Brig Falcon 420 Tender: Trailerable inflatable boat for holidays and families

The Brig inflatable boatyard in Ukraine has been manufacturing rigid-hull inflatable boats since 1992 and quickly became the largest brand in its segment in Europe. Currently under difficult conditions and with limited quantities, as the factory is located in Kharkiv, i.e. north-east Ukraine. Currently, only RIBs are offered in four product lines with a total of 19 models. The Falcon tender series starts with the Falcon 300 and ends with the flagship Falcon 480. The tested Brig Falcon 420 tender is the second in this series.

Characteristic of the tenders are the practical GRP end tips of the hoses with steps, which can also be used by some models of the Eagle series as well as a GRP bowsprit with LED position light. In addition, a rear bench with backrest, a steering console with one or more flange-mounted seat cushions and, with the exception of the smallest model, a seat cushion with storage compartment in the bow. It is also possible to fit a jockey seat and dispense with superstructures. Although designed as a tender, the test candidate is of course still suitable for all other activities on the water. If you don't need a dinghy, but a solid RIB for family fun near the coast, this is also a good choice.

Solid hull that becomes cramped when fully occupied

The basis is a solid GRP hull with a deep V-keel. The hoses are made of PVC (HEYboat) as standard. However, chlorosulphonated polyethylene (CSM), known under its old brand name Hypalon, is also available for an extra charge and is considered to be particularly UV, temperature and ageing resistant. The material used here is Orca. The surcharge is 3750 euros. This is a considerable surcharge on the list price of the boat, which is offered without an engine for 8950 euros. The hose diameter is 48 centimetres and four air chambers ensure a high level of safety.

With its CE category C approval for up to seven people, two of whom have to sit on the tubes, the test vehicle is of course well suited for coastal use, which is a prerequisite for a tender. With an interior length of 3.20 metres and an interior width of 90 centimetres, it is quite cramped when fully occupied. If you only use the five seats, travelling is more comfortable.

Trailerable and many options

With an unladen weight of 170 kilograms without engine, the Brig Falcon 420 Tender is easy to trailer even with smaller vehicles and can therefore also be used as a family boat on holiday. From the 420 upwards, the tenders have an acrylic glass windscreen at the helm. The robust stainless steel bracket on the console provides good support and complements the loops on the hoses. The mechanical steering (optionally hydraulic) is part of the standard equipment, the compass is not. The helmsman receives the operating values from the outboard motor from the respective engine instruments.

The options listed include bow cushions, a bimini, Seadek flooring, a stainless steel equipment carrier, a 42-litre built-in tank, the all-round light, the sun lounger and a tarpaulin. A bathing ladder is also only available as an accessory.

Optional range of up to 85 nautical miles

The Brig Falcon Tender is approved for long-shaft outboards up to 44 kW (60 hp) with an engine weight of up to 112 kilograms. A Mercury F 50 with a 10.3'' x 14'' 3-blade aluminium propeller was bolted to the test boat. With two people on board, we reached a stable planing speed of 15.9 knots at 3500 rpm after nine seconds. Maximum speed is reached after a total of 18 seconds at 31 knots at 5700 rpm. With the 25-litre hand tank, we have a range of 50 nautical miles at an economical planing speed, with a reserve of 15. This is of course sufficient for a tender. However, if you want to use the boat for other purposes, you can also order a 42-litre built-in tank, which then enables ranges of around 85 nautical miles under the same conditions.

Fast circles can be driven with two boat lengths in diameter, slow circles for manoeuvring forwards with 1.3 boat lengths and backwards with one boat length. The very good directional stability and flawless handling are worth noting. Due to its low height, it can be a little more lively in waves.

Conclusion on the Brig Falcon 420 Tender

The Brig Falcon 420 Tender is a versatile, well-built boat that offers safe sailing characteristics. If high UV resistance is important to you, you should choose the hoses made of CMS material (Hypalon).

• + Good workmanship and driving characteristics
• - Compass only as an accessory

Measurement results

Technical data Brig Falcon 420 Tender

• CE category: C/7
• Length over everything: 4,20 m
• Width: 1,90 m
• Unladen weight: 170 kg
• Hose diameter: 0,48 m
• Clearance height (with T-top): 0,82 m
• Fuel tank: 25 l / 42 l (option)
• Max. motorisation: 44 kW (60 hp)
• Test motorisation: Mercury F 50 with 37 kW (50 hp)
• Price (boat only): from 8950 €
• Distribution test boat: performance-ribs.com