The launch of the Revenger 23 has been in response to the sports market demand for a slightly more manageable craft than the larger 27ft version, which has just seen its first twelve months of production. The Revenger 27 caused quite a stir when she was launched. The very idea of tapering tubes to the bow section seemed to generate a heated difference of opinion amongst many. Sceptics doubted her ability to perform well in a following sea. Would her reduced sponson size mean reduced forward buoyancy?

The boat's designers were keen to point out that Fabio Buzzi creations possessed tapered tubes and they certainly suffered no ill effects. That said, the argument came back that the Techno 10 and Buzzi Buzzard possessed a high sheer to heir bow which undoubtedly gave them a considerable advantage in difficult sea conditions.

So, what has the last twelve months shown with regard to the Revenger design? Has it been successful? The answer is that the boat is still here, there have been no incidents to my knowledge involving a serious case of the boat burying her nose and most importantly, I've not heard reports of any dissatisfied customers. This must be the greatest testimony.

The strength of the 27 and its 23ft successor is undoubtedly their common hull design. Race proven and highly successful, the owner of one of these craft will be the beneficiary of a hull which has earned itself quite a pedigree. And, let's face it, if the Hull is good it usually follows that the craft itself is not going to Iead to disappointment in terms of handling or general owner satisfac­tion.

My first impressions upon taking the wheel of the 23 were those borne by an immediate feeling of enormous fun. Perhaps it brought out the worst in me, but i couldn't help admitting to the boat's skipper that day that I had an overpowering desire to drive this boat flat out wherever we went. We both laughed, he may have thought I was joking, but let me tell you, I wasn't! She handled impeccably and answered to the helmsman's throttle in a way I have known few boats of her size to do.

The most distinctive difference between the 27 and the new 23, is of course the latter's squared Mediterranean styled bow. This gives increased room within the boat and also means that if being used as a tender, one can approach `dead-on' and provide an easy boarding platform. Person­ally speaking, I'm not a great lover of squared bows. Although the Italians would argue otherwise, I feel they lack the same pleasing lines as their conventional counterparts, plus their inherent shape means they arc less effective at parting the water cleanly in a difficult seaway. Whilst it clearly hasn’t been the motivation behind this conscious move by Revenger, squared bow sponsons are much easier to make from a manufacturer’s point of view than the round bowed variety. All things considered. there is definitely a place for them and in fact, a need for them as many people require the special qualities these boats possess,

On the matter of this boat’s sponsons, it was good to see that all the valves were of the pressure release variety.

The tubes are however, set well clear of the water which results in a sensitivity to weight distribution. Forward, they are set on a wide flange which, in heavy conditions or after unintentional impact, may possibly weaken.

Coupled with the heavy D straking, the colour co-ordinated turquoise wear patches like several aspects of this craft were not only aesthetically pleasing but also very functional. Indeed, the sponsons looked tough and durable. Additionally, their main grey livery is a sensible colour choice as regards wear and tear.

The boat on test had a simple layout. but one that suggested style and quality. It's sealing, units and main console had obviously been given much thought and had resulted in them being attractive as well as functional.

This RIB has not been built for commercial or heavy weather use, but after driving her I would have every confidence that she would very adequately take care of her occupants. She ran level and true, and underway provided a very stable ride.

These attributes would undoubt­edly appeal to the leisure user, but the most obvious indication to this craft's main function were her looks. For instance, the sumptuously attired seats set behind the curved features of the control console gave her appearance a strong sporty feel. The seats were set off in attractive blue upholstery with thickly squabbed back rests which on the aft seats could be locked forward or back, depend­ing on whether one wished to be forward or rear facing. Stainless steel framing to these items was substantial and well finished and the construction of each item denoted strength. These type of seats undoubtedly provide excellent storage facilities, something that is of a premium in a small open craft.

The distance between seat and console appeared correct, but if this was ever a problem a company like Revenger would, I'm sure, be happy to adjust the various seat fixings to accommodate a comfortable helm position. An additional seat had been set into the front section of the main console, and once again this was very adequately swabbed and finished in an attractive fashion. This unit also possessed additional dry locker storage, thus further capitalizing on the wise use of space.

The steering console itself was uncomplicated in layout, possessing a small, but effective, curved screen spanning the full width and offering a reasonable amount of space for inset instrumentation. In general, I liked the styling of the console for it complimented the overall appearance. Ahead, the fore­deck remained free with plenty of space for the donning of dive gear, skis or simply relaxing. The deck surface, to my mind, lacked the same degree of finish as the rest of the boat, particu­larly in the fore peak where the anchor locker was inset. However, I am told that uphol­stered cushioning was to be fitted to this craft at a later date. This would finish off the boat and add that final touch or complimentary addition I felt she lacked on the day of test.

The absence of A-frame, Samson post and navigation lights etc, once again gave this RIB a distinctly sporty feel as opposed to a more rugged commercial appearance.

Power wise, the new Mercury 135hp, swinging a 19inch prop, had a wonderful high-pitched tone that literally sang its way along through the water. This moderately high ­powered engine gave this middle weight craft a very responsive and energetic feel. The two complimented each other providing an ideal power to weight ratio. This boat was also fitted with an under-deck 40 gallon fuel tank.

Looking at the aft area a little further, I like the substantial scupper capability; a good deep well ahead of the transom fitted with an automatic bilge pump. Talking of the transom, it looked a little on the slim side to me, but I'm sure Revenger know what they are doing. However, if a twin engine installation was favoured, I would advise considering the matter of transom strength a little more.

As far as looks go, I have to say that this is one craft that looks her best in the water. When I first caught sight of this model at Southampton last year, I felt she lacked the appearance of the 27. Nevertheless, as I'm sure you'll agree, the photo­graphic evidence we acquired from our day of test suggests this boat really comes into her own when seen in the environment for which she was intended. All in all, I was genuinely impressed by her performance and only wished I had had more time to enjoy putting her through her paces. I'm sure in the months to come, this new model will do Revenger proud and provide a lot of fun for those who choose to purchase her.

HMS

Builder
REVENGER BOAT COMPANY LTD

Forward Buildings, 46 Windsor Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 2EU, UK.

Tel: +44 (0)1753 525496
Fax: +44 (0)1753 573955