comfortable sundecks. Between the lockers and watertight compartments there is all the space you need to store everything you need for a yachting day, but also for camping or work, making the Nuova Jolly 850 XL truly perfect for any occasion.

There is also a toilet with a 1.70 metre chemical toilet, a 42 litre refrigerator, sink and chopping board which naturally become essential elements for its liveability, as well as the long awning which, using the steel or fibreglass T-Top, extends to the entire 8.70 metres of the boat. Personally, I always find this a great thing, as I often find myself camping with the family and, at the time of my girls’ nap, all this shade makes resting definitely more pleasant.

Last but not least, the stern houses one last practical innovation, namely the movable swim platforms which, depending on your choice, can accommodate one or two outboards of up to 450 hp: which means going fast, and enjoying that aspect of the sea that we can’t leave out, namely the pleasure and adrenaline of driving. In the water it is very stable, but as soon as it gets up on plane its 1,400 kg (dry) disappear to leave room for great handling, which adds to the list of positive aspects.

This boat wins you over with a simple, extremely clean style that definitely stands out. But it is once you are on board that you realize its full potential: if in fact everyone has their own needs at sea, with this 850 XL the Nuova Jolly Marine has thought well of satisfying them all.