The new design is based on an existing powerboat hull designed by Don Shead, which has been modified to accept the inflatable tube. The hull is pure deep vee with spray rails. There is a low vertical section at the sides before the hull merges into the tube which is relatively high above the water. In this design, Revenger has moved away from the round tube and has extended the hull topsides inside the boat. The tube is attached to the outside and forms a D-shaped cross section which still performs effectively in terms of stability and seaworthyness, but allows more space inside the boat.

This space has been put to good use, allowing wide side decks each side of the two-person console and large open areas forward. The seating has been kept simple with two bolster seats at the console and a bench seat across the rear of the cockpit. The console seats have retracting squabs which offer the option of sitting or standing and the console itself is designed to accommodate both positions. Whether you are sitting or standing there are good handholds to offer security at high speed.

The console has a low windscreen which offers a degree of protection, but this is basically an open boat where the wind is in your hair. There is good chart stowage on the console so you can keep an eye on where you are going and in front of the helmsman, all the instruments and controls keep you in close touch with what is going on. The console is quite big and bulky and the reason for this becomes apparent when the door on the port side is open to reveal a fully plumbed toilet in what is a compact, but comfortable compartment. The front of the console embraces a double seat, although this is not really tenable for use at sea. Forward of this there is a step in the deck level and large deck hatches provide a considerable amount of stowage space in the fore part of the hull.

Two factors give the Revenger 34 its unique style. One is the teak deck fitted throughout which adds a traditional look to what is a very modern boat. The other is the tapered air tube which has been a feature of all the Revenger RIBS. It is more expensive to make the tube taper towards the bow, but this shaping adds considerably to the style of the boat, giving it a long lean look, and it also improves the performance in rough seas.

Power for the 34 comes from twin 300hp Yanmar diesels. These fit snugly into the rear engine compartment and are directly connected to Mercruiser Bravo stern drives. This combination of standard components produces exciting performance, taking the 34 up to a top speed of over 60 mph. This performance matches the style, and the sleek lines of the 34 predict performance of a high order.

The joy about driving this RIB is that you feel totally in control of the considerable performance. The race bred performance hull shows a disdain for the waves both up and down wind, although as the seas get larger, there is a need to exercise restraint on the throttle. The bow shape looks long and lean, but there are enough reserves of buoyancy here to prevent the bow burying in all but severe following seas. I n turns, the control is sharp and precise, and despite the considerable power there is no suggestion at any time that the driver is not in control.

The Yanmars give a good throaty roar at speed, but at idle, when docking the boat, the noise might be disturbingly high. Better baffling on the air intakes could rectify this, but otherwise you can berth at low power with dignity. Lifting points are an option if this RIB is used as a tender. Alternative versions of this design offer a full cabin with double bunks and a toilet. Jet drive can be specified instead of the stern drives and there are also versions for military patrol and intervention work. This thoroughbred design offers a lot of options but the stylish, high performance concept developed in the prototype remain.

This boat represents a major investment on the part of Revenger and clearly a great deal of time and thought has gone into the whole project. The company's degree of commitment was certainly rewarded at RIBex this year. Show visitors and public alike proved themselves more than attentive to the comings and goings down on the Revenger berth with the boat being something of a star of the show.

The overall finish to the vessel is most impressive, and not only that, but the materials used in it's construction are of a very high standard. The upholstery is made in true 'Bentley' fashion, thickly padded and richly covered, it truly provides a sumptuous pad for the bum both great to recline on as well as ensuring any heavy landings at sea remain happy ones. This aspect of the boat's specification, is in my opinion her crowning glory. It is in a word, superb - from the massive stern engine housing sun lounger through to the foredeck seat, there's very little out there to better it.

Other aspects of the fit out of course include her stainless steel work. This has good aesthetic appeal but just as importantly has been wrought with real offshore use in mind. In other words, whilst refined it remains essentially robust and heavy duty for real life use at sea. Strong grab holds and a helm console arch mast set amidships provide the vessel with a serious look which serves to counter balance her softer blue water style influences. The mention of this latter factor prods me into mentioning the value of the teak deck in being able to utterly transform a vessel of this kind. It takes it from the luxury boat sector into the super yacht category in one go. Mind you, it goes without saying that all the other elements have to be in place to convince the discerning buyer, but nonetheless, it puts that final mark of quality on the product.

The Revenger 34 is more than just a RIB with a long waterline length, she is in every sense a big boat. By that I mean, her overall proportions are substantial to the extent she would still appear large even along side craft of similar length. This is further emphasized by the manner in which her sponsons stand well clear of the water therefore adding to her already high profile. In spite of her high sidedness she remains very stable at rest, no doubt her weight and beam serve to play a significant role in this. Windage might be a problem though? Just a thought...

All in all, the Revenger 34 is indeed a very impressive craft. There is no question in my mind that she would make a very exciting offshore cruiser, one that's not only guaranteed to turn heads in port but also be capable of taking her occupants safely out into some pretty serious seas. Like all good RIBs, the unique combination of such qualities make this particular beast highly desirable, although a substantial investment.

Dag Pike

Builder
Revenger Boat Company Ltd
Forward Buildings,
46 Windsor Road,
Slough,
Berkshire
SL1 2EU,
UK.