Corniche

History

Buxton’s company, Bell Buxton was acquired by Colin Chapman of Lotus fame in 1972 and went on to produce over 100 Moonrakers. Poulner Design Director Robin Poulton, then Production Manager under Buxton and then Chapman, was reunited with Buxton in 1975 in a new purpose built factory in Oulton Broad where the Corniche was conceived.

Known for its exceptional sea-keeping capabilities and speed, and with a superstructure, cockpit and interior designed by Poulton, the Corniche quickly gained popularity and became a favourite among the boating community. Its simplicity, robust construction, and unparalleled performance made it the ultimate day boat for thrill-seekers and pleasure cruisers alike.

Most boats were fitted with twin Mercruiser Sterndrive units of 188hp each, while some were fitted with 250hp variants. During its production history, the Corniche achieved numerous accolades, including a remarkable eighth-place finish in the prestigious 1976 Cowes-Torquay powerboat race, where it outperformed larger craft in treacherous conditions.

Pedigree

The Corniche also attracted the attention of high-profile individuals from the motor racing circuit, including Peter de Savery, the Montgomerie family, Tom Percival, Roger Clark, Jo Bonnier, Jo Siffert, and David Prophet. Its striking resemblance to the Cigarette semi-race boats, at a fraction of the price, made it a sought-after choice among discerning buyers. Most of the boats went to Italy, having been bought by the Bonelli family from Viareggio – the Bonellis were distributors for Cigarette boats in Italy and the South of France; a match made in heaven.

Future

Sadly, the company faced challenges due to over expansion into the unfamiliar territory of sailing yacht manufacturing, leading to its demise. However, we are now reviving this beloved classic retaining the same proven hull format but with a new superstructure incorporating many innovative features, paying homage to its rich heritage.

Here begins the new chapter some forty five years later now renamed the Poulner GT Series. 

The Poulner GT Series 2023

The Ultimate Offshore Powerboat

A luxury, high-performance power boat with retro styling and exceptional pedigree

Fun for a day in the sun with family and friends; enjoy on-board alfresco dining, followed by a cooling swim

The GT can be transported by 4/6-wheel trailer to and from a launch ramp

A must have “supercar on water” for the most discerning superyacht owner and supercar collector

Express launch from your berth to your favourite beach or harbour restaurant with its refined elegance and luxury styling

ABOVE ALL THE POULNER GT IS YOURS SIMPLY TO ENJOY

Construction

The hull, deck, superstructure and bulkheads are of composite construction. For standard boats, the reinforcement will be E-glass bonded with vinylester resins. Boats with uprated engines will be reinforced with S-glass, which is stronger and lighter but comes at a price premium.

The hull is a single-skin laminate, supported by a fully-bonded network of top hat stiffeners to provide a strong internal framework. High load areas will be locally reinforced. Decks and flat surfaces such as bulkheads and hatches will have foam cores with high-tech panel materials such as Nidaplast being utilised where appropriate, to provide maximum stiffness with very low weight.

Construction using carbon fibre with epoxy resin has a unique aesthetic quality, which showcases the ultimate in high-end technology. This material is being utilised throughout the boat. The design of the structure will be analysed and optimised to ensure a high strength to weight ratio, as well as being fully compliant with the relevant standards for
small craft construction in GRP, such as BS EN ISO 12215 Sections 1-2, 4-6.

Specifications

Engine Options

Poulner GTA x 2 x 350 V8 350 Hp Mercruiser Alfa Sterndrives

Poulner GTO x 2 x 430 V8 Mercruiser Bravo Sterndrives

Poulner GTM CANAM x 2 V8 565 Hp Mercruiser High Performance Bravo Sterndrives 

Poulner GTB x 2 430 V8 Alfa Sterndrives or 2 x V8 430 Hp Bravo Sterndrives with Optional Extras Included

Customisation

This facility is available allowing the most discerning owner to create their own colour palette, perhaps to match their favourite supercar.

Reservations

The designers and or manufacturers reserve the right to refuse any specification changes that is considered to jeopardise performance and passenger safety. The designers reserve the right to change specifications at any time to improve overall performance and safety levels and or updating of construction methods and materials used.

Colour Combinations Externally

Available as one colour or Coloured Hull and English White superstructure.

• Havana Brown
• Ice Blue
• Carmen Red
• Navy Blue
• Grabber Blue
• Silver Grey
• British Racing Green 
• Starlight Black
• Rose Pink
• ​ONLY AVAILABLE ON GTM CANAM model Papaya Orange hull, white superstructure and period blue decals and aluminium drop down mast.

Upholstery

Cockpit Upholstery
Various colour combinations available to match the hull colour. One Colour with contrast stitching.

Interior Upholstery
Nubuck contrasting leather suede (two colour combination) with contrast stitch. Carpet close pile

Cabin Specification