Peek into any megayacht’s tender garage or at the aft portion of the flying bridge, and chances are you’ll see a Novurania RIB. The popular manufacturer might just get a bit more popular now, as it has added three bow-ramp yacht tenders to its lineup. They’re part of a new series, the Novurania Chapman series.
While traditional RIBs are frequently floated right up onto the beach, the bow ramp on the Novurania Chapman series should come in far more handy for loading and offloading guests. The series name comes from the fact that Novurania collaborated with Victor Chapman, a Florida-based designer and toolmaker. Novurania of America’s president, Robert Collada, says that Chapman created a tight-fitting seal between the ramp’s opening and the rest of the RIB’s hull, a typical trouble area. Collada says the execution should hold up well to the frequent use by a megayacht’s crew.
The Novurania Chapman series includes three models from 22 to 28 feet LOA. Each has a deep-V hull, versus a catamaran-type hull that other manufacturers use. Not changed, however, are the inflatable tubes for which Novurania is so well know. If you’ve ridden on one of its RIBs, you’ll appreciate how the Novurania Chapman series models also employ the inflatable tubes as shock absorbers and spray deflectors.
Still need selling on the idea? Take a demo ride and flip the bow ramp down for yourself. Rides are available on the 28-footer at Novurania’s Fort Lauderdale retail shop.
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