The introduction of a production cabin cruiser RIB to the UK market is indeed an exciting development. A breed of craft which is, in my opinion, long overdue.

Carson Marine are perhaps the most unlikely of UK manufacturers to be the first to capture this market, for their worldwide reputation has been almost entirely built upon blue-chip commercial sales. Nevertheless, it is this pedigree which will assure the proud owner of one of these RIBs that strength and quality are the hallmarks of the new 7.5m stepped hull design.

The boat we tested was still to a large degree bare, with the new owner carrying out much of the fitting out himself upon delivery. However, I was still able to get a good idea of what this new design is all about, even if it did lack incidental items, such as seats!

The basic 7.5 dimension features a beam of 2.7m and carries a recommended rating of 600hp. Although the innovative stepped hull is completely free of spray rails, her grip and exceptionally good sea keeping is achieved by means of her very deep-V of 25 degrees. The stepped hull achieves planing at greatly reduced speeds to that of a standard deep-V and allows the craft to run at a more level altitude, discouraging porpoising and increasing the potential of making smoother and advanced headway to oncoming seas.

In the chop of Southampton water, she handled in a responsive way with no sign of skid or jumping in tight turns. The single diesel Volvo Penta 230 duo-prop inboard delivered impressive acceleration from a standing start, with a very stable full throttle ride of exactly 45 knots.

The helm position is set well ahead of amidships whilst the full area surrounding the watertight cabin hatch forms the perfect control station for every possible piece of electronic hardware to be installed.

A detachable middle section above the hatch forms a most useful chart table of sensible proportions and when in place it blends perfectly with the surrounding angles and contours of the control station. Going aft, one is impressed by the amount of working deck space. Plenty of room to swing a large cat, and more! Although the aft engine housing is sizeable, it facilitates plenty of dry stowage for foul weather gear, tools, ski's etc. Plus, its strongly hinged lid can be upholstered for sun-lounging or as a base for two more berths.

Yes, of course, that reminds me – that is what this craft is all about. Going forward again, accessed via the transparent hatch, the forward cabin is of good size and can be customized internally to each client's re­quirements. Basic features are set to include two 6ft berths, a sea-toilet in the central well, cooking facilities in the forepeak, plus locker and cubby-hole installations surround­ing the fully uphol­stered interior. Such features will enable her to provide very adequate quarters for a craft primarily designed as a weekender.

That said, if you wish to expand your living area, a full height tonneau cover can be easily attached from the windscreen right back to the stern. Although not fitted on the boat we tested, the optional moulded GRP A-Frame will not only allow for all the usual mounting of fittings, antennas etc, but will also provide the necessary support for the tonneau canopy.

Being somewhat of a proto-type, naturally small refinements will be made in the course of future builds, but all in all, I was impressed by the obvious thought and care that had gone into this design.

From time to time any RIB, especially one of this size, is required to operate in conditions that other craft would find difficult, that's the attraction of the `marine 4x4'. Hence, dependability is vital, and the whole feel of this craft gave one a sense of confidence.

With the sport of RIB cruising truly taking off in the UK, I am confident that Carson Marine have built a winner; one that may inspire other British manufacturers to fol­low suit and design craft that sat­isfy not only Dad, but also the whole family.

HMS