GEMINI Unveiled Latest Ranges of the New WR720

2023 GEMINI Unveiled Latest Ranges of the New WR720
One of the latest ranges of the new WR720

GEMINI Unveiled Through Press Release

Recently I published the news of the new GEMINI WR720 Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) with the very first official photos. You can find that post here.

And here is the press release of the new versions.

Latest Ranges of the New WR720

New to market and now available through the GEMINI Dealer network, GEMINI has just unveiled their latest Ranges of their newly launched WR720 model.

With various deck layout options, CEO Gerhard Neethling feels that they have hit the sweet spot for various market applications and customer specific options.

Attached are some of these options. One being the EU Leisure Edition with its classical lines and the other the uncompromising Gemini Stealth Adventure range.

The WR720 hull is based on the legendary Gemini WR880 and is built to the same uncompromising strength and quality standard as its larger sibling.

“With over 40+ years of fanatical focus on component strength and build quality has cemented Gemini Marine’s reputation as a top tier RIB builder. The new WR720 has been extensively tested and assessed over the last two years and we can confidently add it to our existing range”, comments Gemini Marine CEO, Gerhard Neethling.

The WR720 production line in Cape Town is now running at 100% capacity with the first boats being shipped to GEMINI Dealers in Australia, France, Thailand and the USA where they will be launched at perspective international boat shows.

“We feel that the 720 is the perfect size RIB that can cater for various applications and is suitable for numerous engine configurations. Not only have we brought this amazing new Hull to market, but we have designed and tooled up numerous add-ons and options for Leisure, Commercial & Professional applications”, Neethling concludes.

Checkout the slideshow below to see the latest ranges of the new WR720.


The GEMINI WAVERIDER 720

For more information or to organize a Demo – please contact GEMINI HQ or one of their Authorized Dealers.

Proud to share that GEMINI Marine and novi marine are very good Friends of RIBs ONLY.

Is the SuperRib Open 27 the Future?

SuperRib Open 27 Rather Innovative?

The video is again a job well done!

But I’m going to be honest. Whenever I read such a statement, in this case the “RIB of the future?”, I am more sceptical than usual.

Maybe you feel that way too because what is the future and how do you predict it?

Perhaps it’s a somewhat unfortunate choice of words and probably one to name as a differentiator from the competition for this SuperRIB Open 27.

I prefer to stick to “innovative” like, for instance, the new Mercury 600 V12.

I recently had the opportunity to experience this technology on a twin installation on a massive Technohull Omega 47. It’s really something else. More on that in a forthcoming article.

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Fascinating Versatile Gemini Rigid Inflatable Boats

Gemini Rigid Inflatable Boats @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat
Gemini Rigid Inflatable Boats used in many different sectors

Gemini Rigid Inflatable Boats

Gemini Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) offer comprehensive lifting solutions, from single point lifts to 3 or 4 point lifting eyes to fit with any davit or crane system.

The Gemini’s versatility makes it a great RIB for those who want to go beyond recreational boats and have the option of connecting to larger vessels and fleets.

Deployable in Many Sectors

Gemini customers have implemented integrated lifting systems across many sectors, including Sea Shepherd, SpaceX, oil and gas, search and rescue (SAR), defense, and superyacht tenders.

These cases come with their own impressive visuals that demonstrate the effectiveness of this lifting system.

Proud to share that GEMINI Marine and novi marine are very good Friends of RIBs ONLY.

Photos below by courtesy of James Myatt, Sales Executive Gemini RIBs UK & Ireland, Berthon Rib Solutions, Commercial, Defence, Leisure.

Are Rigid Inflatable Boats Safe?

A question that pops up regularly is: are Rigid Inflatable Boats safe? I did some research on this topic incorporating my own expreiences.

You can mitigate the potential for rough conditions and ensure that your crew will be safe by choosing a Rigid Inflatable Boat. These are built to handle everything from heavy seas to massive waves, and they won’t compromise safety or mobility in any way.

