The British Tornado Boats International began in England and later moved production to Hull. Tornado Yachts was founded in Fiumicino, near Rome, Italy.
What types of boats does Tornado build?
Tornado is associated with rigid inflatable boats and performance powerboats. Documented models include the 38, 44 Express, 45, and 50.
What is Tornado known for?
Tornado is known for performance-focused boats and offshore racing success. Its reputation is especially tied to the Tornado 38 and to early RIB development.
Tornado is a boat builder associated with two distinct brands: Tornado Boats International, a British RIB builder started in 1975, and Tornado Yachts, an Italian offshore powerboat brand founded in 1968 by Carlo Marchiolo. The British company became known for rigid inflatable boats, while the Italian yard built performance motorboats from its base near Rome. Both names have appeared in racing and high-performance boating.
History and shipyard
Tornado Boats International was started in England in 1975 and is described as one of the early pioneers of the rigid inflatable boat. Its first boat was a 5.5-meter craft built for a marine survey company, and production initially ran slowly from home before the company moved into a factory in Hull after a successful Navy trial. Separate from this, Tornado Yachts was founded in 1968 by Carlo Marchiolo in Fiumicino near Rome, with an early 35-foot powerboat inspired by American offshore designs.
Model range and reputation
The British Tornado line focused on RIBs and later expanded through changes in ownership and manufacturing locations. The Italian Tornado yard became known for offshore performance boats, especially the Tornado 38, which became its most prominent model and won the Venice-Montecarlo race in 1991. Other documented Tornado models include the 44 Express and 45, and later additions such as the 50 and 38 New Edition. Across both brands, Tornado is associated with speed, offshore racing, and durable performance-oriented hulls.
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