Overview

Highfield’s Velox 420 is a ­welcome addition to the entry-level-­­boat segment. Priced at $36,000, this jet-powered RIB is intended to fill the compact runabout niche somewhat abandoned by popular boat brands. Highfield is pitching the Velox not only as a tender, but also as a family boat especially ideal for younger captains.

Engine

The 14-foot-7-inch Velox 420 features an aluminum deep-V hull surrounded by Orca Hypalon tubes. The powder-­coated aluminum hull incorporates the boat deck, an integrated 14.5-gallon fuel tank and the swim platform. The helm console and bow boarding step are molded fiberglass. The boat is powered by a 90 hp Rotax 900 ACE jet drive—the same reliable three-cylinder 899cc powertrain featured in the Sea-Doo Spark watercraft. A fiberglass insert forms the jet pump intake and the aft center of the running surface to provide efficient intake flow in a shape that would be challenging to form in aluminum.

Interior and Accessories

The aluminum hatch over the engine bay is also the base for the main seat, wide enough for two or a tight fit for three people. The pivoting seat backrest enables facing forward or aft on this seat. The deep boarding platform is covered with the same MarineMat material that covers the deck. There’s also a small seat on the forward helm console and a seat pad in the bow peak (useful at rest, not underway). Stowage space is limited to some room within the console, accessed by raising the forward seat. This is a 14-footer, remember.

The helm console holds a Medallion touchscreen display that can be used to select ­Rotax performance modes (Eco, Docking and Ski). Switches for lighting and the head for the optional audio system ($920) are to port of the wheel. There is a wireless device charger next to the display screen. The console is topped with a small windscreen and a robust grab handle.

Read Next: Highfield Sport 800

The 90 hp jet pushed this 1,060-pound vessel to a top speed of 38 mph with a light load. Performance is typical jet—strong acceleration starts at about 5,500 rpm; at speed in a hard turn, the radius tightens until the boat starts to slide a bit, but this is easy to control. Fuel economy is outstanding at better than 7 mpg at cruising speeds, for a range of about 100 miles. That’s a lot of fun per gallon.

How We Tested

• Engine: Single 90 hp Rotax 900 ACE jet drive
• Drive/Prop: Jet drive/144 mm x 15/19″ pitch stainless-steel impeller
• Gear Ratio: 1:1 Fuel Load: 6 gal. Crew Weight: 190 lb.

High Points

• Boat, fuel and trailer combined will weigh less than 1,400 pounds—an easy tow for compact vehicles.
• No prop, no trim, and minimal ­maintenance with a jet drive make for easy ownership.
• Beach this boat with no worries thanks to a rugged aluminum hull with keel guard.
• RIB offers excellent stability at rest and absorbs dock bumps.

Low Points

• High-rpm jet drive is very noisy and transmits significant vibration to the cockpit.
• Fuel fill below the bow seat cushion is challenging to reach and offers potential for spills within the boat.
• Minimal stowage space.

Toughest Competition

The 15-foot-9-inch Scarab 165SE (base price $45,460 with trailer) weighs about 1,600 pounds (2,300 pounds on its steel trailer) and is powered by a 170 hp Rotax 1630 ACE jet drive with up to 300 hp as an option. This is a very stylish jet ­runabout with more performance and ­storage space than the Velox.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 Highfield Velox 420 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

When I was 10 years old, I got a ride in a cool little 13-foot rigid-hull inflatable. RIBs were new at that time, and as spartan as it was, this one hit 45 mph with a 50 hp Mercury outboard. What a blast that little ripper was!

Fifty years later, inflatables are still quirky-cool but more sophisticated than ever. The Zodiac Medline 7.5 GT is a great showcase for the innovative features of ­today’s inflatables. A full 24 feet long with a 9-foot-6-inch beam, this boat touches all the bases when it comes to performance, utility, comfort and ride. Imagine an inflatable waterborne Subaru Forester with a WRX engine for extra scoot, and you have an idea of the fun you can enjoy behind the wheel.

Engine

It’s quick—and fast. It should be; it tips the scales at just over 2,500 pounds and sports 300 Yamaha ponies on the transom. With a 15 ¼-by-19-inch Yamaha Saltwater Series II stainless-steel three-blade wheel, you’d better hold on—the svelte 24-footer just gets with the program, from a dead idle to 30 mph in a cat-quick 4.3 seconds.