1. Rough Weather

If you’re looking for a vessel that can handle it all, remember that Rigid Inflatable Boats are hands-down the safest option for any boating adventure.

Trusted by law enforcement and other professionals of all marine sectors, they’re unparalleled in performance and hardiness. They’ll hold up against any weather condition you throw at them even in heavy winds or rough seas.

RIBs are also ideal if you need to transport large loads of people or equipment over long distances without compromising on speed or stability and because they don’t require ballast tanks like traditional boats do (which means no extra weight), they tend to be lighter than most other types of vessels as well.

2. Prolonged Work on Water, Search and Rescue

RIBs are the best option for search and rescue as well. They’re stable, fast and can easily onboard people to go out on the sea. Most importantly, they can be used in rough weather and help with rescue operations.

Rigid inflatable boats are safe and reliable because they don’t have a keel or rudder that can be damaged by rocks or ice. A RIB’s hull is made of fiberglass or aluminum. Carbon and or kevlar are a possibility as well: lightweight, strong but expensive.

3. RIBs Are as Safe as the Skipper is

Are Rigid Inflatable Boats Safe - Arjen Maan - novi marine
Are Rigid Inflatable Boats Safe? Photo courtesy of novi marine
Arjen Maan in the middle has an impressive palmares of captain licenses

If you’re looking for a vessel that can handle it all, go for a Rigid Inflatable Boat. The boat may be safe, but as a skipper, don’t compromise on safety.

The boat can be safe but as a skipper you’re always responsible for every life on your boat. So make sure to give a short but ferm safety briefing before taking off. Don’t swamp your people with information but a few necessary words are needed.

  • Provide information on wearing a life jacket and how it works.
  • When going overboard tell all passengers just to float on the back (a life jacket will help).
  • Make sure someone else knows how to start and work the engine in case you’re not able to.
  • No use of alcohol or drugs on board and no smoking.

Before you go out, make a list of all passengers, including yourself. This could be asked when you get checked. Lastly, appoint someone on shore who knows where you’re going.

Check the weather forecast beforehand as well.

I highly recommend nautinstruct for anyone looking for comprehensive safety advice when it comes to boating.

The site offers a range of helpful resources and guidelines to ensure the safe operation of your boat, as well as tips on avoiding potential hazards while out on the water.

4. Testing a RIB’s Safety and Robustness

Every RIB that will be deployed as a safety vessel has to go though some harsh tests as you can see in this video. Not advisable for the weak-hearted. Here’s another one of a bigger RIB.

It shows undeniably what a RIB can endure without any damage or sinking.

5. Conclusion

So, are Rigid Inflatable Boats safe? Yes!

Whether your needs are simple or complex, the right Rigid Inflatable Boat can handle it all.

From cruising around with family and friends to working on water in rough weather conditions, these boats have proven themselves time and time again as the ultimate choice for any boating adventure.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Do RIBs Puncture Easily?

This is a Rigid Inflatable Boat myth. Police, military and rescue teams operate in environments where possible punctures are at risk but still continue to resort to RIBs. They’re not easy to puncture thanks to the best tubes fabric used.

Do RIBs Capsize Easily?

This is without any doubt the biggest myth of all. The answers is no. They’re much safer than rigid vessels of the same size. The main reason are the tubes. They prevent the RIB from rolling over and have a stabilising effect to provide a smooth ride.

Are They Good to Go Fishing?

Yes, they are. Their great stability enables the people on board to walk around without the fear of capsizing. Also for pulling your loot on board, the fantastic stability is an absolute plus.

Can RIBs Carry Bigger Loads than Similar Rigid Crafts?

Absolutely. Check the loading capability in the description of the RIB. They often can have the double amount of people on board in open sea than boats of similar size that are restricted to sheltered waters.

How Fast Can a Rigid Inflatable Boat Go?

Because of their construction, RIBs can really go fast due to their deep V-hull ability to have big horsepower engines and light weight. Also know that going fast safely requires training. After all the surface of the sea or lake is never the same. Sometimes going slower is safer.

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