Italian performance patrol boat specialist FB Design has recently delivered two high speed RIBs to HM Customs in Gibraltar.
Capable of speeds of over 50 knots, these two RIBs are based on standard production hull designs developed by this Italian builder but they have been fully customised to meet the requirements of the Customs.
The inflatable RIB tube is attached to the hull with a patented boltrope system that allows the tube to be removed for repair or to be replaced quickly. The tube itself is protected by heavy duty rubbing strips to reduce the chance of damage when alongside other vessels at sea.
One of these Customs RIBs is fitted with a fully enclosed wheelhouse to offer protection on long endurance patrol duties. Inside there is the FB Design sprung seating for a six-man crew, which offers the option of a sitting or standing position.
This RIB is powered by a triple Mercury Verado outboard installation totalling 671kW. This gives a high chase and interception top speed and the 750-litre fuel tank capacity is divided into three tanks and it allows a long range when patrolling at lower speeds. The full load displacement including full fuel and the crew is 4.8 tonnes and the design has been sized so that it will fit into a standard 12-metrecontainer for easy transport.
The second RIB in the Gibraltar Custom's contract is similar but with an open cockpit shelter which reduces the full load weight to just 4.2 tonnes. Here the shelter and the crew seating is located further aft and the seats are the lighter sprung saddle seats again developed by FB Design with individual seats for a six-man crew.
