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Category: Salpa

Big Salpa Soleil 40 Speed and Consumption Test

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

Italian Beauty by The Sea Team

The Salpa Soleil 40 is powered by twin Yamaha 450 hp V8 outboards, delivering a combined 900 horsepower.

The boat is homologated as a natante under 9.99 meters, without artificial design tricks to reduce length.

Test Results of this Salpa Soleil 40

At idle, the engines run at 500 rpm with a speed of 3 knots and a total fuel consumption of 6.5 l/h.

All data refers to the combined consumption of both engines.

At 1,100 rpm we reach 5.7 knots at 14 l/h

At 2,000 rpm the Soleil 40 cruises at 8.8 knots, burning 37.2 l/h

At 2,500 rpm the RIB starts planing at just 12.6 knots with consumption of 56.5 l/h.

At 3,600 rpm, the Soleil 40 reached 22 knots with a total fuel consumption of 94.8 l/h.

At 4,300 rpm, speed increased to 32 knots, with fuel consumption at 109 l/h, equal to 3.7 liters per mile.

At 4,800 rpm, the boat maintained 37 knots while consuming 195 liters of fuel per hour.

At 5,500 rpm, the Soleil 40 delivered 47 knots, with engines consuming 245 liters per hour.

At 6,000 rpm, the maximum speed reached 51 knots, with fuel consumption recorded at 260 liters per hour.

The stepped hull, designed with Adam Younger, ensured smooth performance, early planing at 12.6 knots, and excellent stability even in tight turns.

The boat features Yamaha electronic throttles, Sea-by-Wire steering, and joystick control for precise low-speed maneuvering and effortless docking.

Deck layout includes large sunbeds, a convertible dinette, wide passageways, and an interior cabin with four berths and a separate bathroom.

The Salpa Soleil 40 combines comfort and versatility with high performance, offering both 30-knot cruising efficiency and thrilling 50-knot top speeds.

This video was published on The Sea Team YouTube channel.

This RIB brand shows up in more of the posted Salpa videos here on RIBsONLY.com.

Specs

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Salpa Soleil 40 World Premiere Showcase

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

The Amazing Salpa Soleil 40

This Italian Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) is a versatile boat that combines comfort, performance, and innovative design.

Measuring 11.88 meters long and 3.80 meters wide, it offers generous outdoor and indoor spaces.

At the stern, two extended platforms with retractable ladders ensure easy water access and safe docking.

The modular stern sundeck can be transformed into a spacious relaxation area, while large storage compartments provide excellent practicality.

On deck, a functional outdoor kitchen with sink, burners, and fridge makes entertaining effortless.

At the helm, a Garmin display and Yamaha joystick allow precise navigation, enhancing both comfort and safety.

Moving to the bow, a wide sundeck with chaise lounges invites passengers to relax and enjoy the sea breeze.

Below deck, the layout features a large double cabin, a separate bathroom, and a guest cabin with two beds.

With air conditioning and refined finishes, the Salpa Soleil 40 is ideal for daily outings, family cruises, or charter use.

This video was published on The Sea Team YouTube channel. It’s one of my favorite channels!

Got a whole series on this RIB brand—don’t miss it.

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

Specs

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Open Door Weekend at BMC 14 and 15 June 2025

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate
Open Door Weekend at BMC 14 and 15 June 2025 @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat

BMC, the RIB HUB

Kris Deraedt, owner of Brugge Marine Center (Belgium), welcomes you to their June 2025 RIB boat show.

The company imports high-end brands such as: Technohull, Salpa, Capelli, Highfield, and Osprey.

I could easily spend an entire day there, taking in the intricate details of their collection.

If you’re into racing, there’s no doubt that Kris is truly remarkable to talk to.

Their showroom is open without obligation for everyone without an appointment between opening hours:

  • Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
  • Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00

>> Take a look at their presentation: This is BMC

Proud to share that Brugge Marine Center (BMC) is a good Friend of RIBs ONLY.

