Protector Boats produces rough-and-ready high-performance RIBs that are steadily gaining more popularity among megayacht owners. In fact, owners are increasingly seeking something other than a simple guest-transit tender. They’re also seeking more flexibility in design and outfitting for these craft. In response, Protector Boats is offering significantly more customization than it has before, even down to the hull design.
New Zealand-based Protector Boats sells its RIBs globally through a dealer network, including in the United States. They fall into two categories, the Targa line and the Chase line, ranging from 25 feet (7.5 meters) to 41 feet (12.5 meters). Both lines are popular with megayacht owners particularly for the wide latitude in custom requests, but also for the performance. The 38-foot (11.5-meter) Targa 380, for example, can cruise upwards of 30 knots and top 50 knots depending on the engine-package selection.
Notably, Protector Boats’ range of superyacht chase boats have attracted the attention of the owners and crews of support yachts. Naturally, these large yachts are doing more and handling more than traditional white yachts. So, it follows that the tenders they carry press into service in much different ways. No longer “just” a boat to take guests to and from shore, they’re truly chase boats. Owners and crews want them to have more autonomy, for example, plus longer range, more versatility to handle different watersports, and better crew comfort. They further want more complementary aesthetics to the motherships.
The company currently has several in various stages of design and construction for delivery before the middle of this year. Some have new hull designs, to stand up to even more challenging and remote conditions, while others bear modified superstructure styling.
A good example is a Targa 410 (above) for a customer introduced by Ancasta Yacht Services, Protector’s European dealer. “This particular design evolution was driven by a client seeking an explorer-style chase boat for a charter adventure yacht,” says Andy Andrews, Protector Boats’ brand manager at Ancasta Yacht Services. Among the extensive custom requests, solar panels (also above) will augment autonomy on extended trips. The cabin will have higher headroom and a modified raked windshield. SHOXS Helmaster shock-mitigation seating is coming aboard for the crew and guests as well. Furthermore, the Targa 410 Expedition will carry multiple kayaks, SUPs, and other watertoys on a tailored roof rack. For even more enjoyment, the sound system represents a significant upgrade, for music in every corner of the boat.
Finally, another custom superyacht chase boat is going to the owner of a Damen Yacht Support project accompanying a far larger megayacht. The owner selected the Targa 310 Chase Boat to support lots of watersports, but also for housing crew overnight. She contains a compact galley and her own freshwater washdown system, among other features. She also color-matches her motherships—the support yacht and the main yacht.
Ancasta Yacht Services ancasta.com/yacht-services
Protector Boats protectorboats.com
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