Story and select photos by DinaRella / Additional photos from The Marine Group & Rinaldi Yacht Design
A Statement Piece sparks conversation and makes a bold declaration. At the 2025 Miami Boat Show—the Brazilian-made Statement 44 GTrs—was that piece. The hotly anticipated performance center console made an impact for two reasons: it showcased the country’s high-caliber craftsmanship to the U.S. market, and Randy Sweers, founder of The Marine Group, designed the flagship.
Since saying adieu to Canada three decades back, adding the role of boat manufacturer to his resume had long been an aspiration of the leading South Florida boat dealer and professional offshore racer. In 2023, an opportunity presented itself to partner with longtime friend and Statement Marine owner Nick Buis in a development and construction project. The result: Sweers is still selling performance powerboats, only the ones on the Miami dock—he had a hand in sculpting!
To our great surprise, we first ran into hull No. 1 on a different dock. It was last November down in Key West during race week, to be exact. Close to midnight, on Saturday, the all-black boat appeared radiating in a sea of blue LEDs. The owner Eric Lonabaugh was hopping off when passing by and the Maryland powerboater kindly invited us onboard for an impromptu tour. Struggling to capture its many WOW factors in the darkness made our reunion in the Magic City an altogether brighter experience.
Trailing behind Sweers as he vigilantly wiped down his Statement Piece on opening day with a careful eye—you could feel his sense of accomplishment invisibly permeating through the air. Interjecting much of his personal character into the build, including a series of foldable comfort-enhancing features, he tells RDP, “When you design something important, you put your heart into it and make it what you like. It’s a big challenge to get something to fit everyone. The gunwales on many larger center consoles feel extremely safe but don’t look attractive. We designed the 44 to have a high freeboard, but with the rake of the bow and the way the back comes down, the lines are very sexy.”
“By adding a magnetic stainless-steel stand that easily folds down, I tried to make the helm accommodating for everyone. This way, you can stand or sit back and still see. On the left side, a smaller individual step also flips out. Ergonomically, another big hit has been the forward sun lounger. We did something like a Lazyboy where the lower part reclines. Doing so many poker runs, I see most people want to sit, not lay back,” says Sweers before turning his attention to the 4-foot starboard-side hydraulic beach door. “The fold-out terrace has been a great addition. It opens up the area so much to move around, I’m considering another on the port side.” Judging from its immense muscular volume, space doesn’t appear to be an issue on this beast.
”It’s almost 49 feet from the motors to the bow. The two rows of seats are a game changer. We had 13 people on board and got stuck in a downpour. Everyone fit underneath the hardtop.” Another place the crowd fits is belowdecks. “Because I’m 6’ 7,” we made the cabin 6’ 9,” so I can even wear a hat down there,” says Sweers with a smile. He’s not kidding. The stature in the cabin gives off serious yacht-like vibes, especially notable was the Statement-branded dining table.
Surfacing from the air-conditioned cabin, we found Debora Mendoza of Miami Prestige Interiors onboard. She was there to talk about tweaks on the upcoming models. This shifted our focus to the amount of Alcantara on this thing. It’s loaded. The grab rails are wrapped in it, and fender and trash compartments are covered in it, not to mention, the cushioned padding on the forward gunwales reminds you of your comfy living room sofa.
Moving from the comfort zone to the speed zone, with quad 500Rs the five-step hull hits just over 81 mph and cruises nicely around the 50-mph mark. “We’re still playing with props. The boat likes the five blades. They give it more bow lift. We have CNC props being built, which should be good for another three to five miles per hour. They will replace the 24.5-inch MAX 5s,” adds Sweers.
Why Brazil?
Knowing that manufacturing took place 4,000 miles away in Sao Paulo brings us to the question: Why Brazil? Sweers was first down there a decade back on a consulting project and was immediately impressed with the country’s overall potential. Concerning the 44 GTrs, he had a vision, established the right network, and made it happen. However, the project hasn’t been without constraints—delays at customs and the uncertainty with air freight delivery dates have been the most difficult challenges.
Talk about being in the right place at the right time! To tell us more, walking into The Marine Group booth straight off the plane from Brazil, with a suitcase to one side and his daughter Maria Clara to the other was Ricardo Rinaldi, the Argentine naval engineer. The owner of Rinaldi Yacht Design, a 32,000-square-foot facility specializing in recreational and commercial construction, was later joined by John Nehring who facilitated the international logistics for Sweers.
