"Less is more" is often said. This is how the designers of Valiant (Brunswick Marine) probably also, as the entire Sport series with its seven modelsreduced to the bare essentials was developed. With a length of 5.30 metres, our Valiant 550 Sport thus offers - compared to the other Comfort and Classic model series - the following advantagesPlenty of space in the bowbut no sun lounger.
The shipyard envisages coastal waters as the cruising area, and the 550 Sport is categorised as C accordingly. The Valiant is approved forup to nine people or a payload of 1010 kg including engine.
TheThe shell of the RIB is made of GRP and the support hose with itsFive air chambers The standard version consists ofPVC. For an extra charge you getHypalon but then in a different colour combination.
The mirror should be fitted with aLong shaft outboardwhich provides propulsion. An output of between 80 and 120 hp is recommended. In our case, a Mercury F100 was firmly bolted to the stern. Including a full fuel tank and the engine, the test boat had a calculated cruising weight of around 580 kg. A braked 1000 kg single-axle trailer with a payload of 720 kg is then ideal for road transport. If you always make sure to trailer with an empty tank and storage space, an unbraked 750 kg trailer is also sufficient - provided you have the right towing vehicle.
The Mercury F100 accelerates the test boat with a full tank and three people on board to a speed ofMaximum speed from 38 kn. At this point it must be said that Beginner and beginners should not motorise the boat larger, but rather smaller (80 hp).
If the engine is trimmed up accordingly at full load, the RIB becomes unsteady and starts to chinewalk. Thisprances the boat repeatedly over its longitudinal axis. This behaviour increases the higher the engine is powered and the faster the boat is travelling with the drive trimmed.
TheReach At maximum speed, we calculated 92 nm for the boat-motor combination until the reserve is reached. You can go much further at an economical speed with an engine speed of 3500 rpm. In short, you can manage 138 nm until you reach the 15% reserve of the optional 95-litre fuel tank, which is available for €688. Not only theConsumption is lower at this speed (21 knots), but also theNoise level. Compared to full throttle, this drops by 11 db/A to an acceptable 82 db/A.
With theDriving characteristics the Valiant shows its good side, apart from the aforementioned peculiarity at full load.
The 550 Sport makes the transition from displacement to planing speed quickly, so that the bow only briefly blocks the foresight. When stopping from planing, the stern wave sometimes sloshed into the boat and initially caused wet shoes during our test drive. A situation that can be prevented by slowly reducing the throttle.
With regard to theSecurity the Valiant 550 Sport is equipped in two parts: the RIB has a blower in the underfloor area, where the fuel tank is also located, for example to extract dangerous petrol vapours. There is also a fire port to fight a fire using a fire extinguisher. There is also a fuel shut-off valve that can be operated remotely. A continuous anti-slip structure in combination with a retaining line ensures safe movement on board.
Incidentally, you can get on board via the support hose, which is fitted with non-slip rubber pads on both sides to ensure a safe step. The cockpit can be accessed outboard through two openings in the cockpit rear wall. If you want to close the holes, suitable plugs are located directly above the outlets in matching holders.
We found an electric bilge pump in a suitable place, in the bilge under the engine sump. However, we searched in vain for a manual pump. The same applies to a compass. Although there is a clearly visible place for it on the helm position, the standard equipment does not include a suitable "signpost".
Let's move on to theCockpit equipment the Valiant 550 Sport. The skipper and co-driver sit on a double bench with backrest and firm cushions. The RIB offers further seating options at the front of the driving position and on the bow stowage box. Then we come to the next topic:Dams. In addition to the aforementioned bow locker, there are two storage lockers in the helm position and a further locker under the stern bench seat. The latter can be locked with a padlock and is also where the shipyard has installed the battery box and main switch.
To theStandard equipment also includes the rubber and plastic bow fitting with line clamp and bow and stern towing eyes. The suitably dimensioned rubbing strake protects the support hose from damage when mooring and locking. Lines and fenders are attached to two handles on each side with cleat function or to the holding lines.
Conclusion
Thanks to its simplicity, the Valiant 550 Sport is just as suitable for beginners as it is for experienced skippers. It is important to choose the right engine in order to travel safely.
Data sheet: Valiant 550 Sport
Shipyard: Valiant - Rigid Inflatable Boats
Type designation: Valiant 550 Sport
CE category: C - Coastal waters
Material of hull and deck: Plastic
Length: 5,30 m
Width: 2,50 m
Displacement: 0,00 t
Price: 24.500,00 €
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