Dive RIBs report - April 1997

BEAT
THIS!
IF YOU CAN

DIVE BOATS '97
Construction methods might change, and new materials be employed, otherwise there is little room for improvement in the RIB as we know it. The hull is so efficient that only a revolutionary concept will better it. Colin Jones reports on trends that RIB makers are following in the meantime

The keynote of the RIB industry is development, and there are three discernible trends - longer, bigger and cheaper.
Competition boat racers need extra waterline length for speed, so have created a sub-species of boat made longer but not much wider, and cocooned with protective cladding, windshields and cockpits.
The demands - and deeper purses - of military and public-service bodies have created a healthy order-book for far larger, diesel-powered RIBs. These are more often kept in a marina than on a trailer, and probably represent the final step for divers persuaded away from hard boats to inflatables, and back again to bigger, heavier boats that are more powerful and comfortable. At least one manufacturer reports that his orders are almost entirely for such craft, but as most of them cost over 25,000 they are beyond the purse of many divers.
Happily, there is still competition to supply the needs of ordinary divers.
In the coming year we expect to be testing RIBs in the economy category - those aimed at divers who want their own boat but cannot afford their ideal. Osprey and Tornado - and, to some extent, Humber - have identified this niche market and appear to have good products that might pull some purchasers away from the burgeoning secondhand market. We shall also examine the low-cost option of re-tubing an old favourite.
This year's Diver database lists 116 RIBs from 21 companies. In it you will surely find a personal 4.5m RIB or a club monster to suit your requirements and purse.
Each year this database shifts, as new companies appear and a few old ones disappear. This can be the result of offering mediocre products, financial mismanagement and, in some cases, trading standards so close to unethical that customers have been left with lost deposits and undelivered boats. The effect on these companies' suppliers can be catastrophic.
When you are short-listing a boat, ask as many sharp questions about the history and background of the people building and marketing it as about the boat itself. In most cases you will get a satisfactory picture of solid companies with permanent principals that have been constructing and selling from the same address for years with no hint of insolvency. You can buy their boats with confidence. If this is not the case, your hard-saved money might be at risk. If you are looking towards one of the Avon dive boats and customising it to suit, you need to ask about a suitable demonstrator. This year the parent company is supplying the RIB and leaving it to the dealer to fit it out to suit his target market - dive boat, sports boat, work boat etc. You may have to travel to get a ride, but the demo will be appropriate to your sport.
Most companies report full order books. Some have lead times of several months, so it clearly pays to plan carefully and order early.
We do not cover those craft we consider to be poorly constructed or unsuitable as dive platforms, though omission does not automatically denote disapproval.

WHICH DIVE BOAT?
Facts, figures and standard fittings for current RIBs and inflatables

MODEL L
(m) B
(m) IB
(m) W
(kg) MAX
HP GUIDE
PRICE* Features

AVON

SR4.00 4.05 1.80 0.94 160 40 3305 c/s, n/s, g/h, r/s

SR4.70 4.70 2.03 1.07 250 70 4575 c/s, n/s, g/h, r/s

SR540 Open 4.43 2.06 1.09 339 90 4465 n/s, g/h, r/s

D560 Open 5.60 2.33 1.22 333 115 4785 n/s, g/h, r/s

BOMBARD

Explorer 470 WB 4.70 1.96 0.96 180 40 3672 n/s, b/l, p, g/h

Explorer 485 FB 4.85 1.85 0.95 170 30 4700 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, p, g/h

Explorer 500 4.90 2.08 1.08 200 50 3966 n/s, b/l, p, g/h

Explorer 550 5.50 2.18 1.18 220 70 4847 n/s, b/l, p, g/h

Explorer 525 FB 5.25 1.96 1.02 200 40 5141 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, p, g/h

Explorer 600 6.00 2.45 1.35 295 90 6169 n/s, b/l, p, g/h

WB - normal pointed bow; FB - wider bluff bow

CAPALDI

Dive Sport 4.6 4.60 2.18 1.14 145 60 2595 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

Dive Sport 5.2 5.20 2.18 1.14 175 80 2795 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

Dive Sport 5.6 5.60 2.18 1.14 235 120 3195 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