Contact

Pathoekeweg 126
8000 Brugge
Belgium
+32 50 31 35 87
info@bruggemarinecenter.com

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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Maxi RIBs for Maxi Wallets: the 15+ Meter Range

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate
Maxi RIBs Karel's AI white @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat
My AI vision of maxi RIBs – check out another one below

A Lineup of Maxi RIBs

Are you seeking the ultimate blend of speed, luxury, and sophistication on the water?

Or perhaps you’re just indulging your curiosity or dreaming about it, ‘What if I win the lottery?’

Either way, let me inspire you with this lineup of elite maxi RIBs. All are 50 ft or 15 m and more.

They are engineered for stylish relaxation enthusiasts and or adventurers alike.

Some of these impressive RIBs enter the category of “crossover boats”. A boat between a RIB and a yacht.

It’s no surprise that these maxi RIBs are often used as charter boats.

Certain brands and models go unnoticed. These include Novamarine, Sacs and others. This happens because they do not have the ‘inflatable’ designation in their maxi RIB model. Alternatively, they just fall short of 50 ft.

Let’s go!

Overview with Video Links Below

  1. L’Amphitrite – The christening December 10, 1960, in the port of Monaco with Princess Grace Kelly in attendance for Jacques-Yves Cousteau. It was 19.50 m long and 8.5 m wide. This giant Zodiac RIB was powered by no less than 8 outboard motors. It was equipped with a pressurized cabin for five people at the front. However, speed was not comparable to today’s performances, as the Amphitrite only reached about 13 knots.
  2. Anvera 200-S Racing – Anvera is an Italian brand known for its innovative design. This Anvera 200-S Racing is a 19.97 m carbon-fiber RIB. This “hyperboat” is capable of speeds over 70 knots.
  3. Anvera 58 – It has two 12-meter airfoil struts that outline the deckhouse, bridge and cockpit cover: a majestic but sinuous boat. With the terraces opened, it has a beam of 5.80 m.
  4. Anvera 55S – The 55S model is a sleek RIB made from lightweight carbon fiber. Its aerodynamic design supports high speeds. The luxurious deck space and cabin accommodations make it ideal for long trips or day cruises.
  5. Heaven 50 Akuma – This Italian brand has three maxi RIBs in their offer ranging from 50 to 80 ft. The Akuma is a special version by Kardis.
  6. Heaven – H55 – It is 17,30 m long and 4 m wide. It has a very special and unique design of the outside of the cabin. ‘De gustibus et coloribus non disputandum est’ … ‘There is no arguing about tastes and colors.’
  7. Heaven 80 – It is the world’s first Rigid Inflatable Boat to reach an extraordinary length. The boat measures nearly 24 meters. Below deck, the interiors rival those of luxury yachts. They offer an opulent escape. This redefines what an inflatable boat can be.
  8. Nuova Jolly Prince 50 – This 10 ton and 15.50 m long RIB offers a very deep V, has 2 double beds and is at this moment the flagship of the Italian shipyard.
  9. Ranieri International Cayman 50 hard top – At the rear of this 10 ton RIB, the sun deck conceals a practical garage for a dinghy, while the bracket conceals a convenient electric gangway.
  10. Opera 60 – The Italian RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) manufacturer Opera seems to have gone quiet in recent years. There is limited to no information available about its current operations.
  11. Pirelli 50 Mansory Edition – A premium version of the Pirelli 50, enhanced by Mansory for luxury and performance. It’s an Italian brand. Known for high speeds and custom luxury details. It combines powerful engines (up to 3 x 600 hp) with custom finishes. This makes it ideal for both sport and leisure. By TecnoRib.
  12. Redbay Stormforce 1450 – The 1450 is a 15.5 m 3 cabin go anywhere RIB, built for the leisure market.
  13. Salpa Soleil 52 – This boat is a very luxurious Rigid Inflatable Boat. It features an elegant design and spacious decks above and below. This boat offers lots of comfort and cool style for weekenders.
  14. Scanner Envy 1500 –  The Envy 1500 is 15,20 meters in length and a maximum beam of 4,40 meter.
  15. Technohull Alpha 50 – The Greek built Technohull’s flagship is designed for high speed and stability. It features advanced hull technology. The boat is equipped with multiple high-powered engines. It’s renowned for smooth handling at high speeds, making it a favorite among thrill-seeking boaters.

All the Videos

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