The sky suggested better weather was on the way. Clearing from the west although lifting low cloud hurried above our heads as it chased in from the sea. This was mid December and as is common at this time of year, a continuous south-easterly force 5-6 had been blowing for at least a week.

The Protec 21 Cabin RIB on test this day slid off the trailer and sat idling in the protected waters of the marina. It was cold, very cold. Nevertheless, if we were to evaluate the benefits of a craft that provided protection from the elements then I suppose the conditions were ideal.

Italian RIBS have been spoken of by some as not really being suitable for use in the less hospitable waters encountered off our northern shores. Though this may apply to a minority of craft, those on show at last year's Genoa Boat Show were in the main extremely well built, strong, and possessed hulls that were of a very deep V, in other words, more than capable.

But what of the Protec? Designed by Sacs of Italy and marketed in the UK by IBI, she in many ways represents something of a `first' in Rigid Inflatable Boat technology. For what reasons? Well, to begin with, most cabin RIBS are generally much larger than this 6 metre boat and until just recently, they mostly consisted of the commercial wheelhouse type, which of course, carry a price tag that equates to their size. The Protec 21 weighs in at £14,995 excl. Vat. Further, very few approaching this size possess a proper wheelhouse, generally speaking the basic configuration consists simply of a forward 2 berth cabin with additional external facilities. This craft, though small, feels like a proper little ship and affords one real all weather protection by means of its removable hardtop. The addition of a wheelhouse also allows for some potential as regards minor customization and also means that electronic equipment etc. remains out of the reach of sea and rain.

Pushing our way out to sea, we headed south east from Torquay on the south Devon coast, toward the Ore Stone and Thatcher Rock with the weather dead on our nose. Upon rising onto the plane we made good about 18 knots, picking our way along comfortably and at any easy pace despite the short steep seas. The odd wave threw up a shower of icy water that hit the screen hard, but what a pleasure to need no helmet, dry suit, or even a pair of gloves!

Up ahead the patch of water between the mainland and the two small guillemot covered islets moves fast. Plus on this day, the fetch from up channel was running in to provide longer, bigger seas that would provide another change of environment for the purpose of the test.

Being afforded the protection of a wheelhouse, one tends to push a boat of this type all the harder because of being one step removed from experiencing the conditions as they really are. Psychologically too, you just feel more secure.

On opening the throttle, her response being perhaps just a little slow, we climbed the first of the larger waves before driving at greater speed with the seas on our port beam. She landed heavily once, but it wasn't accompanied by a loud rattling of GRP or shuddering wheelhouse, in fact generally speaking, although the open backed interior of a boat of this type can sometimes represent a well for engine noise etc to resonate within, the Protec 21 is pretty good where sound management is concerned.

In all, she handled in a stable manner underway and gave no nasty surprises. She was reassuringly predictable throughout all her paces, whether when coming steadily about in the chop or whilst having the helm put hard over at speed. As this RIB will also be marketed to those of you who are anglers, it was good to note she lay at rest with the sponsons low to the water line, ensuring she remained stable when moving about or when shifting gear on deck.

Sensibly sized deck and cockpit drains would ensure any water shipped aboard would be dealt with adequately, but I noticed when going astern that she wasn't too prone to flooding over the transom/bathing platform anyway, or for that matter, neither was she a wet boat even when under power with the seas on her beam.

I did think, however, that the small wooden transom door to this section could be improved upon somewhat as could the metal seat fixings to the fold down cockpit seats. The latter in their present form double as very effective finger guillotines or vegetable slicers, something I'm sure that could be classed as an unnecessary item to the boat's specification!

We ran in a following sea back to Torquay with the boat giving no signs of stuffing her nose in the foot of the wave ahead, even though I tried hard to bury it. The deep V hull continued to give a comfortable ride and ensured good directional stability. I did find, however, that the steering was heavy and this spoilt the enjoyment of helming the craft. Powered steering can be costly, but a simple anti-feed-back cable system would have suited this boat and her Tohatsu 140hp very well indeed and would make a world of difference overall.

Within the shelter of the marina once again, it was time to take a further look over her. The centrally hinged cabin door positioned below the navigation/chart table in the wheel house, opens to allow access to the two berth interior within. The cabin does not allow for standing room, but is well designed and affords maximum space. Small cubbyholes for storage, internal lighting, a skylight, shallow underfloor lockering and a pleasing internal decor complete with upholstered cushioning, provides good overnighting facilities and real dry storage. There is, by the way, a good amount of length for someone of at least 6ft tall to lie down comfortably. Also, the hatch/skylight to the cabin sole allows further access to the external foredeck in the case of mooring or anchoring. My only criticism concerning this section of the boat was that the cabin doors needed a rubber seal fitted to ensure a rattle free tight fit when closed. Also, a more substantial door lock would be of benefit.

The wheelhouse interior itself as I said, possessed minor customization potential, enabled good all round visibility, individual seating for helmsman and navigator and had a good amount of room for instrumentation. A further rubber seal was required between the hard top and screen section as on the day of test a few drips of water made their way down between the join and into the wheelhouse interior. I believe IBI are currently strengthening the hardtop supports and screen frame, as further tests revealed these lacked strength in being able to cope fully with the heavy weight of the hard top in arduous conditions.

The rear external deck area takes a full camper style canopy to provide additional accommodation space. Although the 6 person wrap around seating layout isn't really suitable for conversion into a further sleeping facility, it does provide locker stowage. I thought, in general, the seats could be more thickly swabbed plus I have to say I didn't like the choice of colour scheme to the upholstery, but that's just personal taste.

The inclusion of a stainless guard rail to the foredeck and a small walkway around the outside of the wheelhouse, shows thought has been given to the need of going forward safely to gain access to the anchor locker etc.

You'll notice the Protec features an interesting semi-rigid sponson design with a GRP aft section which has primarily been provided for the convenience of anglers who need to gaff fish safely without the worry of damaging the tubes. Though this design is perhaps unconventional, it certainly has no adverse effects on the boat's performance, for the craft handles in a genuinely typical RIB fashion.

In terms of appearance, she strikes one as having a sturdy sea going look about her, whilst her overall lines suggest a modern sporty feel. In conclusion, it is clear Sacs, a company with great experience when it comes :o the matter of RIB design, have given much thought to her construction and whilst minor improvements needed to be addressed she is nonetheless very professionally finished and well made. A RIB that would suit the family, cruiser, angler, diver or semi commercial user most ably.

HMS

SACS Importer: IBI
PO Box 1066,
Caterham,
Surrey CR3 5YU

Tel: 01737 644307
Fax: 01737 644173