At the top end, we tickled 60 mph at 6,000 rpm. As a storm runner, you’ll make it back to port easily. Because most of the water time will likely be spent in the typical cruise range from just on plane to perhaps 4,000 rpm, our most economical cruise speed of 28 mph and 3,000 rpm yielded a frugal 4.5 mpg (at 6.3 gallons per hour). With its 72-gallon capacity, that’s nearly 290 miles of range, leaving 10 percent in reserve. A long weekend of cruising, fishing and watersports towing without ­refilling is not unrealistic.

RIBs, such as the Zodiac Medline 7.5 GT, offer higher speed and ­efficiency compared with similarly powered fiberglass boats due to the lower weight provided by using an inflatable tube or collar. The 213-pound Oceanus 24VST ($113,345 with a Yamaha 250) and Novurania’s 2,750-pound Como 24 ($150,000 with a Yamaha 200) should deliver similar performance.

In many cases, a fast boat that accelerates often gives up ride quality for the speed and punch. Zodiac owners won’t have to worry about that. The deep-V hull cushioned by the side tubes offers a remarkably smooth and stable ride—another RIB trademark—even in heavy boat wakes and 2-foot windblown chop. We ran the 7.5 GT all around Charleston Harbor on a busy day, and as the wind and traffic picked up, we found ourselves marveling at the way the hull sliced through the waves. Turning is just as uneventful. The Medline cuts and banks as it arcs around in tight hard-over turns, giving a clean line with no skipping or hopping. Planing is flat and fast, with very little bow rise. The rigid fiberglass hull features a 22-degree deadrise with multiple lifting strakes for a smooth ride coupled with quick acceleration and the good turn of speed that I experienced.

Interior and Accessories

A unique and innovative feature, the ­perimeter tubing is removable rather than glued on. It’s no quick and easy task, but owners can deflate, detach and store the tubes separately, reducing the needed storage space dramatically. In addition, the removable tubes make repairs, upgrades, color changes and replacements much easier than with competitor boats that have the tubes bonded to the hull. Tubes are available in white, dark military gray, light gray and black.

At the bow, there’s a raised platform for docking or handling the anchor, with an anchor roller built in. Just aft is a large anchor locker, hidden by a hinged lid and finished in crisp white gelcoat. Just aft of this locker is a molded self-draining forward storage locker, also covered with a large hinged lid supported by gas lifts. Snap-in cushions cover this area, forming a large sun pad. The fit between the end of the foredeck and the front of the console makes this lounge area even bigger.

Amidships, the large console tilts forward to access a huge storage compartment. It’s great for stowing the cushions and the snack table. Hydraulic steering is standard, as is a 9-inch Garmin MFD that integrates GPS and engine data. A standard Fusion audio system with subwoofer rocks your tunes. The leaning post/­captain’s seating allows standing or sitting with its fold-up butt cushions. It also houses stowage. Open its top to reveal a sink with small countertop for food and beverage preparation.

Abaft, the seating area is spacious and U-shaped, making for a handy conversation pit. Upgraded diamond-stitched white upholstery lends a luxurious appearance. EVA-foam decking is applied throughout the cockpit and on the fore and aft decks. Twin extended boarding platforms provide a secure way to climb aboard at the transom. A stainless-steel towing arch makes the Medline even more versatile.

Read Next: Zodiac Medline 5.8

An extended fiberglass arch features a Bimini top that stows by attaching to the arch for a clean look. When deployed, it provides shade for the entire cockpit. Other GT exclusives include underwater lights and special graphics.

As a family cruiser, watersports towboat, sandbar boat and fishing craft, the Medline 7.5 GT provides an interesting alternative to traditional multipurpose craft. The speed, quality construction, fuel economy, ride and utility make it a great choice.

How We Tested

• Engine: Yamaha F300 outboard
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 15 1/4″ x 19″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 34 gal. Crew Weight: 450 lb.

High Points

• The multipurpose helm features multiple seating positions, stowage, and even a sink and countertop.
• Every fixture on the Medline, from the hidden sink under the console top to the numerous cubbies and storage pockets about the deck, opens up to show functionality. 
• Rigging belowdecks is clean and easy to access, a great feature when servicing or upgrading is on the agenda. 

