The RIB market is hugely competitive these days, with literally hundreds of models to choose from. One would think that all the niches in the tender market would have been filled long ago, but British builder Portland Marine, which makes the Cirrus range, has come up with a RIB that takes the ubiquitous boats a considerable step forward. Here is a design that seems to have eliminated many of the compromises found in RIBs, thereby making it fulfil many roles. Such versatility is combined with a high level of quality.
The first thing one notices about the Cirrus 7.3 Custom is the deep cockpit, which creates a safe and secure passenger area. In this respect, it is more like a sports boat, with the cockpit offering a safe space for young children.
There are teak steps on either side of the cockpit, allowing for a safe and dignified entry and exit, plus handholds in every conceivable space to provide security. This good level of safety is not gained at the expense of the practical requirements of a yacht tender or sports RIB and there is plenty of bench seating, an optional cockpit table and an in-fill forward which converts into a sun pad.
Dominating the cockpit is the helm console and it is quite different from anything seen before. The fascia is covered in Corain, which gives a matt metal-like effect and into this are set the white faced VDO dials with their black bezel surrounds. This is style enough, but the wheel is a tribute to master metalworkers and the stainless steel throttle lever seems tailored to one’s hand. There is an art deco feel aboard, emphasised by the shallowness of the panel and the ribbing on the forward side.
The dash is mounted on two large diameter stainless tubes, a style which is repeated for the supports on the helm seat. This tubular seat is more of a prop than a full seat, allowing an easy transition from standing to sitting.
Like the rest of the boat, a lot of the customising is possible in this area with alternative console and seat heights and designs making it possible to tailor it to specific requirements. For superyacht tender use, the air draught can be reduced by making the console and the mast fold into the boat.
In terms of hull design, this is a fairly conventional V with a 24-degree deadrise to cushion the ride. However, designer John Moxham introduced some subtle changes from the norm, such as integrated full length spray rails which act more like chines than spray rails. There are some particularly pleasing curves in the hull shape which not only add to the aesthetics but create a smooth ride through the waves.
The inflatable tube is well executed and integrated well into the design. The joint between the deck and the hull mouldings is behind the tube recess so it is completely hidden. This gives a clean and smooth look to the exterior. The location of the tube does mean that it is set fairly high above the chine, so it contributes very little to the stability when the boat is at rest. Added stability at rest from a lower tube is generally a feature of RIBs, and it is useful if the boat is used for swimming or diving. However, the Cirrus’ hull is pretty stable anyway, so not a great deal is lost by raising the tube. |
|
The power behind the 7.3 is a Yanmar 240hp diesel. This is a non-electronic diesel that is noted for its good power-to-weight ratio and its high speed reliability. It fits snugly into the stern and is coupled to a Mercruiser Bravo 2 stern drive. An outboard version of the RIB is available with motors of up to 240hp. Twin diesel and twin outboard versions are also being planned. The engine hatch opens towards the stern, providing reasonable access to the engine and it is possible to reach all the major engine servicing points.
A narrow bathing platform runs across the stern and there is a swimming ladder for easy recovery. The deep sides of the cockpit rise lightly towards the stern and then drop away to the bathing platform. The side decks and engine hatch follow this line, which is reminiscent of the old slipper launch sterns. Overall the profile of the Cirrus 7.3 is very pleasing. It is also quite different and makes the RIB stand out from the crowd.
Above the smooth reverse curve, the raked tubular stainless steel mast above the engine hatch is an excellent feature that is also practical, with twin handholds incorporated into the top of the mast for passenger safety.
This is a RIB with a great deal of character which extends to the handling of the boat and its performance at sea. There were no big waves during the sea trial where the Cirrus might have shown its true nature, but there was enough to get a good feel for the pedigree of this design. Notable was the smoothness of the performance with no harshness apparent in the ride. The power from the Yanmar diesel came in progressively up to half throttle. After that, the response was fiercer and it was more difficult to achieve the fine control needed for operating in waves. This was largely due to the location of the throttle lever than the engine and plans are already underway to re-position it.
There is plenty of power for good acceleration and the position of the power trim on the drive leg does not seem too sensitive. However, it would help operation if the trim switch were incorporated into the throttle level lever to allow one-handed operation. At low speed in harbour, the clutch on the gears is pretty fierce so you do need a bit of care coming alongside.
The lack of sensitivity in the throttle and gear controls does detract a little from the pleasure of driving this boat but overall it is a brilliant RIB that can only improve with further development. As a superyacht tender it really does offer everything you could ask for and any owner can go ashore with pride. It is equally at home as a vessel for visits to the beach, exploring hidden waterways or just for fun. The speed runs up to 36 knots, which is enough for most purposes and these is plenty of pleasure to be had from admiring the solid construction and attention to detail.
RIBS have come a long way since they were first developed nearly 40 years ago and Cirrus has demonstrated with its 7.3 model just how far they have come.
Dag Pike, BOAT International Magazine, September 2003 |
