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Category: Adam Younger – naval architect

Salpa Soleil 52 in Action 1800 hp of Pure Thrill

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

Rare: a Salpa Soleil 52 in Action!

Maxi ribs are large inflatable boats, but their finishes, style, and size increasingly resemble yachts. That’s why they’re called crossovers.

The Salpa Soleil 52 is a luxury maxi rib that combines yacht-like elegance with high performance.

It measures over 50 meters long and nearly 5 meters wide. It features a sleek, harmonious design with a double-curved tube and a mirrored deck line.

Salsa Soleil 52 in Action post image afloat @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat
Salpa Soleil 52 in Action – afloat

The walk-around deck ensures full perimeter access, while safety elements like grab rails and handrails enhance stability.

The carbon hardtop, LED lighting, and convertible sunbed design a stylish and functional space.

A fully equipped kitchen and premium seating complement this space.

Below deck, the cabin offers two beds, a toilet, and ample storage. The interior boasts high-end materials and yacht-level luxury.

Designed by renowned naval architect Adam Younger, and member of RIBs ONLY, the Salpa Soleil 52 is built for both speed and efficiency.

The video also showcases the Salpa Soleil 52 in action when it is powered by three Yamaha 450 hp engines, with an astonishing maximum of 1,800 hp. It planes at 12 knots.

The hull minimizes resistance, optimizing fuel efficiency at cruising speeds of 20-28 knots while maintaining a stable and smooth ride.

The automated trim system continuously adjusts for optimal handling, ensuring effortless control at all speeds.

The boat delivered an exhilarating top speed of 45 knots. You find the specs below.

I recently published an article summarizing and featuring videos of Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) that are 15 meters or longer. You can read it here.

This video was published on the Boat Show YouTube channel.

Specs

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About the Enigma Hull Tech by Debbie Hood (CEO)

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate
It’s not Enigma hull but it demonstrates the hydrodynamic effect which is great to understsnd and view @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat
It’s not the Enigma hull but it demonstrates the hydrodynamic effect which is great to understand and view

>> 2 minutes read time

About the Enigma Hull Tech and Style

Earlier, I’ve written about this British built super RIB Enigma here on RIBsONLY.com but this article is more focused on the R&D (Research and Development).

Deep V-Hulls have always suited high-performance craft.

The hydrodynamic airflow through steps along the hull draws air under the boat. This creates the bubble effect that assists easier ride flow.

At Enigma Powerboats, founder Debbie Hood and her team have taken that technology to the next level.

Through years of endurance race-proven testing, Enigma has developed outstanding expertise.

Their passion for transferring supercar streamlining technology and design style to the super RIB market drives their innovation.

Enigma is proud to provide the safest, most comfortable, and easiest-to-handle high-quality built Super RIB to the market.

In addition, each build is tailored to the client’s specific sea environment, weather, and heat.

The team ensures every part of Enigma is hand-built for longevity in that environment.

Debbie Hood Shares the Following with Us

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The Enigma Powerboat Rocks!

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate
Enigma powerboat @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat

The Intriguing Enigma Powerboat

Do you know that persistent itchy feeling that won’t go away?

That’s how I felt when I first saw the renderings, images, and later the videos, of this British-built RIB Enigma powerboat.

I was completely overwhelmed. I’ve seen many RIBs in the past and have been impressed by several brands known for their excellent engineering.

The RIB looks slick, fast, and capable. The flagship model at this moment is the Enigma 38 Open Leisure. It’s a CAT B Offshore.

The hull design with a triple ventilated step was created by naval architect Adam Younger and Petter Martens of Beserk Designs also joined the team for delivering a great looking and functional RIB design.

Both are members of the RIBs ONLY community.

How I would love to get my hands on this powerboat.

Now, I finally have a compelling reason to renew my passport (since the UK is no longer in the EU).

It’s a stunning example of pure British craftsmanship, for which I have the utmost respect.

This is not the first post of this brand. You can find more about it here amongst others the specs!

Enigma Powerboat – Customize your Exciting Fast RIB

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

A New Kid on the Block: Enigma Powerboat

“The Enigma powerboat is designed to support pleasure on the water when socially meandering for family relaxation or at high speeds. You can read more about the expert Technology used to achieve this premium craft.” (Debbie Hood, Owner and CEO).

This Portsmouth based company was founded in 2022. This British designed and built high-speed Rigid Inflatable Boat looks already impressive and exudes class as well. No wonder if you know it was designed by renowned naval architect Adam Younger.

Petter Martens of Beserk Designs also joined the team. Earlier I’ve published a comprehensive blog post on this brand here.

For now, they are releasing one model.

Enigma powerboat technology @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat
The Enigma powerboat technology

Specs

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Cool Colour Schemes for Cobra Nautique 8.2m RIB

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate
The Cobra Nautique 8.2m Colour Schemes @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat
Different schemes

Different colours are offered now by a lot of RIB brands. This one depicts the possibilities of the Cobra Nautique 8.2 m Rigid Inflatable Boat, a well-known British brand.

In 1988 the brand started as a family-owned and operated business and has been independent ever since.

When it comes to variations, Penel en Flipo are the Orca makers and suppliers, located in Belgium, Europe. I wrote an article about their product here.

Penel & Flipo Orca Retail colours @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat
Penel & Flipo Orca® Retail colours

Proud to share that ORCA Retail is a Friend of RIBs ONLY.

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