J Craft Torpedo-R: Handcrafted Cruising from Gotland

On the back deck of a summer house in Shelter Island, New York, I meet Radenko Milakovic, owner of J Craft Boats. His company builds classically styled motor cruisers on Gotland, a rugged island in the Baltic Sea with a long maritime heritage. Milakovic speaks with evident pride about Gotland’s seafaring past and the island’s continuing role in Swedish boatbuilding—conditions there, from harsh winds to cold water, demand craft built with care and attention to detail.

When my colleagues arrive, we walk down to the private dock and find a 42-foot J Craft Torpedo-R bobbing in the water. The boat, named Natalia, gleams after 9,000 hours of hand labor and nearly 20 coats of varnish. The finish is immaculate; sunlight dances on the wood and varnish in a way that immediately conveys the level of craftsmanship behind the build.

Traditional Craftsmanship Meets Modern Materials

At J Craft’s 27,000-square-foot facility in Gotland, each Torpedo is assembled with a combination of traditional methods and modern standards. The hull is molded in fiberglass for strength and durability, while the transom and visible woodwork follow an older technique: steam-bending. Wood planks are gently steamed to make the fibers pliable, shaped into elegant curves, and allowed to harden into permanent form. This blend of old and new is central to J Craft’s philosophy—an evolution of classic techniques rather than a complete reinvention.

Performance and Handling

I take the helm and feel immediately at ease. The cockpit is arranged so visibility is good even for someone of modest height, and the Ferrari-badged steering wheel gives the controls a tactile precision. Twin 650-hp Volvo Penta IPS engines give the Torpedo-R brisk acceleration and excellent responsiveness. As I open the throttles, the boat climbs to a top speed of about 42 knots and handles turns with surprising grace. Even at 13 years old, Natalia steers like a much newer vessel—stable, balanced, and nimble through curves and chop.

Comfort and Layout

The Torpedo’s layout balances social space and practical accommodations. Aft of the helm there is guest seating and a table, with a Bimini that raises easily for shade when needed. A compact galley includes a refrigerator, ice maker, and an induction grill, supporting comfortable day cruising or short overnight trips. The main lounge beneath deck converts into a berth, and there is an additional cabin beneath the helm. The head is thoughtfully sized and features a separate standing shower, making extended time aboard more convenient.

Natalia is rated with a cruising range around 280 nautical miles and has spent many summers cruising in both hemispheres, demonstrating the Torpedo’s capability for extended coastal passages and island hopping.

Customization and Ownership Experience

J Craft builds each boat to order, and the Torpedo-R is highly customizable. Owners select hull colors, interior finishes, hardware, and onboard systems. Natalia, for example, is equipped with a Seakeeper gyro stabilization system to improve comfort at rest and under way. The base price for a Torpedo sits near $1.56 million, reflecting the bespoke nature of the build and the high level of hand-finishing that goes into each boat.

Milakovic describes the boat as more than transportation—he envisions it as a setting for the dolce vita, a place to slow down and focus on what matters. For him, the Torpedo should be a peaceful refuge: a place to disconnect from daily demands and reconnect with the sea and with company.

This article was originally published in the November 2023 issue.