SEADELTA Diamond 36 – Twin Honda BF350 V8
Naxos 23 by ZAR Formenti – DF200AP Suzuki
SEADELTA Diamond 36 – Twin Honda BF350 V8
Naxos 23 by ZAR Formenti – DF200AP Suzuki
RIBCO Venom 40SC – 2x425hp Mercury V10
Venom 40 SC is the latest and most advanced addition to the RIBCO range, raising the bar in the 12-metre category to an entirely new level. Maintaining the company's distinctive design philosophy, the boat stands out with a unique and elegant profile that remains unmistakably recognizable as a "RIBCO".
The most significant innovation introduced by Venom 40 SC is the integration of a cabin, an addition that offers not only functionality but also a distinctive aesthetic appeal. The design team has successfully merged practicality and elegance, creating a boat that combines the virtues of an open RIB with the comfort and luxury of a cruiser.
From an ergonomic standpoint, the deck remains open and spacious, ensuring easy movement even with a large number of passengers onboard. Venom 40 SC preserves the dynamic character of RIBCO boats, delivering outstanding performance without compromising comfort or build quality.
In a category where design compromises are often considered inevitable, this particular 12-metre model achieves something truly rare: it combines the generous deck space and comfort of a large open RIB with the practicality and accommodation capabilities of a luxury cruiser, without sacrificing seaworthiness or its pure offshore performance character.
And that is perhaps the greatest achievement of its design.
From the very first glance, it becomes evident that every centimetre of deck space has been utilized with exceptional attention to detail. Despite accommodating a remarkably spacious cabin, two complete seating rows and a huge aft lounge, the boat maintains balanced proportions and a clean, dynamic silhouette. Nothing appears overloaded or excessive.
On the contrary, the layout radiates the maturity typically found only in exceptionally well-designed boats.
However, the feature that truly elevates this model is its hull. The new twin-step design, penned by renowned designer Lorne Campbell, successfully combines high top-end performance and efficiency with outstanding sea-keeping abilities and exceptional ride quality. The hull seems to glide effortlessly through the waves, delivering remarkably soft landings, stability and complete control even when conditions become demanding.
It is worth noting that the 40 SC comes remarkably close to the top speed of the Seafarer 36X while powered by the same engines.
Venom 40 SC is one of the most versatile and complete boats in its category, equally capable of serving as a luxurious day cruiser or as a top-tier chase boat for large yachts. This is, after all, one of the reasons why Ribco boats have established such a strong presence in the luxury tender and VIP transportation sectors.
From the moment one steps aboard the 40 SC, it becomes immediately apparent that the boat has been designed with a premium hospitality philosophy. The spaces, build quality and overall sense of luxury create from the very first moment that unique feeling of pleasure associated with dream days at sea.
Attention to detail is evident throughout the boat. Materials and finishing are of the highest standard, conveying quality and solidity, while the deck ergonomics have been designed to serve both comfort and functionality in everyday use.
The result is one of the most complete and impressive inflatable boats presented in recent years within the large luxury performance RIB segment - a boat that stands out not only for its performance figures but, above all, for the quality of the overall experience it delivers at sea.
On Deck
Spacious, meticulously designed and with a strong premium character, Venom 40 SC exudes luxury throughout every area of its deck. Whether at the bow, within the cockpit or in the large aft lounge, the overall onboard experience feels closer to that of a modern luxury cruiser than a traditional high-performance RIB.
Build quality and finishing are of an exceptionally high standard, creating an environment that offers genuine comfort while spending time at sea. Yet what impresses even more is the boat's overall ergonomics. Every area, surface and detail appears to have been designed with absolute functionality in mind, ensuring passengers can move around, relax and use the boat naturally and effortlessly.
The individual accessories and construction details also deserve special mention, many of which are designed and manufactured in-house by Ribco. This philosophy allows complete quality control while also enabling the creation of solutions that integrate perfectly with the boat's design and functionality, contributing significantly to the unique premium identity of the 40 SC.
To port and starboard of the cabin, particularly wide walkways lead forward to the bow area, where we find the elegantly designed sunbed extending approximately to the midpoint of the tubes.
The compact and beautifully integrated hard nose subtly covers the junction of the tubes, harmoniously blending with the clean lines of the bow. Its discreet presence does not burden the aesthetics of the forward section while simultaneously providing the necessary footing for safe and easy boarding or disembarkation.
The recessed cleats have been positioned with particular care, remaining fully functional without protruding or creating hazards during movement around the deck. It is a small but meaningful detail that highlights the importance placed on overall ergonomics.
