The Rapier 25 Rigid Inflatable chosen by the Naiad Yacht Charter Company, features the new full protection wrap around helm console first launched at last year's London International Boat Show. The design of this unit is not only functional, allowing plenty of space for electronic instrumentation etc, but also provides an increased amount of security as well affording protection from the wind and elements.

The seating on this boat is good, with the front two-man jockey styled seating pods being tapered to allow for a comfortable sitting positioning. In turn, located behind these units are a pair double three-man seat pods. All in all therefore, a good degree of seating is provided, which of course is essential for this particular work boat.

Although the craft is not travelling huge distances, the forty gallon s/s D.O.T fuel tank situated under deck, affords the 225 h.p. Mariner outboard a very good range in excess of 150 nautical miles. The engine makes for an ideal power to weight combination, fitted to a craft of this size. The motor itself features an extra long shaft and swings a 21 inch stainless steel prop. With a top speed of 59.9 miles per hour, she's no slow coach. I do have a criticism to make here however. Travelling at these high speeds, she was liable to chine walk and was somewhat on the flighty side, although I'm sure this could be corrected by means of an adjustment to the engine set up, raising the engine by a couple of inches or so normally resolves the problem of china walking.

Generally speaking, Rapier's have established a reputation for their particularly soft ride, quite an impor­tant consideration when you think of the clientele that Naiad will be taking to sea.

BWM's new style tapered tubes give this craft give a very stream-lined appearance which, from an aesthetic point of view I feel, represents a big step forward in terms of Rapier design. All in all, this 25 is a very likeable craft, and it's easy to see why her owners are so proud of her.

Builder

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