With Bond 26 finally getting traction under new producers David Heyman and Amy Pascal, speculation is ramping up over what direction the long-running spy saga might take. One thing that’s already certain: Daniel Craig won’t be returning as 007, thanks to the definitive ending of No Time To Die. While the hunt is now on for a new actor to wear the tux, the blueprint laid out by outgoing producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson is fairly clear — the next Bond will be male, British or from the Commonwealth, and in his 30s. Still, with Amazon MGM Studios now calling the shots, even that might be up for debate.
One thing fans can’t help but wonder — and for good reason — is whether Bond 26 will carry on a time-honoured tradition: will there be a boat scene?
Over the last six decades, Bond films have featured their fair share of action-packed aquatic sequences. In fact, the franchise has a long-standing love affair with boats, often using them for daring escapes, lavish entrances, or all-out chases. These vessels aren’t just props — they often steal the scene with as much glamour and intrigue as Bond himself. From vintage speedboats to modern superyachts, here’s a breakdown of some of the most iconic boats that have graced the 007 universe.
A legacy of legendary craft
Fairey Huntress and Huntsman – From Russia With Love (1963)
The boat chase in this early Bond outing sets the tone for decades to follow. Sean Connery’s 007 commandeers a Fairey Huntress (with interior scenes filmed aboard a Huntsman) for an explosive escape sequence. It’s quintessential Bond — part daring getaway, part travel brochure for glamorous European boating.
The Fairey Huntsman, launched in 1960, is an iconic 28-foot British powerboat renowned for its elegant lines, twin 145hp Perkins diesel engines, and 30-knot top speed. Built using aviation-inspired hot-moulded hull construction, it combined strength, lightness, and durability. Its fame soared after featuring in the James Bond film From Russia With Love, where it was used in an action-packed chase scene alongside Sean Connery. Though designed as a fast cruiser, the Huntsman proved itself a capable race boat, competing in major endurance races of the era. Today, it remains a symbol of British maritime craftsmanship and cinematic cool.
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Disco Volante – Thunderball (1965)
A standout in the marine Bond arsenal, Disco Volante is a hydrofoil used by villain Emilio Largo to transport nuclear warheads. Designed specifically for the film and capable of shedding its rear section to increase speed, this fictional vessel is one of the most memorable boats in any Bond film.
The Disco Volante, featured in the James Bond film Thunderball, was a futuristic villain’s yacht used by SPECTRE to transport stolen nuclear warheads. The vessel, made up of a detachable front hydrofoil and an aft “cocoon” section, could split apart to escape pursuit at high speed. It was fitted with gadgets including an underwater hatch for divers, smoke screens, and hidden weaponry. In the film’s climax, Bond battles Largo aboard the Disco Volante before it runs aground and explodes. The real vessel used was a converted Italian hydrofoil named Flying Fish, which later sank unused in Miami during the 1980s.
Glastron GT-150 – Live and Let Die (1974)
Perhaps the most iconic Bond boat scene ever. The 135hp Glastron GT-150 soars over Louisiana roads in a sequence that smashed the world record for the longest boat jump at 120 feet. Roger Moore learned to helm the boat himself — and would go on to own a Sunseeker in real life. Around nine GT-150s were used, some modified for stunt work. Its sleek design and cinematic legacy have made it an iconic 1970s sports boat linked forever to Bond history.
The 1973 Glastron GT-150, made in the USA, is a 15-foot speedboat known for its sleek design and iconic role in the James Bond film Live and Let Die. Though not rare or overly expensive, the boat’s sleek design, nostalgic value, and Bond association keep it iconic. Powered by a 135-horsepower Evinrude Starflite engine with jet propulsion, it delivers impressive performance for its size. Measuring 15 feet 1½ inches in length and 7 feet 1¼ inches in width, the boat accommodates up to four people. Its compact build, distinctive styling, and cinematic legacy make it a standout in the vintage speedboat world, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts seeking both nostalgia and performance on the water.
Lotus Esprit S1 – The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
While technically a car, the amphibious Lotus that converts into a submarine is one of the most famous Bond vehicles of all time. Dubbed “Wet Nellie,” it’s packed with gadgets and underwater firepower — an outrageous, brilliant moment of Bond magic.
Carlson CV23HT – Moonraker (1979)
The Carlson CV23HT, originally manufactured by Glastron and later modified by Q Branch, is a hard-top speedboat. The boat is powered by a MerCruiser 260 horsepower stern-driven engine with a stainless steel propeller. It can reach a top speed of 93 km/h (58 mph) and measures 7,118 millimetres (23 feet) in length. The boat features standard luxury finishes alongside Bond-specific modifications, including mines, a torpedo, and a hidden hang glider. It is notable for its silver-grey metalflake paint, gray leatherette upholstery, varnished wood paneling, and red velvet/white shag carpeting.
Amid the film’s sci-fi antics, there’s a fantastic Amazon boat chase involving a silver Glastron CV23HT. Roger Moore’s Bond uses homing missiles before launching the boat off Iguazu Falls — wings deploy mid-air, and he flies away. Naturally.
