The 4.50 metre long RIB ZAR 43 is black and white: black hull, white interior. These colours have properties that the Italian designers have taken advantage of. A light-coloured surface does not heat up as much in the sun as a dark one. On the other hand, a black hull is more resistant to dirt than a white one.
The bow and stern areas of the boat are separated by the centre console; it offers space for up to seven people. The seating can be converted into sun loungers in a few simple steps, which then offer a 1.05 x 1.30 m sunbathing area in the bow and 1.20 x 1.30 m in the stern. Provisions and equipment can be stored in two lockable and generously sized storage compartments at the front of the boat and under the rear bench.
Sitting on the latter, you have a good view of the engine instruments, switches and compass. The Yamaha single-lever gearstick is just as smooth as the cable steering. Our test boat was powered by a Yamaha E70 in the long shaft version. This draws its power of 70 hp from a displacement of 996 cc.
The manufacturer specifies the full load speed range as 5300-6300 rpm. Yamaha offers a total of 23 propellers for tuning the boat and engine for the E70; the 3-x-13 ¼"-x-17" aluminium propeller was fitted for our boat test.
At full speed, the rev counter showed exactly 6000 rpm. The maximum speed in the optimum trim position was 34.6 knots. At this speed, the ZAR willingly follows the skipper's steering movements. We did not notice any stern bobbing - an indication that the ZAR is not overpowered at 70 hp. According to the CE plate, outboards up to 90 hp are allowed on the transom.
The ZAR 43 manages the transition from displacement to planing speed between 2000-3000 rpm. The bow rises only slightly - the straight-ahead view is maintained. We measured 3500 rpm as the lowest planing speed.
The boat travels economically at 4000 rpm or 21 knots, and the 100-litre fuel supply enables a non-stop journey of 176 nm until the 15% reserve is used up. This means that 0.48 l/sm of Super flows through the engine's injection nozzles. If you drive at full throttle the whole time, the range is reduced to 136 nm - an average consumption of 0.63 l/sm.
During fast manoeuvres, the RIB glides around every bend without rocking or bobbing; it is obvious that the engine should be trimmed to the transom. The Italian masters ever tighter circles with ease, the hull brakes slowly and does not catch. However, like in a sports car, the skipper and crew are exposed to high lateral forces before the propeller draws air.
If the engine is still in cruising trim, the propeller ventilation will quickly bring the circling to an end. In this case, pull back the throttle and start again. On the imaginary slalom course, the ZAR immediately converts every steering movement into a course change - inland waterway waves were used for our "rough water test". Conclusion: The hull set in gently, the spray water was deflected very well by it and the two support hoses. The latter have a total of 6 air chambers and are made by hand from CSM.
But the ZAR also masters the "slow pace": manoeuvring at low speed is easy; turning circles of 1 ½ boat lengths to starboard and port underline this statement. During fast displacement sailing at around 6 knots, the skipper occasionally has to correct the course - a typical glider phenomenon.
Safety is a top priority at Formenti. For example, there is a fire port in the console to be able to extinguish a fire on the fuel tank in an emergency. The tank and tank cap are also equipped with a cable for potential equalisation. A continuous anti-slip structure throughout the entire boat ensures safe movement; there are numerous handholds to hold on to.
Conclusion: The ZAR 43, equipped with the Yamaha E70, is great fun. Both beginners and experienced skippers who want to be sporty and comfortable when travelling will find the RIB a good companion. For the price of 31,600 euros, you get a very well-built boat. However, we criticise the fact that the standard scope of delivery does not include a bimini top or harbour tarpaulin, as well as the lack of a bilge pump, fire extinguisher and navigation lights.
