Justin Wagner, owner of DWR/Doug Wright Powerboats of Lake of the Ozarks, MO, has announced its newest model: a 44 stern-drive-powered catamaran—the first new product introduction since the Waves and Wheels founder purchased the company in June.

"We're very excited, since this is the first hull that we've laid up under the new ownership, with Doug Wright Jr. and Sr. on staff," Wagner told Speedboat. "The boat is going to ride like it's on rails—it'll be a complete wave crusher. We've already got a few pre-orders, so we're pretty stoked about that."

The new DWR 44' stern-drive package will include modifications to the bustle, as well as an entirely new backseat configuration that Wagner believes will resonate with potential buyers. "It's going to be quite a bit ahead of its time," he says. "It's going to include some next-level features integrated into the ergonomics of the seating and the overall configuration."

Wagner says the 44' will be likely be powered by Mercury Racing 1100s or the 1350 package. In addition, the boat will be offered in both open-cockpit and race-canopy configurations. "We can do a pleasure or a race version," Wagner says. Currently, DWR hulls dominate offshore racing's Super Stock class, with most of the teams piloting the 32' catamaran; Doug Wright has also become a fierce competitor in Factory Stock class as well.

"The boat will be faster than most people expect," Wagner says. "It's going to be a complete animal in rough water. If any prospective buyers want one, we still have a slot to have them up and running for the spring. We have hit every deadline that we've forecasted so far."

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