Salpa Soleil 21.5 RIB Test: 38 Knots With 150 hp

October 07 2026October 10 2026 Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

The all new Soleil 21.5

The Salpa Soleil 21.5 brings together smart design, practical comfort, and surprisingly sporty handling in a 7.10-metre RIB.

Salpa developed a dedicated hull with a central step to improve efficiency and reduce resistance through the water.

On board, you’ll find a well-designed helm for two, plenty of storage, a comfortable bow seating area, and a spacious aft sunbed.

Put to the test off the Ligurian coast, the Soleil 21.5 reached an impressive 38 knots with just 150 hp.

Even in choppy conditions, it remained stable, absorbed waves smoothly, and responded instantly to steering inputs.

Equally impressive was its fuel economy, averaging around one litre per nautical mile at several cruising speeds.

“Small” in size, but with plenty of performance to enjoy.

Sea Trial Results

Engine RPM	Speed (knots)	Fuel consumption (l/h)
Not specified	14	14
Not specified	18	18
3,500	20	20
Not specified	23	23
4,000	25	25
4,500	28	28
4,800	30	31

source, data may vary

This video was published on the NonsolomareTV YouTube channel

I’ve published man videos of this Italian brand: Salpa

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Northstar G12: A Military RIB With Up to 1,050 hp

October 06 2026October 10 2026 Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

The Northstar G12 Designed for Serious Offshore Operations

The Northstar G12 is built for demanding operations where speed, reliability, and carrying capacity matter.

At 11.65 metres long, it is the largest and most powerful model in Northstar’s G Series, built in Turkey.

Its stepped hull is designed to deliver efficient high-speed performance while maintaining control in challenging sea conditions

With a maximum engine rating of 1,050 hp, the G12 can accommodate up to 17 people.

The hull and deck use vacuum-infused GRP construction, while the Hypalon tubes feature eight separate air chambers.

Operators can configure the G12 for military missions, maritime security, patrol duties, search and rescue, or professional workboat operations.

Available options include twin or triple outboard installations, suspension seats, advanced navigation electronics, thermal cameras, radar, and ballistic protection.

The result is a versatile professional RIB that can be adapted to different operational requirements without compromising its focus on performance and functionality.

This video was published on the NorthStar RIBs YouTube channel

Here are more videos of this Turkey brand: Northstar.

Related reading: What Is a Rigid Inflatable Boat? · What Size RIB Do I Need?

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RIB Brand Finder Puts RIB Knowledge in Your Pocket

October 05 2026October 06 2026 Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

RIB Brand Finder: Instant Access to RIB Brand Information

You are at a boat show and a RIB catches your eye. You know don’t know what the brand stands for. Or you are visiting a dealer, looking at a used RIB, or simply discussing one with friends.

That is exactly where the new RIBsONLY Brand Finder app comes in.

Enter a brand and your smartphone gives you direct access to the information already published on RIBsONLY.com: boat tests, reviews, videos, new models, and technical details.

No digging through many years of articles. Just the information you need, when you need it.

Give it a try: Launch the RIB Finder app!

Add the RIB Brand Finder to your smartphone home screen and take RIBsONLY Brand Finder app with you. iPhone users can do this via Safari (support site).

The Brand Finder is another step in turning RIBsONLY.com into a practical global RIB knowledge platform, alongside the Complete RIB Guide and RIB Rental.

Highfield North American Dealer Meeting – Chicago 2026

October 03 2026October 04 2026 Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

Highfield Took Its Dealer Meeting to Chicago

Highfield Boats just dropped a short recap video from its 2026 North American Dealer Meeting, and this year the crew moved the party to Chicago.

For years the event lived in Cadillac, Michigan, close to the factory. It simply got too big.

The video itself is quick and upbeat.

You see dealers and partners from the US and Canada mingling, checking out new RIBs, and generally having a good time on the water. Think networking, product demos, a dinner, and the usual competitive cornhole.

Nothing deep here, just a thank you to the people who sell their boats. Still, a nice look at a brand that keeps growing.

This video was published on the Highfield Boats YouTube channel.

Highfield is a brand that also produces many videos. I made a broad selection here for you to enjoy.

Proud to share that Highfield is a good Friend of RIBs ONLY.

Ranieri Cayman 41.0 Reaches 44 Knots With 700 hp

October 02 2026October 04 2026 Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

This Ranieri Cayman Offers Space, Speed and Long-Range Comfort

The Ranieri Cayman 41.0 Hard Top shows how far a modern maxi RIB can go in combining performance, comfort and genuine cruising ability.

At almost 12 metres long and 3.80 metres wide, it offers generous deck space, excellent stability and surprisingly spacious accommodation below deck.

Ranieri International uses its patented Cockpit Shock Absorber system to reduce impacts and vibrations, while the large hard top provides welcome protection around the helm and cockpit.

Aft, the dining area converts into a large sunbed, while the galley includes an induction hob, sink and 75-litre refrigerator.

Below deck are two sleeping areas, plenty of storage and a separate bathroom.

Power comes from twin Suzuki DF350 outboards, delivering 700 hp through contra-rotating dual propellers.

The stepped hull accelerates strongly, cruises efficiently at around 30 knots and reaches approximately 44 knots.

The result is a fast, refined RIB designed for much more than day trips.

This Ranieri Cayman video was published on THE BOAT SHOW YouTube channel.

Watch more videos of this Italian brand on RIBsONLY.com: The Italian Ranieri International.

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