"If the S585 didn't exist, it would have to be invented," says the homepage of Ukrainian manufacturer Aquaspirit. That sounds promising, but admittedly many shipyards would probably say the same about their own boats. We set off for Wilhelmshaven on the North Sea with corresponding excitement. When we arrive, the dinghy is already in the water. The Jade is showing its supposedly best side with almost double-digit air temperatures, winds of over 20 knots and a choppy wave - perfect weather for putting a RIB through its paces.
It is still rain-free, so we start the sea trial immediately. We pass the moored rescue cruiser "Peter Habig" at 1000 rpm. The Aquaspirit is travelling straight ahead and doesn't start to lurch. Outside the harbour, we accelerate and head north towards Outer Jade. The boat remains stable even at higher speeds. We start planing at around 3000 revolutions per minute.
What the Aquaspirit S585 stands out
What is immediately noticeable is that it sounds different when you drive through the shaft. This is because the hull is not made of plastic like most RIBs, but of four millimetre thick aluminium. It is also double-walled and the cavity between the layers is filled with foam. According to the shipyard, this should make the boat unsinkable.
It swallows small waves with ease, and even the higher swell of container ships is no problem. The Aquaspirit easily jumps over them and gently returns to the water. If you turn tight circles or steer abruptly from port to starboard, exactly what you want happens. Even if you overdo it with the steering angle, the S585 conveys this: Nothing upsets me. This may be a challenge for inexperienced drivers at first, but experienced skippers will have fun with this manoeuvrability - and let's be honest, for many, that's part of the fun of a rigid-hull inflatable boat.
If you take a sporty turn at over 25 knots and try to make the tightest possible circles, the boat literally turns on the spot. If the engine trim is all the way down, the propeller doesn't draw any air. You almost feel like you're on a jet ski.
Typical for boats with an outboard engine, the turning circle with the engine engaged is around 1.5 boat lengths forwards and backwards.
Driving values
At 4000 revolutions per minute and a speed of 24.3 knots, we calculate economic gliding speed. The S585 consumes around 16.3 litres per hour. If you deduct 15 percent reserve from the 132 litre tank, the fuel lasts for 167 nautical miles. A decent value. The low fuel consumption is favoured by the low weight (around 1000 kilograms with the 140 hp Suzuki outboard).
Incidentally, the Japanese engine is electrically clutched. Steering, on the other hand, is hydraulic, although this is subject to an extra charge. The steering is well tuned and not stiff. We drive back to the harbour and inspect the Aquaspirit S585 from the outside. How could it be otherwise, this RIB also has inflatable hoses. They have a diameter of 50 centimetres and are D-shaped. They are attached to the hull with piping rails and are easy to replace. If you opt for Hypalon Orca instead of PVC tubes, you will probably enjoy your first set of tubes for several years longer. However, this extra will cost the owner around 5040 euros extra. The colour is then freely selectable.
The underwater hull has welded seams inside and out and is also fitted with longitudinal and transverse reinforcements, which makes the boat particularly rigid. You can choose between the CC version we tested, i.e. with a centre console, and the version with a double console (DC). The latter costs just under 500 euros extra. All options such as T-top, bow table and sound system are extras.
Measurement results
The deck layout of the Aquaspirit S585
Now to the deck layout of the Aquaspirit S585: In the foredeck there is a seating area with the aforementioned additional bow table. This has four recesses for cup holders. The cushions for these must also be paid for. If you buy them separately, the entire bow area between the steering position and the bow can be converted into a sunbathing area. The stern area is equipped with a small double bench, the driving position and the steering position. The latter has a Simrad plotter and all the important instruments.
In general, the finish is somewhat rougher than on a GRP boat. This is because all parts are welded and not laminated and filled. All weld seams are high-quality handwork. There is storage space under the benches and at the helm. An aluminium stern bracket with white rotating beacon as a position light is also available on the accessories list.
In conversation with yacht dealer Sascha Mende from Yachtcharter Hooksiel, we learn that the boats are also used by the armed forces of various nations as multi-purpose boats and for transporting combat troops. The Ukrainian navy is also said to have been involved in the design. Even if the hull is full of water and the hoses burst, it should still be buoyant and transport up to eight people safely to their destination. These were just some of the many requirements for the design. These features are clearly demonstrated on the Aquaspirit YouTube channel.
Aquaspirit offers a three-year manufacturer's warranty on the S585. Thanks to the boat's low weight, it can also be towed by car and does not necessarily need a permanent mooring in the water.
Conclusion
The Aquaspirit S585 is a real little rocket. The 140 hp on the test boat gives it a top speed of 38 knots. The build quality is good. We particularly liked the handling of the Ukrainian RIB. A real fun maker, not just for a family outing at the weekend.
Advantages
- + Sporty driving
- + Easy manoeuvring
- + Clean weld seams
Technical data
- Length over everything: 5,85 m
- Width: 2,45 m
- Hose diameter (D-shape): 0,5 m
- Payload: 1050 kg
- Persons max: 8
- Weight (CC/DC): 640/650 kg
- Hose sections: 6
- Recommended motor power: 140 HP
- Maximum motor power: 150 HP
- Shank length: 635 mm (XL)
- Hose material: PVC or Hypalon, g/m2 1300
- Hull: Aluminium 4mm EN AW 5083 H111
- CE Category: C
- Price (basic equipment without motor): 29 000 €
- Further information: aquaspirit-germany.de
