Ballistic RIBS launch new 7.8m dive RIB at GO Diving Show 2019

Ballistic RIBS is branching into the diving world with the launch of a new, purpose designed 7.8m dive RIB.

The British-designed, Ballistic RIBs are renowned for their high-performance, superior load-carrying capacity and high-quality finish.  Having built a solid reputation for quality, durability and performance in the leisure RIB market, the move into the dive market is a natural step.

Sales Director, Tom Sanderson comments: “We’ve had a number of dive centre clients retro-fitting their Ballistic RIBs for commercial diving and charter vessels. The boats have phenomenal handling and speed, as well as being particularly stable which makes them very useful dive boats.  We’ve always offered flexible layouts and equipment for our commercial boats, so creating a specific dive model is an exciting new stage in Ballistic’s development.”

The 7.8m dive RIB has a generous 2.5m beam, giving plenty of capacity for divers and their equipment. Its deep V-shaped hull creates excellent sea-keeping and handling in choppy waves, and the reverse scalloped hull chines deflect spray creating one of the driest RIB rides on the market. Large, low Hypalon tubes are positioned to skim just above the water, which adds stability, both at speed and at anchor.

The central double steering console is designed to ensure plenty of room to walk past each side, as well as giving the driver a clear all-round view of the water for collecting divers.  The throttle is mounted on top of the console avoiding any risk of being accidentally knocked by people brushing past.

Behind the console, four jockey seats mean divers can travel out and back in more comfort and safety, and do not have to perch on the tubes.  A neat stainless-steel tank rack for six cylinders sits at the back of the boat. A variety of customisation options for more tanks or alternative seating are available too.

Additional seating comes from a large two-person bench seat in front of the console, and the elongated bow has long bench seating either side. This open area is the perfect space for briefings, getting kitted up and rolling into the water.  Below all the seats there’s ample storage capacity for fins, masks and spare kit too.

There’s even a removable picnic table and infill cushion seat, giving somewhere to eat, drink or chill out during your surface interval.

The Ballistic 7.8m comes fitted as standard with a double stainless-steel A-frame holding the navigation lights, VHF aerial and with two extremely bright flood lights, ideal for night diving.  The console holds the steering compass, Yamaha digital engine gauge, Garmin echoMAP, Garmin 100i VHF radio and Fusion marine stereo system.  A detachable stainless-steel boarding ladder makes climbing back aboard in your diving gear much easier too.

A Yamaha four-stroke 300 HP outboard will hit 50 knots with ease, and the 7.8m can be fitted with twin 200HP outboards if more power is required. The 225-litre, underfloor fuel tank, gives you plenty of range for multiple dive trips.

All Ballistic RIBs come with a comprehensive, no-nonsense five-year guarantee, and a one-year guarantee for electronics.

For a boat ready to go, including a twin-axle roller trailer, console cover, full boat cover, foot pump, life-jackets, and much more, the package price is £74,976.

Additionally, Ballistic is currently working on a leasing option for clubs.

Visit their stand at the GO Diving Show 2019, stand 51, Ricoh Arena, Coventry 22-24 Feb.

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