Cigarette Racing unveils its latest 52 Thunder center console.
Images courtesy of Cigarette Racing
Cigarette Racing has raised the stakes in the center-console segment with the launch of the 52 Thunder, an exquisite new model equipped with six 500-horsepower outboard engines.
The 52 Thunder marks the first design to be developed under Alex Ruiz’s leadership since he became CEO of Cigarette Racing nearly two years ago, and it fits seamlessly into the company’s expanding center-console range, which extends from 41 to 59 feet.
The table discreetly folds into the floor, maximizing usable space.
“This is a boat that showcases our DNA,” Ruiz stated. “It features a brand-new hull design, entirely crafted from scratch using cutting-edge technology. It is highly advanced.”
According to Ruiz, the 52 Thunder (52’ 1” LOA, 14’ beam) is the most technologically sophisticated vessel Cigarette Racing has ever constructed. New features include hatches that open at the press of a button, backrests in the bow that slide out from the gunwales, and seven fully hydraulic helm seats. Tables in both the bow and stern retract into the sole when not in use.
“Our engineering department sets the industry standard. We can design these features and bring them to life while maintaining high-quality execution,” Ruiz explained. “This center console truly reflects the Cigarette brand and the future of our company.”
Cigarette conceived the stepped-bottom vessel with the knowledge that Mercury Racing was planning to release new 500R outboards. Mercury Racing launched the 500-horsepower outboard during its 50th anniversary event in June in Charleston, South Carolina.
“This is a boat that showcases our DNA,” – Alex Ruiz
With a remarkable 3,000 horsepower at the transom and a 24-degree deadrise, the 52 Thunder promises exceptional performance, Ruiz affirmed.
“This boat will outperform any other vessel on big waters and provide a significantly smoother experience,” Ruiz remarked. “Clearly, having six 500Rs from Mercury contributes greatly to performance and speed.”
Sun enthusiasts will enjoy the three expansive loungers located in front of the console on the 52 Thunder. The design also creates ample space for entertaining at the bow.
The 52 Thunder can be outfitted with either five or six 500-hp outboards. Of the 30 units already sold, nearly all buyers have opted for six outboards, Ruiz noted. Additionally, the center console can be outfitted with four Mercury Marine 600-hp Verado outboards. Cigarette Racing is set to introduce a staggered version of the 52 Thunder, featuring a central swim platform, in 2024.
The helm boasts seven fully adjustable, shock-absorbing captain’s chairs with powered drop-out bottoms and movable armrests. The upholstery for the 52 Thunder is made in-house, featuring the Cigarette Racing logo prominently throughout.
The helm epitomizes luxury on the 52 Thunder, showcasing seven shock-absorbing captain’s chairs with powered drop-out features. The upholstery is crafted in-house, with the iconic Cigarette Racing logo prominently displayed throughout the cockpit.
A sleek hardtop with a broad glass windshield integrates flawlessly into the 52 Thunder’s design, shielding the crew from sun and weather. The dashboard is equipped with three 24” Garmin displays and two cupholders on either side of the Cigarette-branded steering wheel positioned in the center. To enhance comfort on warm days, Cigarette fitted the helm with 8,000 BTU air conditioning.
Cigarette Racing paid attention to every detail in the 52 Thunder. The in-house upholstery work is of the highest quality. The stereo system is supplied by JL Audio.
Behind the helm seating are facing bench lounges with a large table suitable for meals or games. When not needed, the table descends into the deck at the push of a button. To facilitate cooking, Cigarette Racing provides what Ruiz refers to as the “chef’s kitchen” at the stern. A thoughtful detail is that the underside of the cabinet is finished with stainless steel for effortless cleaning.
“It features a brand-new hull design, entirely crafted from scratch using cutting-edge technology. It is highly advanced.”
—Alex Ruiz, CEO of Cigarette Racing
Cigarette Racing included an 8-foot-wide cabin with large glass windows on both sides, allowing plenty of natural light to fill the space. The initial model showcases U-shaped seating and is equipped with 16,000 BTU air conditioning. An enclosed head with a shower features the high-end finishes that buyers expect from the $3.1 million center console.
In front of the console are three individual lounges with cupholders on the outer armrests and wraparound seating in the 14-foot bow.
Among the thoughtful features that buyers will appreciate are the starboard dive door, the light-changing JL Audio speakers, and small screens positioned throughout the vessel that allow passengers to monitor speeds.
Cigarette Racing CEO Alex Ruiz describes the transom of the 52 Thunder as a “chef’s kitchen.” Nearby, seating faces a table that can be raised or lowered from the deck.
While Cigarette Racing has built its reputation on offshore performance boats since its inception in 1969, the company in Opa-locka, Florida, plans to focus on creating new center-console models. This shift reflects the evolving preference in the high-performance market as outboards become the power choice for many boaters.
Ruiz stated that Cigarette Racing will debut a fishing variant of the 52 Thunder in about a year and aims to have a fishing model of its 41’ Nighthawk ready for the 2024 Miami International Boat Show.
“We are very pleased with the 52-footer and feel it fulfills many requirements,” Ruiz said. “We are currently engineering a variety of new products in different sizes within the center-console segment. In the future, we anticipate introducing more innovative center-console boats, as well as possibly updating some of our existing models.”
Specifications for Cigarette 52 Thunder
LOA: 52’ 1”
Beam: 14’
Dry Weight: 29,000 pounds
Fuel Capacity: 880 gallons
Power: (6) Mercury Racing 500R outboards
305-931-4564, www.cigaretteracing.com