Low Points 

• For a 24-foot boat, room aboard is narrow, due to the tubes on each side. Though the boat is rated to carry up to 16 people, a day on the water with four, maybe six, would be a better fit. 
• The raised boarding step at the bow is tippy as a boarding or standing platform due to its location at the top of the tube.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2024 Zodiac Medline 7.5 GT appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

I am a huge fan of taking RIBs offshore because their inflatable collars act as built-in shock absorbers in rough seas. So when the time came to test the Nuova Jolly Prince 33 CC in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, I was hoping for some sporty conditions. As we approached the Port ­Everglades Inlet, the building stiff east wind ­buffeting against an outgoing tide ensured that my wish would be granted. We throttled the Prince 33 CC onto plane and pointed into the stacked rollers, and the big RIB took it all in stride. What’s more, the boat’s nimble handling allowed us to make a sharp hard-over turn and ride the following seas back to the Intracoastal Waterway in comfort. Conveniently, we saw folks in a similar-size fiberglass V-hull suffer comparably more visible discomfort while attempting to run the inlet. When it comes to ­rough-sea comfort, the Nuova Jolly Prince 33 CC is hard to beat.

Interior and Accessories

The 33 CC has ­plenty of creature comforts on board to make an enjoyable day out of cruising in calm ­waters too. Start with the ­wraparound cockpit seating behind the console helm that can comfortably seat six to seven adults. The gunwales feature cushioned backrests, and a high-backed backrest extends along the transom seating. It’s a great conversation pit; throw in the dinette table when it’s time to serve lunch. Our test boat included the optional T-top that keeps the helm and part of the cockpit in the shade. The console hides a small cabin accessed by a sliding door to port of the helm station. In the forward part of the console, there’s a sink and ­stovetop and a small ­refrigerator. At rest or at anchor, the entire bow area serves as one giant sun pad for your happy crew to enjoy.

Engines

If you didn’t already guess from my inlet run, driving this boat is a real blast. With the twin Mercury 400 Verados, we threatened 60 mph at top speed running in calmer waters, a number that Nuova Jolly says it can definitely surpass under less-windy ­conditions. ­Handling was superb; the deep-V hull helps it carve turns at 30 mph, and the boat felt very responsive executing S-curves at speed. In short, the Nuova Jolly Prince 33 CC is a ton of fun.

Read Next: Mercury Verado 400 Outboard Review

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin 400 hp Mercury V-10 Verado outboards
• Drive/Props: Outboard/Mercury Revolution 4 15 1/4″ x 19″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 104 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 360 lb.

High Points

• Nonskid texture on RIB collar provides sure footing when stepping aboard from the dock.
• RIB collar and deep-V fiberglass hull make this boat an offshore beast.
• Swim platform extends around the engines to allow for more water access, with a telescoping ladder mounted to port that deploys away from the props.

Low Points 

• Need to remove a cushion in the bow for windlass access.
• More grab handles in the cockpit would be helpful. ABYC H-41 sets the standard that boats must have handrails on weather decks and in all seating areas intended to be occupied underway.  

Toughest Competitor

Italia Boats Sea Prop 33 is another performance RIB offering twin outboards that starts at $239,000 for the base boat with twin Mercury 350s.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2024 Nuova Jolly Prince 33 CC appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Hit the throttles, and Highfield’s Sport 800 goes zero to 30 mph in 4.9 seconds. In fact, at 30, 35 or even 45 mph, the boat will firmly push you back into the leaning post when you lay on the gas. Do hold on.

Rigid inflatable boats—RIBs—such as the Sport 800 are up to 50 percent lighter than similar-size ­conventional boats. This superior horsepower-to-weight ratio is made even better in Highfield’s case because its aluminum hulls weigh even less. This is why the Sport 800 accelerates and attains the speeds that it does.

Handling matches the speed and acceleration. With the wheel locked over, even approaching 50 mph, the boat never let go, tracking around sharper, and with more G-force, frankly, than any normal boating scenario you are likely to encounter. In more-sedate maneuvers, it’s a joy responding and ­recovering instantly to input at the wheel, trim and throttle. The Sport 800 delivers a slam- and ­bam-free experience in chop.

The Sport 800’s hull is narrow, with deep deadrise, more so in both respects than a conventional boat’s hull. This accounts for the smooth ride. Furthermore, the tube provides stability, and, when the boat comes off a wave, it ­attenuates vibration.

