Recreational RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) often have light-coloured carrying tubes and plastic hulls. The disadvantage of this colour: dirt is quickly visible on the light-coloured surfaces and makes the boat unsightly. Our test boat, the Valiant DR 620, is different.
On its grey surfaces (other colours are also possible), dirt does not stand out so quickly, but it does not look so friendly and is reminiscent of military and police boats. It is the first choice as a work boat for diving centres, water sports clubs or operators of towed bananas. But the Valiant is also a "good partner" for recreational boaters looking for robustness and inconspicuousness.
As is usual for "workhorses", their equipment is customised to the customer's wishes and only the hull, support hose, fittings, rubbing strake and fuel tank are supplied as standard. The dealer installed a wide centre console as the driving position on our test boat and a double folding backrest bench with stainless steel handrail as the driver's seat.
You rarely sit on the latter; instead, you ride standing up, leaning against the cushion. This is a driving arrangement that is particularly common on offshore boats that spend a lot of time travelling in rough water. In calm water, you can also sit on the bench, but then the 1.80 metre tall rider no longer has his feet on the ground, but has to let them dangle. The smooth and precise gears and steering are easy to reach and operate in both positions. Shortcoming: The bench offers no lateral support when travelling in a standing position.
No protection for the face The lightly tinted Plexiglas windscreen on the driving position only protects the lower and upper body from the wind, as the skipper looks over the windscreen and gets the full load in the face. The same applies to the co-driver, who can hold on tightly to the tubular frame and side grab handle.
Data sheet Valiant DR 620Shipyard:ValiantCE category:CVDisplacement:468 kgType:GliderHull and deck:PlasticLength:6.15 mWidth:2.15 mTest engine:
Mercury Verado F 150 L 110 kW (150 hp)
Test propeller 3 x 20" Enertia steel
Price:48.993 €
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