Powerplus awarded new RYS RIB

Isle of Wight-based Powerplus Marine is to build the new TT Boat Designs 6.1m aluminium RIB for the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) after winning the commercial tender

The new vessel, known as ‘Project-RYS#1’ is a 6.1m aluminium rigid inflatable boat (RIB), designed for a maximum speed or around 30 knots and with a capacity of 12 people. Powerplus will carry out the full marine engineering and electronics packages using in-house teams at its yard in Thetis Wharf, Cowes.

“The mandate to deliver Project-RYS#1 for the Squadron is very pleasing,” said Richard Pierrepont, managing director, Powerplus. “Project-RYS#1 employs the latest, highly-efficient and reliable four-cylinder diesel Volvo D4-225, turbo-boosted commercial marine engine attached to a state-of-the-art 247 Hamilton Jet.”

“The choice of jet-drive (over conventional stern or shaft-drive) fives greater manoeuvrability and less wash – a most important asset when close to other vessels in choppy, confined waters. It also allows RYS boatmen to work shallow waters, and also where tides can be fast-running,” he added.

The RYS says the new RIB is an important addition to the Squadron’s resources in its Bicentenary Year.

Powerplus says Project-RYS#1’s main aluminium frames are now completed at A&M Fabrications of Cowes, the main fabricators for South Boats and other leading aluminium commercial and leisure marine vessels.

Main agents for the project are Volvo Penta, Yanmar Marine, Mermaid, Perkins and Mercruiser marine engines, and Simrad, Furuno, Raymarine, Mastervolt and B&G marine electronics.

Delivery is due in Q2 2015.