Interior and Accessories

The layout and features should please those in the market for a center-console dayboat. Certainly, one can fish or dive from this rugged, seaworthy performer. Two swim platforms with boarding ladders, plus a transom shower and ski pylon, serve for watersports. The aft lounge converts to a sun pad, and a cockpit table and a standard drawer-­style refrigerator ensure entertaining prowess. In the bow, find a sun lounge and a console seat. The T-top provides weather protection, and a concealed anchor windlass hauls the hook.

We noted many indicators of a quality build aboard the Highfield Sport 800. For instance, there’s a drip edge molded into the console to keep gear from sliding off. Hatches are finished on the underside, their hinges through-bolted, and gear stowed within kept dry by deep gutters. Wiring is tidy and secure.

Running a RIB such as the Highfield Sport 800 is a different experience than running a conventional boat. Book a demo ride and see for yourself.

Read Next: The Ultimate Boat

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin 150 hp Mercury FourStroke
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/15.3″ x 19″
• Gear Ratio: 1.92:1 Fuel Load: 50 gal. Water on Board: 10 gal. Crew Weight: 450 lb.

High Points

• Aluminum hull provides excellent ­power-to-weight for thrilling ­acceleration and performance (or ­leverage the same feature for economy by going easy on the throttle).
• Planes using a single 150 hp outboard.
• Comfortable aft cockpit makes lounging and entertaining as viable as fishing and diving.
• Inflatable tube serves as a giant fender, while also adding stability and attenuating vibration, rattling, and banging.

Low Points

• There’s no head in the console of this boat, which you would likely find aboard a similar-size conventional boat.

Toughest Competitor

Check Brig’s Eagle 8 ($153,450; single Suzuki DF350 with contra-rotating props). It’s a single-engine boat, whereas the Highfield can use single or twin power. Its large console houses a head.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2024 Highfield Sport 800 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Highfield’s Sport 800 RIB Boat is the first of its series. Highfield’s construction, design, and in-house fabrication lead to a very well-built boat that looks great. It reached over 52 mph and got us nearly 3 miles to the gallon. Most boats of this size, traditional fiberglass boats, don’t get this type of efficiency or speed.

The helm and nice built-in drip edge help keep things in place and provide some relief for drainage. Some notable features include two swim platforms, two swim ladders, a cockpit table with dedicated storage for it, and a standard drawer-style refrigerator that slides out of the bench. The deep V-hull allows it to be stiff and light, and boy is this light! With twin 150 Mercury, it weighed 3600 pounds, which is half the weight of a competitively-sized fiberglass boat.

Learn more at: highfieldboats.com/boats/sport-800/.

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Overview

When the 32-foot Ocean Craft 9.8M AMP, powered by twin 300 hp Mercury Pro XS outboards, rolled up the boat ramp and into the parking lot on its own wheels, every nearby head swiveled to look.

The Ocean Craft has three hydraulic legs that raise and lower, powered by a 40 hp Briggs and Stratton gasoline engine parked under a motor box in the transom. Each rear leg sports a custom 26-by-12-by-12-inch Turf Tire wheel, and the leg that tucks up against the bow has dual wheels. The ability to drive at jogging speed (a governor keeps top-end down to around 6 mph) across asphalt, sand or just about any reasonably firm surface in all-wheel-drive sets this boat apart from the mainstream. While the amphibious nature of this craft grabs most of the attention, it can also blast through raging seas at high speeds in relative comfort.

Engine

When we tested the Ocean Craft, gusts to 29 mph had roiled up Chesapeake Bay, creating a back-breaking 2- to 4-foot chop. In our quest to find calmer waters for high-speed runs, we ran north, then west, then south, and eventually back east again. Thanks to an aggressive hull with razor-sharp concave reversed chines surrounded by the shock-absorbing Hypalon collar, there was never a moment when my aching old back cried out in pain aboard this center-console layout, regardless of the direction we cruised—that includes when cranked up to full tilt.

