A new range of high-end tenders
The Australian brand Wimbi Boats well known for its family RIBs for cruising, is about to launch its largest model, a 12m. It is not the W12 euros that will be launched later, but a brand new boat, and even more, the first model of a new range. "For two years, we have been collecting opinions from boaters, whose goal is to have a larger model, to go further." explains Hiro, importer of the brand in France.
But to launch this "great" novelty, the shipyard is launching a kind of crowdfunding by involving its customers in the project. " We have already sold 2 boats and we are still waiting for 3 commitments to launch the production", in the manner of superyacht shipyards, Wimbi Boats is waiting for orders to start building. It is the ambition of the shipyard to move upmarket, by proposing larger and more livable RIBs. The idea is to invest in the cruising market or the superyacht tender market.
"With this new model, we're positioning ourselves against the other major existing brands with a flagship for customers who have that budget." supports Hiro.
And when we say range, we mean future models. Because if this 12m (the shipyard wishes to keep the name of the boat secret) is the first, it will be followed by other smaller models: 10m, 8m, and even smaller ones
A brand new design and new manufacturing processes
For this new model, the design has been completely revised, even if the shipyard keeps the layout that we know on the other models: a deep "V" hull, a large sunbathing area at the rear and a saloon at the front that can be converted into a lunch area. "It's not the same designers or architects. It's not the same range, it's not the same thing. The spirit of the current boats is really different from this new model." says Hiro.
Another new feature is a large, stylish glass console with electric actuator, which lifts from the front cockpit to access the cabin. "Below deck, there will be a large living area with an office space, a double berth and a door-enclosed bathroom with toilet and shower." he adds. Light will be brought in through the large glass door of the console.
Italy instead of Australia
Another change for Wimbi Boat is the place of assembly. Usually, the RIBs are designed in Australia and customers have about five months to receive their boat, which arrives in France by cargo.
For the design of this new 12m model, Wimbi Boats has chosen Italy for the assembly. If the hull is still manufactured in Australia, the assembly will be done in Italy. And this for several reasons. "On the one hand, we will reduce the delivery time, which was about 5 months since the boats arrived by cargo in France from Australia. On the other hand, the RIBs are transported in containers with their bladders deflated. This is not possible for a 12 m long boat. Finally, with this new manufacturing process, we are investing our customers in the production, who will be able to easily go on site" says Hiro.
It is thus in the Italian workshop that the hypalon floats, the electronics and the engines will be assembled.
Outboard or inboard
For the motorization, the Australian shipyard kept the double choice of an inboard or outboard motorization. Thus, in the outboard version, the sunbathing area will house a very large storage space, while in the inboard version, it will be reserved for the engines. For the outboard, it is the American manufacturer Seven Marine which was chosen, with a choice of 600 HP until 1euros114 HP. The inboard version will receive from 700 HP to 1euros040 HP. And the expected speed is about 60 knots!
"With our tender range, we are moving towards the yachting, luxury and speed sector. Often, superyacht owners want to have fun while driving, and that's what we offer them with the new model." says Hiro.
A preferential rate
This 12 m euros whose price will be 292,000 euros TTC can be acquired for less by the 5 owners participating in the launch. "The partners who are going to be at the start of the project will pay 30% less than the real price. So there's a real financial interest for the future buyer, who can either invest, enjoy it for one or two years and resell it at the same price as its purchase price." With this preferential rate, Wimbi Boats also addresses owners who wish to upgrade their boats but do not have the budget to do so.
With this product launch, customers can choose to benefit from " investment or more purchasing power" concludes Hiro.
