Stingher 24 GT – Mercury V8 4.6L 300hp Verado
SEAFIGHTER Shadow36 – Twin 4.2L 300hp Yamahas
Stingher 24 GT – Mercury V8 4.6L 300hp Verado
SEAFIGHTER Shadow36 – Twin 4.2L 300hp Yamahas
SACS Strider 11 – 2 x 300hp Verado 4.6L V8
Those who continue to believe that the inflatable boats of the Italian school are distinguished only for their high level of design and for the great comfort they offer to the living onboard but lag behind in what we call ride quality, it is time to revise their opinion as in recent years our neighbors have changed their orientation by focusing on the design of deep V hulls that are particularly seaworthy even in bad weather conditions.
The price, of course, is translating into slightly higher consumptions and clearly lower final speeds, while at the same time greater horsepower is required, compared to narrower boats which in turn limit our comfort and movements on deck.
If we consider that the time during which we are navigational status is very short, while 90% of the time we use our boat is anchored in a marina or an idyllic bay with our loved ones, then our Italian friends are doing very well focusing more on comfortable living and entertainment onboard of a large number of people.
In this case, Strider 11 which is a semi-cabin inflatable boat that reaches almost 12 meters in total length, in addition to its comfortable cabin, offers huge spaces on deck which can comfortably accommodate more than 12 people while traveling and even more so when at anchor, while no one can claim that she is not capable of smooth riding in bad weather conditions when she measures 24.3 degrees of deadrise on her transom.
Starting from the stern area we can see a really huge U-shaped lounge which is the biggest gathering place of the Rib. The large 1.40m long table, with its side surfaces tilted, dominates the center creating a particularly comfortable dining area that can accommodate 8 people. With the capability of height adjustment, we can lower it and configure a very large sundeck for sunbathing and relaxation that, with a width of 2.30 m, can also accommodate many people.
Under the side cushions there are 4 individual storage spaces that can accommodate a lot of luggage while under the rear cushion is the stern hatch through which strategic points of the boat can be accessed and inspected.
The instrument panel, located to the starboard of the sliding door that leads to the cabin, is quite limited in dimensions, but it has the corresponding space to place a large navigation screen surrounded by the engine gauges and devices of our liking. Its height does not limit the visibility towards the bow while its inclination is ideal so that we are able to have direct visual contact with the indications of the instruments in any driving position.
The steering wheel is centrally located with the controls to its right, while just in front of it is a horizontal plane that carries all of the boat's electrical switches.
On the floor, between the helm seats and the cockpit, there are two large hatches that lead to two very handy storage areas.
Under the shadow of the beautiful T-top, which is made of carbon fiber, is the large wet bar on the front side of which the two individual driving seats are adapted. On its backside there is a tilting lid that reveals the sink and cooking hob, while directly below are two sliding stainless steel refrigerators with a capacity of 50 liters each one.
Two steps lead to the interior of the cabin that has a very large berth under which there are large storage areas. To the left of the head, which is of very limited dimensions, is the general electrical panel of the boat and very useful glove boxes, while to the right of it is the door that leads to the individual bathroom area.
With a length of 1.15m, a width of 0.95m and a height of 1.60m, it has a long, narrow bench where the sink and shower are located, while just below there is a large storage space. Provided that there is the corresponding space, we would prefer the bathroom window to be of a larger size both for better ventilation of the bathroom and for more natural lighting.
To the port and starboard of the cabin-console, 25-centimeter-wide passageways are formed that lead to the bow sundeck, which is also the roof of the cabin that is bordered approximately in the middle of the air chambers.
In the center of the sundeck, which measures 1.86m x 1.70m, there is a large round hatch that ensures the necessary lighting and ventilation of the cabin.
Further forward a small hard nose is formed which carries a tilting step that gives access to the windlass and the anchor’s chain.
At sea
On the transom of our test Strider 11two V8 300hp Mercury engines were mounted, the lower units of which were turning the 3-blade 16΄x 19΄΄ ECO Enertia propellers with 1.85:1 gear ratio. We were a crew of 3 with all the equipment on board and 250 liters of fuel.
We moved away from the shore and went out into the sea where the wind was quite strong enough creating quite high waves that were overcoming a meter high. The state of the sea was certainly not capable of causing problems for a Rib of such dimensions, but we were able to see the very good behavior of her hull as its deep V made sure to soften our ride.
The throttle response was very good, as was the stability demonstrated by the Strider 11 even in sharp turns we attempted. Everything showed that we had in our hands a boat with a very solid construction that travel safely and comfortably to distant destinations.
Despite the boat's great length, width and deep V, the mere 600 total horsepower was able to propel Strider 11 decently and without lag in any area, showing that she doesn't need bigger engines. Accelerations and consumptions were very good, as was the top speed we recorded if we take into account the small horsepower in proportion to the characteristics of the Rib.
The vessel was planning in 6 seconds after a slight rise of her bow and was standing on plane at 2500 rpm maintaining a speed of 13 knots. She was accelerating to 30 knots in 7 seconds and reached 40 knots in 13 seconds.
At 3000 rpm we were cruising at 17 knots burning 2.94 liters per nautical mile, while at 3500 rpm our speed was 23 knots with the fuel consumption dropping to 2.8 liters per mile where we also recorded the most economical cruising speed, with our ride being particularly enjoyable and relaxing.
At 4000 rpm we were running at 28 knots burning 2.85 liters per mile while at 4500 rpm our speed was 33 knots consuming 3 liters per nautical mile.
At full throttle we reached a top speed of 45 knots with the engine revving to 5800 rpm, but not reaching the maximum limit recommended by the manufacturer.
You can see the detailed measurements in the table below:
Taking a closer look at the table above, we will see that the slip values we recorded are very good in relation to the size of the rib, which is solely due to the design features of the ECO Enertia propellers we were wearing which match this particular hull very well.
Noting that the slippage we recorded at 5800 rpm is greater than that one at 5500 rpm, which means we over-trimmed our propellers resulting in their light ventilation, we recommend fitting the same propellers but with 2 inches shorter pitch so as to allow the engines reach their maximum rpm limit and at the same time be able to load the rib as much as we want without the risk of ever dropping below 5700 rpm.
Manufacturer:
SACS TECNORIB S.R.L.
Administrative headquarter: Via Don Locatelli, 49
20877 Roncello (MB) Italy
Tel: +39 0396885489
info@sacstecnorib.com
Hellas’ dealer:
iDYACHTS
Evaggelistrias St. 2, Glyfada, 16674, Greece
+30 210 9634973
info@idyachts.com
