|
|
 |
RIBsport
Shearwater 860
A
family-sized RIB with plenty of pulling power.
From £55,000
With a plethora of RIBS to choose from, is it possible to find a
28-foot version that flies along in comfort at 50 knots, features a
two-berth cabin and can still be considered a family boat? Bembridge
Outboards thinks it has the answer, with its 860 Shearwater RIB.
The company is a fast-growing outfit on the Isle of Wight where, for
the last two years, it has been developing Shearwater RIBS. Based in
Bembridge, a quaint and sleepy part of the island, well away from
the frantic racing at Cowes, it has become a weekend retreat for
many families from London.
The 860 was originally conceived with this clientele in mind and
with a $63,000 price tag, it's undoubtedly aimed at the top end of
the leisure RIB market.
Sporting tapered tubes and a substantial console area, the 860
certainly looks up to the job. A comfortable U-shaped sofa to the
aft of the spacious cockpit provides a good-sized social area for
the whole family. Useful storage and a couple of drinks holders can
be found just behind the helm seat.
The latter is comfortable in the seated position but the boat really
wants to be driven while standing, where a little more back support
wouldn't go amiss.
Stowage on this boat is ideal. Underneath the helm seat is an ample
dry storage compartment and beneath the forward sunbed hatch is
plenty of storage for fenders, warps and the anchor. The anchor
isn't secured, but it only needs a couple of plastic stoppers on the
ends to prevent damage to the GRP in rough conditions.
The bow is only accessible via the narrow port side deck, which is a
bit of a squeeze, even without a lifejacket, as it's barely wider
than the average foot! Although this does give more volume below
deck, a few inches to this side deck would be more practical. A
small point worth mentioning is the grabrail surrounding the
windshield, which is located very close to the screen. If you have
big hands, you may need this adjusting.
One exciting feature is the solitary seat, complete with grabrails,
in an exhilarating 'ride of your life' position just forward of the
cabin. Inside, the cabin is a good size with a basic but practical
fitout. The two side seats convert to form a small, cosy, double
berth. For The purpose of dry stowage, or an occasional place for
children to sleep, it's a perfect spot to take shelter.
Within seconds of opening up the 860's Mercury Verado 275hp, we were
cruising along comfortably at 32 knots. At this speed, the deep-vee
hull cuts through chop and small swell very well and is a real
pleasure to drive. Open the throttle fully and with a fair amount of
engine trim the RIB accelerates to 50 knots in under 10 seconds.
Now, 50 knots is fast on any boat, but the 860 doesn't give you
that, "I'm going to die any second now" feeling. With a good hull
shape and weighing in at over 1.5 tonnes, the Shearwater moves
solidly through the water. The cabin's extended sides also provide
additional reassurance of safety and protection from spray and wind.
However, the rest of the family in the aft sofa are very exposed to
the wind, so avoid any fallouts, it's best to drop back to around 30
knots.
A serious
consideration when boat buying is observing how the craft performs
at rest. By having the main seating area aft - where the beam is at
its maximum - and the chines submerged, the 860 is both quiet and
laterally stable.
From the stainless
handrails to the teak dash panels, the Shearwater is well-finished
and offers a high level of workmanship. Considering its performance
and attention to detail, the Shearwater is good value and
competitors, such as Scorpian and Revenger, should look out for this
new kid on the block.
|
Article courtesy of
Motor Boats Monthly
mbmclub.com
RIBsport
Orders
Place your orders now
for 2007 delivery of your RIBsport Revenger or Shearwater.
Contact Us
|
