For those seeking the ultimate combination of speed, style, and offshore performance, renting a Cigarette 41 Nighthawk in the Bahamas offers an unparalleled way to explore the archipelago. Whether you are looking for a high-octane day trip or chartering a Cigarette 41 Nighthawk in the Bahamas for a multi-day island-hopping adventure, this iconic center console delivers a luxury experience that bridges the gap between a high-performance racing machine and a sophisticated day boat.
Cigarette 41 Nighthawk: Technical Specifications and Performance
The Cigarette 41 Nighthawk is a masterpiece of marine engineering, designed for those who demand speed without sacrificing comfort. Built on a twin-step hull design, it provides a smooth, dry ride even when the Atlantic swells pick up. Below are the key specifications for this model, typically powered by quad Mercury Racing outboards:
| Feature |
Specification |
| Length Overall (LOA) |
41 feet (12.5 meters) |
| Beam |
11 feet (3.35 meters) |
| Draft |
32 inches (0.8 meters) |
| Engines |
4 x Mercury Racing 450R or 500R |
| Fuel Capacity |
350 Gallons (1,325 Liters) |
| Water Capacity |
25 Gallons (95 Liters) |
| Cabins / Berths |
1 Day Cabin / 0 Permanent Berths |
| Capacity |
Up to 12 guests for day charters |
The interior features a surprisingly spacious day cabin with a head (toilet) and sink, providing a private area to change or escape the sun. However, the 41 Nighthawk is primarily a day boat, optimized for social interaction on deck with its expansive seating arrangements and world-class JL Audio sound system.
Why the Cigarette 41 Nighthawk is Perfect for the Bahamas
The Bahamas is an archipelago defined by shallow turquoise banks and deep ocean "tongues." The Cigarette 41 Nighthawk is uniquely suited for this environment for several reasons. Firstly, its shallow 32-inch draft allows it to navigate the "skinny water" of the Exuma Banks, where larger motor yachts cannot venture. You can pull directly up to pristine sandbars like Big Farmer’s Cay or Musha Cay without fear of grounding.
Secondly, the speed of the Nighthawk is a logistical game-changer. While a standard catamaran might take four hours to reach the Exumas from Nassau, the Cigarette 41 Nighthawk can make the crossing in under 90 minutes. This allows guests to maximize their time swimming with pigs at Big Major Cay or snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto rather than spending the entire day in transit. The hull’s ability to "shred" through the chop of the Yellow Bank ensures that even on windier days, your group remains comfortable and dry.
Pricing for Renting and Chartering in 2026
When planning to rent a Cigarette 41 Nighthawk in the Bahamas, prices vary based on the season and the duration of the charter. In 2026, we anticipate the following price ranges in EUR. Please note that these are base rates and typically do not include fuel or gratuity.
| Season |
Daily Rate (EUR) |
Weekly Rate (EUR) |
| Low Season (Sept - Nov) |
€3,800 - €4,500 |
€24,000 - €28,000 |
| Mid Season (May - Aug) |
€4,500 - €5,200 |
€28,000 - €32,000 |
| High Season (Dec - April) |
€5,500 - €6,500 |
€35,000 - €40,000 |
High season rates apply during peak holidays such as Christmas, New Year, and the Easter break. For those interested in viewing our full fleet across other regions, you can explore more
boats available for luxury hire.
Curated Itineraries: Exploring from Nassau and Staniel Cay
The versatility of the Cigarette 41 Nighthawk allows for diverse itineraries starting from the main hubs of the Bahamas.
1-Day "Exuma Express" Itinerary:
- 09:00: Departure from Atlantis Marina or Bay Street Marina in Nassau.
- 10:30: Arrive at Allen’s Cay to feed the endangered Northern Bahamian Rock Iguanas.
- 12:00: High-speed run to Compass Cay to swim with nurse sharks.
- 13:30: Lunch at Staniel Cay Yacht Club.
- 15:00: Visit the world-famous swimming pigs at Big Major Cay.
- 17:00: Sunset cruise back to Nassau.
3-7 Day "Island Hopper" Itinerary:
Chartering a Cigarette 41 Nighthawk in the Bahamas for multiple days allows you to use a luxury villa or a larger "mothership" yacht as a base while using the Cigarette as your primary transport.
- Day 1-2: Explore the Northern Exumas (Highbourne Cay and Norman’s Cay, famous for the sunken drug plane).
- Day 3-4: Central Exumas (Warderick Wells Cay Land and Sea Park for hiking and pristine snorkeling).
- Day 5-7: Head south to Little Exuma and the Tropic of Cancer Beach, or sprint across to Eleuthera to see the Glass Window Bridge.
Logistics: Marinas and Berthing in the Bahamas
The Bahamas offers world-class infrastructure for high-performance center consoles. If you are starting your journey in Nassau,
Atlantis Marina is the premier choice, offering deep-water access and luxury amenities.
Bay Street Marina is another excellent option closer to the city center.
In the Exumas,
Staniel Cay Yacht Club is the focal point for all boating activity, though slips for the 41 Nighthawk should be booked well in advance during the high season. For those venturing to the Abacos,
Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour Marina in Marsh Harbour provides a secure and well-equipped base. Because of the Cigarette's size, it is easily berthed in smaller boutique marinas that cannot accommodate large superyachts, giving you more flexibility in your
destinations.
What is Included in Your Charter
Understanding the inclusions is vital for a seamless experience. Most luxury rentals for a Cigarette 41 Nighthawk in the Bahamas are "Captain Only" or "Skippered" to ensure the safety of the vessel and passengers.
- Included: Professional skipper, local taxes, end-of-trip cleaning, and basic snorkeling gear.
- Not Included (APA): The Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA) usually covers fuel, food, and premium beverages. Fuel is the largest variable; a Cigarette 41 Nighthawk with quad engines consumes significant fuel when running at high speeds.
- VAT: The Bahamas government mandates a VAT on all commercial charters (currently 10%).
- Gratuity: A customary tip for the crew (usually 15-20% of the base charter fee) is recommended for exceptional service.
Best Months and Sea Conditions
The best time for chartering a Cigarette 41 Nighthawk in the Bahamas is between
March and June. During these months, the "Northers" (cold fronts) have subsided, and the hurricane season has not yet begun. The winds are generally light, and the water temperature is perfect for swimming.
The winter months (December to February) are very popular but can occasionally see "blowy" days where the sea state between Nassau and the Exumas becomes challenging for smaller vessels. However, the Nighthawk's hull is specifically designed to handle these conditions better than almost any other boat in its class. July and August are beautiful and calm but can be very hot with occasional tropical thunderstorms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is renting a Cigarette 41 Nighthawk in the Bahamas suitable for families?
Yes, the 41 Nighthawk is excellent for families with children. The high gunwales (sides) of the boat provide a sense of security, and the seating is deep and comfortable. The speed of the boat also means children spend less time getting bored during long transits between islands.
What is the fuel consumption when chartering a Cigarette 41 Nighthawk in the Bahamas?
Fuel consumption depends heavily on your cruising speed. At a comfortable cruise of 45-50 mph, the quad engines are relatively efficient for their power, but at wide-open throttle (which can exceed 80 mph), consumption increases significantly. Expect to spend between €800 and €1,500 on fuel for a full-day trip from Nassau to the Exumas and back.
Do I need a license to rent a Cigarette 41 Nighthawk in the Bahamas?
For a vessel of this performance level, most agencies require a professional captain to be on board. This ensures you can relax and enjoy the scenery while an expert navigates the complex reefs and shallow banks of the Bahamian waters. Bareboat charters on Cigarette models are extremely rare due to insurance requirements.
