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Hybridization of motorboats is no longer limited to recreational vessels. BlueNav and Boats Distribution, the official distributor of Tiger Marine in France, have announced a partnership aimed at adapting this technology to RIBs used by maritime professionals. The first result of this collaboration will be a Tiger Marine 750 Open Fishing equipped with a hybrid propulsion system, which will be unveiled at the Grand Pavois boat show in La Rochelle in September 2026.
A Solution to the Challenges of Professional Use
The stated goal is to meet the needs of users whose vessels perform numerous low-speed maneuvers or operate in areas subject to environmental restrictions.
The sectors involved are diverse. In particular, the two companies are focusing on port operations, commercial fishing, maritime tourism, surveillance operations, and maritime rescue missions. These industries are increasingly facing restrictions on noise emissions and the use of internal combustion engines in certain navigation zones.
A 250 ch hybrid semi-rigid boat equipped with two electric motors
The first boat developed as part of this partnership is based on the Tiger Marine 750 Open Fishing.
The propulsion system combines a 250 ch Honda outboard motor with two 8 kW BlueNav electric motors mounted on either side of the main engine. This configuration allows the vessel to operate in electric mode during low-speed maneuvers, reduces reliance on the internal combustion engine, and minimizes noise pollution in ports or regulated areas.
The choice of the Tiger Marine 750 Open Fishing is no accident. This RIB is renowned for its stability, sturdiness, and seaworthiness?qualities sought after by professionals who navigate daily in conditions that can be demanding.
A propulsion system combined with navigation assistance features
BlueNav isn't limited to hybrid technology. The electric motors incorporate several maneuvering assistance features developed by the company.
The system includes, among other features, a patented virtual anchor that automatically maintains the boat?s position, a Smart Mooring mode designed to facilitate mooring operations, a 360° Docking function for maneuvering in tight spaces, and control via a mobile app. These tools are designed to simplify maneuvering while reducing fuel consumption during phases when the internal combustion engine is least efficient.
A Much-Anticipated Launch at the Grand Pavois 2026
The Tiger Marine 750 Open Fishing x BlueNav will be officially unveiled at the Grand Pavois, taking place in La Rochelle from September 22 to 27, 2026.
The boat will be on display in the Grand Pavois Fishing area and will participate in the competition highlighting innovations in recreational fishing. On-water demonstrations will allow visitors to see how this hybrid propulsion system works under real-world conditions.
Beyond this initial model, this agreement also marks a closer business partnership between the two companies. Boats Distribution is becoming the official distributor of BlueNav solutions in France, with the goal of offering these hybrid systems on a wider range of RIBs designed for professional use.
