Plancraft have been building sports boats for 30 years. Their range of hard leisure boats, manufactured generally for the home market, take in open ski craft as well as cuddy day cruisers. All come with copious amounts of coloured upholstery and stainless steel hardware designed to lull the user into a state of care free abandon to the shortcomings of the great British climate. However, as from 1997, the company began turning its attention toward the RIB market, notably with two 5.8 metre models, the open Seaflite Dive RIB and the 'Luxury' Seaflite Sports model. Both are the same in terms of length, hull design, and sponson make up, but of course differ greatly in terms of fit out. You'd be forgiven for thinking that these boats are affected quite substantially by their varying internal features. In fact they feel so unalike, you'd swear they possessed different hulls. The critical effects of weight distribution in relation to the positioning of the boat's console and seating units, plus also the effect this has on the matter of transport­ing a human payload, are made evident when the two versions of the same boat are compared.

Before discussing the handling characteristics of these craft, lets take a closer look at their individual specifications. The Sports model features a double helm console, side by side swivel seats, and a rear bench seat integrated into the aft superstructure of the boat. The helm console is quite comprehensive in its overall design and offers the protection of a high tinted windscreen with full wrap-around s/s grab rail. Unfortunately, the square profile of the screen detracts from the otherwise pleasing lines of the console. It's clear a considerable amount of thought has gone into the design of this unit with its contours and curved instrumenta­tion panel. However, on the Sports model, there were several very ugly unfinished edges to the faces of the console which had been covered with masking tape, obviously in an attempt to conceal them. The positioning of the control box also could be improved, albeit purely from an aesthetic point of view.

The seating on this boat was inadequate and for the most part unsuitable. Small budget priced plastic swivel seats just do not work on a boat of this type. Their position in relation to the wheel was also not right. Thus, the whole feel and enjoyment that should be derived from helming the boat was sadly lost. The stern seat, though good in principle, was let down by the fact its various sections lacked a sensible means to secure them in place. The underframe to this unit was too lightweight and I would be suspicious of it being able to support a full load of Mum, Gran and the kids in an ugly Solent chop, without the whole lot giving way. The upholstery finishing wasn't particularly impressive either when examined in close detail.

The Sports boat specifica­tion also includes a tall double s/s arch mast. This is forward raked and designed to support a selection of lightweight flying gear. On the day of test this construction shook, appearing to lack a suitable degree of lateral strength. Many of the stainless fittings rattled whilst the boat was underway suggesting their fixings points could well have been inadequate.

Both models possess a moulded deck shell which affords a suitable appearance to these leisure craft. However, in terms of internal fit out, apart from this feature, little else is shared in common. The Dive model is of a very standard layout with a single helm console and in-line 2-man sit astride seat. It may be basic stuff, but it is effective and infinitely more suitable as a driving position than its Sports boat counterpart. Just aft of the jockey seat, a neat diving bottle holder is provided, its design affording a wise use of space. Its only weakness may lie in the fact that it's constructed in GRP which would obviously crack or shatter if a heavy bottle was accidentally dropped on it.

Evidently, without the weight of a stern seat etc, this boat handles in a more balanced manner. Plus, with this boat's simplified driving position, the helmsman is in much better control of the craft altogether. The Dive model's increased all round space coupled to her low set deck, are of course important considerations for those wishing to buy a diving boat-the latter enabling the sponsons to act as additional seating. However, the hypalon sponsons to both these RIBS are set quite well clear of the waterline and for this reason are less stable at rest. This might prove a disadvantage for divers, especially if only a light load is intended to be carried. But, the Dive model's construction appeared to be suitable for the job in hand, the lay up of the transom etc. providing evidence that the boat was robust.

Another reason for the Dive model handling better perhaps lay in the fact she carried less horsepower. Upon opening the throttle wide to the 90hp Mariner, she remained stable and very level in her running attitude. The Sports model on the other hand, with some 135hp strapped to her tail, chine walked. This was due to her (a) being unbalanced, and (b) possessing far too much horsepower.

In summing up, I would say the Dive model fulfils its role quite adequately, but, it is my opinion that Plancraft have overstretched themselves where the Sports model is concerned. Though it shows signs of promise, more R&D is going to be required if this particular RIB is to make a valid contribution to the leisure RIB market.

HMS

Builder
Plancraft Sportsboats Int'I,
392 Leatherhead Road,
Malden
Rushett,
Chessington,
Surrey KT9 2NN.

Fax: 01372 729956
Tel: 01372 744421