Introduced originally with a cuddy cabin, a second Top Fish model followed last year with an open bow design for additional seating or improved “fishability.”

Both models feature a stand-up head and shower and plenty of fishing accoutrements. The magazine was particularly impressed with the latest option for the Open version, a retractable foredeck that can rise to serve as a casting platform, sun pad or table.

Now in its 34th year, Robb Report describes itself as “the international authority on the luxury lifestyle. Each month, the magazine reports on exceptional products and services for the affluent connoisseur.”which includes the Audi R8 Spyder V10, the Porsche Boxster Spyder and the Richard Mille RM 028 sports watch, but the Cigarette is the only powerboat on the list. 
 
“Inclusion in the ‘Top 10 Toys of Summer’ means a great deal to Cigarette,” says Skip Braver, President and CEO, “The Robb Report reader recognizes quality and performance and that is our legacy and ongoing commitment.  The Top Fish added an attractive component to Cigarette boating. It is every bit a Cigarette — which is, after all,  not just a boat, but a lifestyle.”

Cigarette Racing Team is the icon of the powerboat industry as most use the term “Cigarette Boat” to refer to any performance boat. 

The company was founded in 1969 by Don Aronow, the notorious Godfather of Powerboat Racing who won numerous World Championship titles, and raised the profile of his company by association with stars, presidents and kings who were customers and friends. Cigarette is not just a powerboat, it is a lifestyle.

“These 1350 HP engines just purr like a big exotic cat,” said an enthused Skip Braver, Cigarette President and CEO, “The performance of the boat epitomizes the partnerships and synergy we have with Mercury Racing and AMG — we all have our hearts in building only the best!” 

The companies worked together closely for the past few months ensuring that the 46 and the 1350′s work perfectly together. “This boat has become the new 46 Rider model which with these engines, is the smoothest and fastest Cigarette ever, Braver noted, “Each of our boats is special and is built for a specific purpose and customer — this one was built to validate this new engine for the person who can appreciate and afford the newest Mercury Racing technology.”   

While there have been many “offers” on the new boat and orders pending for the next one, Cigarette is still guarding its use and care for testing and may even build additional AMG-Inspired boats. “We look forward to getting our first set of production engines and getting this boat out on the market,” says Braver, “The interest level has been high as are expectations–Cigarette will deliver.”

Cigarette Racing was founded in 1969 by Don Aronow, who won numerous World Championship titles, and raised the profile of his company by association with stars, presidents and kings who were customers and friends.

Cigarette is not just a powerboat, it is a lifestyle.

It seemed a natural fit for Vic Spellberg — a former racer to find his calling at Cigarette Racing Team, home to both performance and luxury.  As Director of Sales and Promotion, Spellberg will work with both retail customers and dealers while promoting brand awareness through Cigarette’s corporate marketing activities.

Spellberg raced “Secret Formula” a 302 with Scott Porter, Formula’s president in the late 70′s and over his 12 year racing career, earned a number of titles including back-to-back Southeast Divisional Championships in 1985-86.

“Loving the ‘performance’ side of the business, I see Cigarette as a brand, epitomizing that lifestyle,” says Spellberg.

Cigarette Racing Team has its heritage in the racing prowess of founder, Don Aronow, but since his acquisition of the company in 2002, Braver made a conscious decision to remain focused on recreational boating.  “We have a simple goal here — build the best-running, most reliable, safe and well-designed performance boat on the market,” states Braver.

Cigarette Racing Team is the icon of the powerboat industry as most use the term “Cigarette Boat” to refer to any performance boat.  The company was founded in 1969 by Don Aronow, the notorious Godfather of Powerboat Racing who won numerous World Championship titles, and raised the profile of his company by association with stars, presidents and kings who were customers and friends.  Since 2002, the company has been operated by its current owner, Skip Braver, who brought Cigarette back to its initial status as the brand leader in performance, quality, safety and style.  Cigarette is not just a powerboat, it is a lifestyle.

Don Aronow driving his wood racer to a world record powered by a GM V-6 diesel souped up and marinized by Daytona Marine

an early Magnum Marine 27 still named Magnum - Donzi when mercruiser used ford engines

Magnum 35 race stripped down with direct shaft drive holman - moody, competition proven, ford engines

A famous ad for Magnum Marine once they moved up to building yachts

Don Aronow started Magnum Marine around 1966 after he sold Donzi Marine on 188^th Street in Miami, FL (Thunderboat Row), which he had brought to market after he sold Formula Marine in 1964. Later, Don Aronow also started Cary Marine, Cigarette Racing Team, SquadronXII, and USA Racing Team. He also designed the first Apache powerboat. Finally he ran some experimental outboard powered racing boats, a Cat or two, an unconventional Unlimited  Racer, etc.   

Get a copy of Michael Aronow’s book (ISBN 0-945903-22-7) to really follow Don Aronow’s life and boat racing / boat building career. Its now a rare book, but a copy surfaces once in a while.

Chris Brown / seabuddy got as far as taking a sea trial in a 27’ Magnum twin small block Mercruiser with Alpha Mercruiser sterndrives before he came to the conclusion that it just was not a fast enough boat for him (she did top speeds in the mid 50 mph range). 

Now Magnum Marine is working on their biggest yacht yet. In 2012 Magnum Marine expects to have their trend setting 100’ yacht ready. That yacht is expected to run three engines totaling 7,800 in Hp through three Arneson Surface Drives reach light load speeds in the low 60 mph range. Magnum Marine and Arneson Surface Drives have made many boat and yacht marriages together. I have sea trialed that combo and its works exceptionally well. Currently, Magnum Marine gives out specs of LOA 95’, beam 20’ and a weight of 147,000 lbs for the 2012 Magnum Marine 100’.

drawing of the 100' Magnum Marine 2012 Yacht