Overview
The Squalo is Vice City royalty. First appearing in GTA Vice City (2002), the Squalo has been the signature performance boat of the franchise for over two decades. Based on the Cigarette Racing 42X and Nor-Tech 390 Sport, the Squalo occupies the sweet spot between the all-out Speedboat and the comfortable Tropic — it's fast enough for smuggling runs, stylish enough for the Vice City social scene, and versatile enough for both. The real Cigarette 42X is the "luxury sport" variant of the go-fast boat family: it retains the deep-V performance hull and triple-outboard power, but adds premium seating, a head compartment, and the kind of attention to detail that justifies a six-figure price tag. In Vice City, the Squalo represents the successful criminal's boat — you've graduated beyond the Dinghy and earned something that makes a statement when you pull into the marina. The name itself — Italian for "shark" — perfectly captures its personality: sleek, predatory, and dangerous beneath the surface.
QUICK SPECS
The Squalo draws from the Cigarette Racing lineage, a brand synonymous with high-performance powerboat design that has dominated ocean racing for decades. Its aggressive hull shape, powerful engine configuration, and cockpit-forward design create a watercraft purpose-built for maximum speed across open water. The Squalo represents the apex of GTA 6's powered watercraft hierarchy, offering performance that justifies its premium positioning through measurably superior speed, handling, and seakeeping capability compared to standard recreational boats.
History in GTA
The Squalo debuted in GTA Vice City (2002) and was one of the most recognizable boats in that game. Its speed and sleek design made it the premium watercraft for players who wanted to travel the waterways in style. The Squalo returned in GTA Vice City Stories (2006) and GTA V (2013), maintaining its position as a high-end sport boat. In GTA V, the Squalo competed with the Speeder and Jetmax for the fastest boat crown, with its balanced handling earning it fans among players who valued control alongside speed. The Squalo's two-decade history in GTA makes it the longest-running boat name in the franchise — a legacy that GTA 6's return to Vice City should celebrate.
The Squalo has represented high-performance powerboat capability in GTA since its introduction, providing players with a watercraft that delivers genuine racing-class performance on open water. Its Cigarette Racing inspiration connects it to the most prestigious name in American powerboat racing, a brand that has dominated offshore competition for decades through relentless engineering development and a refusal to compromise on performance. This racing heritage gives the Squalo cultural credibility within the marine vehicle category.
The Squalo in GTA 6
The Squalo's return to Vice City is a homecoming. Expect it as a high-end pleasure craft at upscale marinas, in drug running scenarios where style and speed both matter, and as a frequently seen boat in Vice City's waterfront social scene. The Squalo balances the Speedboat's raw performance with the Tropic's comfort, making it arguably the best all-around performance boat. For boat racing, the Squalo class should provide the most entertaining racing — fast enough to be thrilling, balanced enough to reward skill over raw throttle. Story missions involving Vice City's affluent criminal class should feature the Squalo prominently — it's the boat of choice for cocaine millionaires, real estate moguls, and anyone who wants to be seen on Vice City's waterways.
Performance & Handling
The Squalo's performance sits between the raw Speedboat and the comfortable Tropic. Top speed around 85 mph is seriously fast — not quite Speedboat territory but fast enough to outrun most pursuit vessels. The deep-V hull provides excellent rough-water handling, maintaining speed in conditions that would slow flat-bottomed boats. Handling is the Squalo's secret weapon: it turns more responsively than the larger Speedboat while maintaining stability at speed. The stepped hull design creates lift at speed, reducing drag and improving efficiency. Acceleration is strong with triple outboards, reaching plane quickly and building speed steadily. The Squalo's balance of speed, handling, and comfort makes it the most versatile performance boat — competent at everything, outclassed only by specialists.
The Squalo's stepped hull design incorporates air ventilation channels that reduce wetted surface area at speed, decreasing drag and increasing top-end velocity beyond what conventional hull shapes can achieve. Multiple engine options should provide performance tiers from spirited recreational use to all-out racing specification. The deep-V entry angle slices through oncoming waves rather than pounding over them, maintaining crew comfort and control at speeds where other boats become dangerous to operate, giving the Squalo a decisive advantage in rough-water racing conditions.
