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06/12/2025
At Pantaenius | Partners & Sponsorships
Choosing the Right Boat for Your Needs: The Story Behind the New Pantaenius RIB
When it comes to selecting the perfect boat, the choices can be overwhelming — from size and performance to intended use and safety features. At Pantaenius UK, we face the same considerations as any boater, which is why we recently transitioned from our Antares motor cruiser to a brand-new RIB from Island RIBs.
This change marks a shift in how we engage with the boating community. The new Pantaenius RIB brings enhanced agility, seaworthiness and practicality. We chose the new model for its superior design, advanced features, and the flexibility it gives us to spend more time out on the water, connecting directly with boaters.
A Change in Direction
Our previous Antares boat had been a dependable and capable companion, perfectly suited for coastal cruising. But as our needs evolved and we looked to deliver the best possible experience for our clients and partners, it became clear a different approach was needed.
The Antares has since been relocated to Pantaenius Poland, where it will continue its life with renewed purpose and plenty of new opportunities.
Tips for Choosing the Right Boat for Your Needs
Whether you’re a seasoned boater or just starting out, selecting the right boat can make all the difference. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Purpose and Usage: Start by identifying how you plan to use the boat, whether for coastal cruising, water sports, angling, diving, or as a reliable tender. The boat’s design and features should support your primary activities.
- Size and Capacity: Consider how many passengers you’ll typically carry and how much space you’ll need for gear, equipment and provisions. Also the area of operation and likely sea state.
- Performance and Handling: Look for boats with responsive steering, good sea-keeping abilities, and efficient fuel consumption to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.
- Build Quality and Safety Features: Prioritise a solid hull, quality materials, and essential safety features such as navigation aids and grab handles. For RIBs, pay close attention to the quality of the floatation tubes, look for robust construction, secure seams, wear patches and reliable valves to ensure performance and longevity.
- Maintenance and Support: Opt for models backed by a strong dealer network and reliable service options to make ownership more manageable.
Why the New Pantaenius RIB Stands Out
The new 7.5m Island RIB, built by Island RIBs and equipped by Yamaha and Raymarine, offers a combination of design, performance and technology that makes it a standout choice
- Durability and Stability: The ‘Deep V’ hull design delivers excellent sea-keeping ability, even in challenging conditions.
- Spacious Layout: The 7.5m length provides ample space for passengers, gear, and equipment with a removeable rear bench seat if cargo or equipment is to be carried.
- Modern Technology: Equipped with a Yamaha outboard and Raymarine navigation systems, it blends power, safety, and ease of use.
- Versatility: Ideal for a range of uses, from relaxed leisure cruising to more active professional use with it’s Work Boat 3 coding enabling commercial use.
- Ease of Handling: Highly responsive and easy to manoeuvre even in tight spots or variable conditions. The Helm Master system will enable autopilot functions as well as station holding and automated man overboard search pattern capabilities.
- Unparalelled safety features from Seasafe Rib Hoist & Spinlock Lifejackets to PLBs coupled with state of the art navigational aids including AIS, Doppler Radar and Flir thermal imaging camera.
Insuring Your RIB: Why It Matters
Choosing the right insurance is just as important as choosing the right boat. At Pantaenius, we specialise in comprehensive, tailored insurance packages that protect your vessel, crew, and guests. When selecting a new boat, it is worth considering the following types of cover:
- Hull Insurance: Protects your boat against physical damage.
- Liability Insurance: Covers third-party injury or property damage.
- Equipment Coverage: Includes engines, electronics, and safety gear.
- Crew and Guest Protection: Provides financial compensation in cases of death or permanent disability including emergency medical treatment.
