Six months ago we ran a feature on Venture Vulture’s sleek 8 metre rigid inflatable creation launched at RIBex 99. Though it cost a pretty penny, (in excess of 50K in fact,) it nonetheless was a superb example of craftsmanship and displayed the heady heights to which the leisure RIB could be taken. Well now, things have moved on yet again in that short time, with the product seeing a re-launch, a brand new company behind it by the name of MPL, and a full internal re-styling. This is great news, for it means the product has now been brought within the grasp of many many more RIB and sports boats enthusiasts who would truly relish the opportunity of affording this much acclaimed and very sexy `super RIB’. Indeed, the SR8 must now surely rank as one of the most desirable and yes - affordable, high performance offshore RIBs available on the worldwide market. It is no small achievement on the part of the manufacturer in my opinion to produce this within a total package price of just over £21K! Additionally, clients can have the assurance that the manufacturing team concerned comprises some of the most experienced people in the race preparation and boat building business.

But, you still might ask: “Has this reincarnation resulted in a major downgrade in quality to accommodate the new price structure?” Again, I can confirm based upon our investigations, that this is certainly not the case - although the interior is much less stylized and extensively fitted out than the original Vulture Ventures

version. In it’s latest guise, the SR8 offers standard consoles and seating made by Outhill Ltd. These are well made, professionally finished and can be seen adorning the decks of other highly credible craft such as those made by Avon and Ribtec. It was apparent that the full blown ‘Mk.1’ version had copious amounts invested in its interior moldings and general fit out, but the `Mk.2’ model still provides the potential owner much to be very happy about. A spacious lounger provides a great surface for stretching and languishing up front in relaxed style whilst the helm console and seating fit out compliment the clean and spacious general appearance on deck. With this size of boat of course you naturally have the luxury of space to start with, but in the case of the latest SR8, thankfully, this important commodity then been lost to seats and oversized consoles. This all means you have more room to entertain your friends and do whatever people do aboard a RIB of this kind!

In addition to her looks, if there were one aspect, which this boat truly excelled in, it would be her stunning performance. This is achieved by means of the SR8’s race bred stepped hull designed by the world-renowned pioneering designer, Ocke Mannerfelt. The hull’s special features enable her in the words of her maker, “to ride on a cushion of air, whilst the double step reduces wetted area and lubricates the contact between boat and water”. Above the waterline though, the hull’s aerodynamic contour reduces wind drag, as do the tapered sponsons with their swept back counter stern cones, which also help to create stability and lift and assist in providing a noticeably stable ride.

I had the pleasure of driving this boat during RIBEX 2000 and was particularly impressed by this latter point. At high speeds she remained very sure-footed right through the upper power band. Even with the single Mercury 225 Opitmax propelling the boat at a cool 70mph she took the pace with confident ease. A craft of this ilk is clearly not for the inexperienced though. Like most thoroughbreds, she has the pedigree to perform wonderfully, but only if respected. MPL therefore, are wisely offering all prospective clients a thorough SR8 familiarization course and RYA training too if appropriate.

The vessel’s construction is very tough and strong with clearly no compromises having being made in favor of the need for strong aesthetics. She’ll take the conditions and take them well. The hull is not only very efficient at cutting through the water but also possesses a high degree of lift courtesy of its very prominent chines and spray rails. This means that in spite of her very flat aerodynamic profile, with the power on, her bow stands a good chance of coping well in a following sea. I would not describe the SR8 as a rough water boat, but then again, she would certainly look after one if `push did come to shove’. (It’s worth noting that at least two long distance offshore RIB racing teams have completed some very difficult passages in fire style - courtesy of their Ocke Mannerfelt hulled RIBs.)

That’s your lot then. I’m not going to finish with a whole lot of technical chat. This is a great boat, hitched up to a great engine, at an amazing price. If it is a high quality performance powerboat you’re looking for be sure to check this one out. Just say RIB International told you to come along for a test drive.

HMS

Builder
Boatshed 3
Universal Marina
Crableck Lane
Sarisbury Green
Southampton
Hampshire
SO31 7ZN
UK