Design

The boat’s amphibious nature isn’t its only unusual trait. Construction is also atypical. Ocean Craft builds this model just as it builds its professional line intended for law enforcement, firefighters and military applications. Upgrades from the norm include military-grade Hypalon 1670 Dtex tubes, stainless-steel pipework and shock-mitigating seats. These touches might not be as obvious as the legs and wheels, but it’s no matter. We’re still 100 percent sure that each and every head will turn when you cruise that Ocean Craft out of the water and drive onto dry land.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin Mercury Pro XS 300
• Drive/prop: Outboard/14″ x 21″ Mirage Plus 3-blade stainless-steel
• Gear ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 120 gal. Crew Weight: 320 lb. (approx.)

High Points

• Boat ramp? Who needs a boat ramp? Trailer? Who needs a trailer?
• Exceedingly comfortable in a nasty chop, even while posting impressive performance numbers.
• Bow wheels create a permanent fender of sorts.

Low Points

• If you trim the boat improperly and push the bow too low, the forward wheels can grab water and throw spray.
• Additional weight of the amphibious system (over 800 pounds) means otherwise equal nonamphibious versions could go faster or burn less fuel.

Toughest Competitor

The slightly smaller 30-foot Sea Legs 9.0M is another amphibious RIB with deployable wheels. It offers a single wheel at the bow rather than dual, rides on an aluminum hull as opposed to fiberglass, and carries a 400 hp maximum rating.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Ocean Craft Marine – Annapolis, Maryland; 410-263-3242; oceancraftmarine.com

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There’s a theme in ­European folklore about a magical pair of walking boots that allow the wearer to cover seven leagues (21 miles) at every stride. A friend likes to use that term to describe small boats with outsize capabilities. That’s the feel we had recently while running at 20 mph (3,500 rpm) over a washboard chop in the Navigator 610 from BRIG’s North American dealer, Sirocco Marine. With its Honda 90 and its combination of warped-V hull and 1-foot-8-inch-diameter tubes soaking up any impact from the waves, this 20-foot RIB felt like it could take us a whole lot more than seven leagues without breathing hard—or burning much fuel. Its calculated range at that speed is 32.6 leagues (228 miles), based on 90 percent of its 32-gallon tank. That’s quite a stride.

The Navigator 610 is a self-bailing, low-sided center-­console boat with more than a dozen handholds that can carry nearly a ton and a half of people and gear. Accommodations are basic but highly adaptable. BRIG dealers carry large parts inventories, with the ability to attach customized features such as fishing-rod racks or push-pole holders securely to the tubes with sophisticated adhesives. The 30-inch-wide console has plenty of flat space for flush-mounting electronics and adding features such as glove boxes and tackle storage. The double-wide cushioned seat in front of the console houses a cooler. The bow holds an anchor locker, with a roller on the square bow and a jam cleat for the rode. The SeaDek cushioned nonskid between the two seats offers solid, comfortable footing.

The double helm seat converts quickly to a leaning post with flip-down bolsters. There’s a SeaDek footrest in the console base. Aft of the seat is more SeaDek, plus a double-wide seat in front of the transom, holding more storage, the battery and its cutoff switch, plus full access to the bilge beneath. The transom mounts a ­stainless-steel double arch that holds the stern light, a towing eye, and attachment points for other accessories.

High Points

• Easy towing: 1,780 pounds with engine and full tank—plus 800 pounds for a float-on trailer—means a full-size tow vehicle isn’t required.
• Combination of sharp, rigid bottom deadrise and large tubes provides a soft, dry ride in seas and great stability at rest.
• BRIG dealers offer a wide range of accessories to customize the N610 for exploring, fishing and watersports.

Low Points

• Interior space is limited compared to a conventional center-console.
• Tubes require regular cleaning and biannual application of “sunblock” to protect from UV rays. But tube life is 10 to 15 years, and they’re replaceable.

Toughest Competitor
Zodiac’s Pro 5.5 ($41,000 with a Yamaha 115 but no trailer) weighs about the same (1,325 pounds). It is 2 feet, 4 inches shorter but 9 inches wider with a 26-gallon fuel capacity. A conventional fiberglass center-console skiff with similar capabilities for comparison is Seaway’s Sportsman 18 ($51,600 with a 70 hp Yamaha and trailer).

Price: $44,900 (with test power)

Available Power: Outboard

How We Tested
Engine: 90 hp Honda outboard
Prop: 13.5″ x 15″ 3-blade aluminum
Gear Ratio: 2.33:1
Fuel Load: 32 gal.
Crew Weight: 360 lb.

Sirocco Marine – Annapolis, Maryland; 410-316-6490; siroccomarine.com

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Walker Bay stopped counting its small dinghy sales (many have sold through West Marine) at 150,000 boats, which speaks volumes about the company. Its new Generation 525 marks a shift into the luxury market, and Walker Bay nailed it with a delightfully fresh design. For those who haven’t yet considered a RIB for use as a runabout, the Generation 525 would be a good boat to begin with.

For starters, you don’t have to sit on squishy side tubes: The 525 offers comfy settees with backrests on each side. The squared bow not only provides thronelike seating forward but also makes it easy to board from a beach or a larger boat. There are huge stowage bins under each seat (great idea), and each is removable for access to the inner hull.

A bench-style seat behind the helm includes a flip-up bolster so the skipper can stand behind the tilt wheel of the hydraulic steering. We were impressed by the attention to every detail: pop-up cleats, no fewer than six teak steps for boarding, a ­built-in insulated cooler and an ample number of cup holders. A removable backrest doubles as a useful handrail for safer boarding.

Seven lifting points cover every possibility for hoisting the 525, and the fiberglass finish is impeccable. The forward settees convert into a sun pad, and Walker Bay even provided tidy stowage for the pads, a feature that even some larger boats don’t provide.

We admit to limited knowledge of physics, but the 525 is a puzzlement: It has a straight line for both speed and fuel consumption. At 3,000 rpm, you’re going 20 mph. Add 1,000 rpm, you’re going 30 mph. Add another 1,000 rpm, you’re going 40 mph. And the fuel consumption is a straight line too, and it reflects outstanding efficiency.

Power can be a 90 hp outboard, but most will opt for a 115, which pushes the 525 to 40 mph. We’d opt for the Yamaha 115 — it weighs 100 pounds less than the Honda 115 — unless we liked our Honda dealer better.

Whether as a tender to the Grand Banks, for your waterfront dock or towed behind the family car, the Generation 525 is a real winner. Don’t miss this one.

Comparable Model: AB Nautilus 17DLX

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Running at 40-plus mph in a short, 2-foot chop isn’t usually comfortable, but BRIG’s Eagle 780 RIB did so with amazing ease. Its 7.8-meter length (25 feet 9 inches) bridged three to four waves at once, while its deep-V hull (23-degree deadrise at transom, flowing to 38 degrees forward) cleaves them open. And this RIB’s 2-foot diameter Hypalon tubes absorb whatever impact there is when the hull comes down while also knocking down spray. At speeds in the 20s, our test boat rode through the chowder like a Bentley. Meanwhile, the tubes, which just kiss the water astern while at rest, ensure super-gentle motion on the drift. Aboard this boat, it’s easy to see why first responders and law-enforcement agencies often choose a RIB.

Yet the Eagle 780 is not an austere chase boat. There’s a huge bow sun pad, with an anchor windlass beneath it, and the sun pad can connect with the seat in front of the console for extra length. The stylish console offers space for large electronics displays, along with 4 feet 5 inches of headroom inside for changing clothes or using a portable marine sanitation device (a pump-out head is optional). That’s enough to accommodate even full-size adult men, and a grab handle placed strategically on the port tube makes it easy to enter and exit gracefully.

The helm seat offers bolsters for leaning, stowage, cup holders, and space for a cooler beneath. A removable table connects to serve folks sitting on the full-width stern seat, with more stowage under. Aft is a sternpost for tow sports. There’s a 12-gallon freshwater tank with pump and wand for cockpit rinse-offs. An arch above supports a Bimini top. Did we mention that the BRIG Eagle 780 is rated to carry up to 16 people safely? And check the fuel efficiency: You can play all day on 15 to 20 gallons of fuel. Now you might understand why big RIBs like the Eagle 780 are so popular in Europe and Australia!

The post BRIG Eagle 780 appeared first on Boating Mag.

The Ultimate Boat

What kind of boat would you want if your job depended on it? What if other people’s boats depended on it? What about, sometimes, even other people’s lives? These are the questions that Ryan Pratt, who owns the Sea Tow franchise in Stuart, Florida, had running through his head when he purchased a Willard 370 RIB from a government auction. He took that hull and decided to see if he could rebuild it into the ultimate towing machine, adding several intriguing components to make his boat better and his job easier. Take a look at the boat and everything Pratt installed. If they work for him, then just maybe they could work for you too.