At the rear section of the hard nose, a discreet hatch provides access to a compact storage compartment. Although modest in size, it proves highly practical for storing mooring lines and docking equipment, keeping the deck clean and uncluttered. Immediately aft extends the large forward sunbed, which dominates the bow area and creates an exceptionally inviting space for relaxation and sunbathing. At its forward end, another small hatch provides convenient access to the anchor windlass compartment. The anchor exits neatly from the bow entry angle and fits perfectly onto its stainless-steel support, creating a remarkably clean and refined appearance that reflects meticulous attention to detail and a very high level of craftsmanship.
The cabin is undoubtedly one of the strongest points of the boat and one of the main reasons it stands apart from its competitors in the large luxury RIB category. The moment one steps inside, it becomes immediately clear that this is not merely an auxiliary overnight space but a genuine accommodation cabin designed to provide comfort and hospitality comparable to that of much larger cruisers.
With a maximum headroom of 1.87 metres, it offers impressive dimensions for its category, both in terms of volume and overall spaciousness. The large double berth comfortably accommodates two adults, allowing the crew to enjoy multi-day escapes without compromise.
Particular attention has also been paid to the atmosphere inside. Natural light enters abundantly through the portholes and cabin openings, flooding the interior with daylight and eliminating the enclosed feeling often encountered in similar boats. The result is a bright and welcoming environment that promotes comfort and relaxation.
During the evening hours, carefully integrated indirect lighting takes over, subtly highlighting the interior lines and materials while creating a contemporary premium atmosphere. It is one of those details that not only impress aesthetically but also contributes significantly to the onboard living experience, giving the impression of being aboard a much larger vessel.
At the same time, the presence of a fully independent bathroom with shower and an impressive 1.92 metres of headroom significantly enhances the boat’s practicality, effectively transforming it from a fast day boat into a fully capable weekender with genuine onboard accommodation potential.
The twin independent helm seats of Venom 40 SC immediately stand out for their robust construction and exceptional comfort. Their wide backrests provide excellent support, embracing the body properly and delivering a reassuring sense of security and comfort even after many hours underway. Furthermore, the integrated suspension system, combined with height adjustment, allows both helmsman and co-pilot to tailor their seating position perfectly according to sea conditions and driving style. Equally important is the excellent lateral support they provide, a characteristic that becomes immediately apparent when the boat is travelling at speed or when the helmsman performs more aggressive manoeuvres. These are the kind of seats that not only enhance comfort but also contribute significantly to the overall feeling of control while underway.
The ergonomics of the helm station are of a very high standard, offering excellent visibility both towards the navigation instruments and the bow, even when driving from a seated position. The well-designed console and carefully considered cockpit angle allow the helmsman to maintain effortless awareness of all essential navigation information without taking attention away from the sea.
What impressed us most was the unique sensation experienced behind the wheel, with the entire boat seeming to ride high above the water. It is that distinctive premium feeling found in exceptionally well-designed hulls, where the boat travels with confidence and composure, providing the helmsman with a sense of control, safety and complete command of the sea.
Directly behind the helm seats is a large three-person bench beneath which the boat's two electric refrigerators are installed. This solution provides immediate access to food and drinks without compromising the clean aesthetics of the deck while keeping all spaces neatly organized.
Continuing aft, we encounter an elegant three-person sofa facing aft, perfectly integrated into the stern lounge and significantly increasing seating capacity within the main social area onboard.
Beneath this sofa lies a large one-piece storage compartment, built using double-mould construction - as are all interior compartments of the 40 SC - a feature that highlights the boat's exceptional build quality. The compartment is insulated and doubles as a third ice chest, providing additional autonomy and practicality during long day trips or extended cruises.
One of the first features that immediately captures attention aboard Venom 40 SC is undoubtedly its impressive T-Top, which is far more than a simple shading structure. Constructed entirely from carbon fibre, it integrates seamlessly with the console, creating a unified and fully protected cockpit that effectively shields occupants from wind and spray. The level of protection it provides is such that the boat remains enjoyable even during cold winter days, allowing owners to enjoy the sea throughout the year.
Its importance, however, extends beyond functionality. It is one of the boat's strongest design elements, perfectly complementing the lines and overall aesthetics of the layout while reinforcing its premium high-performance character.
The use of carbon fibre is not merely an aesthetic choice but also offers significant practical advantages. The structure is substantially lighter - by at least 100 kilograms compared to a conventional hardtop - contributing to reduced overall weight and a lower centre of gravity.