COBRA

HD550 5.50 2.50 1.50 345 100 6257 c/s, s/t, n/s, g/h, r/s, t/p

HD600 6.00 2.50 1.50 375 135 6492 c/s, s/t, n/s, g/h, r/s, t/p

HD665 6.65 2.50 1.50 425 200 7422 c/s, s/t, n/s, g/h, r/s, t/p

HD750 7.50 2.50 1.50 485 200 7890 c/s, s/t, n/s, g/h, r/s, t/p

DELTA

Dash 5.5 5.50 2.30 1.37 250 140 5379 n/s, r/s, t/p

Dash 6.0 6.00 2.30 1.37 325 150 6521 n/s, r/s, t/p

Dash 6.6 6.60 2.30 1.37 415 200 7934 n/s, r/s, t/p

X 5.5 5.50 2.50 1.55 290 150 6651 n/s, r/s, t/p

X 6.0 6.00 2.50 1.50 375 225 7371 n/s, r/s, t/p

X 6.6 6.60 2.50 1.50 465 300 9930 n/s, r/s, t/p

X 7.4 7.40 2.50 1.50 645 350 11907 n/s, r/s, t/p

Super X 7.7 7.65 2.87 1.83 700 400 19481 n/s, r/s, t/p

Super X 9.5 9.50 3.00 1.92 2000 600 POA n/s, r/s, t/p

HBR 5.7 5.70 2.35 1.20 460 140 14664 c/s, s/t, n/s, r/s

HBR is described as a 'ready to go' boat apart from engine.

FLATACRAFT

Force 5R 5.90 1.90 1.2 320 100 6760 c/s, n/s, p, g/h, r/s, s/t

Force 6R 6.40 2.29 1.4 455 150 9647 c/s, n/s, p, g/h, r/s, s/t

Divemaster 7.32 2.40 1.35 570 200 13108 c/s, n/s, p, g/h, r/s, s/t

HUMBER

Assult 5.00 2.10 1.10 200 90 2295 c/s, s/t, n/s, g/h, r/s

Destroyer 5.3 5.30 2.28 1.22 320 115 3742 c/s, s/t, n/s, g/h, r/s

Destroyer 5.5 5.50 2.28 1.22 350 130 3872 c/s, s/t, n/s, g/h, r/s

Destroyer 5.8 5.80 2.28 1.22 400 150 4130 c/s, s/t, n/s, g/h, r/s

Destroyer 6.0 6.00 2.28 1.22 450 200 4259 c/s, s/t, n/s, g/h, r/s

Destroyer 5.0 5.00 2.10 1.10 130 90 4234 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p

Dive Pro 5.3 5.25 1.92 1.20 230 150 4947 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p

Dive Pro 5.5 5.50 2.20 1.20 260 150 5401 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p

Dive Pro 5.8 5.75 2.40 1.40 280 150 5632 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p

Dive Pro 6.0 6.00 2.40 1.40 290 200 5954 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p

Dive Pro 7.0 7.00 2.50 1.40 430 200 6842 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p

Dive Pro 7.7 7.75 2.92 1.75 600 450 8680 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p

Dive Pro 8.4 8.35 2.92 1.75 700 500 9335 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p

MACH

4.6 4.60 2.10 1.10 170 60 4206 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s, t/p

5.0 5.00 2.40 1.50 260 75 4900 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s, t/p

5.3 5.30 2.40 1.50 295 90 5292 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s, t/p

5.8 5.80 2.40 1.50 340 120 5746 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s, t/p

6.3 6.30 2.40 1.50 420 150 6309 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s, t/p

NORTHCRAFT

4.5 4.50 2.25 1.23 200 60 3696 c/s, s/t, g/h

5.0 5.00 2.21 1.23 260 85 4069 c/s, s/t, g/h

5.3 5.30 2.27 1.25 290 90 4483 c/s, s/t, g/h

5.5w 5.50 2.46 1.34 390 150 4931 c/s, s/t, g/h, r/s
5.8 5.80 2.35 1.34 390 135 5304 c/s, s/t, g/h, r/s

6.2w 6.20 2.48 1.36 470 200 5754 c/s, s/t, g/h, r/s

7.3w 7.30 2.56 1.45 690 - 7396 c/s, s/t, g/h, r/s

Waverider 9.00 2.92 1.79 1420 - POA customised

w=wide body. Discount of 15% offered to clubs and other organisations.

