Amongst the Italian RIB manufacturers there are a now just a few that have broken free of their nation’s boundaries and become recognised for being desirous of supplying product to the ever-increasing international market. Some of these builders are making quite substantial sales on the continent and to a lesser extent in the U.S. One company which appears to be joining suit is Lomac, a manufacturer with an established reputation at home, and now it seems, a growing one abroad too.

The Lomac range is sizeable. Their company slogan boasts their ability to offer, "The big choice", as they so delicately describe it. From 2 metre tenders therefore, through to large offshore vessels of up 12 metres, there appears to be a model to suit most needs, both professional and private. Of course the Italians are famous the world over for their style and innovation - cars, motorcycles, fashion, food, as well as some of the most luxuriously built powerboats in the world. If you go to Genoa International Boat Show you will see this latter fact is evident right across the board, from super-yacht to rigid inflatable boat.

The overall styling of the Lomac RIBs is typically continental with their beamy proportions, big tubes, extensive seating and moderately generous deep vee hulls. The overall effect gives the impression of these RIBs being robust as well as safe - two qualities which cause them to score highly with families seeking a good ‘all rounder’- one that is capable of undertaking a whole range of water sports. However, the model we tested, which forms part of the company’s 12 strong Club Range, represents quite a substantial boat. At 9.50 metres she is perhaps less likely to appeal to the same category as that just described but probably more the light commercial operator or the private owner who takes his RIB cruising very seriously. Though a craft of this stature may offer major seakeeping potential the down side is that she will prove quite a beast to tow, launch, or store ashore. Special dry storage facilities in a boat park or a permanent mooring are therefore considerations to take into account if you’re shooting for something of this size.

As you will note from the pictures, the Lomac 9.50m has very flat lines with only a very gradual rise in the bow. This accentuates her length even more causing her to take on the appearance of a long waterborne projectile. The vessel on show at RIBEX featured a very basic interior which sadly did not lend itself to the overall aesthetics of the boat. The helm and seating units were ‘boxy’ in shape and lightweight in their construction and looked out of place on a boat of this type. Some of the 9.50’s continental versions on the other hand have in the past featured an innovative swept back tubular framed helm structure which really suites the 950’s beefy styling. This model can also be fitted out with a full-blown wheelhouse – an option that has proved popular with the likes of Pilots and other professional operators. On other hand, down on the Med’, RIB cruisers fit a bow awning from the console forward to allow them sleep aboard ‘under canvas’ as they go island hopping and coastal cruising across the ocean blue. As can be seen therefore, a boat of this size allows for lots of options – a plus very much in its favour.

Despite my previous comments, the boat’s internal hardware is of true production quality and this applies to the white fibre-glass decking which also has integrated stowage/lockering installed. The actual manufacturing quality of the 5 chambered tubes is excellent – being strong, well designed, adequately reinforced and set at a useful height from a safety point of view if youngsters are aboard. Visually, the oversized Pennel 68cm tubes just about remain in proportion to the rest of the vessel, though only just. At rest, the test boat’s stern sits low in the water due to her twin engine installation but the tubes when underway rise well clear of the water and therefore provide stability when required but not unnecessary drag.

The Lomac 9.50 is an enjoyable boat to drive and I can imagine her making a very capable offshore or rough weather RIB. Sadly on the day of trial we had one engine go down - it was right at the end of the show after many demonstrations had been undertaken and the starboard fuel tank simply ran dry! She continued to plane on her remaining Ficht 225 RAM engine, which was good to note, but it did rather curtail our evaluation nonetheless. This boat is categorized to carry a maximum of 25 persons and will take a maximum of 460hp if so required. I would estimate, depending on the installation of course, that the 9.50’s potential maximum performance should be at least in the upper 60mph bracket with the probability she would operate quite safely at speeds in excess of 70mph. The bare boat is actually not as heavy as you might imagine, weighing in at a polite 1040kg. This means if you are of the mind to add a wheelhouse or cabin your potential power to weight is likely to remain quite acceptable.

Builder

LOMAC NAUTICA S.r.l.
Via Tolstoi, 6-20098 Zivido di San Giuliano
Mil.se (MI), Italy

Tel: 0039 (0) 298 48533
Fax: 0039 (0) 298 241611

UK Distributor

OSPREY INFLATABLES
Newhall Street, Willenhall,
West Midlands, WV13 1LQ

Tel: 0044 (0) 1902 602254
Fax: 0044 (0) 1902 366136