Heavy Duty, Rock and Roll
Pratt has been a licensed captain for 15 years, and four years ago he decided to buy the Sea Tow franchise in Stuart. The first thing he did was start looking for rugged boats that could handle heavy workloads in rough seas. He started going to government surplus auctions and buying 24-foot RIBs.

“I always thought RIBs were the best boats out there,” said Pratt. “The tubes act as training wheels in rough conditions or when towing.”

The Willard Sea Force 730 hull (willardmarine​.com) has a constant 24-degree deadrise, giving it a sharp wave-slicing entry and running surface. As the boat pounds on re-entry in rough seas, the inflatable collar acts like an air bag, absorbing most of the impact. When in beam seas, the collar also builds in a natural five- or six-second delay in the rolling motion, providing the captain time to correct it at the helm.

The original hull had a sterndrive, so Pratt had to reconfigure the transom for outboard duty. Because RIBs are so light in the bow, a traditional outboard bracket wouldn’t work, because it would cause the boat to squat. So Pratt crafted a bracket that matches the boat’s running surface, extending it 32 inches aft. That bracket provides an additional 800 pounds of buoyancy to handle the twin outboard installation.

Check out what else Pratt added on to make his RIB the ultimate boat.

The Ultimate Boat

Twin Mercury 150 FourStroke Outboards
The reason for twin engines is obvious. “We sometimes run 60 miles offshore to help customers,” Pratt said. “We need to make sure we can bring them back.”

But why the Mercs? Pratt wanted four strokes with a lot of displacement, and the Merc 150s are three-liter blocks. “With these engines you’re running light most of the time,” he said, which means a lot less wear and tear over the long haul. They also have great low-end torque, excellent for towing big vessels and taking on heavy workloads. The Mercs also have QR codes placed on the engines for maintenance help. If you need to change the oil, scanning the code leads to a step-by-step YouTube video.

The Ultimate Boat

Novabraid Spectra Synthetic Line
This synthetic line has little to no stretch, which makes it ideal for towing. Line that stretches develops a lot of tension, and should it break, that energy is often redirected back at the tow boat — with dangerous consequences. Low-stretch synthetic line tends to fall into the water if it breaks. It also floats, so it’s less likely to tangle in the props.

Plus, it’s about a quarter of the diameter of similar-strength traditional rope. With the small diameter, Pratt can load a lot more onto his boat. That length comes in handy when pulling boats from low-water situations or if one should get stuck in the surf line, allowing Pratt to keep his boat out of danger.

The Ultimate Boat

Shockwave ICE2 Console
The ICE2 is a console setup built on a three-axis suspension system. It’s a full helm with seats built on a Fox shock absorber that’s mounted 12 inches above the deck as a single unit. The pad can move 12 inches forward or aft and 6 inches side to side, and is designed to decelerate each impact.

“Going 30 knots in 6-foot seas for long stretches, I can still walk when I get back to the dock,” he said.

On a normal boat, as you impact off a wave, your body weight carries forward and pushes the throttles, so you fight a constant battle to maintain speed and course. Also, you have to slow down to work the GPS or the radio, which wastes search time and also wears on the engines. With the ICE2 helm, Pratt can keep the throttles smooth and work the GPS, chart plotter and VHF while on plane.

Optimus 360 Steering System
The Optimus 360 steering system by SeaStar Solutions brings joystick steering to outboard boats. With it, Pratt can steer side to side and rotate the boat 360 degrees on its axis with pinpoint control. It aids in close-quarters docking situations, around slips and at the launch ramp. It also helps Pratt bring towed vessels back into port. “Once we get into close quarters we pull the vessel alongside in what’s called a hip tow,” he said. It’s hard for a single operator on a 24-foot boat to handle a 50-footer that needs to be backed into its slip or tied off in tight confines at a yard. For hip towing, Pratt employs boost mode, which increases rpm, to improve response time.

The Ultimate Boat

David Clark Series 9900 ­Wireless Intercom Headsets
When running at full speed, or even just on plane, wind noise and vessel vibration can make it hard to communicate over a VHF or cellphone. To talk to a distressed owner or the U.S. Coast Guard, Pratt would have to slow down. These noise-canceling headsets integrate the two VHF radios on board along with a cellphone, so Pratt can monitor and use all three at the same time while running at speed.

