Explorer Ballistic XP80 the Ultimate Adventure RIB?
Alex Smith from Motor Boat & Yachting takes a deep dive in the Rigid Inflatable Boat from Ballistic RIBs.
Ballistic Ribs has gained fame for its sea-going boats built to tackle South African waters.
The XP 80 stands out from traditional Ballistic models with its innovative design.
The RIB features a unique transom arrangement with a swim platform and low-level furniture, expanding deck space for leisure use.
It offers a convertible sun pad, spacious dining area, and a hidden berth for two.
The boat’s versatility extends to water sports, fishing, and storage options, including a paddleboard rack.
Powered by a Yamaha F300 engine, it reaches impressive speeds, of 50 knots but fuel efficiency varies with the cruising speed.
As an adventure RIB the model could do with a larger fuel tank. Check out more Ballistic RIB videos here.
This video was published on the Motor Boat & Yachting YouTube channel
Specs
| Overall length | 8 m |
| Overall beam | 2.5 m |
| Internal beam | 1.52 m |
| Tube diameter | 460 mm |
| No. of chambers | 5 |
| Tube material | Orca |
| Maximum hp | 400 hp |
| Fuel tank | 225 l |
| Weight (inc. trailer) | 2,600 kg |
| Maximum seating | 12 |
| Top speed on test | 48 knots |
| Fuel consumption @ 20 knots | 29 l/h |
| Range @ 20 knots | 124 nm |
| Noise: level @ 20 knots | 90.5 d(B)A |
| Price as tested: | £ 157,637 (inc. VAT, 2023 June)) |
| CE category | C |
