HERMES WAS the Greek messenger of the gods (the Romans called him Mercury). He was the one with the winged helmet and was also said to rule over speed, commerce, and good fortune. It’s an apt name for a vintage Porsche-inspired boat that marks a return to the style of the classic runabouts from the early to middle part of the last century. Automobile-inspired boats are nothing new. In the 1950s, at the dawn of the fiberglass era, numerous designs appeared incorporating automotive styling cues. Unfortunately, most fell into the category of kitsch, with fins, chrome, and other excessive jet-age accoutrements. The Hermes Speedster by Seven Seas Yachts is nothing like those boats. Its inspiration is more subtle but still undeniable. The twin grilles behind the cockpit are reminiscent of the 356B twin-grille Roadster, while the cockpit takes inspiration from the 356A Speedster, with minimal instrumentation covered by a simple hooded binnacle and lightweight, Speedster-esque sport seats. The curved, low-cut windshield design is instantly recognizable as well.

While it takes many of its styling cues from 1950s Porsches, its real inspiration, according to the manufacturer, is the so-called “gentleman’s runabout” of the 1930s. Its design and bespoke construction might hark back to a bygone era, but the technology is thoroughly rooted in the 21st century. The Speedster’s 155-hp jetdrive propulsion system, combined with lightweight construction, yields a top speed of 45 knots. The patented hull is designed to provide a smooth ride and a near horizontal attitude at almost any speed. The boat has a convertible top for inclement weather, and a custom trailer is available. As with Porsche, there is a customer specified paint option. The E1 Cayenne GTS trailering the boat, itself a design that is gaining numerous admirers, is painted in the somewhat rare shade of Metallic Olive Green, with which the boat coordinates. The design statement made by a Porsche-inspired boat being pulled by a matching Cayenne is pretty compelling.