Chase Marine and their 6.5 metre sorts RIB are new on the scene and rearing to go. The last 18 months in particular have seen an increase in high performance RIBs as a number of people previously associated with other forms of power boating look to RIBs to provide them with the speed and handling they’ve traditional enjoyed with their hard sports boat. A racing or high performance hull married to an inflatable sponson is nothing new as such, but the Chasecraft is a well executed example of this approach to RIB design.

Although developed for use in a variety of environments, including yacht support, transportation, charter work and diving, she remains what her name describes her as, a sports RIB. Much of this is due to the Sonny Levi hull design, which although not originally conceived for RIB use, ensures that the Chase Craft has a ready made pedigree.

Straight to the matter in hand then. One’s first impression upon taking the helm of the Chasecraft is just how little power is required to propel the boat forward onto the plane. Thereafter, once ‘over the hump’ skilful use of the throttle is required as she responds every bit like a thoroughbred fed on oats.

You'll notice that the boat's sponsons are set well clear of the waterline. This obviously reduces drag and increases performance when underway, but the downside is that there is a general reduction in lateral stability. After all, RIBs have become known for their great stability at rest, that `no rock motion' hence, traditional RIB design has always incorporated a tube height that rests close to or on the waterline. So too with the power on, it takes that extra few degrees before the Chasecraft's sponsons perform in a lateral roll. But it's horses for courses no boat in the world is capable of delivering everything, so in the Chasecraft's case, the boat's performance comes with this particular price.

Internally, the deck space has been left relatively open with a free foredeck and good clearance around the helmsman and navigator positions. The control/seat consoles, which on the 6.5m test boat were of side by side configuration, are formed in a stylish manner so as to accommodate a moderate amount of instruments and each seat a single crew member generously or two adequately. Although the console seats themselves are comfortable, I felt crew security was lacking in general. To explain, the boat did not have foot straps fitted and the length of the seat meant that it was necessary to continually pull oneself up to the wheel because of the distant location of the backrest. I personally feel that a performance boat of this type would be better suited to having wrap-around seats and a foot throttle, or at least a jockey seat/helm position that left one entirely free to drive without the need of overly trying to stay with the boat. More substantial handholds were also required.

The day of test certainly was a breezy one with the force 6 onshore winds creating quite a heavy sea off the Dorset coast. The RIB certainly gave a dry ride and an exhilarating one too, but the seating position caused head sea handling to be hard work. The boat itself, though, was perfectly capable, her good degree of forward buoyancy ensuring she gave no evidence of burying her nose in the steep following seas.

As stated earlier, the boat is well finished throughout, plus her quality of build suggests strength and durability. The 5 sectioned sponsons are of Henshaw origin and have been well made with no wrinkling or unsightly gluing of the 1200gsm Hypalon. As regards the hull and deck construction, it consists of isophalic gelcoat and a first layer with hand laid woven roving mats. All side walls are in encased end grained balsa core. Floorings are encased marine ply and bonded to the hull. No startling modern method of build then, but tried and trusted all the same. All materials, I am told, are of Lloyds specifica­tion and further strengthening has been built into the RIB's transom, floor, and bulkheads.

In terms of horsepower, the 6.5m has a transom strength of 200hp. However, Chasecraft recommend 135hp as being the best suited power pack for this model. In fact, a 90hp would probably give a top speed somewhere in the region of 40mph and provide savings in terms of capital outlay and fuelling costs.

Fuel is housed under deck within a 36 gallon (165 litres) steel tank and its volume can be enlarged if necessary if extended cruising is to be undertaken, plus all cables are routed through conduit under deck to allow for further maximum on-deck convenience. Though this latter item is a good idea, it can have its drawbacks when it comes to maintenance, hence some ribsters are of the opinion that it's best to keep such above deck, even if it doesn't look so pretty. Personal choice comes into play here.

So there you are, with a host of extras and optional kit available to boot, the Chasecraft makes for a boat worthy of consideration. In the months to come, it will be interesting to see the mark she makes within that particular section of the market where performance comes high on the list of priorities.

HMS


Builder
Chase marine
Cedar House,
29 Salisbury Road,
Burton,
Christchurch,
Dorset BH23 7JG.

Tel: +44 (0)1202 485172
Fax: +44 (0)1202 480492