OCEAN

Ocean 525 5.25 2.75 1.62 475 90 6392 c/s, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

Ocean 575 5.75 2.75 1.62 525 115 6960 c/s, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

Ocean 625 6.25 2.75 1.62 570 200 7955 c/s, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

Ocean 675 6.75 2.75 1.62 615 200 8525 c/s, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

Ocean 725 7.25 2.75 1.62 660 275 8951 c/s, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

OSPREY
Sparrowhawk 5.20 2.18 1.50 220 85 4324 c/s, n/s, b/l, r/s

Eagle 5.60 2.18 1.50 300 115 4724 c/s, n/s, b/l, r/s

Falcon 5.4 5.40 2.20 1.20 550 75 7050 c/s, n/s, b/l, r/s

Falcon 6.5 6.50 2.58 1.51 650 200 7999 c/s, n/s, b/l, r/s

Falcon 8.2 8.20 3.38 2.37 1600 500 15216 c/s, n/s, b/l, r/s

Viper 5.25 5.25 2.46 1.53 320 120 5030 c/s, n/s, b/l, r/s

Viper 5.75 5.75 2.46 1.53 380 150 5426 c/s, n/s, b/l, r/s
Viper 6.25 6.25 2.46 1.53 420 175 5903 c/s, n/s, b/l, r/s

Viper 7.00 7.00 2.56 1.54 600 250 6728 c/s, n/s, b/l, r/s

Osprey 515* 5.15 2.10 1.2 221 65 4250 c/s, s/t, n/s,

*New 1997 in 'club' specification.

PICTON

Diver 520 5.20 2.35 1.30 325 75 6080 c/s, s/t, n/s, g/h, r/s, t/p

Diver 595 5.95 2.35 1.30 400 115 6315 c/s, s/t, n/s, g/h, r/s, t/p

Diver 660 6.60 2.60 1.60 475 175 7246 c/s, s/t, n/s, g/h, r/s, t/p

REVENGER

Revenger 23 7.00 2.46 1.53 620 260 9196 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

Revenger 25 7.70 2.46 1.55 625 450 9696 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

Revenger 27 8.33 2.46 1.55 750 450 10148 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

RIBCRAFT

4.8 4.80 2.00 1.50 200 60 3754 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

5.45 5.45 2.50 1.60 340 100 4694 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

5.85 5.85 2.37 1.53 450 150 5047 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

6.5 6.50 2.37 1.53 600 225 6339 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

RIBTEC

535 5.35 2.05 1.08 275 90 4725 n/s, g/h, r/s

585 5.85 2.28 1.30 310 125 5956 n/s, g/h, r/s

600 6.00 2.28 1.30 400 150 6745 n/s, g/h, r/s

645 6.50 2.30 1.30 445 200 7311 n/s, g/h, r/s

700 7.35 2.55 1.57 490 300 9416 n/s, g/h, r/s

SELVA

S450C 4.00 1.99 1.00 215 50 8973 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, p, g/h

S500C 5.00 2.19 1.07 265 65 10947 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, p, g/h

S550C 5.60 2.50 1.32 360 80 13802 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, p, g/h

Price includes engine - three power units available per boat.
Engine quoted above is middle of appropriate range. Boats not available separately.

SOUTH COAST

Scorpion 6.5 6.50 2.60 1.70 500 200 7091 n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

Scorpion 7.5 7.50 2.60 1.70 710 300 9441 n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

Scorpion 8.5 8.50 2.60 1.70 1050 500 11715 n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

Scorpion 9.5 9.70 2.60 1.70 1500 600 13571 n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

TORNADO

4.0 4.00 2.00 1.00 160 50 2590 n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

4.5 4.50 2.00 1.10 210 60 3190 n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

5.0 4.90 2.20 1.15 260 90 3590 n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

5.3 5.30 2.30 1.25 280 90 4190 n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

5.8 5.80 2.30 1.25 330 130 5190 n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

7.8 7.80 2.20 1.25 450 250 8390 n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

9.3 9.25 2.60 1.55 750 500 11990 n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

5.5 5.50 2.50 1.50 330 130 4890 n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

6.0 6.00 2.50 1.50 400 175 5590 n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

