RIB International
Review by Robert Avis 05, Shearwater 860

"A brand new vessel of the performance variety, benefiting from a classic hull with the additional attraction of an ingenious console cablin. Nice!"

RIB International cruise of a lifetime
A trip from Wales round Southern Ireland in our Shearwater 860, June 07

Writen by Paul Lemmer:

"Scorpion may produce gorgeous open cockpit cabin RIBS and Redbay their wheel house and soft-top versions for serious offshore applications, but Shearwater is the only UK built soft top cabin RIB produced specifically for the leisure market. This makes it unique and was the biggest reason for wanting it for our Irish cruise.

Having an open RIB that also has an optional weatherproof canopy coupled to a two berth cabin is a revelation. Instead of donning dry suits and helmets when the rain struck and the wind blew chilly, it was a joy to be out in the elements inside the snug confines of the cockpit. In fact when underway, the soft top even kept the passengers in the aft seat dry too. Because we slept ashore each night, we used the cabin as an immensely useful "glory hole" in which to stow all our kit, however it would have be possible to sleep two of the crew on board quite comfortably.
 
Internally, the small cabin is well finished, fully upholstered, has some storage sections, is well lit, plus it's central well allows for standing height - quite an achievement in a structure of this size and on a hull of this length!

On deck, the flexiteek finish provides an excellent surface and the design of the consoles etc ensures there is nothing to catch toes on when moving around in bare feet. The seating, both at the helm and in the stern works surprisingly well when underway and we were impressed with the ergonomics of the RIB generally. The wrap round helm design gave good protection even with the soft top down, and the positioning of the instruments etc all worked well. Up forward additional lockering gave ample anchor stowage made the foredeck a useful area of the boat, and with the longer cushion in place, provided a great "sun deck". 

The 860's hull is a Ring performance hull. It's scalloped chines aid speed. It looked after us well over the 800 mile cruise and coped with the various sea-states quite capably. Based upon the success of the sports 860 and in the great potential the makers see in the embryonic soft top cabin RIB market. The company are soon to launch a full blown cruiser version of this model. Here at RIB International we await this new development with eager anticipation, as we are sure that craft of this type represent the future."

Motor Boat Monthly - October 07

"A family sized RIB with plenty of pulling power" "Now fifty knots is fast on any boat but the 860 doesn’t give you that "I’m going to die any second now" feeling". 

"With a plethora of RIBS to choose from, is it possible to find a 28-foot version that flies along in comfort at 50 knots, features a two berth cabin and can still be considered a family boat? Bembridge Outboards thinks it has the answer with its 860 Shearwater RIB. The fast growing company on the I.O.W has for the past two years been developing Shearwater RIBS. Based in Bembridge, a quaint and sleepy part of the Island, well away from the frantic racing at Cowes, it has become a weekend retreat for many families from London.

The 860 was originally conceived with this clientele in mind and with a £63K price tag, it's undoubtedly aimed at the top end of the leisure RIB market. Sporting tapered tubes and a substantial console area, the 860 certainly looks up to the job. A comfortable u-shaped sofa aft of the spacious cockpit provides a good size social area for the whole family. Useful storage and a couple of drinks holders can be found just behind the helm seat. The latter is comfortable in the seated position but the boat really wants to be driven standing up.

Stowage on this boat is ideal. Underneath the helm seat is an ample dry storage compartment and beneath the forward sun bed hatch is plenty of storage for fenders warps and anchor. The bow is accusable via the narrow port side deck, which is a bit of a squeeze, although it does give more volume down below. One exciting feature is the solidarity seat complete with handrails, in an exhilarating "ride of your life" position just forward of the cabin.

Inside of the cabin is a good size with a basic but practical fit out. the two side seats convert to form a small cosy double berth. For the purpose of dry storage, or an occasional place for the children , its a perfect spot to shelter.

From the second of opening the 860's Mercury Verado 275 hp we were cruising along comfortably at 32 knots. At this speed the deep-vee cuts through the chop and small swell very well and it's a real pleasure to drive. Open the throttle fully and with a fair amount of engine trim the RIB quickly accelerates to 50 knots in under 10 seconds. Now fifty knots is fast on any boat but the 860 doesn’t give you that "I’m going to die any second now" feeling. With a weighing in at over 1.5 tonnes, the Shearwater moves solidly through the water. The cabin's extended sides also provide additional reassurance of safety and protection from spray and wind.

However the rest of the family in the aft sofa are very exposed to the wind so to avoid any fallouts, it's best to drop back to around 30 knots. A serious consideration when buying is observing how the craft performs at rest. By having the main seating area aft - where the beam is at it's maximum - and the chines submerged, the 860 is both quiet and laterally stable.

