A newcomer on the accessible high-end RIB market
SharkBoat is a new brand of semi-rigid boats from 3 to 9 m launched by the French company Loup de Mer (Sea Bass). Before launching, Alain Laniesse conducted an 18-month market study, studying different materials and equipment around the world. He also looked at cognitive ergonomics - everything to do with the movement of people in a small space - to study the direction of movement, grip, displacement, etc.
If the materials come from all over the world to ensure an irreproachable quality of finish, the boats are assembled to measure in the Loup-de-Mer shipyard currently in La Londe-les-Maures and from March 2021 in Hyères.
A versatile program with a stable and fast boat
The latest model is the SharkBoat by sea bass 69, a 6.87 m long and 2.70 m wide semi-rigid with 52 cm ORCA Hypalon ORCA floats. It has a V-shaped hull with a 21° groove, which gives it very good stability and good sea passage. Capable of accommodating a Mercury outboard motor - the yard has developed a partnership with the engine manufacturer - from 150 to 225 HP, the manufacturer nevertheless recommends a power of 175 HP. Moreover, it will reach a speed of over 40 knots at 5600 rpm.
With a versatile program, each owner will be able to adapt his boat according to his desires: fishing, family trips, speed, wave catching, water sports - the SharBoat is equipped with a water ski mast. The objective is to sail sécurité? with a balanced and stable boat.
A sun awning that can be kept while sailing, even at high speed
One of the boat's characteristics is the possibility of sailing at high speed, even in rough seas, with its sporty sun canopy unfolded and installed on the roll-bar, which covers half of the boat. The aluminium structure of the awning is 40 mm thick - thicker and stronger - and is hot-painted black.
An ergonomic and comfortable deck plan
At the rear is a U-shaped bench seat with high backrests, which houses numerous storage compartments, capable of accommodating 6 people around a table. An opposite bench seat attached to the bolster completes the rear saloon layout. The entire area can be transformed into a sun deck.
At the front, instead of a straight console seat, the console has a forward-facing, ergonomically designed seat that reclines to lounge around like a chair. The forward cockpit can either accommodate a U-shaped saloon, or a complete sunbathing area for 4 people. It is also possible to install a side refrigerator in the console. Finally, the console offers sufficient storage space for a table and 3 cushions.
To complete the foundation, the SharkBoat by sea bass 69 offers two complementary rigid seats on the floats.
A spacious and well-equipped cockpit
The centre console makes it easy to move around the boat. The cockpit has benefited from an ergonomic study of the pilot seat. Thus the single boslter allows to steer in a standing/seated position and the pilot has a footrest to navigate comfortably. The windshield is high and acts as a deflector, so the pilot can keep his cap on while navigating.
To avoid a feeling of heaviness around the windshield, the manufacturer has opted for handrails with epoxy balls on the console, to move around the boat in a rotating manner, from bow to stern. For total refinement, the epoxy can be replaced by semi-precious stones such as obsidian.
The refinement can also be felt on the dashboard in black Kydex (thermoplastic material). On the one hand, there are all the electric controls (windlass and windlass remote control to control the anchor and stainless steel chain, bilge pump, navigation lights or blue LED underwater lights) and on the other hand a Fusion 300 watt radio set and a storage area for a telephone equipped with USB chargers. A Mercury Vessel View 702 onboard computer with a Simrad transducer completes the package. The boat is also equipped with an electronic remote monitoring and geolocation system that allows you to know at a distance the routes taken and the speeds reached.
A boat for dry sailing
The SharkBoat by sea bass 69 has a double, curved liston to deflect the waves. Thus, even at 40 knots and in heavy seas, the builder guarantees dry sailing. At the stern, very large bathing decks provide easy access to the sea and are equipped with a swim ladder and handrail for easy boarding.
A haute couture boat
The entire floor - as well as the float seats, bathing platforms and the forward landing platform (which will also be used for diving in the water, with the anchor concealed well below) - is made of 6 mm thick grey EVA foam coating.
The haute couture is an integral part of the boat with 10 cm thick cushions, offering a beautiful density, sewn and logoted with the company's name, Loup de Mer. If the SharkBoat by sea bass 69 comes standard with white floats and caramel-coloured upholstery, the customer will be able to choose his own colours. Quality obliges, the cushions are mounted on 1.5 cm thick FRT plastic structures, so you will have to opt for a tarpaulin to protect your boat, as these are difficult to store in the lockers, or simply to store them in a dry place in a garage for example.
Guaranteed for 5 years and an affordable price
The boat is approved for 12 people in category C and comes with a 5-year warranty on the hull, floats, awning and engine. Finally, a big advantage is that it can be transported on a trailer, so that you can change the navigation tanks according to your desires.
The SharkBoat by sea bass 69 is sold at the manufacturer's price of 68?000 euros with a Mercury 175 HP engine. It will take 3 to 4 months depending on the different options chosen.
