When the RS Pulse 63 electric RIB was launched there was quite a bit of scepticism. But what did MBY editor Hugo Andreae think when he put one to the test?
When RS Sailing, the world’s largest manufacturer of sailing dinghies, announced that it would be building a planing electric RIB a few years ago, to put it mildly some ‘expressions of surprise’ were heard from the marine industry.
RS changed the sailing world with its high performance dinghies which took the principle and the fun of the planing skiff concept into a much larger market than it had ever been before, but an electric RIB was surely too far outside their areas of expertise – wasn’t it?
Established motorboat manufacturers were – and still are – struggling with the energy transition, as designing a boat that is quick to charge, has a usable range, but also has enough grunt when needed to get planing with its heavy batteries is a mind-bendingly big ask. Then packaging it in a form customers would want and at a price they could bear is every bit as challenging.
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The RS Pulse 63’s all-new hull comes from Isle of Wight-based designer Jo Richards, who has been responsible for most of RS’s sailing dinghies, but the styling comes from superyacht studio Design Unlimited.
RS Sailing is one of the world’s most successful makers of performance sailing dinghies, building around 2,500 a year, so its move into electric boats comes with real intent.
There are similarities between high-performance sailboats and RIBs, says RS director Jon Partridge: “Both need ultra-efficient running surfaces that can manage the transition between displacement and planing modes smoothly.
“Too much displacement is inefficient for high speeds and too little displacement is inefficient at slow speeds. Planing conventionally is about pushing, pushing, pushing until the hull breaks over the hump. Our latest dinghies and the RS Pulse 63 just go faster, faster and faster.”
The RS Pulse 63 has an LOA of 6.3m and comes with an infused hull and a choice of PVC or Hypalon tubes. Deck layouts are modular, but the standard package includes a centre-console and a single front seat. Prices begin at £74,000 (ex. VAT).
RS Pulse 63 specifications
LOA: 20ft 8in (6.3m)
Beam: 7ft 6in (2.3m)
Weight: 815kg
Motor: 40kW
Top speed: Up to 23 knots
Battery: 63kWh
Price: £79,990 inc VAT
Contact: rselectricboats.com
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