On the shores of Lake Como, where the water meets a century of maritime history, the Colombo Leopoldo boatyard is redefining the wooden motorboat for 2026.
Founded by Leopoldo Colombo, who began his apprenticeship at age 12, the yard has evolved from building clinker-hull dinghies to producing some of the most sophisticated wooden vessels on the Lario. Today, under the guidance of Leopoldo’s grandson, Giovanni, the yard is unveiling the Poldo 23: a day cruiser that represents the structural peak of their family tradition.
Pioneering the Wood-Epoxy Standard
The Colombo family has never relied solely on the past. Roberto and Giorgio Colombo, the founder's sons, were the first on Lake Como to adopt epoxy technology nearly 30 years ago. Giorgio remains one of only two builders on the lake to hold the "Master Craftsman" title, a testament to the yard's dedication to quality.
By utilizing WEST SYSTEM epoxy and vacuum bagging methods, the yard creates hulls that are stronger and more durable than traditional builds. This technique removes the need for nails or fasteners, resulting in a smooth, water-resistant finish that preserves the mahogany's natural beauty while ensuring institutional-level longevity.
The Poldo 23: A Masterclass in Material and Speed
The Poldo 23 is a 7.36-meter motorboat designed for the modern day cruiser. Its construction is a curated selection of the world's finest woods, each chosen for a specific structural purpose:
- Mahogany: Strip-planked for a resilient and elegant hull.
- Oak: Used for the ribs to provide internal strength.
- Iroko: An African hardwood selected for its durability in the keel.
Powered by a Yamaha 100HP diesel motor, the Poldo 23 achieves speeds of 23 knots. It is as versatile as it is striking, functioning equally well as a primary lake cruiser or a high-spec tender for a larger yacht.
The Value of Unrepeatable Craft
We see a clear migration of capital toward assets that cannot be mass-produced. The Poldo 23 is a perfect example of this Scarcity. While carbon fiber and fiberglass dominate the broader market, a hand built wooden boat from a "Master Craftsman" represents a defensible investment in heritage.
For the Lake Como resident, owning a Colombo Leopoldo boat is about more than transportation: it is about participating in a finished world of elegance. The structural integrity provided by their vacuum-bagging epoxy method ensures these boats will be the "trophy assets" of the next century. In a market that rewards precision, the Poldo 23 stands alone as a symbol of the Lake Como Way of Life.
