Versatile RIB tender aims for all-rounder status

AMF's new 580 RIB can be customised on request to suit buyers' needs. Photo / Supplied

The latest offering from New Zealand custom RIB tender builder AMF has been designed to be as versatile as possible.

The new 580 RIB will be suitable for use as a superyacht tender, a Coastguard vessel, a search and rescue or pilot boat, a police vessel, for firefighting or military applications, or as a high-speed pleasure cruising boat, says AMF director Brian Collings.

"It is also the type of tender that owners who are serious about their boating and on water activities will appreciate," he says.

"This makes it ideal for expedition-style superyachts to use to explore shallow inlets and bays, go fishing and diving or going ashore hunting."

Although the first 580 RIB has been powered by a 200hp MerCruiser Sport Jet (giving a top speed of 40 knots), Collings says other power options are available.

"The tender can be fitted with outboard power from 115-150hp and with inboard petrol or diesel sterndrive or jet configurations."

The 580 has been constructed using heavy-duty plate aluminium and Collings says this allows AMF to modify the hull to suit any prospective buyer.

"We also do a 750, 900, 950 and an 1170," he says. "However, everything is relatively customisable on request."

Collings says the new 580 QRV follows the launching of the custom 915 RIB superyacht tender Mostrino II built for MY Karima.

"The 915 RIB was designed specifically around passenger transfer and spear diving and fishing with the owner also specifying a Caterpillar 450hp diesel engine with a Hamilton jet drive. The vessel also had to be no more than 2.25m in height for storage on the deck of the mother ship."

Collings says the 915 boasts a cruise speed of 27 knots and a top speed of 39 knots.