Fratelli Aprea 36 Hard Top

Let’s be honest, there are a lot of boat brands on the market now that may not be familiar.

What may look typical is the styling and designs — sleek, go-fast models, as well as stacked deck motoryachts and formidable cruisers. Notable are the many brands that come from Italy.

As a departure from the norm, Fratelli Aprea has landed on our shores from the great boot-shaped country, and it’s a horse of a different color — both literally and figuratively.

Historic charm

The styling is courtesy of the gozzo boat technique from back in the late 1800s in Sorrento. Carpenters would build the center of the boat first (seven frames toward the bow, seven frames toward the stern). From there, the curved sections were added to the bow and canoe-styled stern, frame by frame. This method of construction was to ensure proper hydrodynamics of the hull, among other things, by the positioning of the garboard or lowest plank to the shaping of the frames. By adding longitudinal frames, beams and bulkheads, the skeleton of the gozzo is completed, ready for the planking. Post planking, the final steps are applying the colored paints and installation of the “decorations,” such as stanchions, benches, lockers, vents and other detailed components to complete the “aesthetic harmony.”

Today’s Fratelli Aprea boats embrace the nostalgic charm through painstaking artisan work, as evident on the Fratelli Aprea 36 Hard Top (HT). When you look at it, it’s really a floating work of art. As the building materials have changed through the years, now with a solid fiberglass hull, they maintain their seakeeping lines and inherent stability yet are still constructed by hand, not machines.

Riding along on the 36 HT on a near flat Atlantic Ocean offered time to enjoy the smooth ride, beautiful woodwork and finish, as well as seeing what the twin Yanmar diesel engines kicking 440 hp each could bring to this vessel. Mind you, Fratteli Aprea does not build go-fast boats. What they do, and have done since the beginning, is build seaworthy vessels that are efficient yet safe. For cruising the Great Loop or other rivers, lakes or estuaries, the 36 HT brings a different level of pleasure to your cruise.

At wide open the 36 HT dialed up at 27.5 knots fully loaded, sufficient to beat out foul weather. Dial back to 16.2 knots and consume only 25 gph. This boat is meant for you to enjoy the journey, not just the destination.

All hands on deck

On deck, it’s a simple yet elegant layout. Walk- around teak decks take you from the spacious swim platform to the oversized sunpad on the bow. We Italians like to lounge around, drink wine and nosh on dried meats and fine cheeses all day, and this is the perfect spot to do it. Separated by a teak walking path is a comfy bench seat in front of the pilothouse. I did spend some quality time lounging here, as the bolstered seat and wraparound backrest create a comfortable space.

Having the hardtop allows for a more secure installation for the metal framed, twin-pained wraparound windshield. Giving it a bit of a retro look, the metal frame blends in nicely with the polished stainless hull vents and louvered vent covers. Opt for the sunroof for air flow and star gazing. A low-profile radar arch fits nicely on the hardtop and keeps the air draft to a minimum.

Behind the windshield is the starboard helm. Nestled in three separate wood-finished pods is the Garmin multifunction display with dual Yanmar engine monitors in the center pod, flanked by dual pods that house rocker switches and additional electronics. It would have been easier and cheaper to house everything in the fiberglass dash, but Fratelli Aprea carries the classic wood look and feel to every corner of the 36 HT.

Aft of the helm is a wetbar with a teak flip-up top, a fridge and an electric Kenyon grill. An interesting feature is the sink with a hammered finish.

To port is an L-settee and high-gloss teak table. Located under the hardtop, this space keeps guests out of the elements and close to the captain. Aft is a transom curved bench seat that is sufficiently deep to sit or curl up on. Although there is one transom door to the platform for boarding, the 36 HT has a break in the railing on either side to facilitate boarding over the gunwale.

As with most cruising boats, storage space is at a premium, but good builders know how to find it. The 36 HT has nooks and crannies all over, suitable for stashing ground gear, provisions and personal items.

Look out below

Below decks is a sizable setup for a 36-foot boat. To port is the galley with a two-burner Kenyon electric cooktop with pot holders, a Cuisinart microwave and an Isotherm fridge/freezer. I mention the brand names so you see that Fratelli Aprea sources American appliances for its boats destined for the U.S. market. Need a part or repair, it should be close by. An L-settee is accompanied by a high-gloss wood table.

A raised centerline primary berth is in the peak, with sconce lighting, overhead and side windows, hanging lockers and storage underneath the berth. Hi-low twin bunks are to starboard. A single head features a hammered sink, Tecma toilet and shower head.

Throughout the cabin areas there’s timeless mahogany and holly flooring, high-gloss mahogany and teak wood furnishings, and the finest upholstery and leather materials. Each boat is tailored for the individual customer and no two are the same. Fratelli Aprea takes pride in creating the ultimate expression of the owners’ style.

Looking at the hull details with a very generous bow flare, turned-up bow and high rails, you can still get a historical aspect for the way things were “back in the day.” The sixth generation of Aprea brothers continues the tradition. It’s said that when you buy a boat, you become part of the family. The Fratelli Aprea 36 Hard Top is built with love!