Ribbon 45 MK2A sporty carbon-fibre weekender

Martin Hager

 · 04.09.2026

Ribbon 45 MKII
Photo: Ribbon Yachts
The Ribbon 45 MK2 is the latest model generation from the Dutch brand. Together with the sportier Ribbon 45 S MK2, it is set to feature a lightweight carbon fibre hull, a range of propulsion systems delivering up to 1,440 PS, and a top speed of over 40 knots. According to the Dutch company, the first boats are already under construction.

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Ribbon Yachts is further developing its 13.79-metre-long series. With the Ribbon 45 MK2 and the Ribbon 45 S MK2, the shipyard is introducing two variants based on the same hull shape but differing in appearance. Whilst the 45 MK2 is described as an elegant open-deck weekender, the 45 S MK2 is intended to be the sportier version of this powerboat format. The shipyard has not yet published any specific details regarding deck layout, superstructure or fittings.

Carbon as a structural basis

According to Ribbon, the hull is constructed entirely from carbon fibre. For fast dayboats, this construction method is by no means a new solution: it is also used in the Sialia 57 with With its powerful electric drive, the concept focuses on the issue of weight.

The Ribbon 45 MK2 It is 3.92 metres wide and has a draught of 0.95 metres. Its deep-V hull has been optimised for high speeds and rough seas; a BOOTE test will reveal how the boat actually performs.

Diesel, outboard or waterjet

Ribbon specifies two Volvo Penta D6 DPI engines, each with 380 PS, as the standard power setup. Two D6 DPI engines, each producing 440 or 480 PS, are available as optional extras. The most powerful diesel version thus delivers 960 PS. As a further alternative, Ribbon is planning three Mercury Verado V10 engines, each producing 400 PS, mounted at the stern, giving a total of 1,200 PS.

The diesel versions are planned to be fitted with Volvo Penta Aquamatic sterndrives; according to the shipyard, waterjets are listed as an option. The D6-DPI range from the manufacturer extends up to 480 PS and combines a 5.5-litre inline six-cylinder engine with the DPI Duoprop propulsion system. The BOOTE test of the FIM 440 Regina with two D6-440-DPI motors.

Ribbon quotes a provisional top speed of over 40 knots for all configurations. Measurements relating to acceleration, fuel consumption, noise and range are not yet available.

Technical Specification

DesignRibbon Yachts / Ribbon + Partners
DesignRibbon Yachts / Ribbon + Partners
Overall length13.79 m / 45.24 ft
Width3.92 m / 12.86 ft
Draught0.95 m / 3.12 ft
Construction methodCarbon fibre
Hull shapeDeep V glider with 18-degree deadrise
Engines2x Volvo Penta D6 DPI 380 PS (Optional: 2x Volvo Penta D6 DPI 440 PS) (Optional: 2x Volvo Penta D6 DPI 480 PS) (Optional: 3x Mercury Verado V10 400 PS outboard engines)
Drive2x Volvo Penta Aquamatic stern drives (optional: waterjet propulsion systems)
Maximum speed40+ knots *
Fuel tank1,500 litres / 396 gallons
Water tank320 litres / 84 gallons
Wastewater tank100 litres / 26 gallons
Maximum payload1,250 kg
Maximum number of passengers14 people
ClassificationCE-marked, Category B

Plenty of provisions for a weekend on board

The diesel tank holds 1,500 litres, plus 320 litres of fresh water and 100 litres for black water. Its CE Category B classification and authorised passenger capacity of 14 underline its status as a spacious dayboat for longer weekend trips. The shipyard states the permissible load weight as 1,250 kilograms.

Ribbon talks of enhanced cockpit areas and carefully refined details. Until the test, it remains to be seen how much weather protection, storage space and overnight comfort the two MK2 variants will offer. For a 45-foot sports boat with the intended speed, it is precisely these points – alongside performance – that will be crucial for its subsequent classification.

The Ribbon 45 MK2 and 45 S MK2 According to the Dutch shipyard, they are currently under construction. The price, delivery date and venue for the world premiere have not yet been announced.

When it comes to a fast 45-foot dayboat, what is more important to you: consistent lightweight construction and speed, or greater protection and comfort on board?

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Martin Hager

Martin Hager

Editor in Chief YACHT

Martin Hager is editor-in-chief of the titles YACHT and BOOTE EXCLUSIV and has been working for Delius Klasing Verlag for 20 years. He was born in Heidelberg in 1978 and started sailing at the age of six, in an Opti of course. This was soon followed by 420s, Sprinta Sport and 470s, which he also sailed on the regatta course with his brother. His parents regularly took him on charter trips through the Greek and Balearic Islands. Even at a young age, it was clear to him that he wanted to turn his passion for water sports into a career. After graduating from high school and completing an internship at the Rathje boatbuilding company in Kiel, it was clear that he did not want to become a classic boatbuilder. Instead, he successfully studied shipbuilding and marine engineering in the Schleswig-Holstein state capital and focused on yacht design wherever he could. His diploma thesis dealt with the “Testing of a new speed prediction method for sailing yachts”. In 2004, the superyacht magazine BOOTE EXCLUSIV was looking for an editor with technical and nautical background knowledge, a position that was perfect for Martin Hager. The application was successful and a two-year traineeship was arranged. After twelve years as an editor, the editorial team changed and he took over responsibility for BOOTE EXCLUSIV as editor-in-chief in 2017. After long-time YACHT editor-in-chief Jochen Rieker moved to the role of publisher, Martin Hager also took over the position of editor-in-chief of Europe's largest sailing magazine YACHT, which is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, at the beginning of 2023. When he's not working on topics for the two water sports titles, Martin Hager likes to go out on the water himself - preferably with kite and wingfoil equipment or on a little after-work trip across the Alster.

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