Marine Rescue Technologies 406 Local Emergency Receiver
When a vessel in distress activates an EPIRB, the signal goes to a central response service that first verifies it and then sends it to the appropriate local authorities. Response times can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. This receiver displays any EPIRB signal within 25 miles of Pratt’s chart plotter, so he can quickly respond.

Marine Rescue Technologies Markus MOB Rescue Net
When needed, Pratt can quickly roll this bagged 4-foot net over the gunwale. If someone is man overboard, he or she can grab onto it until the crew can assist, or, if needed, it can be used to roll him into the boat over the gunwale.

The Ultimate Boat

Simrad Broadband 4G Radar
This unit is ideal for small boats because of its small, low-emission radome that produces high-quality returns on-screen. It operates at ranges from 219 yards to 36 nautical miles. “A lot of times when people call us, they really don’t know where they are,” Pratt said. “The 4G radar helps us lock in on them.”

The Simrad 4G also has MARPA (mini-automatic radar plotting aid) that can track up to 20 vessels on-screen simultaneously. If there’s a lot of traffic in a specific area, this helps Pratt determine which might be in distress. For example, if he locks on four targets and three are moving while one is not, he knows to lock in on the relatively stationary boat.

Pratt runs his navigational electronics through two Simrad NSS8 multifunction displays.

XM WX Marine Weather
Pratt overlays the XM satellite weather map onto his radar and chart plotter so he can closely follow any fronts or storm systems in the vicinity. One key function is the current speed and direction. “Say there’s a 6-knot north current,” Pratt said. “If we have a long run to a vessel, we can adjust our course according to the currents.”

The Ultimate Boat

FLIR MD-Series Fixed-Mount Night Vision
With this thermal technology, Pratt can find a broken-down vessel at night by scanning an area to pick up its heat signature. It’s also great for finding channel markers and inlet jetties without needing a vision-ruining spotlight.

WaveJet Propulsion Rescue Board
Pratt carries the 11-foot-long rescue board on his hardtop. There’s a battery-powered jet propulsion pod mounted to the bottom of the board that can power it along at 2 to 4 knots.

The RIB has a 24-inch draft, so Pratt uses the board to run a tow line to people who’ve run aground or boats stranded on the beach, keeping his boat safely out in deeper water.

Rigid Industries LED Lights
The rugged aluminum housing is treated with both a corrosion inhibitor and a UV-resistant powder coating. The lenses are scratch-resistant polycarbonate, and the mounting hardware is stainless steel. Pratt also has waterproof LEDs mounted on his trailer bunks to make it easier at the ramp at night.

The Ultimate Boat

The Ultimate Boat

Blue Sea Systems ML-Series Remote Battery Switches
These install on the dash like rocker switches, giving fingertip control of the battery switches from the helm. They also have a manual override so you can use the traditional battery switches if needed.

Pratt also installed DeckHand Dimmers that control the brightness of his onboard lights so he can adjust from barely visible to full power as needed.

CPI Marine Air Collar
The heavy-duty polyurethane collar has better UV resistance than PVC tubing and is more puncture-resistant than hypalon. The collar uses removable air bladders for inflation, so if one gets punctured, it is easy to remove it and replace with a spare. The bladders can be swapped out on water, so Pratt can do a fast repair at sea if needed and still get home safely.

Marine Propulsion ­Technologies Thrusters
These look like prop guards, but they contain a system of nozzles and venturi ports that flow clean water to the propellers so they get good bite in all conditions, significantly decreasing cavitation at high rpm or in rough seas. The cone-shaped units also increase directional thrust, which improves performance. In flat seas the additional drag could scrape 5 percent off their efficiency, but in any other sea conditions the improved water flow will boost efficiency.

The Ultimate Boat

Magic Tilt Trailer
Pratt took his Willard 730 over to the Magic Tilt complex in Clearwater, Florida, and the company built him a custom aluminum trailer. Magic Tilt’s builders suspended Pratt’s boat in the air and built the trailer underneath it so that it perfectly matches his hull. The custom fit makes it extremely easy to launch and load the boat. Magic Tilt also built stairs on the front of the tongue to make it easy to enter and exit the boat on the trailer. All this combines to make it fast and easy for a single person to launch the boat, which is critical for a Sea Tow operator like Pratt to quickly reach his customers.

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