Redbay Stormforce 750 review: a long-range offshore RIB you can still tow

The Redbay SF750 may be one of the smaller models in Redbay’s current Stormforce range but it already looks set to command a healthy number of build slots within the company’s order book. Undoubtedly thanks in no small measure to its forerunner, Redbay’s 7.4 model, having proved over many years to be such a consistent, multi-functional and capable offshore RIB.

The new SF750 is an open-cockpit craft and true to its heritage is designed very much with coastal and offshore cruising in mind. At 7.6 metres long and sporting a generous 2.77m beam, she offers a generously proportioned deck over a sea-kindly deep-vee hull, which importantly, falls within the legal criteria for being trailer-transported by road.

Redbay, being a custom builder, can finish their boats in a multitude of colour combinations and fit-out options. In this case, the brilliant white gelcoat against the black Hypalon tubes and bold stainless-steel work provides a contemporary yet purposeful appearance which contrasts nicely with this SF750’s faux-teak decking and upholstery colourway.

Powerboat & RIB tested the SF750 off Oban on Scotland’s west coast during the RIB Rendezvous in May 2026, with three crew aboard. During our sea trials, the calm conditions prevented us from testing the boat’s full potential, but that said, PBR knows the measure of Redbay hull designs from old and each one is an example of genuine offshore capability. Furthermore, as the owner of this particular SF750 confirmed, he regularly commutes from Northern Ireland over to the Scottish Isles in all but the worst conditions, without breaking a sweat. Knowing the build quality of this marque, as well as having got a measure of its overall balance and general handling, I have no reason to doubt him!

For my liking, without having the benefit of power assistance, I found the steering to be quite heavy. Although not unmanageable with one hand, it did, however, feel a little out of kilter alongside the ultra-light feeling of the fly-by-wire throttle lever. But in terms of the driving experience, it was impeccable. The Suzuki stainless-steel propeller afforded great grip and a positive, instantaneous response throughout the rev range, with no indication of cavitation (or more accurately, ‘ventilation’) issues at any point, including when putting the wheel hard over at speed.

Low-speed performance is impressive with the hull managing to remain on the plane just above 10kts. High-speed turns are positive with the bow remaining low and the transom planted, keeping the propeller in contact with the water at all times. Accelerating hard through a turn sees the hull slide gently and predictably sideways – an intentional characteristic aimed at reducing the chances of the hull ‘hooking’ and ejecting the crew.

Forward of the splash well, a broad four-person rear bench-style seat, finely stitched in diamond-patterned Spradling Marine Carbon 1100 upholstery, provides functional passenger seating. It works well underway and its large armrest ends provide very valuable and important lateral security. Lifting the gas-strut-assisted seat base reveals a neatly rigged lazarette with plenty of dry storage space within. A boarding step moulded into the seat structure on each side of the rear deck is a nice touch too.

As for the vessel’s electronics, these include Redbay’s regular choice and comprise Suzuki’s excellent digital multi-function gauge, a Garmin GPSMAP 923xsv chartplotter, a Garmin 115i VHF, plus a Fusion RA70 sound system with four speakers mounted at knee level. Tucked away within the console is a Digital Yacht AIT2500 Class B AIS transponder and then completing the SF750’s masterful gadgetry is a Scanstrut wireless phone charger mounted for easy access to the console’s front face. With practical thinking in mind, a hatch on the front face of the console provides access to the electronics as well as additional dry storage.

The broad beam of this boat coupled to its slim seat pods makes moving around the deck a simple and uncluttered affair. But upon heading up to the bow, you’ll find a super-sized anchor locker with enough room to stow fenders and mooring lines as well as the anchor’s ground tackle. Atop sits a sturdy samson post for securing the anchor or mooring lines. Positioned on the bow is a chunky fairlead too to stop lines chafing the tubes.

The forward deck area is roomy without feeling as if it’s under-utilized space. In fact, it represents a useful working area, as well as, potentially, serving as a social space too. Wear patches and hard-wearing rubber handles on the top face of the tubes offer six further potential seating positions atop the sponsons/tubes. I should mention too, that if at any time the SF750’s open deck were to ship or collect any unwanted water, then the boat’s deck drains and bilge pump system would readily clear this without delay.

With a 315-litre under-deck fuel tank and a typical fuel consumption of 0.9l/nm at 28kts, serious distances can be covered without the need to refuel. Like most Redbays, the SF750 comes rigged with Suzuki outboard engine technology, and Redbay recommend a 250hp outboard. A potential buyer’s choice, of course, will likely be formed around such matters as cost, economy, and performance, but in terms of this particular boat, its owner wanted a single, 300hp Suzuki outboard. Unless you have very distinct reasons for wanting otherwise, one good single installation is, in our view, the way to go. After all, modern outboard technology is so good these days and Suzuki are past masters when it comes to understanding the testing nature of the offshore environment. As a result, this Japanese brand and their 300hp model are right up there with the best of them when it comes to reliability, robustness, and clean-burn fuel economy. As tested with the single 300hp Suzuki, this SF750 costs £84,750 ex VAT, with prices starting from £78,645 ex VAT.

Settling down to a steady 28kts cruise with three crew and a large quantity of fuel saw an incredible 0.9 l/nm fuel burn rate. This drops significantly of course as you approach the maximum 52kts.

From a practical viewpoint, the size and weight of this boat means that a good 4X4 towing vehicle would be needed when trailering, and unless you’re a well-seasoned boater, as in the case of its current owner, this is a boat that would typically be launched and recovered by two people.

The new SF750 would definitely suit existing boat owners looking to upgrade to a more capable, offshore-styled cruising vessel and besides being of a substance and quality that a professional mariner would appreciate, it would also make for a great family adventure craft.