Rinaldi explains, “Many people aren't aware of Brazil’s rich maritime heritage. Since the early 20th century, it’s been a mecca for shipbuilding. We also have an arsenal of skilled laborers, which is becoming more difficult to find in the States. To achieve the expected performance of the 44 GTrs, before the build we tested several boats and studied the characteristics in depth. The transformation step-by-step from the 3D drawings into the real boat was an exciting process, but the greatest satisfaction was that it fulfilled the desired speed. Seeing the reaction of the visitors at the Miami show also confirms we are on the right track!”
Rinaldi Yacht Design was not only responsible for the 44 GTrs. One slip over was another piece of marine art—the all-new eight-seater 396 catamaran. If you think the fully Infused five-step hull with a 72” tunnel and 10’9” beam resembles the 44 GTrs, you’re onto something; prototype hull No. 1 also belongs to Eric Lonabaugh.
“The next hull out of the mold was much lighter carbon fiber. It arrived in the USA last month and ran 129 mph out of the box. That’s where all top manufacturers are at. We’re still dialing it in with Shaun Torrente. A canopied racing version is also being laid up. It will compete in the new Factory Stock 500 class. The cockpit’s been mocked up and we’re currently sorting out heights and installing shock-mitigating seats. The plan is to race it this summer in Brazil, then have it here for the Key West Worlds,” reports Sweers.
To date, four center consoles and six catamarans have been sold. All are being painted by the in-house graphics department. From photos Sweers shared, we see the next arrivals trade in the winter blues for warmer orange tones.
Statement continued sparking conversation across the bridge. Over at the convention center, Nick Buis made just as big an impact with 430 Tigress CAT center console. https://www.riverdavesplace.com/for...igress-is-loudest-cat-in-the-mibs-crowd.1255/. Not to mention, unveiling three new configurations at one show, also earned the boat builder a special award from the Speedonthewater/Florida Powerboat Club Bash.
A Statement Piece sparks conversation and makes a bold declaration. At the 2025 Miami Boat Show—the Brazilian-made Statement 44 GTrs—was that piece. The hotly anticipated performance center console made an impact for two reasons: it showcased the country’s high-caliber craftsmanship to the U.S. market, and Randy Sweers, founder of The Marine Group, designed the flagship.
Since saying adieu to Canada three decades back, adding the role of boat manufacturer to his resume had long been an aspiration of the leading South Florida boat dealer and professional offshore racer. In 2023, an opportunity presented itself to partner with longtime friend and Statement Marine owner Nick Buis in a development and construction project. The result: Sweers is still selling performance powerboats, only the ones on the Miami dock—he had a hand in sculpting!
To our great surprise, we first ran into hull No. 1 on a different dock. It was last November down in Key West during race week, to be exact. Close to midnight, on Saturday, the all-black boat appeared radiating in a sea of blue LEDs. The owner Eric Lonabaugh was hopping off when passing by and the Maryland powerboater kindly invited us onboard for an impromptu tour. Struggling to capture its many WOW factors in the darkness made our reunion in the Magic City an altogether brighter experience.
WOW Factors that Fold
Trailing behind Sweers as he vigilantly wiped down his Statement Piece on opening day with a careful eye—you could feel his sense of accomplishment invisibly permeating through the air. Interjecting much of his personal character into the build, including a series of foldable comfort-enhancing features, he tells RDP, “When you design something important, you put your heart into it and make it what you like. It’s a big challenge to get something to fit everyone. The gunwales on many larger center consoles feel extremely safe but don’t look attractive. We designed the 44 to have a high freeboard, but with the rake of the bow and the way the back comes down, the lines are very sexy.”
“By adding a magnetic stainless-steel stand that easily folds down, I tried to make the helm accommodating for everyone. This way, you can stand or sit back and still see. On the left side, a smaller individual step also flips out. Ergonomically, another big hit has been the forward sun lounger. We did something like a Lazyboy where the lower part reclines. Doing so many poker runs, I see most people want to sit, not lay back,” says Sweers before turning his attention to the 4-foot starboard-side hydraulic beach door. “The fold-out terrace has been a great addition. It opens up the area so much to move around, I’m considering another on the port side.” Judging from its immense muscular volume, space doesn’t appear to be an issue on this beast.
