The performance of the shearwater rib is outstanding, fitted with a any of the various outboards will give the boat a really super turn of speed through the water. 

Motor Boat Monthly - October 07

"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." 

Sports Boat and RIB Magazine, test by Simon Everett Sept 07

"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."

A trip from Wales round Southern Ireland in our Shearwater 860, June 07

"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. "