Based on the traditional fishing boat of Lake Como, Italy, known as the “Lucia,” Marco Polo Boats’ “Lario” reflects the elegance and romance of the original centuries old design, yet is made of maintenance-free material. It is simply elegant yet easy to own.

The Lario (the ancient Roman name for Lake Como) can be rowed or propelled by a small outboard gas or electric motor. 

You and your family can enjoy the fun of the Lario on your small lake, pond, or river for leisurely cruising, fishing, water picnics, and a variety of activities, all in high style and for under U.S. $4000!

The Lario comes with the arch, the canopy, one pair of oars, bilge pump, and two seats.

History of the Lario

Marco Polo Boats' Lario is based on the design of the traditional fishing boat of Lake Como, Italy, commonly known as the Lucia. In fact this fishing boat dates from before 1800 when it had no special name other than "boat" or batel in the local dialect.

These boats are characterized by pointed bow and stern, a flat bottom, a total length of about 6 meters (19.7 feet), a beam of 2 meters (6.6 feet), deeply angled V-shaped sides, and high arches which support a canvas cover used for rain and sun protection. They have two sets of oars, and are rowed in the stand up position facing forward. Some boats have a simple rectangular sail that permits running only with the wind. The fishermen typically used nets, though some spearing from the bow and line trawling were also used. With the advent of outboard motors, an inside-the-boat motor well was adopted just forward of the pointed stern.

The design's inherent romantic appeal has been enhanced in modern times via several movies made based on Alessandro Manzoni's novel "I Promessi Sposi" (1827), or "The Betrothed" in English. The love story was set in the vicinity of Lecco on Lake Como, the batel was prominently used, and the main female character was named Lucia. The batel became known as the Lucia.

The wooden boats have been typically made of mahogany. A few craftsman still make Lucias today at a cost of about $24,000 U.S., plus the annual cost of wood boat maintenance. Fiberglass versions are used for summer long rowing races along the shores of Lake Como. Many towns have a boat, and teams of rowers compete on summer weekends for bragging rights.

Marco Polo Boats presents its homage to the Lucia in a slightly smaller version made out of synthetic material in order to make it affordable and easy to maintain for everyone.

Lario Specifications

Length ------------>16’/ 4.88m

Beam    -----------> 5’3” / 1.524m

Height    ----------> 6’6” / 2m

Weight   ----------> 340 lbs / 154 kg

Material ----------> High Impact PE

The Lario has been certified by the U.S. Coast Guard for the following:

Max. persons ----------> 5

Max. person wt. ------> 652 lbs

Max. weight -----------> 734 lbs (people + gear)

Max. horsepower -----> 4 hp

Motor Recommendations

If you want to power your Lario with a motor, we recommend the following:

Electric trolling motor: A 55 pound thrust 12 volt transom mount trolling motor works great with the Lario. It is quiet and convenient. Our experience is that you can leisurely cruise for 2 to 3 hours on a single charge, depending on your battery type.

Gas outboard: A long shaft (20”) is required and we recommend a four horsepower, four-stroke engine with forward-neutral-reverse. If you choose a motor with only forward-neutral, make sure the cavitation plate and propeller remain below the boat bottom when you spin the motor around for reverse thrust.

Because of the unique traditional design of the Lario’s inboard transom, you cannot tilt a gas motor up for beaching the boat. (Electric trolling motors have easily adjustable shaft clamps for raising the motor straight up.) Marco Polo Boats offers a gas spring assisted motor jack as an option that vertically raises a turned-off motor eight inches so that you can beach and trailer your Lario. We highly recommend this device.

Purchase a Lario

The Lario will be available in 2011. Please contact us for further information.