From the stainless handrails to the teak trim, the Shearwater is well finished and offers a high level of workmanship. Considering it's attention to detail, the Shearwater is good value and competitors such a Scorpion and revenger should look out for the new kids on the block."

Conclusion: For a comfortable ride all the way to 50 knots, plus the bonus of a cabin!

Verdict: A high quality family day RIB with an impressive top speed and a good size cabin.


Sports Boat and RIB Magazine, test by Simon Everett Sept 07:
Three shears!

"Ever though your RIB ought to be easier to live with? Shearwater could be the answer. RIBS are very popular but they do have certain limitations. One of the main ones is a dearth of internal space when compared to a sports boat of a similar length and Jim Robinson plainly recognised this when he came up with the Shearwater concept.

With a young and growing family his personal situation requires a practical, safe, comfortable RIB, but he didn’t want to forego the ability to drive fast in the Solent conditions. His answer to the question was the Shearwater. It is a very good attempt at being all things to all men and comes with a pedigree backed by a racing success too!!

The basis of the Shearwater is Mike Ring's proven hull in its 25 foot format.

The three distinctive, full length, downward-angled strakes provide both dynamic lift and additional hull lift. They also grip the water when heeled over, giving a handling advantage over plane strakes. The high length-to-beam ratio is countered by the support provided by the tubes, making the Shearwater a very easy boat to drive fast, even in lumpy water. She is a little "puddingly" at moderate speeds but once on the plane she's a different beast altogether.

There is a tendency to react to prop toque or wind list, both of which are easily rectified by simply trimming her right out. The effect of all this trim is actually stabilise the boat where it would have others dancing all over the place. The feedback the hull gives you, both through her motion and through the wheel, is reassuringly positive. You can attack waves and the boat cuts through them like a cleaver, if you are brave; there is little that will put her off her stride. Simply believe in the hull and it will do its job. The boat feels very distinctive. It's totally planted on the water, as if stuck down by magnets and that’s basically the lower strake doing its job. Hauling the wheel over even at what might be considered reckless speeds; results in a clean, wide turn with the tubes touching the water for about a third of the hull. Turn as hard as you like and you are unlikely to see the prop let go, even once.

There are several engine options but the big Daddy Verado at 275 hp suits the boat beautifully, with the power and acceleration we have all loved ever since we first tapped into the Verado supercharger, its top entertainment. As you throttle on your eyeballs are pinned back in their sockets, you still feel that balance between performance and drivability is very finely judged.

The teak decking and biscuit coloured upholstery add a touch of class. Even the aft bench seat sets itself apart with its unusual U-shape and high padded back. Underneath the cushion, struts support allows free drainage aft into the well.
Sticking a cabin on a narrow beam RIB is bound to upset the purist and you might think that the lines would become interrupted but in reality, the low profile of the coach roof, ducked low behind the tubes, looks like nothing more intrusive than an elongated console. The practical benefits quickly overcome the stylistic compromise.

The aft end of the boat feels very much separated from the bow area, the cabin is a tight fit on such a narrow beam, so the " two halves" sensation is inevitable. To help ease the passage forward, the cabin is offset, which does give a few more inches between the cabin and tube, allowing you to get forward to the spacious foredeck with its double storage compartments under the forehatch. There is also a small rope well forward of the raised foredeck, so your bow line can be tucked out of the way without getting lost.

In the excellent concession to common sense, the foredeck is also is also fully cushioned, producing a jump seat and sun pad. The main centre of attraction always lies astern of the screen; the low profile cuddy barely protrudes above the tubes and hardly interferes with your view at all. Shelter is good too, as the screen angles from the coach roof and wraps tightly around the sides.

At the helm, the double seat folds up to give a full pad and leaning post, or down for those who prefer to sit. The cabin sides enfold the seating position and extend nearly to the seat moulding, making a very snug position, which is both well protected and very secure.

Standing at the wheel all is good; the dash is a two-tiered layout with flat panels for gauges and lots of flat space for retro-fit electronics. A stainless rail follows the screen round.

The clever folding spray hood converts the entire helm position into an enclosed wheel house with the option of leaving the sides and aft end open, or zipping it up completely. The spray hood can be used to make passage at speeds of up to 30 knots making the Shearwater an uncommonly versatile RIB.

The cabin is not big but certainly worthwhile feature as somewhere to hide from the lash of the wind or rain or just as some where to sit in privacy. It’s nothing revolutionary but on a boat of this length the combination of cabin, storage space, usable fore deck and cockpit cover is virtually unique. A couple could spend the night, or even a weekend, in here quite happily. As 8 meter RIBS go, you will struggle to find a weekender that makes more sense."