6.5 6.50 2.50 1.50 470 225 6290 n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

7.2 7.20 2.65 1.60 590 400 7390 n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

8.2 8.20 2.65 1.60 670 500 8790 n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s

Viking 480* 4.70 2.00 1.10 240 60 3250 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s, t/p

Viking 580* 5.85 2.50 1.50 390 130 4495 c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s, t/p

Viking 680* 6.80 2.65 1.60 650 260 5750 n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s, t/p

*New boat in "club" specification. The Viking has 1 year warranty, remaining boats have 3 years.
All Tornado boats can be purchased as packages with special prices.
The bow locker is an open well created by a bracing bulkhead

VALIANT

V450 4.50 1.94 0.98 125 50 2750 n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p

V490 4.90 1.94 0.98 172 70 2999 n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p

V520 5.20 2.16 1.10 185 90 3759 n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p

Dive RIB 550 5.50 2.40 1.30 200 115 4599 n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p

Dive RIB 600 6.00 2.50 1.35 310 140 4999 n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p

Dive RIB 750p 7.50 2.85 1.60 680 250 8299 n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p

p=Polyurethane model. All boats can be supplied in polyurethane at 10% approx price increase.

ZODIAC

Pro 470 4.70 1.96 0.96 180 50 3525 n/s, b/l, p, g/h

Pro 500 4.90 2.08 1.08 245 80 4574 n/s, b/l, p, g/h

Pro 550 5.45 2.34 1.30 385 90 6498 n/s, b/l, p, g/h

KEY: L - length; B - beam; IB - internal beam; W - weight; HP - max horsepower; c/s - console; s/t - steering; s/d - self drainer; n/s - non slip floor; b/l - bow locker; p - paddles; g/h - rubber grab handles; r/s - rubbing strake; t/p - anti scuff tube patches. It can be assumed that all boats are fitted with drainers and a standard, flat rubbing strake.

*When buying RIBs care must be taken with the specification. Most prices are for basic boats, but some manufacturers include seats, console, steering etc in the price. This can mean a considerable saving. All prices in £UK.

