The Portuguese RIBs will be distributed in the UK by Chelmsford-based Vanguard International
A new name is poised to take on the UK RIB market, with Portuguese brand Vanguard expected to make inroads later this year.
The range includes seven models, measuring from 4 to 8.4 metres, including a choice of medium and deep vee hulls.
With more than 30 years’ experience in the market, the Vanguard team has been repairing and retubing RIBs since 2008.
And now Chelmsford-based distributor Graham Somers (who also runs IBS Boat Supplies) has set up Vanguard International, with the aim of creating a UK dealer network for the Iberian RIBs.
Built in the Portuguese region of Vila Nova de Cerveira, the Vanguard range comes with a Starfisher hull and is available in a choice of three fabrics: PVC Hypertext, Elastar PU-Polyurethane, and hand-glued Orca Neoprene CSM Hypalon.
Prices start at £4,259 for a base model, rising to £27,759 for the largest model in the range, with a choice of Mercury or Yamaha outboard packages.
The Vanguard brand is likely to make its boat show debut towards the end of the year, with Paris, London and Düsseldorf all currently under consideration.
