From the tiniest tender to speedy wakeboarding and waterski boats, to compact RIBs up to mighty full-throttled sea-going craft, this year’s Southampton International Boat Show boasts even more brands and models from all over the world located in and around Europe’s largest temporary man-made show marina.
This year sees an increased focus on sustainability and protecting the environment, with more craft on show being made from recyclable aluminium and with reduced packaging waste. As part of the Suzuki Clean Ocean Project, Suzuki Motor Corporation is launching its innovative micro-plastic collecting device, now fitted as standard within four models of its outboard motors. When running, these devices collect micro-plastics floating near the water surface.
Electric engines are increasingly popular, and British designed and built SP800 sports day tender from Pixii will be making its debut at the show. Built using recyclable materials, including an aluminium hull, it has zero emissions from its 100% electric engine. Also from the UK, and designed specifically as an electric RIB, RS Electric Boats Pulse 63 (above) is built from sustainable materials where possible and incorporates the latest in advanced electric propulsion technology to achieve a top speed of 23 knots and, depending on speed and conditions, a range of up to 100 nautical miles.
Featuring Italian-styling, Vita Yachts 7m all-electric Seal RIB is also made from sustainable low carbon aluminium and designed for recreational and commercial use. Also, in aluminium and available in eye-catching colourways, the Rebel Riot range of RIBS – 3.8m, 4.8m and 5.8m – come with Tohatsu engines and Extreme Trailers for easy transportation.
If space is an issue, look at the ultra-compact range of F-RIBS from Nestaway. Available in four sizes from 9ft to 14ft, the folding floor makes them ideal for easy storage and transportation, whilst at the other extreme, the spacious Italian-designed Zar Formenti ZAR 95 SL T-Top from Boat Smart is large enough to contain a two-berth cabin, toilet, wet bar and full walk-around cockpit and is powered by twin Suzuki 350 HP engines. Another head-turning craft is the Twisted T450R from Salcombe Marine Services. At 28.5ft, she is powered by 450hp outboard engines and her British design credentials includes improved ergonomics, performance, and efficiency.
Supported by engine partner Honda Marine Europe, Highfield Boats will be launching the Sport 760, which offers space on board for families and groups, with a stern table, large sundeck, diving platforms and other luxuries including fridge and toilet compartment. Also on display are the Patrol 700 and Sport 560. All Highfield boats are packaged in recyclable material and use recyclable aluminium in their construction.
British-designed and custom-built RIBS on show include a full range from Ribcraft, and the world debut of the Cobra 7.0m Nautique, alongside the Nautique 7.7m, 8.7m and 9.2m models. The A683 Custom from Ribeye is an ideal family day boat, whilst the Ribeye A811 is the ultimate boat for explorers with its deep-v hull, ergonomic console and four Shock Mitigation Suspension seats. Powered by a Yamaha 300hp engine and with a 270 litre tank, this craft can make a day trip to France possible.
MCC Marine will be displaying the brand-new Rupert R8, an 8m RIB powered with Yamaha 300hp V6 engine. For those looking for a super lightweight, yet fuel-efficient super yacht tender, then MCC Marine’s SUR ST325 Rider with four stroke Yamaha 20hp engine fits the bill.
From the Isle of Wight, Island RIBs 7m range are fully customisable and built to owner’s specifications using only Lloyd’s approved GRP materials. Renowned for excellent sea-keeping properties, responsive and predictable handling, owners can choose single or twin outboard engines or inboard diesel engine. The versatile performance of these RIBs enables them to be adapted easily from family leisure RIB to commercial chase boat, with the 7m range MCA certified for coding to Category 3 for use up to 20 miles from safe haven.
Based in the Midlands, UK manufacturer Excel Boats will be showing the new Virago 470 (pictured). At just 4.7m, this spacious RIB offers seating for eight. Having recently expanded its UK production facilities Excel Boats is offering bespoke packages with choice of hull, tube and cushion colours for orders taken at the show.
Scottish boat Manufacturer Ultimate Boat Company (UBC) is making the world debut of its high performance, high specification O Class RIB. Designed and engineered to operate as a commercial vessel for crew transfer and built to withstand the harshest environments, the model on show at Southampton has been upgraded to luxurious standards with top of the range marine electronics, teak decking, insulated cabin, and many other extras. The O Class will sit alongside UBC’s X-Class, also a world debut. UBC, in conjunction with parent company ExoTechnologies, is pioneering a new fully recyclable and sustainable composite material for its innovative and patented high-performance hulls.
Just one of the great reasons to visit the Southampton International Boat Show is the ability to see craft from all over the world and this year is no exception. From New Zealand, the world-famous Rayglass Protector range is on show on the Ancasta stand, displaying the Protector 330 Chase and 380 Targa, whilst from South Africa, Cape Town-based Gemini Marine’s range of open and cabin RIBs are available in the UK through Berthon-owned BHG Marine with the Gemini Waverider 650 Sport powered by a Drive-BY-Wire 150hp Yamaha engine.
Northstar Boats are manufactured in Turkey and will be showing for the first time in Europe the Ion 105 high performance RIB, alongside the UK debut of the Axis 4.8 (pictured), Orion 6 and Orion 8. All NorthStar craft are feature-packed, with retractable ski pylons, freshwater shower, console toilet and plenty of room for entertaining and relaxing.
Wills Marine has announced Ukraine-manufactured Grand RIBS will be showing nine models from the smallest Golden Line 340, with Yamaha 30 engine, through to the top of the range Drive 600 Lux. At 6.12m and featuring a Yamaha 130 engine, this fully-featured model is kitted out with all the latest in marine electronics including Garmin GPS chartplotters, Fusion marine stereo, and Scanstrut Rokk Wireless Active on the dashboard. The Grand Golden Line 500 will be sure to attract attention, featuring the innovative and exciting new Yamaha 115 VMAX SHO outboard. Wills Marine will also be showing the Airborne 7 sport performance RIB for the first time at Southampton.
Zodiac will be making UK debuts of the OPEN 4.8, the largest of four newly introduced compact boats in the iconic Open inflatables range, with the Zodiac 6.5 OPEN offering the perfect balance between performance and comfort. With ample storage space and optimised deck layout, the 6.5 OPEN is ideal for fishing, water skiing, wakeboarding or just relaxing on the water. Also new in the UK is the Zodiac Medline 6.8 model, with its larger hull length making it a safe and stable family boat even on the roughest of seas, alongside the Zodiac Pro 5.5 making its UK debut.
Also on show is the range of Aquaspirit RIBS from Finland. Designed using a D-tube, these RIBS offer the space and seating options akin to a GRP boat but with all the safety, support and weight saving characteristics of a RIB.
Finally, for those who fancy a different option of boat ownership, Rib Shack will be at the show explaining its ‘own the boat, not the hassle’ shared boat ownership schemes.
For full details of all the tenders, RIBs and inflatables at the show visit https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/boats/
Tickets for the Boat Show can be purchased online at www.southamptonboatshow.com/visitor-information/tickets/
Upgrade your visit with the new and exclusive Quayside Club VIP packages at https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/vip/
The show is open from 10am – 6pm daily except the final Sunday when the show will close at 5pm.
