Radical Rose

Like the rest of the range, the 656’s distinctive styling – largely the result of function dictating form – is impossible to ignore. The boat’s aesthetics can be divisive – you either like an Innovision’s looks or you don’t – but the semicustom boatbuilder’s offerings certainly get people’s attention. When we launched the 656 Explorer and a smaller 515 centre-console chase boat at Sandspit, passersby couldn’t help stopping by to look over the boats and chat.

Innovision’s boats are defined by their plumb bows, but as company principal Simon Minoprio points out, their bow shape is only part of what makes them perform so well: “It’s the complete package – the hull shape, including the bow, deadrise progression, raised sheer, chines and strake positioning.” The boats are designed jointly by Minoprio/Innovision and Naval Architect Brett Bakewell-White.

The 656 Explorer is supplied