Arksen Launches An Ultra-luxurious, High-Performance Expedition RIB
Venture that little bit further in this racy RIB, due to launch in April.
Arsken 8: A Family-Friendly Boat Designed For Playing In The Wild
For a long time, Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) have been overlooked, perceived as a functional and utilitarian vessel designed for rescue or lifeboat missions, coastal watersports, and as tenders used to get ashore from moored sailing boats or yachts at anchor. However, the RIB segment has rapidly grown in North America in recent years since newer models now combine some of the creature comforts and features found on pocket cruisers, while the price point remains extremely cost-friendly.
Arksen has announced the launch of its Discovery Series, a fleet of premium open adventure RIBs ranging between 20 ft to 40 ft. Due to launch in April, the first model is the luxurious Arksen 8. The sporty luxurious RIB comes in two designs: luxury tender or leisure boat designed for adventure. The 26-footer (8-meter) spacious interior accommodates up to two families with the capacity to seat up to twelve guests in the adaptive arrangement, plus enough stowage in the head compartment to fit supplies to last throughout the day. More 'adventure-around' than a 'runaround,' this hardy, rugged vessel is designed for exploring and playing in the remote wilderness. The shock absorption of an inflatable boat provides stability in a chop and ensures a secure and comfortable experience on board; effortlessly venture beyond your local coastline and navigate cross-channel and inter-island journeys, and connect with nature on a weekend getaway or an extended expedition in uncharted waters and land.
Above: Drop anchor in a remote cove and get away from the local boating crowds. Image via Arksen.
Luxury Design That Captures The Spirit Of Wild Nomads
The British-built boat builder's design ethos is to construct high-quality, well-considered boats that incorporate 'adventure-friendly' features. "The high-level functionality and standard features typically found on larger boats will make this RIB stand-out from the crowds," says Nick Bailey, Sales Manager for Arksen. "For example, the console's head compartment with space for stowage and changing in privacy, or the hardtop with retractable roof opening and a rack that enables sporty water sport enthusiasts to strap in paddle boards or kayaks with ease".
Contemporary Aesthetics For Modern Minds
The Arksen 8 is unarguably stylish, adhering to a monochrome color palette with crow-black fittings that contrast beautifully against the arctic-gray tubes, with shark gray furniture and tangerine-orange detailing will undoubtedly stand out among swathes of traditional white and gray Williams Jet tenders berthed at port. A racy octagonal motif echoed throughout the vessel, inlaid the Esthec decking, and stitched into the luxurious upholstery, provides a sporty and modern aesthetic, as do the dual luxury sports seats behind the helm with shock mitigation pedestal bases.
Above: Arksen's rigid inflatable boat bow-to-rock in a rugged landscape. Image via Arksen.
Built to Last
The Arksen 8 is built to very standards with longevity in mind. The projected lifespan of the tubes sits beyond 15-20 years onwards, and since the tubes are fixed to the hull using a tracking system, you can repair or replace them quickly in the unlikely event they are damaged. "Producing a unique, dedicated hull mold with modern styling for each of the Arksen Discovery Series models was important to be able to stand out in Europe's highly competitive RIB market. The Arksen 8 sits at the premium end but will represent good value because it is feature-rich and has larger internal deck dimensions than its counterparts. The high-quality GRP laminate, fixtures, and fittings means that its life cycle lasts longer and ties into Arksen's sustainable ethos," says Sales Manager Nick Bailey of Arksen.
Grillin' and Chillin': Made For Social Gatherings
The optional hardtop offers protection from the elements and a retractable canvas roof opening and storage rack provides even more functionality. Forward of the bow, there is u-shaped seating for up to five guests. Amidships is a stylish wet bar (featuring a sink, chopping board, and wine cooler) and optional BBQ unit with fold-up reverse-facing bench seats leading to the sizable aft-cockpit dining area with a full-beam fold-up bench seating to maximize deck space when not in use. The swim platform features a boarding ladder for easy access to the water.
Explore Further: Fort Lauderdale to Bimini, The Bahamas
With a low deep-V hull, extended range of 350 nm plus, and additional horsepower (twin engines with up to 500 hp), the Arksen 8 provides a confidence-inspiring offshore performance supported by advanced marine systems such as an electro-hydraulic steering system, GPS systems, digital switching, depth sounders, a marine compass, radios and electric windlass, fixed VHF & antenna, and much more.
Cost wise, despite sitting in the premium end of the market, the sexy RIB is extremely affordable and priced at $220,000 USD Ex. VAT when fitted with a high standard specification and premium 300 HP four-stroke engine.
The next boat model to launch as part of the Discovery Series is an Explorer Tender version of the Arksen 8 featuring a Beach Lander conceived for intrepid explorers to access remote beaches in extreme locations. The eagerly anticipated 6-meter Arksen 6 will follow in 2024.
Specifications
| Length | 26'2" |
| Beam | 9'7" |
| Range | 350nm plus |
| Fuel capacity | 131 gal. |
| Freshwater capacity | 15 gal. |
Shop for all new and used Arksen boats for sale.
The Arksen 8 is fully customizable and due to launch at the end of April. For further information on how to pre-order in time for its release contact Arksen.
To learn more about inflatables, read How to Choose the Perfect Inflatable Boat. To learn more about RIBs specifically, read RIB Buying Guide: The Top 10 Questions You Should Ask or RIB Buying Guide and Tender Considerations.
To find out a bit more about which type of boat is right for you read about Boat Types and Hulls: A Complete Guide, and What Type of Boat Is Right For You.
