Until when is a RIB a RIB? At first glance, the Tecnorib Pirelli 50 doesn't look much like an inflatable boat, although rubber is obviously part of its design. The tyre tread amidships on the inner tube is a kind of seal of approval from the Italian tyre manufacturer. The somewhat different anti-slip coating can also be found on the hatch of the foredeck. The Milan-based tyre manufacturer, which is probably also known to many for its famously popular calendars, has been cooperating with the Italian Tecnorib shipyard since it was founded in 2005.
Design with a yacht look
The 15.20 metre long Hyper-RIB has a width of 4.70 metres thanks to the all-round polyester cushion. The GRP hull of the Pirelli flagship was designed by Ocke Mannerfelt from Sweden, who has been using stepped hulls for 35 years and has been part of various successful powerboat campaigns. The design by his son Ted Mannerfelt is the reason for the yacht-like appearance. The aerodynamically shaped windscreen and the cockpit coaming in the style of a sports car stern are unusual for rigid-hull inflatable boats. However, the performance and agility are typical for this class.
Motorisation of the Pirelli 50
The motorisation of the Pirelli 50 is chosen by the customer, with the construction designed for inboard or outboard engines. Equipped with two Mercury V12 600s, each with 441 kilowatts, it can exceed the 50-knot mark in good conditions. The Simrad display, which is synchronised with the engines, and the electronic control system offer driving comfort. The outdoor galley behind the centre console and an open cabin in front of and behind the shower room in the centre of the hull sweeten the short trips.
Tecnorib is asking 880,000 euros for the Pirelli 50, excluding engines and VAT. The standard equipment includes an outdoor shower, two fridges, an electric windlass and a cockpit bimini.
