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Boat Tests Scorpion MKII - The Next Generation
Boat Tests Scorpion MKII - The Next Generation
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Scorpion MKII - The Next Generation
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| It seems that just as we finish reviewing one boat Graham Jelley’s back on the ‘phone telling us there’s another one on the way! Indeed, the energy and enthusiasm of Scorpion’s MD towards the quest of building the perfect RIB is tangible. R&D in the Scorpion camp is constantly ongoing, and with each new model or next generation of models, comes a refining of former benchmarks. This is undoubtedly why Scorpion RIBs have not only remained at the forefront of European powerboat design, but in some respects, could arguably be described as even leading it. One can sum up a Scorpion’s essential qualities with the words ‘build quality’ and ‘seakeeping’. Hence, for those who desire to own a high-class motorboat possessing exceptional seagoing ability, the name Scorpion is being referred to more and more frequently as a serious alternative to the larger players. To some, the fact it may be a RIB, is simply a detail in connection with it being a ‘Scorpion’. People hailing from the big luxury end of things are therefore readily accepting the fact that the Scorpion equals comfortable 40knot cruising, bad weather safety, design elegance, low maintenance costs, and best of all - fun! This latter factor is probably the most important, and is a result of not just the essential factors already mentioned, but also because a RIB opens a whole new set of horizons by being the least complicated option - a trailerable, driver friendly, comparatively low cost, open powerboat. The MKII range offers 5 models, a 7.5m, 8.1m, 8.5m, 8.75m and a 9.5m. These boats feature a wider body design achieved by means of the new moulded deck which moves the tubes out a further 3in/75mm. This may not sound a lot, but it makes quite a noticeable difference and allows for the introduction of Scorpion’s curvaceous ‘Pacific’ helm console. This unit is, not surprisingly, larger than the previous console on offer and its styling is much more sympathetic to the RIB’s overall lines, as its sweeping curves are reflected in the boat’s other internal units. It allows sufficient room to house a toilet, the boat’s electrics, oodles of room for navigation nav-aids and gizmos, a forward facing bench seat with dry locker within, a full windscreen and good storage amongst other features. Set behind this console is the helmsman and navigator jockey seats with their additional lumber support backrests. The additional sit-astride passenger seating extends in a twin ‘in-line’ configuration behind these two front seats. With each ‘in-line’ pod being constructed as a single unit, the design is both functional and economical on the amount of room it takes up. The two forward seats are particularly supporting and comfortable and would no doubt go a long way in persuading folk slightly sceptical of a jockey seat’s worth to think again. Right in the stern is a newly fashioned lazaretto that now offers even deeper, more luxurious aft seating; the bottom section lifts by means of a very efficient gas strut system to reveal a very large dry locker perfectly capable of taking an outboard, liferaft or deflated dinghy. The lockers to all the internal units, including the lazaretto, feature the finest hardware money can buy - Monitor Marine stainless steel catches, which at Ż135.00 a throw, give that air of elegance to the RIB’s internal detail. Particularly aboard the 8 metre plus models, deck space is generous and further enhanced by means of a large split level forepeak. Needless to say, the moulded deck is fully self-draining with a capacity to shift several tonnes of water quickly via the drain ports/plumbing locate in the stern of the vessel. Jelley himself appears very happy with this model’s performance. I have to say, that on the day of RIB International’s trial of the 8.1 metre, she handled like a dream - making easy work of the angry chop that rattled up the western Solent. The wind that day was biting cold and running directly into the weather at 45 knots caused the loss of most of the feeling in one’s lower jaw. The screen therefore wasn’t affording as much protection as it should have done, but I understand it was Jelly’s plan to have it’s height adjusted prior to the boat’s delivery to the client. Despite the sub-zero temperatures, helming the boat remained a real pleasure and as regards setting a benchmark in all-weather performance and handling, the Scorpion MKll has it firmly in the bag. As we said at the outset of the article, excellence in ‘build quality and seakeeping’ defines this latest range from Scorpion - a company clearly committed in every way to the continual advancement of the Rigid Inflatable. HMS |