Comfort and Speed Zones
”It’s almost 49 feet from the motors to the bow. The two rows of seats are a game changer. We had 13 people on board and got stuck in a downpour. Everyone fit underneath the hardtop.” Another place the crowd fits is belowdecks. “Because I’m 6’ 7,” we made the cabin 6’ 9,” so I can even wear a hat down there,” says Sweers with a smile. He’s not kidding. The stature in the cabin gives off serious yacht-like vibes, especially notable was the Statement-branded dining table.
Surfacing from the air-conditioned cabin, we found Debora Mendoza of Miami Prestige Interiors onboard. She was there to talk about tweaks on the upcoming models. This shifted our focus to the amount of Alcantara on this thing. It’s loaded. The grab rails are wrapped in it, and fender and trash compartments are covered in it, not to mention, the cushioned padding on the forward gunwales reminds you of your comfy living room sofa.
Moving from the comfort zone to the speed zone, with quad 500Rs the five-step hull hits just over 81 mph and cruises nicely around the 50-mph mark. “We’re still playing with props. The boat likes the five blades. They give it more bow lift. We have CNC props being built, which should be good for another three to five miles per hour. They will replace the 24.5-inch MAX 5s,” adds Sweers.
Why Brazil?
Knowing that manufacturing took place 4,000 miles away in Sao Paulo brings us to the question: Why Brazil? Sweers was first down there a decade back on a consulting project and was immediately impressed with the country’s overall potential. Concerning the 44 GTrs, he had a vision, established the right network, and made it happen. However, the project hasn’t been without constraints—delays at customs and the uncertainty with air freight delivery dates have been the most difficult challenges.
Talk about being in the right place at the right time! To tell us more, walking into The Marine Group booth straight off the plane from Brazil, with a suitcase to one side and his daughter Maria Clara to the other was Ricardo Rinaldi, the Argentine naval engineer. The owner of Rinaldi Yacht Design, a 32,000-square-foot facility specializing in recreational and commercial construction, was later joined by John Nehring who facilitated the international logistics for Sweers.
Rinaldi explains, “Many people aren't aware of Brazil’s rich maritime heritage. Since the early 20th century, it’s been a mecca for shipbuilding. We also have an arsenal of skilled laborers, which is becoming more difficult to find in the States. To achieve the expected performance of the 44 GTrs, before the build we tested several boats and studied the characteristics in depth. The transformation step-by-step from the 3D drawings into the real boat was an exciting process, but the greatest satisfaction was that it fulfilled the desired speed. Seeing the reaction of the visitors at the Miami show also confirms we are on the right track!”
A New Flagship:
The Statement 396 Catamaran
The Statement 396 Catamaran
Rinaldi Yacht Design was not only responsible for the 44 GTrs. One slip over was another piece of marine art—the all-new eight-seater 396 catamaran. If you think the fully Infused five-step hull with a 72” tunnel and 10’9” beam resembles the 44 GTrs, you’re onto something; prototype hull No. 1 also belongs to Eric Lonabaugh.
“The next hull out of the mold was much lighter carbon fiber. It arrived in the USA last month and ran 129 mph out of the box. That’s where all top manufacturers are at. We’re still dialing it in with Shaun Torrente. A canopied racing version is also being laid up. It will compete in the new Factory Stock 500 class. The cockpit’s been mocked up and we’re currently sorting out heights and installing shock-mitigating seats. The plan is to race it this summer in Brazil, then have it here for the Key West Worlds,” reports Sweers.
To date, four center consoles and six catamarans have been sold. All are being painted by the in-house graphics department. From photos Sweers shared, we see the next arrivals trade in the winter blues for warmer orange tones.
Statement continued sparking conversation across the bridge. Over at the convention center, Nick Buis made just as big an impact with 430 Tigress CAT center console. https://www.riverdavesplace.com/for...igress-is-loudest-cat-in-the-mibs-crowd.1255/. Not to mention, unveiling three new configurations at one show, also earned the boat builder a special award from the Speedonthewater/Florida Powerboat Club Bash.
