The above proclamation is considered a negative in just about every football town in the country, and to a certain extent, being a fan of a powerboat on a sailing site renders much the same emotion. But times have changed, primarily through the phenomenon of RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boat), and now for a lot of sailors, powerboats actually appear to have some usefulness.

One of our advertisers here at SA, Raider Boats, offers a pretty complete line of RIBS, and I was invited out for a spin last week in San Diego Bay on one of their brand new Raider 900's. This is a 30' console model that has a 225 hp Yamaha 4 cylinder outboard. The thing just hauls ass; we were doing an easy 38 knots in the bay without even breaking a sweat, and while I am no powerboat expert, the boat seemed very stable and easy to handle. They really are fun.

The Raiders are built in New Zealand and appear to be very well thought out and nicely put together. RIBs obviously have a niche in the world of sailboat racing, and Raider is getting a foothold in a market previously dominated by Protector. With very similar features, and a significant price advantage, Raider must be considered as a very real choice for those in need of such a craft.

Hey, I'd like one. I guess I'd better get the Farr 40 first though…………….. Please click on the Raider banner for more info

More pics | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |

04/23/2003