Where to Find It
Upscale marinas and waterfront properties. Vice City Marina, Starfish Island private docks, and Keys Marina. Some may spawn during high-profile missions or events. The $100,000 to $200,000 price range positions it as a premium watercraft — a statement purchase for players who've accumulated wealth.
The Squalo appears at premium marina facilities and high-end waterfront properties where performance powerboats are contextually appropriate. Racing team docks, yacht club facilities with competitive boating programs, and the private docks of wealthy waterfront NPC residents all generate Squalo spawns. Marine performance dealerships should offer Squalo purchases in various trim levels, with base models providing strong recreational performance and top-spec racing packages delivering competition-ready capability.
Customization
Premium sport boat customization: engine options (twin vs. triple outboard, horsepower tiers), hull color with racing stripes, cockpit upholstery in premium materials, T-top or hardtop configurations, and underwater LED lighting. Performance options including propeller pitch, hull strake modifications, and trim tab adjustment. Entertainment systems including marine audio, swim platform extensions, and freshwater shower. Navigation electronics with chartplotter, radar, and AIS. Custom tower options for wakeboarding or tuna tower for fishing versatility.
High-performance powerboat customization focuses on measurable speed gains and competitive racing preparation. Engine tuning packages, propeller pitch optimization, hull bottom treatments, and weight reduction through carbon fiber component replacement all contribute to straight-line speed improvements. Racing safety equipment including five-point harnesses, kill switches, and communication systems prepare the Squalo for organized competition. Cosmetic options like custom hull wraps, cockpit upholstery, and accent lighting personalize the vessel while maintaining its aggressive performance aesthetic.
Tips & Strategy
The Squalo is a high-performance powerboat built for speed on open water. Its deep-V hull design cuts through waves rather than skipping across them, maintaining driver control and passenger comfort at velocities that would make flat-bottomed boats unmanageable. Use the Squalo for time-critical water transit missions where arriving quickly is the primary objective, and take advantage of its superior wave-handling to maintain high speeds in conditions that force competitors to throttle back. The Squalo's cockpit design provides better protection from spray and wind than open-deck alternatives, allowing sustained high-speed operation without the constant discomfort of salt spray exposure.
For competitive boat racing, the Squalo represents the premium end of the powerboat performance spectrum. Its combination of top speed, acceleration, and rough-water capability makes it competitive across diverse course conditions, from sheltered harbor circuits to open-ocean point-to-point races where wave management determines finishing positions. In free-roam scenarios, keep a Squalo stored at marina facilities near your primary operating areas for guaranteed access to fast water transportation. Its performance advantage over standard speedboats justifies the additional investment for players who regularly use waterways for transit or combat operations. Upgrade the hull treatment and engine output before cosmetic modifications to maximize the Squalo's competitive edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Squalo based on?
The Squalo is based on premium sport boats like the Cigarette Racing 42X and Nor-Tech 390 Sport. These luxury performance boats combine go-fast capability with premium comfort, representing the upper tier of recreational powerboating.
Has the Squalo been in previous GTA games?
Yes — the Squalo debuted in GTA Vice City (2002) and has appeared in multiple titles since. It's one of the longest-running boat names in the franchise, with over two decades of GTA history. Its return to Vice City in GTA 6 is a homecoming.
How does the Squalo compare to the Speedboat?
The Speedboat is faster (95 vs. 85 mph) but the Squalo handles better and offers more comfort. Think of the Speedboat as the pure race car and the Squalo as the GT car — slightly slower but more versatile and enjoyable for everyday use.
Is the Squalo good for smuggling?
Excellent — the Squalo's combination of speed, cargo space, and style makes it ideal for drug running missions. It's fast enough to outrun coast guard vessels, spacious enough for cargo, and stylish enough not to attract immediate suspicion at a marina.
What does 'Squalo' mean?
"Squalo" is Italian for "shark" — fitting for a boat that's sleek, fast, and predatory. The Italian name also connects to GTA's tradition of using Italian-influenced naming for Shitzu (Japanese) and other manufacturer brands.
Last updated April 24, 2026. For the full database, visit our Vehicles Wiki (208 entries).