MODEL	L (m)	B (m)	IB (m)	W (kg)	MAX HP	GUIDE PRICE*	Features
AVON
SR4.00	4.05	1.80	0.94	160	40	3305	c/s, n/s, g/h, r/s
SR4.70	4.70	2.03	1.07	250	70	4575	c/s, n/s, g/h, r/s
SR540 Open	4.43	2.06	1.09	339	90	4465	n/s, g/h, r/s
D560 Open	5.60	2.33	1.22	333	115	4785	n/s, g/h, r/s
BOMBARD
Explorer 470 WB	4.70	1.96	0.96	180	40	3672	n/s, b/l, p, g/h
Explorer 485 FB	4.85	1.85	0.95	170	30	4700	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, p, g/h
Explorer 500	4.90	2.08	1.08	200	50	3966	n/s, b/l, p, g/h
Explorer 550	5.50	2.18	1.18	220	70	4847	n/s, b/l, p, g/h
Explorer 525 FB	5.25	1.96	1.02	200	40	5141	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, p, g/h
Explorer 600	6.00	2.45	1.35	295	90	6169	n/s, b/l, p, g/h
WB - normal pointed bow; FB - wider bluff bow
CAPALDI
Dive Sport 4.6	4.60	2.18	1.14	145	60	2595	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
Dive Sport 5.2	5.20	2.18	1.14	175	80	2795	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
Dive Sport 5.6	5.60	2.18	1.14	235	120	3195	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
COBRA
HD550	5.50	2.50	1.50	345	100	6257	c/s, s/t, n/s, g/h, r/s, t/p
HD600	6.00	2.50	1.50	375	135	6492	c/s, s/t, n/s, g/h, r/s, t/p
HD665	6.65	2.50	1.50	425	200	7422	c/s, s/t, n/s, g/h, r/s, t/p
HD750	7.50	2.50	1.50	485	200	7890	c/s, s/t, n/s, g/h, r/s, t/p
DELTA
Dash 5.5	5.50	2.30	1.37	250	140	5379	n/s, r/s, t/p
Dash 6.0	6.00	2.30	1.37	325	150	6521	n/s, r/s, t/p
Dash 6.6	6.60	2.30	1.37	415	200	7934	n/s, r/s, t/p
X 5.5	5.50	2.50	1.55	290	150	6651	n/s, r/s, t/p
X 6.0	6.00	2.50	1.50	375	225	7371	n/s, r/s, t/p
X 6.6	6.60	2.50	1.50	465	300	9930	n/s, r/s, t/p
X 7.4	7.40	2.50	1.50	645	350	11907	n/s, r/s, t/p
Super X 7.7	7.65	2.87	1.83	700	400	19481	n/s, r/s, t/p
Super X 9.5	9.50	3.00	1.92	2000	600	POA	n/s, r/s, t/p
HBR 5.7	5.70	2.35	1.20	460	140	14664	c/s, s/t, n/s, r/s
HBR is described as a 'ready to go' boat apart from engine.
FLATACRAFT
Force 5R	5.90	1.90	1.2	320	100	6760	c/s, n/s, p, g/h, r/s, s/t
Force 6R	6.40	2.29	1.4	455	150	9647	c/s, n/s, p, g/h, r/s, s/t
Divemaster	7.32	2.40	1.35	570	200	13108	c/s, n/s, p, g/h, r/s, s/t
HUMBER
Assult	5.00	2.10	1.10	200	90	2295	c/s, s/t, n/s, g/h, r/s
Destroyer 5.3	5.30	2.28	1.22	320	115	3742	c/s, s/t, n/s, g/h, r/s
Destroyer 5.5	5.50	2.28	1.22	350	130	3872	c/s, s/t, n/s, g/h, r/s
Destroyer 5.8	5.80	2.28	1.22	400	150	4130	c/s, s/t, n/s, g/h, r/s
Destroyer 6.0	6.00	2.28	1.22	450	200	4259	c/s, s/t, n/s, g/h, r/s
Destroyer 5.0	5.00	2.10	1.10	130	90	4234	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p
Dive Pro 5.3	5.25	1.92	1.20	230	150	4947	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p
Dive Pro 5.5	5.50	2.20	1.20	260	150	5401	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p
Dive Pro 5.8	5.75	2.40	1.40	280	150	5632	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p
Dive Pro 6.0	6.00	2.40	1.40	290	200	5954	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p
Dive Pro 7.0	7.00	2.50	1.40	430	200	6842	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p
Dive Pro 7.7	7.75	2.92	1.75	600	450	8680	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p
Dive Pro 8.4	8.35	2.92	1.75	700	500	9335	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p
MACH
4.6	4.60	2.10	1.10	170	60	4206	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s, t/p
5.0	5.00	2.40	1.50	260	75	4900	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s, t/p
5.3	5.30	2.40	1.50	295	90	5292	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s, t/p
5.8	5.80	2.40	1.50	340	120	5746	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s, t/p
6.3	6.30	2.40	1.50	420	150	6309	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s, t/p
NORTHCRAFT
4.5	4.50	2.25	1.23	200	60	3696	c/s, s/t, g/h
5.0	5.00	2.21	1.23	260	85	4069	c/s, s/t, g/h
5.3	5.30	2.27	1.25	290	90	4483	c/s, s/t, g/h
5.5w	5.50	2.46	1.34	390	150	4931	c/s, s/t, g/h, r/s
5.8	5.80	2.35	1.34	390	135	5304	c/s, s/t, g/h, r/s
6.2w	6.20	2.48	1.36	470	200	5754	c/s, s/t, g/h, r/s
7.3w	7.30	2.56	1.45	690	-	7396	c/s, s/t, g/h, r/s
Waverider	9.00	2.92	1.79	1420	-	POA	customised
w=wide body. Discount of 15% offered to clubs and other organisations.
OCEAN
Ocean 525	5.25	2.75	1.62	475	90	6392	c/s, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
Ocean 575	5.75	2.75	1.62	525	115	6960	c/s, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
Ocean 625	6.25	2.75	1.62	570	200	7955	c/s, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
Ocean 675	6.75	2.75	1.62	615	200	8525	c/s, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
Ocean 725	7.25	2.75	1.62	660	275	8951	c/s, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
OSPREY
Sparrowhawk	5.20	2.18	1.50	220	85	4324	c/s, n/s, b/l, r/s
Eagle	5.60	2.18	1.50	300	115	4724	c/s, n/s, b/l, r/s
Falcon 5.4	5.40	2.20	1.20	550	75	7050	c/s, n/s, b/l, r/s
Falcon 6.5	6.50	2.58	1.51	650	200	7999	c/s, n/s, b/l, r/s
Falcon 8.2	8.20	3.38	2.37	1600	500	15216	c/s, n/s, b/l, r/s
