Narwhal, a Spanish brand
Narwhal is a Spanish brand that has specialized in the design of RIBs for over 60 years.
It offers several ranges of boats (professional, pleasure or Solas) to best meet customer demand. For our purposes, the Narwhal HD 550 is a vessel from the professional range. The HD series (for Heavy Duty) offers a choice of 8 sizes ranging from 4 m to 6.70 m.
The 5.50 m RIBs have many advantages and are the majority of sea anglers. Their size makes them generally quite light which allows a simple launch without the need for a license or a specific vehicle to do so.
The Narwhal RIBs floats are made of high tenacity PVC and double weave for increased resistance to friction. They are also available in polyurethane as an option.
The HD 550 under the microscope
This RIB is fully modular and you can add the accessories of your choice in the desired location. The elements selected on the Narwhal 550 presented as an example are intended to dedicate it to a fishing-oriented use while leaving the maximum space on the deck.
At the front, the anchor locker integrated into the deck provides a large storage space and a privileged location for fishing.
The good width of the console makes it possible to accommodate the marine electronics but also to shelter 2 people behind the windshield. At the front of the console, 2 hatches allow you to access the integrated storage compartments.
Here, it is a Du Bocage stainless steel bolster that has been positioned. These excellent accessories are very comfortable and extremely resistant over time. Being custom made, it is possible to slightly modulate their design during the manufacturing process by specifying it when ordering.
The choice of the motorization
The manufacturer recommends an 80 HP engine while adapting a 100 HP engine to the maximum. Here, the Yamaha 70 HP is below the recommended power. Such an engine allows a cruising speed of 20 knots at about 4000 rpm and to reach 30 knots at full speed. However, if you regularly sail with 3 people on board, opt for at least 80 HP.
A semi-rigid adapted to sea fishing
the Narwhal 550 HD will certainly please fishermen who want to acquire an easily transportable RIB, of medium size, allowing trips to the coast but also to the open sea depending on the weather, and having a motorization not too greedy in fuel.
When drifting, it has a remarkable stability thanks to a well thought-out design that allows the socks to be in permanent contact with the surface of the water. These are 55 cm wide, allowing you to lean on them and keep a stable position when the sea is rough.
Its deck is modular and you can choose the option of an integrated livewell for the 5.50 m, 5.80 m and 6.20 m models.
Finally, it is possible to integrate a tank in the deck, its capacity varying according to the size of the RIB.
When sailing, its hull allows it to cope with the average chop encountered along the Channel and Atlantic coasts. On the other hand, its light weight is felt as soon as the conditions become more muscular, making the boat more flighty.
This type of RIB is quite popular and you will have no problem reselling it if you want to change model. As far as prices are concerned, you should expect to pay about 24,000 euros, excluding options, for the model presented.
narwhal 550 technical data
- Overall length : 5,50 m
- Inside length: 406 cm
- Exterior width: 236 cm
- Interior width: 122 cm
- Float diameter : 55 cm
- Weight without motor: 228 kg
- Design category: C
- Price : 24 000 euros (without options)
- Distribution : Narwhal Boats
Standard equipment
- PVC float
- Countertop transom
- Automatic bilge pump
- Wide anti-friction band
- Aluminum racket hook
- Rings with holding rope
- Bowstring guide
- Reinforced handles on the front and sides
- Pressure Relief Valves
- Cable gland pipe
- Mooring cleat
