A Letter From Our Master Builder: On Technological Innovation

It might be tempting to look at a J Craft Torpedo as an old-school cruiser, steeped in the spirit of the Riviera. An elegant, vintage-style day boat.

The mahogany, the teak, the rose polished-steel dashboard with its Nardi steering wheel – as found on the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO – combined with the diamond-stitched upholstery and sleek, optically mesmerising curves of the tumblehome design all speak of craftsmanship and tradition. And for sure, each J Craft is handmade by my team of 12 in our boatyard in Visby on the island of Gotland in Sweden.

It is particularly likely to be the case that you will focus on the handcrafted elegance of these boats, because the look of a J Craft has that quality that all beautifully designed objects possess – a sense that they have always been made this way, always looked this way, always adhered to a timeless, constant aesthetic.

J Craft’s philosophy is indeed one of evolution rather than revolution. Our Torpedo cruisers evolve continuously beneath the surface, while their exterior design progresses very gradually. For example, a Torpedo from 2010 might appear almost identical to a current model at first glance, but the technological advancements are substantial.

Paradoxically, perhaps, it is this “hidden” technology and the lengths to which the company will go to hide these, that really sets a J Craft apart. Anyone who has captained one, or been a passenger on board, will testify to the power and smoothness of the ride and all the extraordinary high-tech aspects of these machines that make them incredibly comfortable to travel in and easy to handle. These are, after all, ocean-going vessels, capable of reaching speeds of up to 47 knots (54mph) and certified to cope with rough seas with waves of up to four metres (13ft) high.

It’s fair to say that the advent of new technologies has significantly transformed leisure boating, enhancing the experience for both enthusiasts and operators. Historically, boats were constrained by the technology of their time, often lacking in safety features, efficiency and comfort.

Today’s advancements have revolutionised every aspect of boating. Sophisticated navigation and communication systems have made it much more accessible and enjoyable. Modern radar systems, GPS and touchscreen controls provide real-time data and ease of use, enhancing situational awareness and simplifying navigation.

Today, the most headline-grabbing hi-tech features on a J Craft might well be the remote steering capacity – you can actually manoeuvre your boat with your Garmin watch or iPad – and retractable military-spec night vision capability.

But while these are certainly fun pieces of kit, a more significant recent development is the introduction of our dynamic positioning system, which relies on antennas connecting to satellites. These antennas are entirely invisible, preserving the Torpedo’s classic aesthetic. This system maintains a boat’s position with high precision, simplifying anchoring and docking. Then there are the gyroscopic stabilisers from Seakeeper, which reduce roll and improve stability and comfort even in challenging waters.

Battery technology has also made substantial progress, enabling longer trips with greater power reserves and reducing reliance on noisy generators. This is tech previously only available to professional users in industries such as commercial shipping or offshore operations.

Onboard amenities have evolved too, to offer luxury and comfort akin to land-based homes. Innovations in climate control, entertainment systems and smart technology integration ensure boaters enjoy a high level of convenience and comfort. From automated onboard and underwater lighting and temperature controls to high-end audio and visual setups, modern leisure boats provide an unparalleled level of luxury.

Overall, technological advancements like these have not only improved the performance and safety of leisure boats like ours, but also elevated the overall boating experience, making it more enjoyable, efficient and environmentally responsible. 

On this last note, one of the most exciting things for us at J Craft about progress in technology is the way in which this can help us become more sustainable. Already we prioritise local sourcing and use fully recyclable materials, with the vast majority of parts and labour being Swedish-made and supplied. And, notably, our production process is powered almost entirely by renewable energy. 

But it is advances in propulsion systems that will naturally play a crucial role in making boating more environmentally friendly. At present, we use Volvo Penta’s powertrain and IPS drives and – while it's difficult to predict whether the future will be dominated by electric, hydrogen, e-fuels or a combination of these technologies – we are closely collaborating with Volvo Penta and eagerly anticipate the release of its upcoming hybrid system, which will integrate both electric and diesel propulsion.

So, although the J Craft Torpedo is one of the most technologically advanced vessels on the water, we never stand still where innovation is concerned. Even if our boats remain timelessly stylish.