The result is improved balance and an even more refined ride, particularly when speeds increase or sea conditions deteriorate. From an aesthetic perspective, it is genuinely a work of art.
The finishing quality is exceptional, with every detail displaying outstanding craftsmanship. The clean lines, exposed carbon surfaces and the way the structure embraces the console immediately attract attention, showcasing the shipyard's technological expertise and uncompromising quality standards.
At the stern, a huge social area is created where the large U-shaped sofa, combined with the opposing bench seat, forms a lounge capable of comfortably accommodating more than seven people. This is the true centre of onboard life, whether for dining or relaxing while at anchor.
The central backrest of the aft sofa is adjustable and easily folds forward to create a very large sunbathing and relaxation area.
At Sea
Venom 40 SC of our test was powered by Mercury's 5.7-litre V10 425hp outboards. With a maximum operating range of 6,000–6,600 rpm and a 2.08:1 gear ratio, they were spinning 25-inch-pitch Revolution X propellers whose aggressive characteristics matched the hull design of this 12-metre boat exceptionally well.
With approximately 500 litres of fuel onboard, three crew members and all basic equipment, we left Anavyssos Bay behind and headed offshore in order to gain a more complete understanding of the boat's behaviour.
Weather conditions on the test day were particularly favourable, with no significant wave activity that would allow us to truly push the hull to its limits. Nevertheless, even when crossing our own wakes at high speed, the quality of the cushioning was impressively soft. The hull absorbed every landing with remarkable comfort, free of impacts or nervous reactions, transmitting a feeling of security and solidity to the crew.
It was one of those cases where, even without challenging conditions, the offshore pedigree of a hull becomes immediately apparent. The boat's behaviour left no doubt about its ability to cope effectively with rougher seas and long-distance high-speed cruising, providing the confidence expected from a genuine performance RIB.
The boat jumped on plane in 6 seconds, was capable of maintaining in planning mode at just 2,600 rpm while travelling at 15 knots, reached 30 knots in 11 seconds and 40 knots in 17 seconds.
At 3,000 rpm we cruised at 17 knots consuming 4.3 litres per nautical mile, while at 3,500 rpm we travelled at 22 knots consuming 3.8 litres per nautical mile.
At 4,000 rpm speed increased to 29 knots, at 4,500 rpm to 36 knots and at 5,000 rpm to 41 knots, with fuel consumption figures of 3.5, 3.4 and 4.6 litres per nautical mile respectively.
We therefore observe that within a cruising speed range of 29 to 36 knots, fuel consumption remains around just 3.5 litres per nautical mile, providing maximum fuel economy and therefore maximum range.
At full throttle, Venom 40 SC reached 59.4 knots with the engines turning 6,600 rpm while consuming 5 litres of fuel per nautical mile.
You can see our detailed measurements in the table below:
Without any doubt, the overall performance figures recorded during the test represent a highly successful setup. From the very first runs, it became evident that the hull, engines and propellers work together harmoniously, delivering an excellent balance between top speed, ride quality and overall performance.
Powered by twin Mercury Marine V10 425hp engines, the boat reaches 59.4 knots while delivering outstanding performance for such a luxurious and spacious RIB. For those seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush, however, there is also the option of the Mercury Racing 500R package, capable of pushing top speeds beyond 65 knots.
What I particularly appreciated about this boat is the fact that it maintains a properly balanced beam without becoming excessively wide relative to its length. This is a very important design detail, allowing the boat to remain faithful to the authentic character of a purebred RIB rather than evolving into an overly inflated platform resembling a plastic cruiser more than a performance RIB.
This choice plays a decisive role not only in visual balance but, more importantly, in the boat's behaviour at sea. Agility, responsiveness and ease of handling remain at a very high level - qualities that have always been among the greatest advantages of inflatable boats.
And it is precisely this feeling of control and liveliness that becomes even more valuable when sea conditions begin to deteriorate. A boat with proper proportions remains more responsive, more predictable and less tiring to handle, allowing the helmsman to feel greater confidence behind the wheel.
Undoubtedly, additional square metres and larger living spaces are always welcome onboard. However, in boatbuilding - and especially in performance RIBs - everything comes at a price. Excessive beam inevitably affects ride feel, agility and ultimately the very character of the boat itself.
And perhaps this is one of the reasons why this particular model manages to maintain such balanced and authentic behaviour at sea.
Manufacturer:
RIBCO Marine
178 Agias Marinas-Koropiou Ave., 19400 Koropi, Greece
Tel.: +30 22910 90800
Email: sales@ribcomarine.com
Website: www.ribcomarine.com