The custom silver metalflake paint job, is very rare. Only 300 Glastron CV-23 HT speedboats were made, with a few customised for the Moonraker film. Only three of these boats were built with this specific paint scheme. Just one original survives, restored by the Ian Fleming Foundation after damage in 2006. A replica, “Moonraker II,” built in 2008 with a 300hp engine, won races and was later listed for sale in 2010.
Modern marvels and superyachts
Sunseeker Superhawk 34 – The World Is Not Enough (1999)
This elegant powerboat tries to escape Pierce Brosnan’s Bond through a high-speed chase along the Thames. Stylish and agile, it encapsulates the film’s slick tone and high-octane spirit.
The Sunseeker Superhawk 34 is a sleek, high-performance sports boat launched in 1997 as a successor to the Hawk 31. Designed by renowned powerboat designer Don Shead, it features a deep-vee hull and narrow beam for enhanced speed and agility. Capable of exceeding 45 knots (around 52 mph), it can accelerate from a standstill to 10 knots in just eight seconds. The cockpit includes a large aft sunpad and wet bar, while below deck there’s a compact galley, heads, and U-shaped seating that converts into a double bed.
Sunseeker Predator 108 – Casino Royale (2006)
Daniel Craig’s debut as Bond included a scene on the sleek Predator 108. While the spotlight was on his gritty reboot of the character, the boat itself added a much-needed note of glamour.
The Sunseeker Predator 108 is a high-performance luxury superyacht designed for speed, agility, and onboard comfort. With a sleek, planing GRP hull and rakish superstructure, it can reach speeds up to 44 knots. Designed by Sunseeker with naval architecture by Don Shead, it features a narrow hull form for enhanced performance. Onboard, guests enjoy luxury amenities including a Jacuzzi, expansive aft deck with bar, and advanced audio-visual systems. Accommodations include four ensuite cabins for up to nine guests. Some models are refitted for commercial charter use, offering income potential. Engine options include triple Arneson drives for maximum speed and power.
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Spirit 54 – Casino Royale (2006) & Spirit 46 – No Time To Die (2021)
These British-built yachts are among the most beautiful boats to ever appear in a Bond film. The Spirit 54 cruises through Venice with Vesper Lynd, adding emotional depth and elegance to the film. Its smaller cousin, the Spirit 46, appears in Craig’s final outing, moored at Bond’s Jamaican retreat.
The Spirit 54 is a 54-foot sailing yacht built by Spirit Yachts in Suffolk, known for its elegant lines and performance sailing. With a length overall of 54’9” (16.7m) and a waterline length of 39’8” (12.1m), it features a beam of 10’10” (3.4m) and a 7’6” (2.2m) draft. The yacht has a displacement of 7.8 tonnes and a 40% ballast ratio, offering stability and agility. Its generous 1140 sq ft sail area supports strong sailing performance, complemented by a 54hp Yanmar engine for auxiliary power. The Spirit 54 blends classic aesthetics with modern engineering in a lightweight, responsive hull.
The Spirit 46, designed by Sean McMillan and built by Spirit Yachts in the UK, is a wooden sailing yacht featuring a fin keel with a lead bulb and a spade rudder. It uses a fractional sloop rig and measures 46.42 ft (14.15 m) in overall length, with a waterline length of 33.79 ft (10.30 m). The beam is a narrow 9.28 ft (2.83 m), contributing to its elegant, performance-oriented profile. Displacing 9,920 lb (4,500 kg) with 4,462 lb (2,024 kg) of lead ballast, the Spirit 46 draws 6.56 ft (2 m) and carries 684 sq ft of sail, delivering strong performance and classic styling.
Riva Aquarama – Various Films
This Italian classic has made background appearances in several Bond movies, typically conveying luxury and sophistication. It’s a quiet nod to the franchise’s European roots and timeless taste.
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Regina – Skyfall (2012)
Used in a key emotional sequence as Bond and Sévérine sail to meet the villain Silva, this Turkish-built yacht is opulent and cinematic, setting the mood for one of the film’s most intense confrontations.
Other Mentions
- Manticore Yacht in GoldenEye (1995)
- Hispaniola in Quantum of Solace (2008)
- Yachts named after Bond films – Some real-life yachts have taken on names like Octopussy, Moonraker, and Skyfall, continuing the Bond legacy offscreen.
Will Bond 26 deliver on the water?
Given the franchise’s long-standing relationship with boats, it would be unusual if Bond 26 didn’t feature at least one high-seas sequence. Boats have come to symbolise many of the core aspects of James Bond: elegance, danger, escape, and indulgence. Whether it’s a chase down the Thames or a romantic sail through the Caribbean, these floating icons offer moments of cinematic breathing room between the shootouts and subterfuge.
With Amazon’s deep pockets and appetite for spectacle, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Bond 26 go bigger and bolder on the water — perhaps introducing a futuristic superyacht or an entirely new form of marine tech for 007 to exploit.
Until then, Bond fans can rest easy knowing that from the Fairey Huntress to the Spirit 46, the nautical world has long played a starring role in the world’s most famous spy series. And when Bond 26 finally docks in cinemas, the odds are good that 007 will once again be making waves.
