2021 Invictus GT280S
As a point of editorial pride, I don’t steal sentences from other writers, but I’m going to break every rule and quote my friend Dennis Caprio who wrote in this magazine: “If the Invictus 280 GT were a dog, she’d be a Staffordshire bull terrier—aggressive on the outside, and friendly on the inside.”
Spot freakin’ on.
This brand’s tough exterior has been catching my eye year after year at the Düsseldorf and Cannes shows. Invictus models have a shape all their own—not many in this market and size range can make that claim. Sleek yet rounded with a mission-built hull and bow, they look born for blasting across the Med, even while resting on jack stands.
Close inspection throughout the vast model lineup reveals boats that characterize a Made-in-Italy ethos. From the stitching in the leather to the clever layout choices, I’ve been not-so-patiently waiting for the builder to establish a presence in the U.S. to justify a few hours (or preferably a long weekend) aboard.
The 280 GT, as I alluded to, is not a new model. Dennis’s review ran in our March 2015 issue of Power & Motoryacht, and he got the story right. Designed by Christian Grande, the boat’s real calling card is her style, one that should make it stand out in an ever more similar and crowded market. When the GT280S made her U.S. debut at the Miami Yacht Show, she had one big difference from her otherwise identical twin, she came dressed for the occasion, sporting a pair of bright-white 200-hp Suzukis. Represented by Invictus Yacht U.S. she caught plenty of attention and was photographed extensively by the boat-show paparazzi.
Down below the GT280S sports a V-berth and a pair of settees that are more than adequate for an overnight, as is the head. What’s surprising about this space is how bright it is, with long windows running nearly the length of the space.
Another surprising element in this model, and the entire Invictus line, is the list of custom options. There were numerous fabrics, leathers and color schemes to choose from after you sign on the dotted line. While I’m partial to the cream-colored model with orange hints that most of the boats possess, I’ve also seen a black-and-red color scheme that looks very, well, hot.
Also making its debut in the U.S. was the diesel-powered GT370, which we covered in 2017. We’re told an outboard-powered version of that boat will make its way stateside. If you couldn’t tell, we’ve been chomping at the bit to escape aboard one of these boats for a while now, and the GT280S is calling our name.
Outboard power, stunning Italian aesthetics and plenty of room for customization: I think this newcomer is going to feel right at home in South Florida. —Daniel Harding Jr.
[dt_fancy_title title=”Specifications” title_size=”h3″ title_color=”title”]
LOA 29’2”
Beam 9’3”
Displ. 5,291 lbs.
Fuel 140 gal.
Water 18 gal.
Power 2/200-hp Suzuki outboards
Cruise Speed 25 knots
Top Speed 40 knots
Standard Horsepower 400