This largest RIB in the Scanner range is certainly different. Not only is this a RIB with a full cabin, but it combines this with a unique tube arrangement, the highest freeboard of probably any RIB on the market today and a performance which will leave many so-called performance RIBS struggling in its wake. The unique styling of Scanner One turns heads wherever it goes and it certainly adds a new dimension to RIB design, literally taking it to new heights.

Scanner is an Italian builder and the Scanner One is the largest RIB in its extensive range. It is the only cabin boat in the range and the way the cabin space has been engineered allows a large internal space. The Scanner One was tested in the U.S. where Scanner USA is finding an expanding market for its products and there is considerable interest in this new concept of cabin RIB which retains most of the virtues of an open RIB, but hides away a luxury double cabin and facilities inside the hull.

The GRP hull is a deep vee with a double chine which runs low and merges into a near vertical, slightly curved stem. Just above this chine is the lower inflatable tube, which is full diameter at the stern and tapers as it runs forward, merging into a GRP moulding which continues the tube line towards the bow. The upper inflatable tube is at deck level, above the deep topsides and runs around the bow and along each side until it reaches the steering position where it merges into another, shorter GRP moulding which i turn tapers into a fashion curve towards the transom.

There is generous overlap between the two tubes which should give adequate fendering, but in practice, the upper tube is too high to be much use as a fender, unless the boat is made fast against a high dock wall. The lower tube is part immersed at the stern where it provides a useful stabilising effect when the boat is at rest, but there could be problems with marine growth on the tube if the boat is left afloat.

Between the tube extension aft there is a good sized bathing platform and a door in the transom provides easy access. There is fender stowage against the transom. The rear cockpit is fitted with a sunbed which can be folded to create a seating area.

The passageway from the transom door leads along the port side to: first, the steering console and then on to moulded steps which lead up on to the raised foredeck. Here, there is a large sunbathing area which is safer to use when the boat is at sea with the inflatable tube offering some protection. The anchor is concealed under the deck with the anchor stowed below the tube on the stem and electric control at the helm.

The steps lift to reveal the cabin. Once lifted and held in place with gas struts there is easy access. The cabin has seats down each side and a central table which lowers to create a large double berth. Oval ports give good natural light and in the starboard aft corner there is a toilet compartment with shower and wash basin. There is sitting headroom in the cabin, but full headroom in the shower where it rises under the steering console.

At this console there is a twin bench seat facing a well­ angled wheel and a panoramic display of instruments. The throttle is mounted over on the starboard side where it is easy to use, but it lacks any good arm support to help control move­ment in rough seas. A low, tinted screen offers some protection from wind and spray. Whilst the console offers secure seating for the helmsman, some handholds for the passenger would make life more comfortable when the considerable performance of this boat is used to the full.

The helm seat hinges rearward to reveal a compact cooking stove and sink below. A fridge is built into the side of this unit creating an open air galley to service either the cockpit or cabin seating. A canopy anchored to the tubular stainless arch mast can provide some shelter to this area. Whilst mentioning the arch mast, I did find this to be at the perfect height for hitting one's head.

The standard engine is a 500hp MerCruiser petrol engine coupled to a MerCruiser stern drive. This really produces all the power you need on this relatively lightweight boat. It takes the speed to an exciting 48 knots, making the Scanner One one of the fastest cabin RIBS. The performance is exciting, but is tempered by the lack of sensitive throttle control which can make it difficult to match the speed to the conditions.

In lively seas in the entrance to Fort Lauderdale Harbour, the Scanner One showed considerable potential. It could be driven hard and seemed to always come up smiling. The motion was lively, no doubt accentuated by the full bow, although the benefits of this bow shape are seen in following seas. Scanner One is certainly a new approach to RIB design, although the benefit of fitting tubes to a hull of this type does not offer the same advantages of a conventional RIB hull.

Dag Pike

Builder
Scanner USA
3309 SW 2nd Ave.,
Fort Lauderdale
USA. FL 33315

Tel: +1 954 463 0579
Fax: +1 954 463 1345

email: JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING