Marlow Pilot 34
We sold our 2007 Mainship 400 with the thought of downsizing. Last year, Marlow Marine in Palmetto Florida put their 2016 Pilot 31, 2015 Pilot 32 and 2016 Pilot 34 demo boats on the market. The 31 and 34 were open cockpit models and the 32 was enclosed. We sea trialed the 31 which had a single engine, and the 34 which had twins. We ended up purchasing the Pilot 34.
Marlow redesigned the hull incorporating an enclosed strut and shaft. The windshield is a single piece eliminating center columns which enhances visibility. With the 34, the cockpit floor rises providing unobstructed access to all sides of the engines. A single fuel tank and single water tank run across the beam and the anchor chain locker is located below the water line, all to enhance stability.
The quality is what you expect from Marlow. We looked at a Legacy and also sea trialed a Back Cove 32. Our impression was that the Marlow Pilot was very competitive with these boats.
The 34 Pilot we purchased has twin 260 HP Yanmars (the largest engine option available). The boat cruises effortlessly at 15 knots, with a top speed around 23 knots. Combined fuel burn at 15 knots is around 1.4 NM per gal.
It appears Marlow is currently only building the Pilot boats on an as ordered basis.