DWR Introduces New 44-Foot Sterndrive Cat
Justin Wagner, owner of DWR/Doug Wright Powerboats, announced in early August that the company’s newest model—a 44-foot sterndrive-powered catamaran—is going to be the first new product introduction since the Waves and Wheels founder purchased the company in June.
A work in progress—the new DWR 44.
“We’re very excited, since this is the first hull that we’ve laid up under the new ownership, with Doug Wright Jr. and Sr. on staff,” Wagner told Speedboat Magazine. “The boat is going to ride like it’s on rails—it’ll be a complete wave crusher. We’ve already got a few pre-orders, so we’re pretty stoked about that.”
The new DWR 44-foot sterndrive package will include modifications to the bustle, as well as an entirely new backseat configuration that Wagner believes will resonate with potential buyers. “It’s going to be quite a bit ahead of its time,” he said. “It’s going to include some next-level features integrated into the ergonomics of the seating and the overall configuration.”
Wagner says the 44-footer will likely be powered by twin Mercury Racing 1100s or 1350s. In addition, the boat will be offered in both open-cockpit and race-canopy configurations.
“We can do a pleasure or a race version,” Wagner said. Currently, DWR hulls dominate offshore racing’s Super Stock class, with most of the teams piloting the 32-foot catamaran; Doug Wright has also become a fierce competitor in 500R Factory Stock class as well.
“The boat will be faster than most people expect,” Wagner added. “It’s going to be a complete animal in rough water. If any prospective buyers want one, we still have a slot to have them up and running for the spring. We have hit every deadline that we’ve forecasted so far.”
Story authored by and originally shared on Speedboat Magazine.