Viper 5.25	5.25	2.46	1.53	320	120	5030	c/s, n/s, b/l, r/s
Viper 5.75	5.75	2.46	1.53	380	150	5426	c/s, n/s, b/l, r/s
Viper 6.25	6.25	2.46	1.53	420	175	5903	c/s, n/s, b/l, r/s
Viper 7.00	7.00	2.56	1.54	600	250	6728	c/s, n/s, b/l, r/s
Osprey 515*	5.15	2.10	1.2	221	65	4250	c/s, s/t, n/s,
*New 1997 in 'club' specification.
PICTON
Diver 520	5.20	2.35	1.30	325	75	6080	c/s, s/t, n/s, g/h, r/s, t/p
Diver 595	5.95	2.35	1.30	400	115	6315	c/s, s/t, n/s, g/h, r/s, t/p
Diver 660	6.60	2.60	1.60	475	175	7246	c/s, s/t, n/s, g/h, r/s, t/p
REVENGER
Revenger 23	7.00	2.46	1.53	620	260	9196	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
Revenger 25	7.70	2.46	1.55	625	450	9696	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
Revenger 27	8.33	2.46	1.55	750	450	10148	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
RIBCRAFT
4.8	4.80	2.00	1.50	200	60	3754	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
5.45	5.45	2.50	1.60	340	100	4694	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
5.85	5.85	2.37	1.53	450	150	5047	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
6.5	6.50	2.37	1.53	600	225	6339	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
RIBTEC
535	5.35	2.05	1.08	275	90	4725	n/s, g/h, r/s
585	5.85	2.28	1.30	310	125	5956	n/s, g/h, r/s
600	6.00	2.28	1.30	400	150	6745	n/s, g/h, r/s
645	6.50	2.30	1.30	445	200	7311	n/s, g/h, r/s
700	7.35	2.55	1.57	490	300	9416	n/s, g/h, r/s
SELVA
S450C	4.00	1.99	1.00	215	50	8973	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, p, g/h
S500C	5.00	2.19	1.07	265	65	10947	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, p, g/h
S550C	5.60	2.50	1.32	360	80	13802	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, p, g/h
Price includes engine - three power units available per boat. Engine quoted above is middle of appropriate range. Boats not available separately.
SOUTH COAST
Scorpion 6.5	6.50	2.60	1.70	500	200	7091	n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
Scorpion 7.5	7.50	2.60	1.70	710	300	9441	n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
Scorpion 8.5	8.50	2.60	1.70	1050	500	11715	n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
Scorpion 9.5	9.70	2.60	1.70	1500	600	13571	n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
TORNADO
4.0	4.00	2.00	1.00	160	50	2590	n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
4.5	4.50	2.00	1.10	210	60	3190	n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
5.0	4.90	2.20	1.15	260	90	3590	n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
5.3	5.30	2.30	1.25	280	90	4190	n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
5.8	5.80	2.30	1.25	330	130	5190	n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
7.8	7.80	2.20	1.25	450	250	8390	n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
9.3	9.25	2.60	1.55	750	500	11990	n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
5.5	5.50	2.50	1.50	330	130	4890	n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
6.0	6.00	2.50	1.50	400	175	5590	n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
6.5	6.50	2.50	1.50	470	225	6290	n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
7.2	7.20	2.65	1.60	590	400	7390	n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
8.2	8.20	2.65	1.60	670	500	8790	n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s
Viking 480*	4.70	2.00	1.10	240	60	3250	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s, t/p
Viking 580*	5.85	2.50	1.50	390	130	4495	c/s, s/t, n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s, t/p
Viking 680*	6.80	2.65	1.60	650	260	5750	n/s, b/l, g/h, r/s, t/p
*New boat in "club" specification. The Viking has 1 year warranty, remaining boats have 3 years. All Tornado boats can be purchased as packages with special prices. The bow locker is an open well created by a bracing bulkhead
VALIANT
V450	4.50	1.94	0.98	125	50	2750	n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p
V490	4.90	1.94	0.98	172	70	2999	n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p
V520	5.20	2.16	1.10	185	90	3759	n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p
Dive RIB 550	5.50	2.40	1.30	200	115	4599	n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p
Dive RIB 600	6.00	2.50	1.35	310	140	4999	n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p
Dive RIB 750p	7.50	2.85	1.60	680	250	8299	n/s, b/l, p, g/h, r/s, t/p
p=Polyurethane model. All boats can be supplied in polyurethane at 10% approx price increase.
ZODIAC
Pro 470	4.70	1.96	0.96	180	50	3525	n/s, b/l, p, g/h
Pro 500	4.90	2.08	1.08	245	80	4574	n/s, b/l, p, g/h
Pro 550	5.45	2.34	1.30	385	90	6498	n/s, b/l, p, g/h
KEY: L - length; B - beam; IB - internal beam; W - weight; HP - max horsepower; c/s - console; s/t - steering; s/d - self drainer; n/s - non slip floor; b/l - bow locker; p - paddles; g/h - rubber grab handles; r/s - rubbing strake; t/p - anti scuff tube patches. It can be assumed that all boats are fitted with drainers and a standard, flat rubbing strake.

