French builder unveils new foil-equipped RIB series

French boat builder Sillinger has unveiled a new series of semi-rigid inflatable boat fitted with foil surfaces to ensure low-resistance sailing at higher speeds.

The foils on each boat in the new 7.65- by 3.04-metre series are retractable, allowing these to be stowed when not in use such as during low-speed sailings.

Sillinger said that, when fully extended, the foils will provide a significant reduction in hydrodynamic friction, which will in turn result in fuel consumption reductions of as much as 25 per cent.

Each boat in the series can accommodate up to 18 people or up to 2,500 kilograms of cargo. Power will be provided by a single outboard engine with a maximum output of 223 kW.