Picton’s Cobra RIB range has acquired for itself what constitutes almost a unique reputation for delivering true sports luxury finish and a level of comfort not normally associated with traditional RIB design. In this sense the company has forged for itself a niche in what has become a very competitive market.

Having now been in production for over 6 years, Picton’s Cobra RIB range has continued to develop over this period of time with their styles clearly displaying greater refinement and enhanced thinking. The companies 1997 London Boat Show exhibits were good examples of this.

The Cobra can also be produced in a more commercial style of course and indeed has been supplied as such to many commercial clients. For the purpose of our test however, we plumped for the 7.50 Nautique model as it is a more typical representation of what the Cobra range is really all about.

Attractively finished in a striking grey/yellow livery and sporting an equally well appointed interior, the 7.50 Nautique has been built with cruising and watersports in mind. Being just under 25ft in length, she probably represents the optimum in terms of seagoing size versus manageability. This is a boat to be taken offshore and enjoyed with the benefit of knowing at the end of the day the recovery and towing home aspect of the proceedings are not going to spoil it all.

Being somewhat of a flagship of the range, the Nautique features pretty much a ‘no holds barred’ approach to the matter of specification. A double helm console located just ahead of amidships includes the starboard wheel and engine control positions. To the left of that a handsome amount of room for electronics is gained by means of the functional, stepped, flat faces of the unit’s upper section. This allowed ample room on the test boat for the various navigation instrumentation and VHF etc.

Customization to the console comes in the form of special dash panels. Coupled to the attractive solid wood wheel, these beautifully finished and fully weather resistant additions, provide that "big boat" look and give a real lift to the aesthetic appeal of one of the most visual components on the craft.

Good protection for cox and navigator is gained by means of the curved styling of the console screen which itself is protected and enhanced by means of a stainless grab rail. You will note from the photographs that the screen is of sufficient height to properly deflect wind over the top of the head as opposed to aiming it directly at your forehead. Internal storage is plentiful, and another addition I also liked was the inset single seat to the front face of the helm console. This was attractively finished and constructed in a manner that suggested functional ability, even though it has to be said, the further forward you go on any craft the less comfortable the ride.

One criticism I do have however, is the black vinyl trim to the hard edges of this console in my view it looked quite dated and inappropriate.

The main helm seat to this particular Nautique came in the form of a well designed 2 person bench seat. Well squabbed and supportive to the back, its clever design allowed for the top section, when tilted forward, to reveal further stowage within. This showed practical insight into the needs of the RIB user who rarely can have too much storage aboard. The unit was complimented by means of a substantial stainless steel roll/grab bar, set directly aft of the helm seat. This provided excellent security for further crew who may wish to stand behind the helm point when underway.

Located right in the stem of the boat is a full width seating unit. Forming an integral part of the self-draining moulded rear section that also accommodates the arch mast and transom, this provides the craft with much of its luxury styling and certainly transforms the boat into a very desirable family sports cruiser, ensuring that it firmly parts company, from a design point of view, with some of the more utilitarian RIBS on the market today.

The stainless arch mast to this particular model displayed good thinking from the point of view its overall size affording it a high degree of strength. Though conservative in its proportions, it remained quite sufficient for mounting the usual array of flying hardware and from a visual point of view, nicely finished the overall appearance of the boat.

Moving ahead onto the foredeck, on a RIB of this size this section obviously represents a most valuable working or leisure use area. It's great to have a goodly amount of clear deck space, although on this particular Nautique the forward section had been transformed by means of a sun­lounger and additional locker facilities. With removable upholstered cushioning, this V­shaped configuration of under units and lounger generously completed the luxury internal specification of the boat.

High quality hypalon sponsons by Henshaws attractively finished in true Cobra style, complemented by a useful degree of rubbing strake wear patches and flashing (colour co-ordinated of course), give the boat its distinctive and original appearance.

All of Picton's Cobra range have been tested at over 60mph, or so I’m told! The 7.50 Nautique certainly handled on our test day in a capable, stable fashion, performing in such a way as to inspire confidence whilst at the same time being quick enough off the mark by means of its Mercury 200hp to give an exhilarating, high performance ride.

The Cobra, I felt, perhaps gave a slightly firmer ride than some of the competition. This though isn’t necessarily a criticism but is an observation based on comparative trials on other craft of similar size. Nevertheless, the deep-vee hull and full length spray rail combination ensured good tracking, grip to the water and a dry ride.

In conclusion then, the Cobra Nautique remains a very good example of the type of RIB which successfully bridges the gap that has traditionally existed between the hard sportsboat and the functional ‘off-road’ qualities of the modern rigid Inflatable.

HMS

Builder

Picton Boats Ltd
Brynmenyn Industrial Estate
Bridgend
Mid. Glamorgan
CF32 9TD

Tel +44 (0) 1656 724444
Fax +44 (0) 1656 721709