SUPPLIERS

Avon Inflatable Boats Ltd, Dafen, Llanelli, Dyfed SA14 8NA
(tel. 01554 741155).
Bombard/Zodiac Moulton Park Business Centre, Red House Road, Moulton Park, Northampton
NN3 6AQ (tel. 01604 497637).
Capaldi Marine, Green Lane, Clanfield, Portsmouth, Hants P
O8 0JU
(tel. 01705 599666).
Cobra/Picton The Welsh RIB Centre, The Boat Yard, Brynmenyn Estate, Bridgend, Mid Glam CF32 9TD
(tel. 01656 724444).
Delta Power Services, Unit 17, School Street Ind Estate, Hazel Grove, Stockport SK7 4RA
(tel. 0161 456 6588).
Flatacraft Ltd, 1183 Melton Road, Syston, Leicester LE7 8JT
(tel. 01162 608468).
Humber Fabrications Ltd, 246 Wincolmlee, Hull HU2 OPZ
(tel. 01482 226100).
Mach RIBs, Pepe Boatyard Ltd, Mill Rythe, Hayling Island, Hants
PO11 0QG (tel. 01705 461968).
Northcraft Rigid Inflatables, Station Road, Patrington, East Yorkshire HU12 0NH
(tel. 01964 631815).
Ocean RIBs Ltd, Unit 13-14, Wickor Marine, Cranleigh Road, Portchester, Fareham, Hants PO16 9DR
(tel. 01329 829100).
Osprey Inflatables, Northern Diver Ltd, East Quarry, Appley Lane North, Appley Bridge, Lancs WN6 9AE
(tel. 01257 254499).
Revenger Boat Company Ltd, Forward Buildings, 46 Windsor Road, Slough, Berks SL1 2EU
(tel. 01753 525496).
Ribcraft Ltd, 33 Oxford Road, Pen Mill Trading Estate, Yeovil, Somerset
BA21 5HJ (tel. 01935 411846).
Ribtec Ltd, Hambleside, Swanwick Shore Road, Swanwick, Southampton, Hants SO3 7EF
(tel. 01489 885773).
Selva Selva Marine Sales UK Ltd, PO Box 2793, Poole, Dorset BH14 8ZS
(tel. 01202 706452).
South Coast RIBs Haven Quay, Mill Lane, Lymington, Hants SO41 9AZ
(tel. 01590 677080).
Tornado Boats International Ltd, Wiltshire Road, Hull HU4 6PA
(tel. 01482 353972).
Principal sales outlet: Barnet Marine Centre Ltd., Greenhill Parade, Great North Road, Barnet, Herts
EN15 1ES (tel. 0181 449 4142).
Valiant Inflatable Boat Supplies, Unit 32, Heronsgate Trading Estate, Paycocke Road, Basildon, Essex
SS14 3EU (tel. 01268 524470).

1997 OUTBOARD ENGINE REPORT

Appeared in DIVER - April 1997

Return to the BOAT TESTS page.