You may be surprised to learn that Mark Pascoe Ltd’s most popular selling model is not in fact the company’s least expensive or smallest RIB. It is, in fact, the 9 metre SportRIB which seems to have struck the most resounding chord with new customers wishing to own a special, bespoke, high-performance craft. Featuring a hull designed by world famous designer Ocke Mannerfelt, the boat has an impressive racing pedigree and, in its true racing form, has been used to great effect by leading RIB racers over the course of the last two or more seasons. (See issue 55, our Cowes Classic feature on page 24.) However, for clients wishing to enjoy the thrills of driving a true thoroughbred, whilst at the same time needing to consider the practicalities of family boating, the SR9 has also been produced in a moderated, more user-friendly form.

The key to this lies in the fact the steps to its hull are considerably less exaggerated thus affording greater all-round and versatile performance. Remarkably, even at nine metres, this baby will plane at a very conservative 20 knots! To ensure the SR9 remains a true 70mph craft, whether configured with outboard or inboard power, the hull is fashioned in lightweight Kevlar composite with Divinycell longitudinal stiffening. An isopthalic resin and gelcoat system is also employed in the boat’s construction. It perhaps goes without saying that these RIBs are very good looking and particularly well designed craft. But whilst they may be pleasing to the eye, they are also highly functional. Mark Pascoe himself is a keen RIB and powerboat enthusiast and a holder of many offshore racing titles and therefore well understands the needs and demands of the offshore environment.

This understanding is reflected in every aspect of the SR9’s makeup regardless of the level of customisation requested by the client. The SR9 is more than just a ‘head turner,’ she is primarily a RIB to be used. Perhaps this is the key reason why the MPL order book for SR9s and the other RIBs in the range continues to swell and swell.

HMS