During the early days of the RIB revolution, one make of RIB seemed to dominate the competitive RIB scene, divers everywhere bought them and a fair few who began to appreciate the attractions of RIB cruising, also chose these boats as their favored means of transport. The name......Osprey.

Mike Armitage’s, Northern Diver, the company responsible for manufacturing these craft, arguably led the leisure industry during the late eighties/early nineties - perhaps not in terms of volume, but certainly in terms of design and technical foresight. Sadly, whilst at their zenith, the company became involved in ventures which caused output to tail off and commitment to wane. Although several strong markets on the continent remained, Osprey’s home market in the UK steadily dwindled to the point where people assumed production had virtually ceased. By the autumn of 1999, the name Northern Diver was almost wholly associated with diving equipment and clothing. Later that same year, after trying to rid itself of much of its manufacturing equipment, the company finally put Osprey up for sale on the open market. It seemed there was a strong likelihood that the name would slip into the annals of boat building history, to re-surface, if at all, merely in second rate form. But then from this beleaguered state came hope. Not exactly a knight in shining armor, but a savior all the same and best of all, he was a genuine and most seasoned RIB campaigner.

I personally know Gary Mirley from days gone by. On one particular occasion I clearly remember he was the only gentleman to pull up short in an offshore race and offer to tow us home when our RIB suffered a catastrophic breakdown 5 miles off the Eddystone lighthouse. A heavy swell was running and the tow home involved a 10 knot crawl for the best part of 30 miles. Gary didn’t flinch at throwing away his chances in the race or at the idea of the sick making tow job. He simply set to, lit up a cigar and generously resigned himself without complaint to a late supper and a long day at sea. The hallmark of a good man in my book.

It was good news to hear then, that such a person was the new helmsman behind the Osprey wheel. For whilst a purely business orientated operation may have proven valuable in re-launching the company, to do it justice, good product needs more than just good money behind it to ensure long term success. A first hand knowledge and insight into the market’s needs would be necessary - especially if Osprey were to stand a chance of regaining its true potential. (I’m sure Mirley wouldn’t mind me saying that he’s probably broken enough boats in his time to make him an ideal candidate for knowing what’s required of an offshore RIB if it’s to survive the rigors of hard use at sea.)

The boat provided for evaluation, is essentially, Osprey’s `soft nose’ model. The Viper 6.5m being aimed at a relatively broad market, is suited to sports as well as light commercial use and could therefore be described as a good `all-rounder’. Without a doubt though, this vessel’s strength lies in the performance ability of its hull – it is quite outstanding. But more about that in a moment.

It’s difficult to criticize the internal fit out too greatly from the point of view this boat was a pre-production model and an unfinished on e at that! Having trailed it around almost continually from one show to the other for the last three months, the boat never actually had the necessary time spent on it to make ready for sea. However, upon the fitting of the Mariner 150hp outboard 2 days prior to the test, hasty all night work was carried out to prepare it sufficiently for our test day. Even though there remained a goodly amount of finishing work to be done, I can confirm the following:

As you will note, the helm console is somewhat unusual in design and though it lacks internal space it does score in the sense it affords a first rate driving position and a generous amount of leg room due to its `rally car’ styled cutaway. Space for the fitment of electronics is limited and it’s possible that larger items would have to be gimble mounted on the top of the console. No screen was fitted to the test boat, but I don’t really consider this be totally necessary anyway, for the little protection they generally afford has to be offset against the dangers and risks involved in having them fitted in the first place. Ahead of the main helm point and mounted to the deck, is a good-sized locker, which is in effect, integrated into the lower front half of the console. The overall design results in a helm console which is very sporting and streamlined in appearance.

The seating on this boat, whilst perfectly adequate and suitable for offshore use, could I feel, be further developed to reflect or carry through the styling of the steering console. This would enhance the overall image of the boat dramatically and provide it with even greater market appeal. Nonetheless, the existing units are well made and very functional. The general layout of the Viper leaves a sensible amount of space and the means to move about on deck without being overly cramped for room. There are plenty of grab holds and the tubes are set at such a height as to provide additional on board security. The test boat was also fitted with a double arch mast. This item appeared to be a little out of proportion with the remainder of the boat’s fit out, but it was however, like the other components, strongly made and of a seaworthy design.

The hypalon sponsons to this pre-production model, possessed one or two small faults, all of which incidentally had already been noted by the builder. I’m therefore confident they will be corrected and will not reappear on future craft. Putting that aside, I liked their overall appearance and general design, plus good quality materials had been used in their construction. A practical colour too - grey being one of the very few to actually keep its pigment strength over a long period of time. An important feature to point out on this RIB is the manner in which the tubes to the bow section do not protrude beyond the line of the stem. In other words, the hull and sponson profile form one progressive curve. This means two notable advantages. Firstly, this design will greatly avoid the forces imposed upon it by a large following sea and therefore make the likelihood of the tubes being wrenched or levered off at the bow very unlikely. Secondly, because the tubes do not protrude beyond the bow, you’re essentially gaining on true waterline length because it isn’t being falsely exaggerated by the sponsons. In the Viper’s case it has a true 6.5 metres worth of hull in the water and consequently she feels substantially larger than many other RIBs of the same size category.

Even though the choice of propeller could perhaps be improved upon, the Mariner Optimax 150hp gave the most exhilarating performance. Quick off the mark, responsive, with loads of get up and go even beyond the three quarter throttle mark, this engine also seemed to possess just the right amount of power to weight. Worth noting too, by purchasing a 150hp as opposed to a 200hp, the prospective purchaser is saving something in the region of a £1000.00. As we’re on the subject of performance, I would like to confirm that the Viper is one of the best 6.5 metre RIBs I have yet trialed. Her deep vee hull was super soft riding and held the water most gracefully - heeling in all its hard turns without the slightest sign of slip. The power steering too, enhanced the enjoyment and ease of helming the boat, its characteristic no-feed back evidently assisting the boat to track dead true at all times. A stiff offshore breeze did little to upset the manner in which the boat handled and in the lively conditions two things became most clear. The Viper provides a very level ride in that she refuses to heel into the wind or apparently fall on the flat of her chine no matter how a sea might strive to throw her off balance. I drove this RIB very hard and she literally never put a foot wrong. In my view, the Viper possesses an exceptionally good hull, particularly so for her size. She is clearly a very capable rough water vessel and I for one would feel confident about going offshore in her - whatever the conditions. (Within reason of course!)

The success of any company of course ultimately depends on the quality and validity of the product it’s selling. In Osprey’s case it’s clear it once again has the makings of an excellent product range and with the advantage of an impressive heritage behind it. With a skillful hand on the corporate helm the Osprey name has every possibility of regaining its place in the industry it once helped build. I for one certainly hope it does.

HMS

BUILDER
Osprey Inflatables Ltd
Newhall Street, Willenhall,
West Midlands, WV13 1LQ

Tel: 01902 602254
Fax: 01902 366136

Website: http: www.ospreyinflatables.co.uk
Email: JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING