FIM (Fabbrica Italiana Motoscafi), which grew from a startup into an industrial-level construction site, has ambitious goals. We discuss this with the two founding partners Corrado Piccinelli and Manuela Barcella. New in 2023: the 440 Regina
FIM (Fabbrica Italiana Motoscafi), established in 2019, has rapidly evolved from a startup into an industrial-level construction site with ambitious goals, as discussed with founding partners Corrado Piccinelli and Manuela Barcella. In 2023, they introduce the new 440 Regina.
The shipyard, current situation and plans for the future
Piccinelli and Barcella, relocated to its new production site in Cividate al Piano (BG).
Partnered by Vannis Marchi, FIM benefits from his expertise as co-founder of the Liu Jo clothing brand and owner of the nautical hub housing the shipyard.
Over the next four years, FIM plans to launch a new model annually, including the upcoming 58-foot/60-foot coupé and sport fly versions followed by a 55-foot sport fly and the 65-foot flybridge flagship.
Piccinelli and Barcella reflect on FIM’s remarkable vertical growth, attributing it to increased production capacity and the expansion opportunities within the nautical hub. FIM’s boats are characterized by their versatility, youthful appeal, sporty yet timeless design, and suitability for cruising.
They prioritize comfort and connection with the sea, offering spacious interiors, ample natural light, and a close-to-the-sea experience, catering to both daily outings and sailing enthusiasts.
The beginning of an FIM boat project
The new facility in Cividate al Piano (BG) has been purposefully designed to produce boats up to 70 feet, spanning over 5,000 sq.m and employing approximately 70 people, including both employees and outside contractors.
With a projected production capacity of 50 to 55 boats per year, the facility, operational since last March, houses areas dedicated to design, construction, tank testing up to 50 feet, customer delivery, offices, and warehousing.
FIM’s in-house technical office, comprising engineers, stylists, and designers, collaborates with external professionals to shape the aesthetic lines and develop the design of each boat meticulously. Computer-aided calculations inform the industrialization process, focusing on volumes, weight distribution, and trim simulations.
Upon project approval, hull molds, superstructures, and hard tops are meticulously crafted, utilizing numerically controlled milling machines for precision.
The centralized organization of the production facility enables comprehensive oversight of all processing stages. Since relocating, FIM has integrated a dedicated unit for molding hulls, superstructures, and hard tops for the 34-footer, 340 Regina, and the new 440 Regina.
This integration allows for direct control over molding stages and ensures the quality of molds, as emphasized by Piccinelli and Barcella.
The molding stage
During the molding stage, the hull undergoes structural reinforcement by inserting a foam core, which is laminated to the rest of the hull. The same method is applied to reinforce other parts of the artifacts. Hard tops are reinforced with carbon fiber to maintain a lightweight structure.
After applying the gelcoat film onto the moldwalls, fiberglass molding is carried out manually using vinyl ester resin. Subsequently, the part is removed from the mold and placed in a climatic cabin capable of treating 40,000 cubic meters of air every hour.
This cabin controls temperature and humidity to execute ‘post-curing‘ over approximately 7-8 hours, involving thermal cycles reaching temperatures of 85-90°C. This process stabilizes the fiberglass curing phase and enhances final quality. Following manual finishing and bodywork touch-ups, painting takes place in the same booth.
As for the current flagship, the 470 Regina, its hull and deck are molded by a specialized subcontractor outside the nautical hub, adhering to stringent quality controls and protocols. The company is already planning the production of the new 58-foot model, which will utilize the infusion process.
The role of the workforce
At the shipyard, specialized workers handle each model, ensuring consistent quality. Other workers prepare semi-finished products, including electrical panels, dashboards, plumbing system kits, and pre-wiring. Each boat’s production line employs seven or eight workers, dividing tasks between hull and deck construction. Production managers oversee progress weekly, while a dedicated body shop handles finishing touches.
Hull outfitting precedes assembly, allowing for the installation of systems and interior furnishings. Structural adhesive and fiberglass ensure a secure assembly.
After completing interior finishes, the vessel undergoes testing in a tank, including a showering test to check for infiltrations.
Once tested and quality assured, the boat moves to the finishing area. Painting is meticulously controlled, utilizing programmed thermal profiles to enhance paint durability. The warehouse, equipped with automated organization, ensures components are readily available.
A detailed order process, involving engineering validation and procurement verification, ensures timely delivery. Traceability of components is ensured through detailed coding, facilitating maintenance and troubleshooting.
Accessibility to equipment inspection pointsand clear technical documentation further aids in post-sale service.
FIM 440 Regina
Compared to the yard’s previous boat launches, a noticeable change is evident in the new models’ design, featuring softer and more rounded lines.
The hard top boasts significant and harmonious shapes, adorned with steel inserts, distinctive moldings, and backlit glass inserts.
According to Piccinelli and Barcella, the hard top is a distinctive feature, designed with inspiration from the automotive industry to imbue it with a sense of greater dynamism and lightness.
Further stylish details include the incorporation of large windows and a unique living arrangement in the bow.
The boat in detail
In the 440 Regina, a blend of sportiness, coverage, and comfort for dynamic cruising is achieved, reminiscent of a large yacht’s luxury. Offered in two versions—an open one with a lower front window and one featuring an integrated hard top and closed glass—the design complements the hull’s smooth lines.
Maintaining the family feel of the range, the 440 incorporates essential movable parts for enhanced comfort and livability, including side decks, an aft lift platform, and a retractable gangway.
At the bow, a spacious sun deck transforms into a relaxing sofa area during berthing. Internally, the yacht maintains FIM’s signature characteristics: spacious interiors with a 2-meter height, abundant natural light, versatile spaces, and trendy design choices.
The layout comprises a fully equipped galley, a convertible forward dinette, two bathrooms with separate showers, and an aft master cabin. An optional wall enhances versatility, creating two large cabins with private bathroom access.
