The All New Smuggler 800 Elite Amphibious RIB

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

The New Zealand Brand: Smuggler Marine

According to Dave Pringle from Smuggler Marine, the 800 Elite Amphibious introduces a new interpretation of the premium RIB, combining luxury, innovation and all-terrain versatility.

Designed around customer feedback, the latest model features a repositioned console, expanded cockpit space, a wet bar, refrigerator, sink and integrated hot-water shower.

A 16-litre cylinder uses outboard cooling water for efficient heating without gas or electricity.

The new layout also adds generous aft seating with a live-bait tank, while preserving a spacious forward lounge.

Smuggler’s enclosed amphibious wheel design improves ride comfort, reduces spray and protects neighbouring boats.

A bow camera enhances visibility during beach landings, launching and anchoring.

Power options range from 250 to 350 hp, paired with the latest generation 3 amphibious system featuring automatic wheel deployment, garage mode and upgraded brakes.

During testing, the RIB cruised at 30 knots and 4,000 rpm while consuming less than 0.5 litres per nautical mile.

The result is an estimated range approaching 150 nautical miles from the 250-litre fuel tank.

As you can see in the video, sea trials confirmed the brand’s reputation for exceptional ride quality.

The Smuggler 800 Elite Amphibious remained dry, composed and comfortable in challenging conditions, reinforcing Smuggler’s position among New Zealand’s premium RIB builders.

This video was published on the Boating New Zealand YouTube channel.

More videos of this brand can be found here.

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MIAMI GOLD IS 42 Hard Top by The Boat Show

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

The Miami Gold IS 42 Hard Top Review

Miami Gold is a young Italian boatbuilder founded just 4 years ago.

Rather than pursuing mass production, the yard focuses on handcrafted RIBs built in limited numbers while continuously refining each model.

The Miami Gold IS42 Hard Top measures 13 m overall but is certified within the 10 m category.

It has a 4 m beam and features a computer-designed double-step hull, developed with hydrodynamic tank testing.

The range also includes Open and T-Top versions.

The deck layout prioritises safe movement with wide walkways, integrated handrails, generous swim platforms, and a practical cockpit.

The side-entry cabin provides two berths, while joining the sofas creates an additional double berth. A fully equipped galley with two refrigerators completes the accommodation.

Power comes from twin Honda V8 350 hp outboards.

During sea trials in the Gulf of Naples, the RIB cruised comfortably at 22 knots at 3,000 rpm.

After adjusting the trim, speed increased to 33 knots without additional throttle.

The test concluded with a top speed of 46 knots at 6,000 rpm.

The presenter describes the IS42 as a maxi RIB but that classification remains open to debate.

In my opinion, the term maxi RIB is better reserved for models measuring at least 15 m or 50 ft, placing the IS42 below that threshold despite its impressive dimensions and performance.

You get the drift when you read this blogpost: Maxi RIBs for Maxi Wallets: the 15+ Meter Range

This video was published on THE BOAT SHOW YouTube channel

The Italian company Miami Gold is a new brand on RIBsONLY.com. Check them all out here.

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TROPIDA Cosmic 39 Review: 71-Knots Luxury RIB

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

Look at This Impressive TROPIDA Cosmic 39

The Greek built TROPIDA Cosmic 39 Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) combines high performance with premium onboard comfort.

Measuring 12 metres long with a 3.65-metre beam, this luxury RIB accommodates engines from 2 × 300 hp to 4 × 500 hp.

The featured setup uses 3 × 450 hp Mercury Racing outboards, delivering 71 knots, while the shipyard claims speeds approaching 100 knots!

A stepped hull, ergonomic helm with three displays, spacious cabin, separate bathroom and outdoor galley maximise comfort.

Wide walkways, modular sunbeds and advanced onboard technology make the Tropida Cosmic 39 an interesting choice for demanding offshore boating enthusiasts.

This video was published on The Sea Team YouTube channel.

TROPIDA produces lots of videos, mostly shorts nowadays. The 16:9 videos you can enjoy here.

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

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Why Thames RIB Experience Chose YANMAR Engines

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

Yanmar Engines: Word From a Professional

Dean McGlinchey, one of the directors, runs Thames RIB Experience with his wife, Charlotte McGlinchey.

Their River Thames tours combine sightseeing with thrilling high-speed RIB action.

The tour passes the Houses of Parliament before racing beneath Tower Bridge at speeds reaching 30 knots.

Its custom Ribcraft RIB carries 12 passengers and 2 crew, powered by twin 8LV engines producing 740 horsepower.

The partnership with Yanmar, established in 2014, has proven exceptionally reliable.

One RIB has accumulated nearly 11,000 engine hours without replacing a turbo, injector, starter motor, or alternator.

The result is thrilling performance, dependable reliability, and unforgettable smiles after every River Thames adventure.

This video was published on the YANMAR Marine Youtube channel.

You can watch videos where these engines were used in RIBs: check them out!

Novi Marine Hands Over Hybrid Patrol RIB to Antwerp

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate
A Unique Gemini Hybrid Patrol RIB for City Harbour Antwerp @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat

A Unique Gemini Hybrid Patrol RIB for City Harbour Antwerp

Novi Marine (The Netherlands) won the 140 points long tender and officially delivered the very first and unique hybrid Gemini WR650 patrol RIB to the “Stadshaven Antwerpen” (Belgium).

A RIB or Rigid Inflatable Boat is a very safe high-performance motor boat.

The ceremony was attended by Antwerp mayor Els van Doesburg and city harbour master Werner Weijts, amongst others.

I attended the event and witnessed the handover of the 6.5-metre Gemini WR650 Hybrid.

The patrol boat combines a Yamaha 150 hp outboard with a twin Torqeedo electric propulsion system.

It operates electrically in urban areas and switches to petrol power for rapid interventions.

According to Novi Marine, distributor of GEMINI RIBs, the vessel meets the latest European emissions standards and prepares Stadshaven Antwerpen for future regulations.

Proud to share that Gemini Marine and novi-marine are good Friends of RIBs ONLY.

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