The Ultimate Boat builds also cool sailing yachts. But we’re focussing on their impressive Rigid Inflatable Boats.
Let’s start with a jaw-dropping statement: “UB boats are built from the latest materials, utilising the patented and recyclable composite material DANU™, a super tough, hydrophobic composite that uses the same infusion bagging build methods as GRP and Carbon but is stronger and lighter than GRP.”
I believe this is a serious game changer! We will come to that later in an interview with Jeroen Wats, Technical and Innovation Director of Ultimate Boats.
Okay, now let’s take a look at their RIBs.
Ultimate Boats’ rigid inflatable boats have a length from 7.5 m to 16 m as we speak. They’re divided into different areas of application: offshore, professional, coastal, seafari, search and rescue, X-craft (high performance craft) and tactical.
The renowned Naval Architect John Moxham designed the hulls. He has an illustrious career in the marine industry, from designing military high-speed craft through to creating the UK’s fastest RNLI lifeboat (E-Class Mark I).
He fundamentally redefined the way a planing hull interacts with the water, positioning the company at the forefront of hull design and powerboat building.
What immediately caught my attention within the offshore category is that they have a 16 m RIB weighing in at 13,000 kg they call “Beast”. The wheelhouse has a surface of a staggering 18 square meter. The payload is 4 metric tons and the deck space is 21 square meter. Do I want to meet that RIB!
The tactical (M-Class) vessels are restricted for use by military, law enforcement, Special Forces and Government sales only, and are subject to export licences and related permits. So not much information there for obvious reasons.
The manufacturing team are led by Master Craftsmen working with precision tooling to create boats they are proud to put their name to. In fact, they do – each boat has the name of the lead Master Craftsmen on the UB makers plate. Awesome!
